What’s on: The best live kids events in 2024 (and early 2025)
The fun never stops for families! Check out the incredible range of live events happening across the country.
There’s nothing like sharing the excitement of a live event to create lasting memories with the kids. And this summer is packed with opportunities to do just that!
From fun family moments at The Wiggles show to marveling at over 4 million Christmas lights at Hunter Valley Gardens, we’ve got your ultimate guide to planning the perfect family experience.
Let us help you discover all the best events and experiences to make this festive season truly unforgettable for the whole family.
Check out some of the best family-friendly experiences on in 2024 (and early 2025!) below …
Family-friendly events you won’t want to miss…
Light up your family’s festive season at the Christmas Lights Spectacular!
Hunter Valley Gardens, 2090 Broke Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320
We took the kids to the Christmas Lights Spectacular, and wow—what a magical evening! With over 4 million lights sparkling across 8 acres, it’s like stepping into a real-life Christmas wonderland.
What’s new for 2024-2025?
- Marvel at new photo ops like the towering 10m+ Christmas Trees, the 5m Teddy Bear Seat, and the festive Candyland.
- Say hi to Mr. & Mrs. Claus for the ultimate Christmas snap!
- Explore themed zones like Winter Wonderland, Toyland, and Fairyland.
Extra fun for families:
- Thrill-seekers will love rides like the Ferris Wheel, Superslide, and more – open daily from 6pm-10pm. Tickets are $6 per ride or grab a 6-ride pass for $30.
- There’s plenty of healthy food options and festive treats, from woodfired pizza to churros and waffles on a stick.
Where: Hunter Valley Gardens is located just 2.5 hours from Sydney or under an hour from Newcastle.
When: The Christmas Lights Spectacular is on now until 26th January at Hunter Valley Gardens. Open nightly from 5:30pm to 10:30pm, with rides running until 9:45pm.
Cost: Night Family Pass (includes 2 x adults and 2 x children (4-15yrs) $122.00
Book the ‘Christmas Lights’ accommodation package at Leisure Inn Pokolbin Hill
485 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320
Book a 2-night stay at Leisure Inn Pokolbin Hill, complete with tickets to the Christmas Lights Spectacular.
Offering unique stand-alone, self-contained villas set in stunning surroundings. The property includes an outdoor swimming pool, playground, tennis court, table tennis table and undercover BBQ facilities.
The ‘Christmas Lights’ package includes:
- 2 tickets to the Christmas Lights Spectacular at Hunter Valley Gardens.
- 2 breakfast vouchers to fuel your mornings.
- The ‘Kids Explorer Pack’ includes a personalised welcome card, a tent filled with goodies and a cuddly teddy bear to take home.
- Early check-in and late check-out
Discover the Magic of the North Pole at Wundrful World of Christmas
This one-of-a-kind experience combines cutting-edge CGI animation, real-life actors, and interactive theatrical sets, bringing the North Pole to life like never before.
What you will see:
- Santa’s reindeer in their frosty paddock.
- Watch busy elves crafting toys in Santa’s Workshop.
- Visit Mrs. Claus’s Kitchen and see the festive treats she’s lovingly prepared.
- Keep your eyes peeled for the big man himself in Santa’s Cottage
- Finish off your adventure at the North Pole Post Office where you can write your wish list to Santa and have your family Christmas photo taken.
Where: Wundr Store, 31 Market Street, Sydney (Opposite QVB)
When: From 8th November to 24th December
Cost: From $25 per person. Includes access to the experience, a free Santa letter pack and a Free North Pole Digital Family Reel.
Bluey’s World
Northshore Pavilion in Hamilton, Queensland.
Created by BBC Studios, HVK Productions, the Queensland Government, Brisbane City Council, and Brisbane Economic Development Agency, this exciting new attraction is a must-visit for Bluey fans and families.
The immersive experience will bring everyone’s favourite Blue Heeler, Bluey, to life. Wander through life-size sets inspired by the show’s most beloved episodes.
Explore Bluey and Bingo’s bedroom, hang out in the Heeler family’s living room and kitchen, and soak in every perfectly recreated detail.
Don’t miss the outdoor area, where Bluey’s backyard comes to life under the beautiful Poinciana tree.
Afterwards, relax at the café, shop for exclusive Bluey merchandise, or let loose in the playground.
Cost: Tickets start from $49.90.
