Vivid Sydney is one of our favourite events of the year and if you aren’t lucky enough to live nearby, there’s still time to book a holiday to visit (Vivid Sydney runs from Friday 25 May to Saturday 16 June). Every year seems to get better and better and with this year, being the 10th anniversary, the Vivid lights are set to be sensational.

Taking the kids (specifically little ones) to see the lights in the city can be daunting. There are lots of people, especially on the weekends, and pushing a stroller through the crowds whilst holding onto runaway toddlers tends to be stressful. But there are some amazing precincts which are perfect for families.

Our favourite family-friendly place to see the Vivid lights is Taronga Zoo.

The zoo is easy to get to, parking is plentiful and the paths are wide and pram friendly. We also like that the event is ticketed and that there are different session times which all help with crowd control.

Vivid Sydney returns to Taronga this year with a wealth of stunning new installations – all inspired by the zoo’s commitment to endangered species in Australia and Sumatra. There are 19 brand new and 3 revamped installations for a bigger, brighter, bolder Lights for the Wild experience.

Spot The Animals

The kids will be fascinated by the giant nine-metre long goanna the massive manta ray as it sails through the trees. Spot the giant bees, multi-coloured elephants, lions and tigers, sinister red-back spiders, leafy sea dragons and other magical creatures.
One of the standout attractions is an enormous echidna with a moving tongue – bound to intrigue the younger visitors to Taronga. You’ll also have the chance to take a Vivid ‘Gorillagram’ featuring three giant-sized illuminated gorillas.

Alongside the talented artists who have created these impressive and brilliantly lit installations, Taronga also invited schoolchildren from across Sydney to submit drawings of their favourite endangered animals in Australia and Sumatra – 10 of these have been transformed into 3D splendour.

One of those chosen was Hanna Hunte, 12, from Dural Public School, who drew at pangolin, which is a type of scaly anteater which is found in Africa and Asia.

Don’t miss the chance to venture through the mouth of a giant Port Jackson Shark as it splashes two stories high through the façade of Taronga’s heritage entrance.

What You Need To Know

What: Vivid Sydney at Taronga Zoo

Where: Taronga Zoo, Bradley’s Head Rd, Mosman. Entry only via the main upper entrance on Bradley’s Head Road.

When: Friday 25 May to Saturday 16 June

Ticket information:

Session start times: 5.30pm, 6.30pm,7.30pm (approx. 2 hour experience)

Last entry at 8.30pm, Zoo closes at 9.30pm.

Tickets: Pre-purchase tickets at taronga.org.au/vivid. All ticket proceeds go directly back to support Taronga’s work in conservation and wildlife care. Under 4’s are free.

 More Vivid

• The Best Places To See Vivid Sydney With Kids
• Vivid Sydney’s Magical Inclusive Playground
• Vivid Ideas Sessions for Kids and Families 2018