FRINGEWORLD festival launched on the weekend and Northbridge was buzzing like a carnival. The outdoor opera (In the Shadow of Venus) I went to attracted a crowd of passersby including a front row of children in a sandpit who paused in their play to watch the singers. There is so much on for kids and also the unexpected moments like the one I just described where children will just delight in the things happening around them.

Children transfixed by soprano Sara Macliver as Rose in the opera The Telephone

Here are a few suggestions to get you going. (My list is mostly for 0-5 or preschoolers as that is the age of my family. There is another whole realm you can check out for school aged children.)

Jan 31 Huggers – The Family Friendly Comedy and Cabaret Show – a line up of some of the best comedy circus and cabaret stars from the festival in a one-hour all-age show.

Jan 30-31, Feb 1 The Big Bubble Show – promises the biggest bubbles you have ever seen in WA! Fun and slightly educational

Feb 7-8 Lords of Strut: The Family Show –  Irish comedy, acrobatics and dance for the whole family.

Feb 7-8 BAM! A Superhero Circus – saving the entire planet with their secret weapons of circus and comedy

Feb 14/15, 21/22 Squisher and Squasher in the Great Bug Hunt – an interactive adventure including songs, dance and silliness.

For more shows go to http://www.fringeworld.com.au/
The festival runs until February 22nd.