Sydney’s hypnotic festival of lights and music is back, and Vivid 2024 promises to be a more colourful affair than ever. Running for 23 nights from Friday 24 May – Saturday 15 June, Vivid Sydney features family-friendly installations and activities that children and adults can all enjoy. Here are the top Vivid Festival events for families in 2024.
Vivid Sydney bares the soul of our city through creativity, curiosity and change. For 23 days, the festival will connect our city to light artists, music makers, brilliant thinkers and all creatives. Seek change. Spark a new idea. Shine with Vivid Sydney.
If you’re looking to take the kids to Vivid Sydney in 2024, be sure to take a look at our recommendations for the very best family-friendly Vivid events:
- Dark Spectrum, Wynyard Tunnels
- Illuminate Sydney, Madame Tussauds
- GLOW at Sydney Zoo
- Sonic Neon, Luna Park
- Vivid Kids @ Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour
- Fireplaces @ Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour
- Life in another Light, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
- Vivid Light Walk, Circular Quay
- Vivid Cruise with Captain Cook Cruise
- Lightscape, The Royal Botanic Garden
And if you’re concerned about how to do Vivid Festival with kids, be sure to read our 10 tips to keep children safe at Vivid Sydney.
And if you’re looking to see what’s happening at Taronga Zoo for Vivid in 2024, they have decided to not present Wild Lights while they take stock of their creative offering, while still furthering Taronga’s commitment to a shared future for wildlife and people.
Best Vivid Sydney Events for families on the North Shore
1. Sonic Neon, Luna Park
Dust off your hypercolour t-shirt, get some colourful gear for the kids and make your way to Sonic Neon at Luna Park, a playful experience where music is transformed into captivating visuals.
Located within Luna Park Sydney’s iconic fantasy palace on the water’s-edge of Sydney Harbour, this family-friendly experience showcases innovation, turning light and sound into an immersive, breathtaking spectacle.
This is a self-led walk-through immersive experience that spans over 150 metres and includes eight meticulously crafted rooms for you to explore!
- Address: Luna Park, Milsons Point
- Cost: Starts at $29
- Website: northshoremums.com.au/events
Best Vivid Sydney Events for families in the Sydney CBD
2. Illuminate Sydney, Madame Tussauds
Drawing inspiration from Vivid Sydney, the Southern Hemisphere’s brightest light show, Illuminate Sydney is an interactive space where celebrity magic meets urban illumination.
Once inside, guests are treated to a feast for the senses. From an illuminated Sydney sign to the glowing walkway, every nook is a spectacle waiting to be discovered. Cate Blanchett, sporting a whole new vibe, awaits in the VIP lounge, the perfect spot to chill out, before striking a pose with Ryan Gosling and Priyanka Chopra Jonas.
The real magic happens at the curved LED wall and the Sydney Opera House model, where guests take control of the lights and projections. With every flicker, the entire space transforms before their eyes.
- Address: Madame Tussauds, 1-5 Wheat Rd, Darling Harbour, Sydney
- When: Friday 24 May – Saturday 15 June
- Cost: From $32 per adult
- Website: madametussauds.com/sydney/illuminate
3. Life in another Light, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium & WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo
Life In Another Light sees the installation of a brand-new digital exhibition taking guests on a journey through living light inspired by the bioluminescent underwater world, as well as a large & utterly captivating shark projection which will see the underwater giant twist and turn in front of guests’ eyes!
Also inspired by Vivid, visitors to SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium will be able to wander through our glowing jelly lab and make bioluminescent waves at ‘moonlight beach’, an illuminating experience for the whole family to enjoy!
Furthermore, guests will be able to explore the rest of the attraction and see our sharks, rays, penguins and all of the other incredible marine life on display.
With extended opening hours on select days throughout Vivid, families, couples and visitors to Sydney will have every opportunity to dive in and experience the magic of ‘Life In Another Light’!
- Address: SEA Life Sydney Aquarium, 1-5 Wheat Road, Darling Harbour, Sydney
- When: Friday 24 May – Saturday 15 June. Extended operating hours are running from Friday to Sunday until 8pm, with last entry at 7pm*
- Cost: General Admission tickets: $48 Adult | $35 Child |$38 NSW Student/Senior
- Website: visitsealife.com
4. Vivid Light Walk
The Vivid Light Walk is the best way to see the Vivid Sydney light festival. It is the recommended route to explore Vivid’s epicentre around Circular Quay, The Rocks and Botanic Gardens. Across 8.5 kilometres, this year’s Vivid Sydney Light Walk is a journey of endless adventure and discovery of light, history, art and nature. With 59 attractions, including light installations, 3D-mapped projections, venue takeovers and jaw-dropping spectacles.
- Address: Circular Quay to Darling Harbour (via The Rocks, Walsh Bay & Barangaroo)
- When: Friday 24 May – Saturday 15 June, 6pm-11pm
- Cost: Free
- Website: vividsydney.com
5. Dark Spectrum, Wynyard Tunnels
Back in 2024! Hidden beneath the city, an electronic labyrinth of light, colour and sound pulses to life when Dark Spectrum: A New Journey reawakens deep beneath the streets of Sydney.
The one-kilometre trail in the abandoned railway tunnels underneath Sydney’s Wynyard Station features eight themed chambers, each with a monochromatic colour scheme and backing track of electronic dance music.
