Become an ocean superhero these autumn school holidays at the Australian National Maritime Museum, and dive into our fresh program of creative workshops, performances, tours, and trails inspired by the superheroes both within and who take care of our oceans.
Explore the galleries with our Sea Country Activity Trail, make art and scientific experiments at the Kids on Deck Maker Space, discover the superpowers of cephalopods and groupers in Slippery Cephalopod Science Circus Performances, relax with a film screening, or take a break in the Mermaid Melody Colouring Corner and Book Nook, enjoy creative play at the Octopus Garden Interactive Space, get hands-on with our touch collection at the Cabinet of Curiosities, and immerse yourself in all the additional adventures waiting to be had at the Maritime Museum.
There's boatloads of fun to be had for the whole family, so don't miss your chance to experience our autumn school holiday program this April. See the full school holiday program below.
Slippery Cephalopod Science Circus - Encounter clever characters and fun facts as performing artists and science communicators unlock the wonders of keystone species; from gentle giant groupers to clever cephalopods! Enjoy spectacular science demonstrations investigating the most curious of ocean dwelling creatures and marvel at daring displays of circus skill in this lively and interactive show. Included with SEE IT ALL TICKET, Members and annual pass holders FREE Dates: Sun 14, Tue 16, Wed 17, Fri 19, Sun 21, Tues 23, Wed 24, and Sun 28 April Times: Sessions 12:30pm and 2:00pm (duration 25 mins) Ages: Suitable for all ages Booking: No bookings require
CREATIVE WORKSHOPS: Puppet-making and puppeteering with ERTH - Discover your puppet making superpowers and learn the art of puppeteering with a guest artist from Erth, the much-loved makers of theatre for young audiences in this fun filled 1 day workshop. Explore exhibitions including Blueback and Ocean Photographer of the Year for inspiration. Learn techniques in crafting your own illuminated creatures from recycled materials and operating your creations with life-like movements as you bring underwater stories to life.
Exclusive activity booking required Dates: Wed 17 and Wed 24 April Times: 10:00am – 4:00pm (1 day course) Ages: Suitable for ages 8 – 14 Booking: $75 general/ $65 members
CREATIVE WORKSHOPS: Storybook Making - Imagine, write, and illustrate your very own picture book inspired by the underwater stories in our newest exhibitions Valerie Taylor and Blueback. Learn techniques in powerful storytelling, narrative structure, and digital and hand illustration as you create your very own cherished classic. Have a physical copy of your finished storybook published and sent home to keep.
Exclusive activity booking required Dates: Tue 16 and Tue 23 April Times: 10:00am – 4:00pm (1 day course) Ages: Suitable for ages 8 – 14 and all literacy levels Booking: $75 general/ $65 members
Mermaid Melody's Book Nook - Take a break and enjoy calm creative activities in our lounge area inspired by ocean superhero Valerie Taylor's artistic creation Mermaid Melody. Join in largescale collaborative colouring of Valerie's mermaid and sea creature artworks, chill out on the pillows, pick up a book or create your own playful stories with sea creature puppets from Mermaid Melody's "touch tank".
FREE for all visitors Dates: Daily during school holidays 14–28 April Times: 9:30am – 5:00pm Ages: Suitable for families with children aged 0 – 10 Booking: No booking required
Kids on Deck: Maker Space for Families - Be inspired by underwater wildlife and ocean protection superheroes as you enjoy art making and experiments with your family. Create your own spectacular scientific illustrations, fashion a polymer clay and shell miniature sculpture or wearable creation, craft whale shark, seadragon or octopus shadow puppets, or transform recycled materials into bubble wands. Explore the significance of keystone species as you dress up as your favourite aquatic creature.
Included with SEE IT ALL or any exclusive activity ticket Dates: Daily during school holidays 14–28 April Times: 10:30am – 4:00pm (drop-in sessions) Ages: Suitable for ages 4 – 14 yrs and accompanying adults/ parents/carers Booking: No booking required
