Adelaide's best kids' shows 2018

Entertaining your small humans at the Fringe and Festival isn't always easy. We've dug out some kid-friendly gems

feature (adelaide) | Read in About 3 minutes
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Published 01 Feb 2018
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Fun House [G]

High-energy circus for the whole family, Fun House promises to be an all ages and all action sugar rush with performers from Cirque du Soleil and Broadway. A larger-than-life production that literally doesn’t fit in the tent, Fun House only has two rules – have fun, and no shoes on the jumping castle!
The Garden of Unearthly Delights, times vary, various dates between 16 Feb-18 Mar, $40-68

My Brown Paper Clouds [G]

A contemporary dance performance for younger kids, My Brown Paper Clouds encourages audiences to use their imagination to follow on a boat ride down the river, dance in the trees, or trek over the mountains – all assisted by recycled brown paper. Put down the red cordial and spend some time daydreaming.
The Garden of Unearthly Delights, 1pm, various dates between 10-18 Mar, $17

Swamp Juice [G]

Welcome to a swamp like no other. Using household rubbish for props, Melbourne-based Bunk Puppets – known for their novel take on shadow puppetry – present a charming story of one man who meets scuttling mice, crawling snails, and who knows what else. Ordinary objects come to life in a swamp filled with oddities. Just watch out for snakes!
Royal Croquet Club, 1.30pm, various dates between 17 Feb - 18 Mar, $20-25

Can You Hear Colour? [4+]

Using the rare neurological quirk of synaesthesia (some people are able to 'see' sounds) as a jumping-off point, Adelaide-based Patch Theatre seek to charm hearts and open minds in this opera for little ones. Join a girl with such a gift as she meets a rainbow bird who helps her undo the Colour Catcher's theft of the world's precious hues.
AC Arts Main Theatre [Adelaide Festival], times vary, 9-15 Mar, $25-35

Platypus Man [G]

This offbeat Aussie storytelling show pops straight out of 90s kids television and onto the stage at Tandanya. The top-billed hero Platypus Man – aided by his sidekick Human Person – battles rascally villains, helps his mates through tough times, and learns about himself along the way.
Live From Tandanya, 1.45pm, 17 Feb-18 Mar, not weekdays, $17.50

GROUNDED

Overwhelmed by all the options and can't decide? Get the whole family involved and head along to GROUNDED in Victoria Square. This new pop-up precinct connects young people and their adults to great experiences through a range of music, theatre, and visual arts. Lose yourself in workshops and activities that will bring out your inner child!
GROUNDED, times vary, various dates between 16-25 Feb, free

The I Hate Children Children's Show Rock and Roll Spectacular! [G]

The award-winning I Hate Children Children's Show has a new angle: rock and roll! A show aimed at the parents as much as the children, I Hate Children... invites you to rock out with the meanest magician, giggle at their quick wit and banter, and all backed by an incredible live band. A show for anyone who loves their children but hates boring kids shows!
Gluttony, times vary, various dates between 16 Feb-18 Mar, $25

MR BADGER tells the story of The Wind in the Willows [G]

The classic story by Kenneth Grahame, told in an intimate outdoor setting as only Mr Badger can. Sit in dappled shade as Mr Badger regales you with exciting tales of animals and friendship. Retaining much of the original language, the simple presentation style 'harks back to a bygone era' with a beautiful kindness.
Various venues, times vary, various dates between 17 Feb-12 Mar, $15