Vivid Sydney with Toddlers
One big sensory playground, Vivid Sydney has plenty to offer the young ones. So, if you’re thinking of bringing the littlest members of the clan along to the event, do it! Not only is it filled with things to see and do, but a lot of the zones have also been planned to ensure a stress-free night too.
To make your life easier, we’ve put together a list of the best things to do with toddlers at Vivid Sydney.
Spend time in Darling Harbour
If you’ve only got time to do one zone, it has to be Darling Harbour. Filled with interactive installations and waterfront art, this is one of the best spots to set up camp for the night if you’ve got young kids.
Between ‘Samsung Space to Dream’, ‘Kickit Team Tennis’, ‘Curiosity’ and other colourful spectacles, there’s plenty to keep the kids occupied. There’s also a wide selection of food options nearby, from fast food to food trucks. Oh, and did we mention the area is flat? This is a big bonus for parents pushing a pram around.
Go on a Vivid Sydney Harbour Cruise
You want to see as much as you can but lots of walking can be too much for their little legs. The solution? Hop on a cruise. Keeping it stress-free and enjoyable for all, this will help you cover as much ground as possible without the long walk.
Departing from the central location of Darling Harbour or Circular Quay, you'll cover the highlights minus the crowds. An hour long, it’s the perfect amount of time for the kids without dragging it on. There’s also plenty of space onboard, making it accessible with a pram.
Explore the Goods Line and Inner City
Does your toddler love to eat? Don’t skip the The Goods Line & Inner City zone. Taking over the hidden spaces of Sydney's underground, art and food are the main event in this area. Delivering a sensory feast of fire and flavour, you can introduce the kids to BBQ cuisine at Vivid Fire Kitchen, where there’s no shortage of food options.
After grabbing a bite to eat, take the youngsters to see ‘Fireplaces’ where they’ll be entranced by the flamethrowers, fire barrels and more. There’s also ‘Eye of the Beholder’, a building speckled with giant human eyes that follow you around, and ‘Starscape Tunnel’, a 40-metre tunnel formed by a galaxy of stars to marvel at.
Saturday has free live music!
From 23 May-14 June, the Tumbalong Nights program plays free music every evening in Darling Harbour, but from 5pm every Saturday, it’s all about the kids. This time slot is dedicated to getting the little ones up on their feet and dancing with family-friendly acts taking the stage during this time.
The lineup includes performances from Whistle & Trick, The Vegetable Plot and Bennytime. Starting before the lights switch on makes it easier for families to avoid the big crowds on their way in, while giving them the option to call it a night before it gets too late.
Check out Sydney’s SEA LIFE Aquarium and WILDLIFE
Not only is Darling Harbour filled with a heap of fun for the kids, but it is also home to a long list of exciting animals. Joining in on the fun, Madame Tussauds, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo and <a href="https://www.experienceoz.com.au/en/sydney/immersive-gamebox--60-minutes--sydney >”Immersive Gamebox extend their opening hours during Vivid Sydney.
Giving you something to do beforehand, head in early before the lights come on and spend some time at these attractions. Introducing the little ones to an array of iconic animals and sea creatures is always a fun time, plus it’ll get everyone in high spirits, ready for the light displays. Sound good?
