Sydney Children's Festival

Interviews with Children
Yep, they really do say the darndest things and Dumbo Feather – one of the sweetest magazines around – has made it the basis for this super-cute, fairly self-explanatory, exhibition. CarriageWorks, Seymour Centre, Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, Newcastle L!vesites & Riverside Theatres. 26 Sep–8 Oct, 10am–4pm. FREE.

The Book of Everything
Belvoir and Kim Carpenter’s Theatre of Image have together created an extraordinary production based on Guus Kuijer’s acclaimed book. This is surreal, challenging and touching theatre for kids and parents alike. York Theatre, Seymour Centre, Cnr Cleveland St & City Rd, Chippendale 2050. 27–30 Sep, 1 Oct, various times. $24–$59.

Junkyard Orchestra
Carl & Penny will show kids how to turn cardboard boxes, glass bottles and rubber hoses into musical instruments. Kids will then use their recycled music makers to learn rhythms and tunes for a group performance. Otus’ Workshop, CarriageWorks, 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh 2015. Tues 27 Sep, 10.30am. $15.

SCF Literature Festival
This day-long event celebrates stories, books and pictures aimed at young people. Illustrator Emma Magenta will kick-off proceedings, talking about her work and holding a drawing workshop, and other highlights include a books quiz show, storytelling and illustration workshops. CarriageWorks, 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh 2015. Sat 1 Oct, various times and prices.

Zilla Villa
What exactly do you think a nation of creation would look like? Find out and contribute your own creativity at this constantly evolving art project. Add a plant, train, building or person and watch on as the huge art civilisation grows. Creation Nation, CarriageWorks, 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh 2015. 26 Sep–8 Oct, 10am–4pm. FREE.

The Man the Sea Saw
Physical theatre artist Wolfe Bowart will take the whole family on a magical journey with movement, circus, comedy, puppetry, stage illusion and audience interaction. See our interview with Bowart at right. Everest Theatre, Seymour Centre, Cnr Cleveland St & City Rd, Chippendale 2050. 27 Sep–1 Oct. 10am & 2pm. $20.  

Polyglot Theatre’s City of Riddles
This 360° interactive theatre experience will engage kids and parents in the story of a girl whose voice is stolen and buried in a constantly mutating City of Riddles. The Tiny Top, CarriageWorks, 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh 2015. 4–8 Oct, 10.30am & 2pm. $15.

Circus Drop Zone
Circus Monoxide’s Half High Circus will teach kids of all skill levels and ages how to hula hoop, spin plates, juggle, ride a unicycle and use flower sticks. Those keen to up the circus ante can then try one of the ticketed circus workshops and try their (little) hand at aerial circus skills or acrobatics. The Big Top, CarriageWorks, 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh 2015. 26 Sep–8 Oct, 10am–4pm. FREE.

I, Bunyip
Erth will introduce children to Australia’s secret spirits and creatures through stories that have been passed down in Indigenous communities for hundreds of years. Dulugah Ba, CarriageWorks, 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh 2015. 26 Sep–8 Oct, 10.30am & 12 noon. $15.

An Hour With Maggie Hamilton
This festival event is one for the parents. Maggie Hamilton, teacher and author of What's Happening to Our Girls and What's Happening to Our Boys, will facilitate a forum that navigates through parenting issues including: parental influence, the sexualisation of children, depression, eating disorders and under-age drinking. Dulugah Ba, CarriageWorks, 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh 2015. Sat 1 Oct, 2.45–3.45pm. $15.