For kids and families
Get ready for a day of creativity and excitement at the North Sydney Festival!
The festival has something special for every member of the family, whether it is checking out the music on the main stage or at the Aqualand Kids' Creative Zone, this is the perfect place for kids and teens to unleash their imaginations.
Aqualand Kids' Creative Zone
Hosted by the talented Siobhan Coombs, owner of Cockatoo Comics and co-organizer of the Brazen comic convention, the Aqualand Kids' Creative Zone will feature four engaging drop-in workshops throughout the day. Each session lasts one hour, allowing your little creators to come and go as they please.
- 11am - Weird and Wonderful Animals: Let your child's imagination run wild as they craft unique animals using cut-out paper parts. They’ll then create a fun fact file comic, detailing their creature’s habitat, diet, and special abilities.
- 12pm - Good Chef/Bad Chef: Is your child a dreamer or a daredevil in the kitchen? In this workshop, they’ll design their dream (or nightmare!) dessert and star in a comic where they teach readers how to make their fantastical creation.
- 1.15pm - Special guest workshop with best selling author Kristin Darell: Join Kristin Darell as she guides you through the exciting world of zoos in this storytelling workshop. Curious? Come monkey around and create your own story!
- 3pm - Scrolling Action/Adventure: Young adventurers can turn a three-panel comic into an ancient scroll, complete with a mini-adventure story. They'll assemble their scroll using tape, a skewer, and ribbon.
- 4pm - Zine Making: Aimed at teens and older kids, this workshop introduces the art of zine creation. Participants will learn to fold zines in two unique ways and receive story prompts to create a fanzine, autobiographical comic, or even a spooky horror story.
A cosy corner run by Stanton Library will be available all day.
Small Fry Rock on the main Stage
Small Fry Rock (@samllfryrock) presents a morning of live music that both kids and parents can enjoy!
These family-friendly acts will get kids excited and parents grooving to music they know and love. Catch Sarah McLeod at 11.30am, followed by Ben Lee at 12.30pm, for an unforgettable musical experience.
Art Installation by Studio A artist Thom Roberts
Expose your kids to the world of art through the unique perspective of Studio A artist Thom Roberts. Thom, who identifies as both an artist and a Countrylink Express train, creates work inspired by his love for trains. His captivating art has been showcased in prestigious exhibitions like The National at Carriageworks and the Science Museum in Melbourne. This installation is a great way for kids to connect with art in a fun and imaginative way.
Street Performers
The streets of North Sydney will come alive with a variety of talented street performers, ready to captivate audiences of all ages. Watch out as Beeswax and Bottlecaps (@beeswax_and_bottlecaps) and Shaun Parker & Co (@shaunparkerco) pop up in unexpected places, adding a sprinkle of magic to your festival experience.
Whether your family is getting creative at the Aqualand Kids' Creative Zone, eating the scrumptious offerings of North Sydney eateries or enjoying the lively street performances, the North Sydney Festival is packed with fun-filled activities that everyone will love. Don’t miss out on making unforgettable memories with your kids!