If you’re short on time, these are some of the highlights families shouldn’t miss at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.
- Visit the Farmyard Nursery to pat animals
- Explore Jamison Station and the working farm displays
- Follow the Animal Walk through the livestock pavilions
- Watch the woodchopping competitions
- See the colourful District Exhibits
- Ride the carnival attractions and the giant Ferris Wheel
- Watch the Airtime Freestyle MotoX team perform
- Experience the Ignite the Magic night parade
- Browse the showbags pavilion
- Stay for the evening arena spectacular and fireworks
The Sydney Royal Easter Show is one of Australia’s biggest family events and a highlight of the Easter school holidays. Held each year at Sydney Olympic Park, it brings together agriculture, carnival rides, live entertainment, showbags and some seriously indulgent food. In 2026, the show runs from Thursday 2 April to Monday 13 April.
For families, the show offers a full day of experiences. Kids can meet farm animals, watch live competitions, go on rides and stay for spectacular evening entertainment and fireworks.
With so much happening across the showgrounds, it helps to know where to start. Here are some of the best things to see and do at the Sydney Royal Easter Show with kids.
Planning your visit to the Sydney Royal Easter Show? See our complete Sydney Royal Easter Show Guide for ticket information, transport tips and the best things to see and do.
Visit the Farmyard Nursery
One of the most popular attractions for families is the Farmyard Nursery. Younger kids in particular love the chance to get up close to animals they don’t normally see in the city.
Inside the nursery you’ll find piglets, lambs, ducklings, goats and chickens wandering around the open paddock space. It’s a lovely hands-on experience where children can pat the animals and learn a little about life on the farm.
For many city kids, it’s their first real encounter with farm animals.
Explore Jamison Station
Jamison Station is another great stop for families wanting to experience the agricultural side of the show.
During the day it operates as a working farmyard where kids can learn about farming and see animals up close. After dark, the area transforms into something quite magical, with illuminated animal sculptures lighting up the space.
The glowing displays give the farmyard a completely different feel in the evening and make it worth revisiting later in the day.
Follow the Animal Walk
A good way to explore the showgrounds is by following the Animal Walk. The trail links several livestock pavilions where visitors can see prize animals from across Australia.
As you wander through the pavilions you’ll see everything from dairy cows and alpacas to sheep, pigs and horses. Many of these animals are part of the Sydney Royal competitions, where breeders showcase the best of Australian livestock.
It’s a fascinating glimpse into the agricultural heritage that sits at the heart of the Easter Show.
Watch the Woodchopping Competitions
Woodchopping has been part of the Easter Show for well over a century and it remains one of the most iconic competitions.
Competitors race against the clock to chop through large logs using axes or crosscut saws. The speed and precision involved is impressive and the crowd often gets right behind the competitors.
It’s one of those traditional events that really captures the spirit of the show.
See the District Exhibits
The District Exhibits are among the most creative displays at the Easter Show. Regional communities from across New South Wales construct elaborate installations made entirely from fresh produce.
Thousands of pieces of fruit, vegetables, grains and wool are used to build colourful themed displays celebrating Australian agriculture and regional life.
It’s worth taking your time walking through this pavilion because the level of detail is remarkable.
Ride the Carnival Attractions
For many kids and teenagers, the carnival rides are the highlight of the day.
There are rides for every age group, from gentle attractions like the carousel and dodgem cars through to towering thrill rides that spin high above the showgrounds. The Super Slide and Ferris Wheel are perennial favourites and often have long queues.
If your kids are keen on rides, it’s a good idea to head to the carnival area earlier in the day before the crowds build.
You can also read our Sydney Royal Easter Show rides guide which explains how the Carnival Fun Pass works and how much rides cost.
Watch the Live Entertainment
There are live performances happening throughout the day and evening across the showgrounds.
One of the most eye-catching acts is David “The Bullet” Smith, the Human Cannonball, who launches himself through the air in a heart-stopping stunt that always draws a crowd.
Another highlight is the Airtime Freestyle MotoX team. Their high-flying tricks and gravity-defying jumps are incredible to watch.
Later in the evening, Imagine a Horse takes over ENGIE Stadium with a magical performance featuring luminous horses dancing to music under the stars.
Experience the Ignite the Magic Parade
As night falls, the showgrounds take on a completely different atmosphere.
The Ignite the Magic street parade brings glowing animal lanterns, colourful performers and lively music through the streets of the showgrounds. The parade creates a festive night-time experience and is particularly popular with younger visitors.
Eat Your Way Around the Show
Food is a big part of the Easter Show experience and there’s no shortage of things to try.
Classic show favourites like chip-on-a-stick, fairy floss and the famous CWA scones are always popular. But each year new food stalls appear with creative treats and international flavours.
Honky Tonk is now bigger than ever and serves generous low-and-slow BBQ dishes. The new YumYum Noodle Market has also become a lively food precinct where visitors can try noodles, dumplings and other Asian street-food favourites.
You might even stumble across whimsical treats like animal-shaped fairy floss.
Browse the Showbags
The Showbag Pavilion is one of the busiest places at the Easter Show and a must-visit for kids.
With hundreds of showbags to choose from, it can take a while for kids to decide which ones they want. Popular themes usually include Bluey, Barbie, Disney Princess and Marvel.
If you want help choosing, see our guide to the best showbags at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.
Stay for the Evening Entertainment and Fireworks
If you can manage a full day at the show, it’s well worth staying for the evening entertainment.
The main arena hosts spectacular shows featuring motocross riders, horses and other performers. The day finishes with a fireworks display that lights up the Sydney Olympic Park skyline.
For many families, it’s the perfect way to end a day at the show.
More tips
Planning your visit? See our Sydney Royal Easter Show Guide for tickets, transport and planning tips.
Want to go on rides? Read our Sydney Royal Easter Show rides guide.
Looking for the best showbags? See our best showbags guide.
Trying to keep costs down? Check out our budget guide.