This week “CityNews” rounds up some of the Canberra region’s best activities that the kids can enjoy over the school break.

WHETHER it’s enjoying the outdoors, getting indoors and learning something new or just sitting back and enjoying a show – keep the children busy with our winter school-holiday guide.

Explore past, present and future of the Snowy Scheme

PLAN your stop at the Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre in Cooma to experience the mighty Snowy Scheme in-person, says a Snowy Hydro spokesperson.

“People of all ages will enjoy a virtual flyover of the Snowy Mountains, archival photos and displays from the Scheme’s construction era, 1949-1974,” they say.

“The virtual flyover takes place in our state-of-the-art immersive theatre, with a 14-metre wide curved screen and floor projections.

“The new immersive theatre feature ‘Snow to Switch’ explores the unique way we generate electricity at Snowy Hydro, and how we are enabling a renewable energy future.”

The spokesperson says whether you walk, drive or fly to the region, the Discovery Centre is easy to get to, and is just over an hour’s drive south of Canberra.

“Visitors are encouraged to stop for lunch at the Discovery Cafe, for gourmet treats, pies, sausage rolls, delicious cakes, sandwiches, barista-made coffee or milkshakes,” they say.

“There’s plenty of space for the kids to stretch their legs outside and activities to keep them occupied and having fun. 

“There are books, clothing and an extensive range of local products available at the Discovery Shop. The knowledgeable team at the Discovery Centre can also assist with information – just ask!”

Snowy Hydro, Monaro Highway, Cooma. Call 1800 623776, or visit snowyhydro.com.au

Aviary offers a great time away with the birds

PARROTS, finches, doves and quail are among the birds ready to interact at the Canberra Walk-in Aviary, says owner and manager Mick Logan. 

The aviary is great fun for all ages. Now is the best time to get up close and personal with a range of friendly, free-flying birds, he says.

“While not all birds will interact with you, visitors get the chance to observe, up close, species of birds that otherwise would be hard to see in the wild,” Mick says. 

“We provide a small plate of food and a tub of mealworms and you can wander around and feed the birds. 

“Provided the weather is fine, you can have a great time feeding the birds, taking photos or just observing our feathered friends.”

The aviary is a 1000sqm planted walk-in enclosure that has more than 500 birds from about 65 different species from Australia and the world, Mick says.

“We accept student and senior concession cards,” says Mick.

Gold Creek Village has three other attractions, as well as cafes, gift shops and a garden centre, so it’s a great place for a day out after visiting the aviary.

The aviary is open every day, 10am-4pm, with last admissions at 3.30pm.

Canberra Walk-in Aviary, unit 13, Federation Square, O’Hanlon Place, Nicholls. Call 6230 2044 or visit canberrawalkinaviary.com.au

Kirsty empowers kids through theatre

Winter holiday programs provide a great introduction to theatre and are also ideal for performers who want to develop skills intensively, says owner and founder of Budding Entertainment, Kirsty Budding. 

Kirsty says Budding Entertainment provides high-quality, themed holiday programs (and term courses) which encourage creativity, confidence and practical skill development and culminates in a performance for family and friends. 

“For teenagers over the school holidays we’re offering an English accent masterclass,” she says.

“It is two days of watching and interacting with plays, films and historical speeches, and at the end of the two days there will be a performance.

“We’re also offering three children’s themed workshops. These are ‘Myth and Legend’, ‘Magic, Music and Comedy’, and ‘Heroes and Villains’.

“Kids can come dressed up and create short theatrical performances.”

Kirsty says Budding Entertainment is also opening enrolments for semester two.

“For semester two we’re running ‘The Magical World of Fairytales’ for kids between five and 10, ‘The Little Lion King’ for kids seven to 12, and ‘A Christmas Carol Goes Horribly, Terribly Wrong’ for kids between nine and 12,” she says.

“Then we have ‘A Christmas Carol Goes Horribly, Terribly Wrong’ for teens and ‘The Crucible’ for advanced performers.

“I enjoy seeing young performers feel empowered in their roles and develop a love of performing even if they were initially shy,” Kirsty says.

Budding Entertainment, 45 Ainslie Avenue, Braddon. Call 6153 0007, or visit buddingentertainment.com.au

Exploring young voices through play

LUMINESCENCE Children’s Choir is Canberra’s premiere program for young singers, says artistic director AJ America.

