Blast off these winter school holidays with Space Play at PHIVE

Parramatta’s kids will have the chance to go interstellar during the upcoming winter school holidays when PHIVE hosts Space Play – an interactive digital universe transforming PHIVE into a glowing galaxy.

Created by internationally renowned digital storytellers Box of Birds, the team behind Creature, Space Play is part art installation, part playground. Visitors can run, jump, wave and play their way through asteroid storms, moons of Jupiter and the rings of Saturn using movement to create their own interplanetary adventure – without leaving the City.

City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Martin Zaiter said Space Play puts Parramatta on the map as a leader in immersive digital storytelling.

“Space Play is part of a global wave of immersive art-meets-tech experiences now landing in Western Sydney,” Cr Zaiter said.

“We are proud to bring this world-class experience to the local community – a fantastic example of how Parramatta is redefining family experiences.

“This is about sparking joy through collective play where kids don’t just learn about space – they become part of it.”

Six 45-minute sessions will run daily from 5-18 July starting at 10am. Tickets to Space Play are just $5. Adults accompanying children and babies in arms are free. Bookings are essential to secure your ticket to outer space.

Space Play is best suited to families with children 3-12 years old, however this visually rich and fun experience can be enjoyed by everyone. Relaxed sessions will be held Mondays at 10am, offering an experience designed to support people with neurodivergent access needs and others who benefit from a calmer environment.

PHIVE will also host complementary space-themed workshops and activities throughout the holiday period.

There’s also a galaxy of other creative experiences on offer during the holidays throughout Parramatta and neighbouring suburbs:

• Riverside Theatres presents the Sydney premiere of Circa’s brand new contemporary circus Wolfgang in the Stars – a music-fuelled circus space romp of galactic proportions from 17-19 July.
• Medal making workshop with artist Abdullah M I Syed on 16 July at Parramatta Artists’ Studios: kids craft stars of their own using paper and banknotes.
• Parra Play in the City with the Parramatta Eels including free activities in Parramatta Square on 16 July from 10am-1pm.
• A special morning of story time in the Library with the Parramatta Eels: meeting some of your favourite Eels NRL and NRLW players, getting crafty and snapping a photo with the stars on 17 July from 9.30am-10.30am.
• Over 40 sporting events across Active Parramatta’s school holiday program running until 18 July.
• Wentworth Point Community Centre and Library’s Watercolour workshop on 15 July.
• Over 50 free or low-cost events across Libraries and venues – from marine biology to robotics and edible skincare.

For the full winter school holidays line-up, visit City of Parramatta.