ACO Families

About ACO Families

Our ACO Families program brings children and their grown-ups into the world of live music through a wide variety of family shows, creative experiences, workshops and early years classes. Designed to inspire curiosity and spark a lifelong love of music, these offerings blend storytelling, performance and play in our purpose-built spaces at ACO On The Pier.

We love welcoming families to our home in Sydney’s Walsh Bay Arts Precinct, where people of all ages can explore music, connect with our musicians and enjoy engaging experiences throughout the year.

“We love the children's concerts, they're an absolute delight to watch! Such high quality and amazing music.” - ACO Families Attendee

Types of Experiences

Concerts
Our concerts offer children a joyful, engaging way to experience live music. For families joining us for the first time, our popular Family Days are ideal — a short concert plus a hands‑on opportunity for children to try an instrument.

Explore What's On

Workshops

Our hands‑on workshops give children the chance to dive deeper into music-making. From multi‑day string workshops to sessions for cello and violin, these programs offer a supportive space to learn new skills and build confidence.
See Beginner Strings Workshop

Classes

ACO Music & Movement is an eight‑week term of playful early‑years classes for children aged 2.5–5. Led by our experienced early‑years music educator, these small‑group classes use Dalcroze, Kodály and Orff approaches, tailored to each child’s developmental stage. Families love the welcoming atmosphere at The Neilson — and classes fill fast, so joining the waitlist is encouraged.
Find out more

Relaxed Performances

Our 50‑minute Relaxed Performances are designed to be accessible and welcoming for children, families, people on the autism spectrum, people with disability, those with additional access needs, and parents with babies. Audiences are encouraged to relax, respond to the music, make noise and simply enjoy being themselves.
Discover

Helpful Information for Families

Babies welcome to be held in arms during concert
Children are welcome to sit on the floor near the musicians during many family concerts
Pram‑friendly foyers and open spaces
Families welcome to bring small snacks to consume in the foyer before and after concert or class
Craft activities in the foyer during many family events
Lounges and tables for relaxation
Bathrooms close by and easy to access with young children
Lifts and stairs available for easy movement with prams and little ones
Getting here is easy — Barangaroo Metro is the closest station, approximately 10 minutes' walk to ACO On The Pier (possibly slightly longer with children in tow)

“I was so grateful for a child-friendly space that allowed my 3-year-old son to listen to exceptional performers and REAL music without feeling he had to sit still and quiet. He hasn’t stopped talking about the performance since we left the building.” - ACO Families Attendee