8 great things to do these school holidaysEntertain the whole family at the Sydney Opera House
Hey parents. Summer is finally here. The season of cold rosé, crisp swims and lazy suntanning. When you’re looking for things to do with the whole family though, we’ve a great school holiday program lined up. There’s blockbuster shows featuring beloved characters, creative workshops and great food and drink options. Guaranteed to entertain the kids while still getting your dose of sunshine.
Shows
Grug and the RainbowWindmill Theatre Company
11 – 22 December 2024
Ages 2+
From $29
Perfect for… curious little ones
Our favourite grassy character, Grug, is coming back to the House. And this time, he’s fascinated by rainbows. Only problem is, no matter how sneaky he is, they’re always out of his reach. Watch as he catches the elusive colours one by one to build his very own rainbow.
Based on Ted Prior's beloved picture books. The show features immersive puppetry that brings Grug to life in all his cuteness, engaging actors and an excellent soundtrack by DJ TR!P.
Josephine Wants To DanceMonkey Baa Theatre Company
3 – 15 January 2025
Ages 3+
From $29
Perfect for… hoppy little dancers
Based on the picture book by Jackie French and Bruce Whatley. Josephine is a kangaroo who loves to dance. Even though her little brother Joey tells her kangaroos don’t dance, she continues to leap through the air with pointed toes. When a ballet troupe comes to the sleepy town of Shaggy Gully, Josephine desperately wants to dance like the ballerinas in pink tutus and silk ballet shoes.
But on the day of the first performance, the ballet company is in trouble. The prima ballerina twists her ankle and the understudy has a splinter in her toe. Who can dance the lead role? Josephine's talents are called upon to help save the day. Can she do it, and more importantly, does it matter that she's a kangaroo?
London International Animation Festival
17 – 19 January 2025
Ages 2 – 14
From $20
Perfect for… future storytellers
London International Animation Festival returns to Sydney bringing visually stunning kids animations from around the world.
From stop-motion, claymation, 2D and 3D CGI and everything in between, get comfy in your seats and ready to travel to faraway lands and mysterious planets.
Operation Ouch! LiveQuest for the Jurassic Fart
20 & 21 January 2025
Ages 5+
From $49
Perfect for… those who are curious and love giggling at farts
TV’s favourite twin doctors return to Sydney with a brand new show. This time Dr Chris and Dr Xand are on a mission to find the most dangerous, most powerful, most important fart of all. The Jurassic fart.
This roarsome show is packed with all-new crazy experiments that will take you back to the age of the dinosaurs. You’ll laugh, you’ll learn and be grossed out all at the same time.
Workshops
Colour In Worlds
3 – 15 January 2025
Ages 4+
$10
Perfect for… young artists with a colourful imagination
What better family bonding experience than this interactive art installation by Mit Jai Inn. The Thai artist is renowned for his expressive use of colour. Now he invites you and your kids to make a splash. Step into a dimensional play space, filled with a canvas of surfaces waiting to be brought to life with colour. Add your own imaginative designs and markings with paint. What worlds will you colour in or create?
Book tickets to Colour In Worlds
Invisible Invincible
15 & 21 December 2024
Ages 3 – 6
$20
Perfect for… those with infinite worlds inside their minds
An interactive show that explores the notion of ‘what is not visible is not invisible’ and the ‘invincibility’ of imagination. Follow the heart-warming story of two different individuals placed together to find friendship through a child's play of powerful imagination.
A Drop in the Ocean
14 & 22 December 2024
Ages 6 – 18 months
From $29
$20
Perfect for…. babies ready to discover the wonders of the sea
Recommended for babies ages 6 - 18 months, this immersive theatrical experience explores the relationship between the ocean and its beings, its treacherous depth, and its mysterious magic. Baby audiences will experience music, sounds and movement as a way of storytelling, making sense of the imaginative world presented to them.
Free activities
Flipbook Animation Creation Station
17 – 19 January 2025
9.30am - 4.30pm
Western Foyers
Inspired by the London International Animation Festival, create your very own flip book animation. Learn step by step how to draw and create your own stories, brought to life with animation.
While you’re here:
House Canteen and Opera Bar
If you have worked up an appetite don’t forget to visit… House Canteen or Opera Bar
Enjoy the best view of Sydney Harbour while tucking into a delicious feast, from dumplings to kids’ bento boxes, at our Asian-inspired restaurant House Canteen. As a bonus, there will be free school holiday entertainment so the fun never has to stop!
Or head next door to Opera Bar for an equally stunning view. With great snacks, seafood, pizza and a dedicated kids menu, you’ll find something for everyone. Plus the adults can tuck into some cocktails underneath the sunshine.
Pick up a souvenir
If you would like to get a souvenir to remember your special day check out… the Sydney Opera House shop!
Visit our shop at the Lower Concourse or Box Office (or jump online) to explore our range of gifts and souvenirs including our playful toys, games, backpacks, colouring-in books and much more!
Parking made easy
If you need to drive to the Opera House, book online and use the code KIDS for a $21 flat fee between 10am - 6pm, Mon - Fri.
Enjoy from home
If you're staying in but still craving an Opera House fix, we've got some great ways for you to experience the magic from home.
Stream
Our online platform, Stream, is the best way to catch up on past shows and experiences at the Opera House. Entertain your kids with great family-friendly content including Polar Bear & Penguin, Tempo, Erth’s Prehistoric World and more.
Arty Farty Podcast
Our podcast series Arty Farty – A Podcast for Kids has been created especially for Kid Creatives. We’re excited to share special moments, insights, tips, tricks and more from kids themselves, and creative types who appear here at the House.