A spectacle of illumination, the journey takes visitors through 300 rhythmic lasers and strobe lights, 500 hanging handmade lanterns, 250 search lights, 700 illuminated arrows within an intricate maze, and much more.
- Address: Wynyard Park, 1001 York Street, Sydney
- When: Friday 24 May – Saturday 15 June
- Cost: Adult $46 | Child (6-12 years) $35 | Family (2 adults & 2 kids) $154
- Website: darkspectrum.com.au
6. Vivid Boat Cruise with Captain Cook Cruises
Enjoy the Vivid Festival away from the crowds and from the water! Captain Cook Cruises offers a spectacular line-up of official Vivid Sydney 2024 on-water cruise and dining experiences from as little as $20! Discover unique vantage points to view the Vivid Lights and amazing photo opportunities of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House.
- Address: Departs Darling Harbour (King Street Wharf) and Circular Quay
- When: Friday 24 May – Saturday 15 June
- Cost: From $29 per adult
- Website: captaincook.com.au
7. Lightscape, The Royal Botanic Garden
Re-imagined for 2024, this globally renowned multisensory phenomenon of light, colour and sound changes every year.
Experience the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney in a new light, with breath-taking lightworks created by acclaimed local and international artists. Wander beneath towering tree canopies illuminated in colour, stroll beneath larger-than-life flowers and through dynamic, glowing tunnels. Discover moments of wonder to share with everyone around you.
Direct from New York, Chicago and London, Lightscape sells out across the world and is brought to Sydney by award-winning, International trail producers Sony Music as part of Vivid Sydney 20
- Address: The Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney, Queen Elizabeth II Gates
- When: Friday 24 May – Saturday 15 June, 6pm-11pm
- Website: vividsydney.com
8. Vivid Kids at Tumbalong Park
Get silly, bust a move, and feel the music – it’s all about little people and big fun at Vivid Kids at Tumbalong Park.
Round up the kids and start your Light Walk journey at 5pm each Saturday as our stage lights up with FREE children’s acts ahead of a night of more live music.
- Saturday 25 May: Buuja Buuja Dance – It’s time to learn about the amazing craft and culture of our First Nations people with Buuja Buuja Dance. This First Nations led dance group will teach all the little feet present some of the oldest dance steps in the world! Presented as part of Jalbu Muna, a night celebrating female First Nations story telling through music, curated by Yalanji woman and leading musician Deline Briscoe and featuring legendary performer Christine Anu.
- Saturday 1 June: The Beanies – The Beanies are completely silly! They also know how to write a very catchy, fact-packed tune. Plus, they’re experts at making each and every kid feel gloriously and unapologetically themselves. Which means, you’re in for a fun, laughter and adventure crammed show at Tumbalong Park.
- Saturday 8 June: Formidable Vegetable – Veggies have never been so appealing.Formidable Vegetablecraft family-friendly electro-funk with a planet loving message. From five to 95, everyone can learn something from one of their toe-tapping shows. With songs about growing your own veggies, restoring ecosystems and sustainable gift-giving, it’s all about fun with a side of learning.
- Saturday 15 June: The Quokkas – This five-piece deliver empowering messages of inclusion and diversity in a fun and lively way. The Quokkas’ all have different cultural backgrounds and physical abilities, and want to show everyone that anything is possible, no matter who you are.
Where light and music meet, Tumbalong Park is your festival go-to for free, contemporary music. Experience an explosion of humanity as the best international voices and local talent take to our stage under the stars for 12 nights of free live music.
- Address: Tumbalong Park, 11 Harbour St, Darling Harbour, Sydney
- When: Saturday 25 May – Saturday 15 June.
- Cost: Free
- Website: Vivid Kids at Tumbalong Park | Vivid Sydney
9. Fireplaces at Tumbalong Park
Hypnotic and mesmerising, fire brings light and warmth. In 2024, Vivid Sydney explores fire as one of the original sources of light and connection. Find our Fireplaces at Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour and Vivid Fire Kitchen at The Goods Line where giant fire pits, spectacular fire sculptures, flame throwers, fire barrels and mouthwatering BBQs are just some of what’s in store every night of the festival.
- Address: 11 Harbour St, Sydney
- When: Friday 24 May – Saturday 15 June.
- Cost: Free
- Website: vividsydney.com
Best Vivid Sydney Event for families in the Sydney’s Western Suburbs
10. GLOW at Sydney Zoo
Don’t miss the bigger-than-ever GLOW at Sydney Zoo from Friday 10 May to Saturday 1 June.
Immerse yourself in the largest GLOW yet, featuring NEW, never-before-seen installations, a reimagined and interactive light walk, and returning favourites like the iconic GLOW Lion Lantern, magical KIIS Eye Ferris Wheel, Glowy Golf, and the mind-blowing Vortex Tunnel. Explore the Aquarium after-dark and encounter hundreds of critters in the largest Reptile and Nocturnal house in the world.
Plus food trucks, rides, GLOW bar and so much more.
- Address: 700 Great Western Highway, Bungarribee NSW
- When: Friday 10 May – Saturday 1 June
- Cost: Adult $29.99 | Child (3-15) $24.99 | Infant (0-2) Free
- Website: sydneyzoo.com
