Real Festival for kids

Everything that’s family-friendly and bucket loads of fun for kids.

The best family time is when everyone is having fun together; learning something new, being genuinely surprised or laughing at something hilarious. It’s these kinds of feel-good moments that Real Festival delivers, it also helps when the program is completely free! So, settle in with a cuppa and read what we have planned for kids and families this year, you’re in for a REAL treat!

AMAZING ENTERTAINMENT

If it’s wide-eyed amazement and pick your jaw off the floor moments you’re after, then you can’t miss the headline performance, Illuminart. The Nepean River becomes a magical canvas, adorned with light, sound, and story telling by the No Boundaries Group that'll leave you spellbound. And did we mention the Nepean Belle is starring in this spectacle? (Fri & Sat, 6:30 pm & 8 pm). Right after that, prepare for a thrill ride without moving an inch as Jetpack Adventures takes you on a heart-pounding journey through the skies with their Jetpack show.

For real-life LOLs (not the emoji version!), you can't miss Junkyard Beats. These guys are bringing their unique high-energy performance of drumming, dancing, comedy & creative recycling that the kids, and you will love. (Sat 6pm).

The impressive collection of interactive and illuminated artworks along the riverbank guarantees surprises and fun at every corner. Australian Birds and Love Birds both works by Atelier Sisu will have children delighting in vividly hued birds but don’t forget to look up!

Ocean Blue creates an immersive journey for young children aged 4 – 7 of how forests, rivers and oceans are all connected. With cheeky crabs, grumpy seagulls and hidden octopuses all to be discovered, the kids will love finding them all. And not to forget, Sal the Snail the unassuming garden snail, aglow in a kaleidoscope of vibrant hues!

For furry friend lovers, a trip to the Fur Real Zone is a must. Snap a pic in the Neon Dog Park by Volter International and peruse puppy products for your pooch.

Hear that music? Hit up the KIIS FM street team for a quick game of noughts and crosses, and the kids can have their face painted! (Saturday).

NON-STOP FUN

Roaming performers bring entertainment and fun to every corner of the event. Keep an eye out for Circaholics Anonymous, Junkyard Beats (Friday 5-7) and we’re not sure if it is possible to miss a roaming quintet brass band, but we will mention them here anyway -Phat Brass are bringing their fun tunes and vibe to Real.

Get ready to dive into nostalgia at the Open Air Arcade – a haven for adults seeking a nostalgic throw back, and a barrel of fun for the kids! Relive the glory days of pinball, Daytona, Pacman, Space Invaders, Basketball Hoop Shooter, Foosball, and Air Hockey. It's a blast from the past with a modern twist!

30-50 Feral Hogs is an interactive theatrical experience – part story, part game – all about what happens when people and nature meet-Presented by Q Theatre (Fri & Sat), pre-book here.

In our magical musical garden (Sunday) kids who love music can make their very own instruments using recycling and join a jam session! Expect a beautiful symphony or a cacophony; either way the kids will have fun!

LEARN SOMETHING NEW

Check the workshops page for what’s on as each day has a different crafty line up where the kids can make their own masterpieces. We will give you a sneak peek here though - Friday offers rock painting and paper lantern making while Saturday is neon jewellery and slime. Just drop in on the day and let the inner artists shines!

Before your kids run away to the circus, let them test their skills at Real. With drop-in sessions all weekend at the Circus Drop Zone, they can try their hand (and body?) at trapeze, juggling and unicycling. And when’s the last time you had a hula hoop showdown with the family? Not recently enough for our liking - please make your way to the Hula Hoop Station.

UNLEASH THE ENERGY

One of the highlights for all attending Real will be the Roller Rink by Busways. Pre book your 30-minute session including skate hire today so you don’t miss out. A neon lit roll around the riverside rink sounds pretty good to us, we hope you agree!

And speaking of zen (we weren’t really, but now we are!). Let the kids grab a mat and relax with a Yoga session by the river (Sunday – pre book). With sessions for both for 5-7 year olds and 8-11 year olds, Chilli Kids Yoga & Mindfulness offers a range of practical movement activities and breathing exercises for children in a safe and controlled environment which encourages bodily autonomy and self-regulation. Namaste!

We’re also taking the action off the land and into the water with kayaking and stand up paddle boarding (Sunday). This is your chance to do something completely different, with an exhilarating and memorable experience for the whole family. Simply jump on board and start paddling. If you prefer your action on the water instead, the iconic Nepean Belle is also offering free boat rides to experience the beautiful Nepean River (Sunday). 

And last but not least, for all the dance enthusiasts, the Silent DisGlow is where the magic happens! Kids can dance the night away, and trust us, they won't be alone on the dance floor as they bust a move like no one is watching (but we all know that everyone will be watching!).

Now that you've got a taste of what's happening for kids and families at Real Festival, check out the entire program to plan your time at the event. Get ready for a weekend of unforgettable fun, and we'll see you there!

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