Lots of fun planned for Cairns Children’s Festival

Prepare for a whirlwind of excitement as the Cairns Children's Festival returns this May, promising thrilling shark encounters, magical story walks, live music, cultural experiences, STEAM activities and more, all designed to delight young audiences and their families.

The ultimate fiesta for little legends aged 12 and under, is on Saturday 18 May and Sunday 19 May, featuring a specially curated line-up tailored to the interests, skills and ages of children.

Prepare to be delighted by exciting family-friendly performances and hands-on activities as the Cairns Performing Arts Centre (CPAC), Court House Gallery, Tanks Arts Centre and Cairns Botanic Gardens are turned into mini-wonderlands of giggles, exploration and outrageous fun over the two-day program.

Stephen Foster, executive manager Creative Life, said the festival, now in its 10th year, aims to put the youngest creatives in the spotlight while also creating a safe and fun environment for families to explore, create and imagine.

"The Cairns Children's Festival is more than just entertainment, it's a celebration of childhood magic and the power of imagination,” he said.

"With each event carefully curated to engage and inspire, families can expect an unforgettable weekend filled with lots of laughter, fun and learning.”

Day one bursts into action with the breathtaking Shark Dive at the Tanks Arts Centre, which is on both Saturday and Sunday from 8.30am.

Crafted by world-renowned puppeteers, Erth Visual & Physical Inc, dive below the surface with a 15-minute audio adventure offering the chance to come face-to-face with a great white in what could be a high-energy, thrill-filled escapade or a more calming, underwater encounter.

Over at CPAC, the dynamic trio of Bandicoot, Koala, and Frill-Necked Lizard, set the stage for an inspiring story about the power of one person to make a difference with The One Who Planted Trees by Spare Parts Puppet Theatre.

The Court House Gallery also comes alive with the enchanting world of Beasties by Kinetic Theatre with an otherworldly experience offering up-close encounters with extraordinary creatures and their devoted caretakers.

Day two sees the Tanks Arts Centre comes alive with a full program of events for the whole family.

Cairns Children’s Museum offers young adventurers a rainbow-hued journey through a colourful kaleidoscope of interactive activities spanning science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics as well as a delightful stage musical show with Proudfoot & Friends.

Outdoors, join the exploration of Pat Malone’s Magic Garden and encounter Australian animal characters along the way at Flecker Garden, or embark on an adventure inspired by the beloved tale Wombat Stew, with What's Brewing: Wombat Stew Story Walk along the Gondwana Evolution Walk.

Flecker Lawn will also be transported into Bulmba Gadigadigu (A Place for Kids) with performances and interactive workshops led by talented First Nations youth, as well as the Ngamum infant zone with surprises celebrating the region's rich heritage.

Tickets for select events are now available.

Visit the Cairns Children's Festival website for ticketing details and the full event program.