Sydney is a city full of fun theatrical performances for kids — there is always something good on show — and checking out a kids' show in Sydney is a great way to keep them entertained, give them a taste of culture, and get them giggling and dancing.

Catching a show at one of Sydney's iconic locations is the perfect way to immerse your kids in all things dramatic. So we've rounded up the best kids shows in Sydney to catch this year — enjoy!

Fun Theatre Shows in Sydney For Kids 2026

1. The Book of Everything

A beloved classic is making its return to the Belvoir St Theatre stage this spring! Filled with humour, heart and wonder, this acclaimed production of The Book of Everything is a magical, moving and imaginative theatre experience for young audiences.

The heartfelt story follows a young boy determined to find happiness, even in the face of fear and hardship, and is a powerful theatrical adaptation of the much-loved novel by Guus Kuijer, filled with emotional storytelling, imagination and hope.

This beautifully crafted production is an unforgettable theatre experience for families.

Where:    Belvoir St Theatre, 25 Belvoir St, Surry Hills
When:     22 August to 20 September 2026
Cost:       Adult from $78, Concession from $58, Previews from $58, Students from $43, Family ticket (2 adults + 2 kids aged 9-18) $200
Age Guide: Children 9+ and their families

2.  Sydney Symphony Orchestra’s Carnival of the Animals

Introduce little music lovers to the magic of a live orchestra with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra’s Carnival of the Animals at the Sydney Opera House. Saint-Saëns’ playful classic brings musical elephants, hens and swans to life with piano, strings and cello, while Alex Turley’s Animalia adds an Aussie twist with sounds inspired by Australia’s unique wildlife.

Designed for children aged 5 to 12, this enchanting 50-minute concert is perfect for younger concertgoers, and a beautiful way to make classical music fun, accessible and seriously entertaining for families. 

You can also get up close to the instruments before or after the concert with live instrument demonstrations with the Sydney Symphony Fellows in the Northern Foyer

Where:  Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House. Bennelong Point, Sydney
When:   Saturday 12 September 2026 | 10 am
Cost:     All Tickets $47
Age Guide: Children 5 to 12 and their families

3. Especially On Birthdays

Especially On Birthdays is a playful, interactive theatre adventure that puts young audiences right at the heart of the action. Designed especially for children aged 3 to 7 and their families, this award-recognised production follows a pair of twins as they navigate friendship, change, growing up and the wonderfully big feelings that come with it.

With music, movement, imaginative play and plenty of surprises along the way, children are invited to become co-creators of the story. Full of giggles, wonder and birthday magic, Especially On Birthdays is a brilliant introduction to live theatre for curious little theatre-goers.

Catch this joyful Sydney kids' show and step into a world where boxes become magical objects, everyday moments spark big adventures, and growing up is something to celebrate.

Where:     The Zenith Theatre, Cnr Railway St and McIntosh St, Chatswood
When:      September 27 September | 4 pm
Cost:        From $29 per person
Age Guide: Children 3 to 7 and their families

4. Believe: A Christmas Musical

Add a little extra sparkle to your family’s Christmas calendar with Believe: A Christmas Musical, returning to Pioneer Theatre in Castle Hill from 11 to 21 December 2026. This original Australian musical takes kids into the enchanting world of Boralia to discover the story behind Santa Claus, with original music, comedy, dancing and storytelling.

Believe: A Christmas Musical is an immersive family experience where children are transported to a whimsical land filled with delightful characters, enchanted forests and mystical kingdoms. From mischievous elves and magical workshops to snowy landscapes and a talking tree, it’s a festive theatre adventure packed with imagination, courage and plenty of Christmas wonder.

Where:  Pioneer Theatre, Level 1/14 Pennant St, Castle Hill
When:   Friday 11 - Monday 21 December 2026
Cost:     Adults $85; Child Ticket (under 12 years) $55; 2 years and under FREE; Concession $70; Family Bundles $255
Age Guide: Recommended for ages +6.

5. The Bugalugs Bum Thief

 

Tim Winton's gloriously silly classic gets the live stage treatment in The Bugalugs Bum Thief, and yes, it's every bit as wonderfully unhinged as the title suggests.

Someone has stolen all the bums in Bugalugs, and it falls to Skeeta Anderson, Mick Misery and Billy Marbles to crack the case. The 55-minute show weaves original live music through the mystery, with laughs, friendship and a genuinely sweet message tucked in among all the bum jokes. Recommended for ages 4 to 10, and honestly, a pretty solid excuse for parents to revisit one of Australia's most beloved kids' books.

Where:  Everest Theatre, Seymour Centre, Cnr City Rd and Cleveland St, Chippendale
When:   8-10 September 2026 — sessions at 10 am and 12.30 pm daily
Cost:     Adults $39; kids $34
Age guide: Ages 4-10

6. Wild Things International Kids' Festival at Sydney Opera House

Sydney Opera House is throwing open its doors this spring for Wild Things, a brand new international festival built entirely around kids!

From 26 September to 11 October, the Forecourt transforms into a giant outdoor playground, complete with a nine-metre swing, a glowing inflatable rock formation to explore after dark, and free roving performances starring circus-trained sheep.

