School holidays are just around the corner and planning activities to keep students’ busy and entertained doesn’t have to be difficult. 

Education and fun mix at the zoo

From September 27 to October 12, the National Zoo and Aquarium will host free activities to keep the kids entertained over the school holidays. 

Activities include roving puppet shows, interactive storytelling and lion keeper talks. 

Communications assistant Madison Gold says visitors will get the chance to explore animal mysteries through fun, educational programs in the lead up to the zoo’s main event weekend – October 4-5 – which will feature live music, lawn games and “surprises”, all included in the admission fee. 

Visitors can expect to see some new faces with the arrival of Nyra, a four-month-old lion cub and a new zebra foal. 

Other than meet and greets with lions, tigers, meerkats and cheetahs, Madison recommends visitors check out the ZooArt tours. 

“This new tour provides insights into the zoo’s collection of carved animal sculptures and statues,” she says. 

“We also offer the Wildnight ZooVenture Tour, which involves an evening touring the zoo in motorised vehicles, enjoying dinner and African Sundowners.” 

For families needing childcare, the zoo’s Zoocation program is available to keep primary school children entertained with hands-on activities and animal learning. 

“Running from September 29 to October 2 and October 7 to 10, it’s the perfect mix of education and fun,” says Madison. 

National Zoo and Aquarium. 999 Lady Denman Drive, Yarralumla. Call 6287 8400 or visit nationalzoo.com.au 

Museum offers free admission to mark end of war

Marking the 80th anniversary since the end of World War II, Temora Aviation Museum is opening its facilities for free admission for 80 days between September 2 and November 20, excluding event days. 

CEO Peter Harper says the commemorations are “close to their hearts” and they are keen to share some of Australia’s aviation history. 

On Saturday, September 20, Temora will hold its spring Aircraft Showcase, an event that Peter says will feature a spectacular line-up of serviceable aircraft from the RAAF 100 SQN Historic Flight Connection. 

“Among the aircraft, we will see two Mustangs, one Kittyhawk and, for its first appearance at Temora, a Sea Fury,” he says. 

The RAAF Roulettes will put on a show with its formation aerobatics that,  Peter says, will make for a thrilling day. 

Gates open at 10am with a guided hangar tour at 10.30am.

Visitors are also encouraged to try the full-motion Warbird Simulators for a hands-on flying experience.

“When it’s time to refuel, the Guardhouse Cafe will be serving delicious food and barista coffee from two locations,” says Peter. 

“Before leaving, be sure to visit the gift shop to grab some Temora Aviation Museum merch at the Gift Shop and Hanger.”

Temora Aviation Museum, 1 Tom Moon Avenue, Temora. Call 6977 1088 or visit aviationmuseum.com.au 

Spring into the artistic world of prehistoric adventure

Celebrating 26 years of inspiring creativity in Canberra, Lavender Art studio is inviting young artists to journey into the prehistoric world of dinosaurs for their spring school holiday art workshops. 

“With extensive experience in delivering art programs, classes and workshops for both young people and adults, Lavender Art Studios has earned a reputation for excellence, producing tangible results that change the way participants see themselves as artists,” says owner Elita Mackay.

“This holiday season, children will be transported to the sights, textures and energy of ancient Earth, where mighty volcanoes erupted, lush jungles flourished and dinosaurs of every shape and size roamed the land.” 

Elita says each workshop has been designed to spark imagination and build skills using professional-quality materials and tried-and-tested teaching methods. 

“Young participants will create their own dinosaur or dinosaur-inspired scene through painting, sculpting, drawing and printmaking,” she says. 

“Along the way, they will not only produce artworks of exceptional quality, but also craft imaginative pictorial stories behind their creations.”

Known for delivering art education in a way that is engaging and impactful, Elita says Lavender Art Studio continues to open doors for creative expression. 

“This spring’s dinosaur-themed workshops promise to be a highlight of the holiday calendar,” she says. 

“It’s an opportunity for children to explore, learn and bring a prehistoric world to life through art.”

The dinosaur workshops take place from September 29 to October 3 and October 7-10. 

Lavender Art Studio. 42 Townshend Street, Phillip. Call 0412 649770 or visit lavenderartstudios.com.au 

History of Australia through correctional eyes

Opened in 2005, the Cooma Correctional Museum offers the history of Australia through correctional eyes, says statewide museum manager Andrew Weglarz.

“We show the history of corrections in Australia starting from the First Fleet, up until today,” he says.

“On November 1 2023, we celebrated our 150th anniversary, we’re the oldest working jail in Australia.”

Andrew says people should think of them as a big-city museum in a rural setting.

“We have a working gallows, people can use a real trap-door, but we also have fire trucks and tractors from history,” he says.

“We also have a show of Aboriginal history.”

Andrew says they have serving, minimum-security prisoners working as guides.

“We have done risk assessments with them, and they are coming to the end of serving their time,” he says.

He says the museum has been named the TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Award Winner for 2024, and has previously received a Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor, alongside some fantastic reviews.

Andrew has been doing this work for eight years, having previously worked as a senior prison officer in the UK and in Canberra.

“My passion is the privilege I have been given to tell Australia’s history,” he says.

“I also set up displays in the reception areas of some other correctional facilities, too.”

Cooma Correctional Museum, 2 Vagg Street, Cooma. Open every day, 8.30am-3.15pm. Call 6452 5974 or visit correctiveservices.dcj.nsw.gov.au

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