“Mentored by professional artists from the Luminescence Chamber Singers, the choir is dedicated to excellence,” she says.

“In recent years, the choir has collaborated with the National Gallery of Australia, performed at the Sydney Opera House, The High Court of Australia and numerous festivals.

“Our holiday program opens our leading programs to singers aged seven to 12.”

Ms America says since 2016, Luminescence has offered young singers a safe and creative space to express themselves through song, while providing holistic and high quality musical experiences and education.

“Our annual Winter Holiday Program began in 2021, and provides young singers with the opportunity to explore their voices and the magic of singing together,” she says.

“Participants will spend the week with myself, composer Rebecca Hilliard, and members of the Luminescence Children’s Choir, learning a brand new choral work (Our Pale Blue Dot), which explores pollution, climate change, and our solar system.

“Luminescence Children’s Choir gives young people who love to sing the opportunity to learn from leading musicians, meet like-minded friends, and explore music through singing, games, and play.

“We believe every child should discover the power of their voice and the magic of singing together. All young singers are welcome at the holiday program – there is no audition or application required, simply enrol online.”

Luminescence Children’s Choir, 30 Elouera Street, Braddon. Call 0401 770130, or visit luminescence.org.au/holiday-program

Sweet treats that span the generations

LOLLY Swagman has been exploring new tastes for nearly three decades, says owner Ian Richardson.

Located in the heart of the Southern Highlands, the lolly shop stocks all-time favourite treats and the latest-trending tastes from around the world.

“We’ve got American Reese’s, Hershey’s and candy corn, English bon bons and chocolates, sours and super sours, Dutch liquorice, Scottish tablet and our own Mrs Swag’s Fudge,” says Ian.

“We lost count at 1300 different treats and we know it’s more than that.”

Ian says the store is a common stop on people’s trips to Berrima.

“It’s a happy place with kids excitedly exploring new tastes, older people reminiscing and sharing in the thrill of finding a favourite and the great stories that go with them,” he says.

“We often see people who’d come as children now bringing in their own children and sharing their experiences, which is lovely to be allowed to join in on. It’s nice to have that history.”

Lolly Swagman, 11 Old Hume Highway, Berrima. Call 4877 1137, or visit lollyswagman.com.au

Vibrant classes for young artists

LAVENDER Art Studios offers fully staffed and supervised holiday art workshops for kids aged between five and 13, says owner Elita McKay.

“Book for the whole 20 school-holiday sessions, or attend on a casual basis,” she says.

“Either way, your child is assured of a fun, wholesome, culturally diverse and enlightened art experience.”

From July 3 to 7, young artists will explore and create works of art relating to the dynasties, kingdoms and periods of the Egyptian timeline, says Elita.

“In all its magnificent glory, Ancient Egyptian art, culture and everyday life will be the focus of these 10 vibrant and customarily inspired drawing, painting, sculpting and printmaking art workshops.”

From July 10 to 14, Elita says Lavender Art Studios will present their very popular and in demand dinosaur art workshops.

“Looking at the three dinosaur periods; Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous and set in the Mesozoic Era, these workshops will artistically and creatively investigate the natural world and the particular dinosaurs of each period,” she says.

“Our experienced staff will give both demonstrations and one on one support to all those who enrol in the program. These artistically fun and exciting workshops will give both tuition and guidance in a caring and supported environment. All art materials are provided, and costs include morning and/or afternoon tea.”

First Floor, 42 Townshend Street, Phillip. Call 0412 649770, or visit lavenderartstudios.com.au/school-holiday-program

Granties Maze has more than 100 attractions

OWNER John Grant reopened Granties Maze in 2015 after 30 years of closure.

He says the maze, in Foxground, is only about two hours by car from Canberra.

It features rides and attractions for people of all ages.

“Over the years, I intend to keep adding new attractions,” he says.

The main attraction is a maze consisting of 2000 trees that have been planted to create a network of paths and hedges.

“It’s designed as a puzzle through which one navigates with the objective of solving the puzzle and winning a prize – an ice cream,” says John.

There’s also mini-golf, pony rides, electric kids’ cars, archery and playground equipment.

All rides are activated by coupons purchased at the office. All unused coupons can be reused on the next visit.

Granties Maze is open every day except Wednesdays, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Open 9am-4pm on weekdays and 9am-5pm on weekends.

Granties Maze, 25 Donovan Road, Foxground. Call 0407 284888 or visit grantiesmaze.com.au