With plenty of time off, the spring holiday is a great opportunity to learn new skills for life as this sponsored post will showcase.

SCHOOL’S nearly finished for the year, and the spring holidays are about to get underway, bringing a great opportunity to learn new skills for life.

Whether it’s exploring a creative side, or going on an adventure, there are plenty of local businesses in Canberra who make learning fun.

“CityNews” has compiled a list of activities to keep children engaged over the school holidays.

Stop, play and discover

THIS spring, take some time to relax at the Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre in Cooma, says a spokesperson.

“Located about an hour from Canberra and en route to Kosciuszko National Park, it is easily accessible and perfect for a behind-the-scenes exploration of one of the biggest engineering feats the world has ever seen,” they say.

“Learn more about the Snowy 2.0 mega-project, view a scale model of a tunnel boring machine and discover Snowy Hydro’s role in Australia’s renewable energy future. Immerse yourself in our national story, or take a virtual flyover of the Snowy Scheme in our state-of-the-art theatre.

“Complement these experiences with a stroll through our interpretive display area and discover great innovation and ingenuity in our proud history, leading the way for our exciting future.”

The spokesperson says people can explore the interactive diorama of the Snowy Scheme and see how pumped-hydro and the National Electricity Market work when viewing the real-time screens.

“The Discovery Cafe is open daily. Enjoy a homemade pie, sausage roll or pastry, or choose from a variety of fresh sandwiches, delicious cakes and other sweet treats,” they say.

“We serve great barista-made coffee, organic teas, ‘infamous’ milkshakes and a range of iced and cold drinks. Enjoy your cafe experience inside or outdoors, where there is space for kids to run around.

“Our Discovery Centre shop has something for everyone, with a range of books, clothing, local produce and souvenirs.

“There’s plenty of free car parking, bus parking, plus additional caravan and trailer parking. There is also a Chargefox Electric Vehicle charging station onsite. Disabled parking and wheelchair access is also available.”

Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre, 1 Monaro Highway, Cooma. Call 1800 623776, or visit snowyhydro.com.au

See dinosaurs amongst the flowers

THIS springtime, the National Dinosaur Museum is going green in more ways than one, says general manager Carole Arulantu.

“Our cycads are settling into their new home in Australotitan Cooper’s enclosure,” she says.

“We will be partnering with Floriade, from September 16 to October 15, at Commonwealth Park, where our Australovenator will be taking temporary residence for the entire month.

“Attendees are encouraged to take a selfie with Banjo – named for the Australian poet – in the Floriade gardens and tag @nationaldinosaurmuseum in your photos on Instagram to go into the draw to win a private Dinosaur Garden Tour for up to six people.”

Carole says every Wednesday during the festival from 12pm to 2pm they’ll be running activities, and a fossil touch and talk, in the Floriade Sprouts children’s area.

“Come by, say hi to our team, and ask them all of your burning prehistoric questions,” she says.

“We can’t wait to see you at the National Dinosaur Museum during the school holidays: we’re open from 10am to 5pm every day, with final entry at 4pm.”

National Dinosaur Museum, 6 Gold Creek Road, Nicholls. Call 6230 2655, or visit nationaldinosaurmuseum.com.au

A day of inflatable fun for everyone

TUFF Nutterz was started in 2019, with the idea to create an environment where families can have fun and come together, says general manager Juan Gomez.

“It’s a day filled with excitement for children, their parents and even grandparents,” he says.

“We are holding an event in Canberra every day from 9am to 4.45pm between September 23 and October 8, at Parkes Place Lawns.

“The event features Australia’s biggest inflatable obstacle course – 300 metres long – and two other inflatable games, which are sure to provide an exhilarating experience.”

Juan says Tuff Nutterz puts itself out there, and often rents fields or parks to sell tickets.

“We are very happy and lucky to be able to provide such an enjoyable family event,” he says.

“Tickets start at $25, with session times at 9am, 11am, 1pm and 3pm, and group discounts are available.

“We will have coffee, ice cream and yummy food available at our events, and you may bring your own food and drinks, too. Socks with grip soles are highly recommended.

“What I love about Tuff Nutterz is it’s a whole day out for the families, and away from screens, so everyone is able to share their experience together.”

Tuff Nutterz, King Edward Terrace and Parkes Place Lawns. Visit tuffnutterz.com

Vibrant classes for young artists

FOR young artists between five and 13-years-old, the Lavender Art Studios September/October school holiday art workshops are now open for bookings, says owner Elita Mackay.

“We will reintroduce the popular illuminated art workshops and also offer the new posca pen, acrylic painting, printmaking, mixed media, watercolour and sculpting,” she says.

In the first week, the focus theme is fantasy and wizardry.

“The art workshops will be filled with the magical fantasy of wizardry, and other fantasy inspired art,” says Elita.

“Through the creation of art, the young budding artists, in their own way,  will bring to life the characters and scenes of famous epic fantasy stories.”

And, she says, includes the magic of live harp music!

In week two, the focus theme changes to fantasy and medieval.

“In these workshops, the young artists will explore castles, village life, colourful history, costume, valour, myths and legends of medieval art; periods and styles,” says Elita.

“Through our fine art instruction and fully resourced professional art studio, the young artists will enjoy creating pieces that represent their own interpretation of medieval fantasy art.

“Book now to secure a place for your child in the very popular, carefully designed and excellently delivered creative art workshops.”

Lavender Art Studios, 42 Townshend Street, Phillip. Call 0412 649770, or visit lavenderartstudios.com.au/school-holiday-program

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