Moustache dance battles, silly pranks and magical puppets take over the House this school holidays
Published
To avoid school holiday panic, we’ve made you this handy guide. Pick a show or workshop and you’ve got a great day out for you and your kids. You can tell them it was all your idea. We won’t steal your thunder. And chances are you’ll enjoy yourself too.
Our pick of the season
BullyBully
4 – 12 July 2025
Ages 3+
This cackle-inducing show features two egotistical world leaders who meet on no man's land. Their methods of war? Why slapstick dance battles to a catchy soundtrack and childish quarrels, of course. Beneath the silliness though, your kids will learn an important lesson about conflict and resolution.
And in case you were wondering, stick-on moustaches will be provided during the show.
The Twits
5 – 19 July 2025
Ages 5+
The Twits are as nasty as they come. Mean, disgusting and selfish. But for some reason, we just can’t look away. The Roald Dahl classic comes to life in all its gruesome glory on the stage. There’s hilarious pranks. Bird pies. And upside-down monkeys.
More winter shows
These shows don’t land exactly in the school holidays, but they’re still worth checking out.
A Bucket of Beetles
6 – 8 Jun 2025
Ages 5+
This show is impressive for two reasons. The beautifully crafted and lifelike puppets. And the fact that the story and puppet designs are based on a four-year-old’s imagination. You’ll follow Wehea, a young boy, as he makes a very special friend in a rhinoceros beetle. Together, they embark on an epic journey.
A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings
16 & 17 Aug 2025
Ages 8+
A theatrical production inspired by Gabriel García Márquez’s tale of magical realism. The very same author who penned the classic One Hundred Years of Solitude. A very old man with enormous wings mysteriously appears. Is he an angel? An impostor? Does he have the power to heal people? Through a combination of music, puppetry and live video projection, you’ll find out.
Workshops
City of Wonder
A sustainable city built by kids
10 – 18 July 2025
Pair up with your little one, put your construction hat on and build the city of tomorrow. You’ll use small planks made from 100% recycled plastic waste to construct an ever-evolving miniature urban landscape.
What's on at House Canteen
Twuly Twit-tacular Tweats
A Twit-themed special menu
6 - 18 July 2025
The menu’s getting a revoltingly delicious makeover. Inspired by the nastiest, gnarliest bits of The Twits, we’re serving up a Swampmud Chill Cola Slushie and Upside Down Cupcakes that’ll flip your tastebuds.
*Very minimal worms are included.
Wildlife Harbourside
All things creepy and crawly
8 & 16 July 2025
We’re going wild harbourside with two wildlife shows and some amazing native creatures. From possums to pythons, kids can learn about Aussie species - and even get hands-on!
While you’re here:
House Canteen and 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. 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
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 want to drive and park at the Opera House, book online and use the code KIDS for a $21 flat fee between 10am - 6pm, Mon - Fri.
Arty Farty A Podcast for Kids
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. Check out the full collection.
Arty Farty Podcast
Why should only adults get to listen to podcasts? Our series Arty Farty – A Podcast for Kids has been created especially for your little one’s big imaginations. We’re excited to share special moments, insights, tips, tricks and more from kids themselves, and creative types who appear here at the House. Listen to Arty Farty.