Inside, the program pulls in acclaimed children's theatre companies from Korea, the Netherlands, France, Ireland, the UK, Taiwan and Canada, covering everything from underwater puppetry adventures to baby-friendly circus shows for six-month-olds. There's genuinely something for every age, with curated programming for crawling babies right through to pre-teens, and several Australian premieres alongside homegrown work.

With free events on the Forecourt running all festival long and ticketed shows offering discounts for groups of four or more, it's an easy one to build a full day around, whether that means catching a single performance or making a whole afternoon of it with the free installations.

Where:   Sydney Opera House venues
When:    26 September to 11 October 2026
Cost:      FREE and ticketed shows and installations
Age guide: Recommended for ages 1-6

7. Dog Man: The Musical

Dog Man is bounding back onto the Sydney stage these spring school holidays with a musical adventure packed with crime-fighting chaos, cheeky cats and plenty of laughs.

Based on Dav Pilkey's bestselling books, the show follows the heroic half-dog, half-policeman as he battles Flippy the cyborg fish, a gang of Beasty Buildings and the brilliantly wicked Petey the Cat. Fast-paced songs, colourful characters and the familiar humour of the books make this a fun theatre pick for young Dog Man fans and their grown-ups.

Where:   Seymour Centre
When:    26-30 September 2026
Cost:      From $39; children under 2 go FREE
Age guide: Recommended for ages 5+

8. Where is the Green Sheep? in Concert

 

Join Blue Sheep, who love blue flowers, Red Sheep, who cartwheels through fields, Bath Sheep, who adore bubbles, and Bed Sheep, who bounce with joy. But the big question remains — where is the Green Sheep?

Blending puppetry and animation, the enchanting Where is the Green Sheep? follows three farmers on an exciting adventure to find the elusive Green Sheep. Co-created with students from Bankstown West Public School, the show features their voices as narrators, making it a truly engaging and relatable experience for young audiences.

This show is perfect for families seeking a fun and immersive theatre experience.

The show runs for approximately 50 minutes with no interval.

Where:   Glen Street Theatre
When:    18-20 October 2026
Cost:      All tickets $40; Family pass (4 people) for $150
Age guide: Recommended for ages 1-6

9. Season Squad

Season Squad is a lively new Australian family musical making its Sydney debut during the spring school holidays. Featuring original pop songs by Emmy-nominated songwriters Jason Pennock and Matt Wong, whose credits include Disney, Nickelodeon and Netflix favourites Descendants, ZOMBIES, High School Musical: The Series, this feel-good production is packed with energetic dance, catchy tunes and lots of laughs.

Set in the magical town of Calendar Grove, join Sunny, Blaze, Bloom and Chill on a musical adventure that celebrates friendship, teamwork and embracing our differences.

Season Squad is a fun, energetic and heartwarming theatre experience for kids and families who love to get their groove on! 

Where and When: 
Pioneer Theatre, Castle Hill - 29 September to 3 October 2026
The Joan, Penrith - 6 & 7 October 2026
Zenith Theatre, Chatswood - 8 & 9 October 2026
Cost: Single Tickets $30, Family Pass $100
Age Guide: Recommended for ages 4+

10. Cirque du Soleil KOOZA

KOOZA is one of Cirque's most celebrated touring productions, a thrilling blend of breathtaking acrobatics, whimsical clowning, and jaw-dropping artistry that has dazzled audiences in more than 70 cities worldwide.

The name KOOZA comes from a Sanskrit word meaning "box" or "treasure", and that perfectly sums up the experience: you're invited into a vibrant, treasure-filled world where strength meets fragility, laughter meets awe, and excitement is around every corner. Under the towering Big Top, Sydney audiences can expect death-defying stunts, dazzling costumes handcrafted in Montréal, a live score that weaves funk, orchestral and global musical influences, and a cast of international performers whose skill and showmanship keep hearts racing and spirits soaring.

Where:  Big Top at The Entertainment Quarter in Moore Park
When:   17 October to 22 November 2026
Cost:     From $79
Age Guide: Recommended for ages 5+

11. The Nutcracker on Ice

Sydney's Christmas line-up gets a fresh spectacle this year, with the internationally acclaimed Imperial Ice Stars bringing an Australian-exclusive season of The Nutcracker on Ice to the Coliseum Theatre at West HQ.

It's a follow-up to their sold-out Swan Lake on Ice season, and this time they're tackling Tchaikovsky's most beloved score, blending classical ballet, Olympic-calibre skating and elaborate stage design.

The story follows young Clara, whose gift of a mysterious wooden nutcracker sparks a journey through a winter wonderland and the Kingdom of Sweets, guided by the Sugar Plum Fairy. Expect high-speed skating, acrobatics, and lavish costumes layered over the familiar fairytale.

Where:  Coliseum Theatre, 33 Railway St, Rooty Hill
When:   10-20 December 2026
Cost:     TBA
Age Guide: Recommended for all ages

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ellaslist is a trusted local guide for families across Sydney and NSW, written by parents and family lifestyle editors who understand what makes an outing with kids genuinely work. Our team researches and curates the best family-friendly events, attractions, playgrounds, restaurants and school holiday activities, with practical details on age suitability, accessibility, parking, public transport, facilities and family-friendly tips.

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