This October school holidays, The Pavilion brings back its annual Play! Kids Festival for 2025. For one week only, Southern Sydney’s newest entertainment venue turns into a kids-only playground with a range of interactive performances, workshops and concerts from some of Australia’s best children’s performing arts companies.
Mainstage Performances
Theatre, Puppetry & Music
IMAGINE LIVE
October 1-2
A vibrant, interactive musical adventure for families, inspired by Alison Lester’s bestselling book. Journey through wild worlds where leopards prowl, dolphins dive, and dinosaurs roam as Lester’s iconic illustrations come to life with original music and cutting-edge digital puppetry.
Music, Dance
The Box Show
October 3
This award-winning performance sees 4 quirky misfits turn trash into treasure! Watch as an abandoned kitchen becomes a drum set, plastic bags become instruments, and even the performers’ bodies create incredible sounds.
Puppetry, Theatre
Shark Dive
October 4
Dive into the majestic world of sharks with Erth’s Shark Dive, a stunning theatrical experience that brings Australia’s iconic sea creatures to life through breathtaking puppetry and storytelling.
Music, Accessibility
Emma Memma
October 5
ARIA award-winning children’s entertainer, Emma Memma brings Dance Island Party to Sutherland, empowering the next generation through movement, creativity, inclusiveness and friendship.
Kids Workshops
Dance Workshops
Get ready for a week of fun and excitement with our dance workshops designed for kids of all ages. Run by the talented team at local dance training centre Ev & Bow, each day features a different dance style, offering something new and exciting to learn.
Art Workshops
Budding artists and creatives can pick up some fun skills in these art workshops led by local artist and teacher Greta Thiering. Workshops will run daily and align with the performance program, teaching fun skills like drawing, watercolours and mixed media.
Free Events
Storytime
Daily at 9am & 12pm
Join us for Storytime in the Pavilion foyer, where magical worlds will come to life through the power of storytelling. Our passionate librarians will enchant audiences of all ages with beloved children’s books.
Colouring Comp
Running all day
The foyer will come alive with creativity as little ones take over our blue and yellow colouring tables, undertaking daily challenges and designs all aligned to each performance. Prizes available for best artworks.
Foyer Games
Running all day
Go for a little explore around the venue to find our range of giant games. Available to play all week long, head to The Pavilion Foyer and Terrace Bar to play some of our favourite games including Giant Chess, Rainbow Jenga, Connect 4 and much more!
Purchase a Play! Pass
Purchase a Play! Pass for $50 – giving your child the option to attend 1x dance workshop, 1x art workshp and 1x performance.
Valid while places last. Parents are not required to purchase tickets to workshops, but must have their own ticket to attend performances.
Select the ‘Play Pass’ ticket option via Ticketek when booking your preferred performance to access this offer.
*Play! Pass not available for Sunday 5 October.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Play! Kids Festival?
The Play! Kids Festival is an annual arts and entertainment program designed for kids each October School Holidays. It features interactive performances, workshops and classes across a range of areas including dance, music, circus, art and more!
What ages is the Festival suitable for?
The Play! Kids Festival is designed for kids of all ages, from toddlers up to pre-teen. We recommend reviewing individual event pages to check specific age recommendations for each show. Generally, babies on laps are permitted under the age of 2.
How much does it cost?
As a community venue, we have endeavoured to create a low-cost program for families, with free activities, mainstage performances starting from $29 per ticket, or groups of 4 from $106, and workshops for $15. All purchases are subject to booking fees.
How do I pick which shows my kids will like?
We recommend reviewing each of the individual event pages to find more details about the acts performing. We have aimed to include shows that all kids will enjoy from music, to comedy, to theatre!
What constitutes a “Family of 4” ticket group?
A “family/group of 4” ticket price can include any variation of four tickets that you like. This can breakdown into as many parents/kids as needed for your group however please note that at least one parent or guardian (18+) is required per group booking.
Is there any parking included?
Unfortunately, there is no Pavilion carpark, but there is plenty of 2P, 4P and all-day parking spots around the venue including Flora Stree and Eton Street. There are also Council Carparks available for all-day parking at a low rate. Alternatively, The Pavilion is a short 5-minute walk from Sutherland Train Station.
Is there food and drink available?
Yes! The Pavilion foyer bars will be serving a range of snacks, lunch and drink options that kids and parents will love.
What do I do with my newborn?
Whilst the Play! Kids Festival is designed for toddlers and up, mothers with newborns are welcome to bring them to the venue. The venue is fully equipped with a Mothers/Parents Room, pram-parking space and a Crying Room that still has view of the stage. Children under 2 are permitted to sit on parents’ laps.
Will there be AUSLAN interpretation?
Yes! Many of the mainstage shows at the Play! Kids Festival will have a performance that is AUSLAN interpreted. Please check out the individual show pages to review which sessions will be interpreted and contact our Box Office if you require this service by emailing boxoffice@thepavilionarts.au
Is there accessible seating?
Of course. Please contact our Box Office with your accessibility needs and they will find you a suitable space: boxoffice@thepavilionarts.au
Do I need to stay with my children throughout the Festival?
Yes! Children under 15 cannot be unattended in the venue throughout the Play! Kids Festival. All children under 15 should have a parent/guardian with them at all times. If your child is attending a workshop, the parent must still be present within the venue.
Can I bring my pram?
You can bring a pram to The Pavilion, however they will not be permitted in the auditorium during performances. Pram parking will be available however items will be left at your own risk, as this area will not be monitored.
Map
The Play! Kids Festival is designed to be a whole-day family adventure. Plan your visit by reviewing our helpful event map.
