Travel Guide

Family tips for Vivid Sydney

By Juliette · Mar 2025 · 7 min read

Vivid Sydney 23 May – 14 June

Vivid Sydney is pure magic for families—dazzling lights, immersive art, and a city buzzing with excitement. But if you’re not sure where to start and it feels overwhelming, don’t worry—we’ve got you! With a little planning (and a few handy tips from your planning sidekick), you and the family can enjoy the wonders of Vivid Sydney without the stress.

From the best ways to move around to simple tricks that keep the everyone happy, we’ll help you make the most of every glowing moment. Let’s light up your family’s night—effortlessly.

Hot tip: In 2025, Vivid Sydney lights up across 5 zones. Each zone is filled with lights, and a myriad of sensory experiences so you can easily spread the fun over multiple nights. No need to rush—just enjoy!

Plan ahead – know what you want to see

Vivid Sydney is jam-packed with incredible light displays, interactive installations, and performances. Take a look at the event map beforehand and plan your night. Plan your trip on public transport, all zones are easily accessible by public transport and extra trains and buses will run on the weekends. This way, you’re not zigzagging across the city with tired little legs in tow.

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Come early – the lights turn on at 6pm

Beat the crowds by arriving before the lights switch-on at 6pm. Grab some dinner or check out Vivid Sydney Fire Kitchen as your first stop and settle in before the main event begins. If you’ve got younger kids, this also means you can enjoy the magic and still be home for bedtime! Win win.

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Hop on a Vivid Sydney cruise from front-row seats

Want to see the lights without too much legwork? A Vivid Sydney cruise is a game-changer. Glide across Sydney Harbour, soak up the glowing skyline — all from the comfort of your seat. Plus, it’s a novelty for the kids.

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Dress kids in bright colours (or glow gear!)

With thousands of people around, spotting your kids in a crowd can be tricky. Bright clothes (or even glow-in-the-dark accessories) make it easier to keep an eye on them. 

So... Are you ready to light up your night and make memories?
Vivid Sydney is a fantastic time of year to make some unforgettable memories with the families. And with these handy tips, you can enjoy the fun without the mayhem. So, grab your comfiest shoes, charge your phone for all those pics, and get ready to experience Sydney in a whole new light.

Explore Vivid Sydney 2025

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