Vivid Sydney is for everyone – especially kids! Whether it’s dancing under the stars at Tumbalong Nights, exploring dreamy light installations or indulging in global flavours at Vivid Fire Kitchen, there’s something magical for the whole family.  

From 23 May to 14 June, kids of all ages can enjoy a wonderland of Light, Music, Ideas and Food, across five immersive festival zones. 

To make the most of Vivid Sydney with little ones, we recommend focusing on one zone per visit. This keeps things manageable, avoids long walks and tired little legs, and ensures a fun and stress-free experience for the whole family.  

Here’s your guide to the best family-friendly highlights in each zone – plan your adventures accordingly and get ready to create unforgettable memories together! 

Circular Quay and The Rocks Zone

A classic Vivid Sydney adventure 

Home to some of Vivid Sydney’s most famous light installations, the Circular Quay & The Rocks zone offers a dazzling night out for families. Begin your evening by watching the Lighting of the Sails: Kiss of Light by David McDiarmid at the Sydney Opera House, a colourful and inspiring tribute to the Australian artist’s vibrant legacy. It’s a great way to get young minds thinking about history and the power of words and art to inspire change.  

Continue the adventure with King Dingo at the Museum of Contemporary Art, where Vincent Namatjira’s playful projection reimagines our history. It’s a fun way of introducing First Nations perspectives and the concept of totems to your child, plus the rock concert scene is a thrill to behold for all ages.  

Then, marvel at House of Romance: Dreams Collide at Customs House, a swirling, high-fashion fantasy by Romance Was Born. You don’t have to be a fashionista to enjoy this show, which is all maximalist colour and patterns – perfect for wide-eyed youngsters.  

For little thrill-seekers, Luna Park After Dark is the perfect way to add some excitement with glowing rides, while older kids and teens can step into the world of Stranger Things: The Experience, an immersive adventure set inside Hawkins Lab at Luna Park. 

Barangaroo

A night of storytelling and wonder 

Barangaroo offers a blend of immersive storytelling, interactive light works and stunning waterfront views. Start your wandering beneath the shimmering light rods of SomniUs, a dreamlike canopy that responds to you and your little one’s movements below. 

Then, gather around Bon(d)fire, where your child can see the story they say aloud into a microphone fuel a flickering digital flame. You can also take a trip to space with Fly to the Moon, a visually stunning installation that lets kids sit on a swing in front of a giant ode to the moon. Curious minds can also enjoy Trispheric Garden, a circle of six towering geometric obelisks with reflective and refractive surfaces that will wow kids of all ages.  

For older kids and inspiring thespians, Inside the Dream Factory: Stagecraft Workshop & Tour at Sydney Theatre Company offers an exciting behind-the-scenes look at the magic of the theatre. 

Darling Harbour 

A dreamy playground of light and sound 

Darling Harbour is one of the best spots for families, packed with interactive installations, performances and waterfront fun. Start at Samsung’s Space to Dream, a breathtaking water and light spectacle that invites kids to walk on water and see their face as part of the artwork.

For kids who love to play, Curiosity is a must-see (and do!) – where giant seesaws with blinking eyes invite you into a dream-like moment. For a fun and interactive game, Kickit Team Tennis allows your kids to play a game of tennis but with a ball of light!  

For hungry tums, nearby food options are plentiful, with food trucks offering quick and easy meals, or explore Darling Square and Chinatown for dumplings, noodles and delicious street food. 

The Tumbalong Nights program offers free live music every evening, with Saturday 5pm slots dedicated to family-friendly acts. Don’t miss performances by Whistle & Trick and The Vegetable Plot  – sure to get little feet moving. PASIFIX is a celebration of Australia’s Pacific Island community, with cultural performances and joyful music. 

The Goods Line and Inner City

Fire, film and future thinking 

For families with curious minds, The Goods Line offers a mix of fire, technology and thought-provoking experiences. Start at Vivid Fire Kitchen, where you can watch chefs cook over open flames and introduce kids to global BBQ styles like tandoor, teppanyaki and smoked meats or grab tried and true family staples.  

While at Fire Kitchen take in the mesmerising sights of Fireplaces, with flamethrowers, fire barrels and other flame-fuelled artistry. Plus, kids will love the Eye of the Beholder, a playful animated projection on the Frank Gehry building, where larger-than-life human eyes blink and appear to follow you around. For older kids and teens, the VR/XR I Dream of a Reality exhibition offers a thought-provoking opportunity to explore weird and wonderful possible realities.  

For a dose of creative inspiration and delicious snacks to match, check out Hollywood Dreaming in Surry Hills, a precinct-wide takeover where neon art and special food offerings celebrate the wonder of cinema. 

Martin Place and The CBD 

Immersive light & big ideas for big imaginations 

For the first time since 2018, Martin Place is back with an incredible array of wonder-inducing experiences for young and old. The Lucid Dream Collective by Moment Factory transforms lower Martin Place into a dreamscape, blending AI-powered projections with your child’s face to create a stunning, evolving work of art you could stand in front of and marvel at together for ages.  

Kids will also love walking through the nearby Chasing Dreams Tunnel, a glowing passageway of shifting light that brings First Nations artist Dr Bronwyn Bancroft’s visions to life. The larger-than-life mirrored flowers of Flowers' Power casts thousands of refracted lights across the pavement, a truly wonderous sight for young eyes to behold.  

For young creatives, State Library Unplugged presents a family-friendly opportunity to leave your devices behind and puzzle, draw, read or write in this after-hours haven. Haus of Horror presents Edward Scissorhands offers a delightful screening of the classic film, with an eerie twist. Great for young film buffs and lovers of the weird and wonderful.  

Key tips for families at Vivid Sydney 

• Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially on weekends. 

• Stick to one zone per visit for a relaxed, stress-free experience. 

• Use public transport—buses, trains, metro, light rail, and ferries provide easy access. 

• Check out accessibility options if you need extra support.