The Wiggles – Wiggle and Learn Big Show
Touring Australia in November and December, 2024
The Wiggles’ Wiggle and Learn BIG SHOW is a live, interactive experience inspired by their hit YouTube series. Expect an electrifying playlist of Wiggles’ classics like Hot Potato, Fruit Salad, and Rock-A-Bye Your Bear, plus songs from their new album Wiggle and Learn: 100 Education Songs for Children.
All eight Wiggles – Anthony, Lucia, Simon, Caterina, Lachy, John, Tsehay, and Evie – will perform, along with Wiggly friends like Dorothy the Dinosaur, Wags the Dog, and Captain Feathersword. And yes, Santa and his reindeer will make a special appearance!
Cost: Varies
School holiday fun at Sydney Opera House
December, 2024 and January, 2025
Looking for school holiday fun? The Sydney Opera House has a jam-packed lineup of shows, performances, and interactive workshops to keep babies to teens entertained.
Some of our must-see picks include:
Colour in Worlds – Immerse yourself in this stunning installation by world-renowned artist Mit Jai Inn.
Grug and the Rainbow – Join the beloved Burrawang tree character in an epic adventure, brought to life by Windmill Theatre Company.
Operation Ouch – TV’s favorite twin doctors, Dr. Chris and Dr. Xand, are back with an all-new show that’s both educational and fun,
Head to the Sydney Opera House website for the full holiday guide and details.
Cost: Varies
Lite Brite: Worlds of Wonder
Luna Park, Sydney from August 17, 2024.
LITE-BRITE: Worlds of Wonder takes you on a 40-minute adventure through three vibrant worlds, each glowing with thousands of colourful lights.
Created by Toronto’s Emmy® award-winning Secret Location and Hasbro, this experience is all about rekindling that childhood spark and embracing the real-life magic of LITE-BRITE.
Visitors can dive into a magical ocean, wander through lush forests with dinosaurs, and explore a futuristic sci-fi city.
It’s the perfect attraction for anyone, whether you’re a kid sharing a moment of awe or an adult rediscovering the joy of imagination.
It is recommended that visitors allow 40 minutes for the self-guided journey.
Please view opening times here: lunaparksydney.com/litebrite.
Cost: Tickets are priced at $15, or $12.50 each when purchasing four or more tickets.
Dig IT
Tamborine Mountain, Queensland
Real excavator machinery and construction-themed fun? Grab your hard hats, throw on your high-vis gear, and get ready for the “best day ever” at Dig IT, Australia’s first-ever mini-excavator park at Tamborine Mountain, just an hour from the Gold Coast and Brisbane.
Open every weekend plus school holidays: Dig IT – Australia’s first mini excavator park
Thunderbird Park – Tamborine Mountain Road, Tamborine Mountain, Scenic Rim Queensland.
Child or Adult admission $59 and Concession is $55 for 2 hour sessions.
Grab tickets to see Bluey’s Big Play: The Stage Show
Touring Sydney, Canberra and Newcastle in Jaunuary, 2025
Wackadoo! Bluey’s Big Play The Stage Show is coming back to Sydney, Canberra, and Newcastle this January.
Tickets are on sale now, so don’t miss your chance to see Bluey, Bingo, Bandit, and Chilli like never before! This live show brings the Heeler family to life with amazing puppets and iconic sets.
Based on a brand-new story by Bluey creator Joe Brumm, the show features music by Bluey’s composer, Joff Bush. Get ready for an unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages!
For more information and to purchase tickets visit blueylive.com.
Teddy Bear High Tea Takeover
Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park
Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park is bringing the magic of teddy bears to life with a series of family-friendly activities perfect for little ones (and parents, too!).
Enjoy a Teddy Bear Picnic in Hyde Park with cosy picnic baskets, indulge in a teddy bear-themed High Tea filled with teddy-themed treats, and get hands-on with monthly Build-A-Bear workshops featuring the special ‘heart ceremony.’
For an extra bit of fun, there’s even a ‘Hug-A-Bear’ room service menu – delivered right to your door by the concierge.
Even better, this teddy-filled fun supports a great cause. Sheraton Grand is partnering with Bear Cottage, NSW’s only children’s hospice, inviting guests to help support children with life-limiting conditions and their families. It’s a wonderful way to create sweet memories while giving back!
For more information visit Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park.
