April 16, 2012
KIDS SCHOOL HOLIDAY FUN FOR UNDER $5
MONDAY
TRAIL THROUGH THE GARDENS
Follow the twists and turns of the path, and sights and smells of native plants as you take part in the self-guided Bilby children's trail at the Australian National Botanic Gardens. The adventure starts when you pick up a map from the visitors centre. Children must be supervised at all times. Free entry. Until April 29 from 8.30am-5pm. More information 6250 9450.
TRAVEL THROUGH SPACE
Go down discovery road and embark on your own exciting voyage with activities inspired by the museum's latest exhibition Travelling the Silk Road. Suitable for children aged five to 12. Event is at the National Museum of Australia in the discovery space. Free event. Weekdays from 10am to 1pm. More information 6208 5000.
FUN WITH FARM ANIMALS
Children can get up close to their favourite farm animals and nurse and feed them this week. The action happens at the Marketplace in Gungahlin each day from 11am to 2pm. Free event. For more information phone 6123 4900.
TUESDAY
PARTY WITH A PIRATE
Pirate Pete, complete with red leather pirate boots, a pirate hat with feathers, and large golden earrings will put on a show for children today at the Erindale Library. The fun and interactive concert will comprise singalong action songs based around a pirate theme. Children must be aged four to eight. Tuesday, April 17 from 2-2.40pm. Free entry. Bookings essential. For more information visit www.librariesact.eventbrite.com
MAKE A COAT OF ARMS
Learn all about coat of arms and their part in democracy and make your very own coat of arms. Go on an adventure and enjoy a coat of arms treasure hunt. The family friendly activity is suitable for children aged five to 12 years old. Museum of Australian Democracy. Cost is free after entry. 10.30-11.30am. Bookings required on 6270 8215.
WEDNESDAY
CREATE SUB ZERO SOUND
Have a blast of a time building noisemakers to create live sound effects for Frank Hurley's 100 year old Antarctica silent film footage. Enjoy the grand finale to the morning's sound effects workshop and squeak, honk, holler and blow to a big screen performance in the Arc cinema. National Film and Sound Archive, April 16-20, 10am-12 noon, bookings essential 6248 2000. Cost $5 per child (includes materials).
MAKE YOUR OWN DAMPER
Enjoy a traditional bush experience at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve on a guided ranger tour. You will cook damper on an open fire and wash it down with real billy tea. Cost is $5 per head after entry fee. Bring your own bowl. Wednesday, April 18 from 11am-12.30pm. Meet at the visitor centre. Bookings essential on 6205 1233.
HEAR NURSES' STORIES
Listen to stories of Australian nurses in war time as part of the Hands on History program. Children will get the opportunity to try on uniforms and handle real objects. Event will take place at the Australian War Memorial in the special exhibition gallery. Wednesday, April 18 at 11am. No bookings required. More information 6243 4211.
THURSDAY
ENJOY THE WORLD OF PLAY
Learn all about artists who look at the world with a smile at the National Gallery of Australia. Play is an exhibition for the young and the young-at-heart with a fantastical fountain and a gleeful tower of toys, a wrapped enigma and an invisible bird, some of the artwork making up the show. Play showcases paintings, photography, prints and sculpture from across the gallery's collection. National Gallery of Australia, every day between 10am and 5pm. Free entry. For information 6240 6411.
STORY TIME WITH MIFFY
Visit the Dickson Library today for a special story and craft activity. Enjoy hearing a Miffy story and then make a Miffy mask. Event is aimed at children three to five years old. Materials are provided. Bookings are essential through www.librariesact.eventbrite.com
FRIDAY
HUNT LIKE A PENGUIN
Enjoy an egg hunt with a difference. Visit the reception desk to collect your penguin trail map then find the penguin eggs, answer the questions and be rewarded with a chocolate egg. You will discover amazing facts about life in Antarctica along the way. National Film and Sound Archive. During opening hours. Free. For information 6248 2000.
LEARN TO THROW A SPEAR
Come and learn how to throw a boomerang and spears with our Aboriginal Ranger. For children between 8 and 15 years old. Meet at the Visitor Centre at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. Cost is $ 5 per head and you get to keep your boomerang. Entry fees apply. Bookings essential on 6205 1233. Friday, April 20 from 10-11am.
STORIES COME TO LIFE
Children under five are invited to hear stories of brave animals, extraordinary people and faraway places during a special story time session. Puppets, uniforms and educational toys will bring stories to life. Australian War Memorial in the orientation gallery. Friday, April 20 at 10.30am. More information phone 6243 4211.
SATURDAY
WALK THE SETTLERS TRACK
Celebrate Canberra's history during the Heritage Festival with a ranger-guided walk in the Namadgi National Park. Learn about the settlement history of the area on a moderate, 9km walk visiting three heritage huts in southern Namadgi. Moderate fitness is required, bring lunch, snacks, water, sturdy footwear, had and sunscreen. Numbers are limited. Saturday, April 21 10.30am-2pm. Meet at Brayshaws car park, Boboyan Road. Bookings essential on 6207 2900.
GOING TO MARKET
Visit the Gorman House Markets for a special heritage festival celebration as visitors are taken on a journey through the past 87 years of Gorman House's history. There will be period dress, stalls, dance, displays, music, activities, games and children's entertainment. Gorman House Markets, 55 Ainslie Avenue, Braddon. Saturday, April 21 from 10am to 4pm. Free entry.
A TRIP AROUND THE LAKE
Visit one of Canberra's most picturesque locations and walk, ride, or scooter around Lake Burley Griffin. Bring along a picnic and enjoy an afternoon in the sun. Or enjoy a spot of fishing at Googong Dam after a walk around the area spotting kangaroos and native birds.