School Holiday fun at the Australian Museum What’s On for Curious Kids this Winter

Sydney, 5 July, 2024: The Australian Museum (AM) has the winter school holidays sorted with a dynamic and fun program of free events and exhibitions, alongside workshops, activities and art installations. Marvel at award-winning wildlife photography, have a behind-the-scenes science experience or create shellwork art – there is something for everyone during the July school holidays.

Australian Museum Director and CEO, Kim McKay AO said that with free entry, new exhibitions and curated programs for kids, the AM is the place to be in the school holidays.

"The July school holidays is the perfect time to get out of the cold and into some serious time travel as you take a wander through our galleries filled with dinosaurs, fossils, wildlife and so much more. We want everyone to discover something new on each visit to the Australian Museum," McKay said.

Special highlights include NAIDOC Week celebrations featuring a free drop-in program that celebrates and honours the ‘Grandmother Tree’ (the Sydney Red Gum). The recently opened Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year exhibition is also free to visit and features more than 90 photographs of the natural world that are guaranteed to capture kids’ imaginations.

The AM’s crowd-favourites, such as Wild Planet, Dinosaurs, Minerals Gallery, the Pasifika Gallery Wansolmoana, 200 Treasures in the Westpac Long Gallery and Burra Play Space, are also open and free during the holidays.

"This winter, by offering easy, hands on and adaptable programs and exhibitions, the Australian Museum believes younger audiences will learn the importance of developing a sense of wonder and being curious about what can be found in nature," McKay said.

Plenty of food offerings are also available at the AM, including sit down serenity at Bistro Gadi, which offers a fresh seasonal menu, plus 180-degree views of Hyde Park, St Mary's Cathedral and Woolloomooloo Bay.

Sit and Sketch Dinosaurs Workshop (members)

Artist and educator, Celia Curtis shows children how to sketch their own roaring dinosaur masterpiece.

• Free for AM members. Sun 30 June: 10.30am, 11.30am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm.

Honouring Our Grandmother Tree

Listen to stories and help craft a community installation during free, family-friendly drop-in art sessions led by Guringai Yuin artist Amanda Jane Reynolds.

• Free entry, Hintze Hall, Tues 11 July – Thurs 13 July, 2024. 10.30am – 12.30pm & 1.30pm – 3pm. Special blessing through sacred possum drumming at 12noon

Garrigarrang, First Nations Gallery

Learn the stories of Saltwater communities from the creation stories and whale ceremonies of south coast NSW, to the marine saving artistic practices of the Torres Strait Islands. Explore how First Nations peoples have cared for Sea Country and how you can join the fight for our ocean health.

• Free entry, Ground floor.

Wansolmoana Gallery

Join in the fun in the AM’s Pasifika Gallery when award winning performers, Tavake, revive traditional dances and music from Tonga. Stay and enjoy the stunning artefacts on display, free, open every day.

• Free entry, Wansolmoana, Sat 6th July: 11:00 am – 11:25 am, 1:00 pm – 1:25 pm, 3:00 pm – 3:25 pm.

Burra, First Nations Learning Centre

Free guides lead gentle learning activities inspired by First Nations knowledge of our land and fauna.

• Free entry, Level 2.

Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year

Explore the stunning exhibition of more than 90 photographs that shine a light on the astonishing array of flora, fauna and landscapes found across Australia, New Zealand, Antarctica and New Guinea.

• Free entry. Ground floor, Hintze Hall, 22 June – 13 October 2024.

200 Treasures, Westpac Long Gallery

Meet the 100 treasured objects and 100 remarkable people who shaped the nation through contributions to history, science, nature and more including Cathy Freeman, Sir Donald Bradman and Professor Fred Hollows.

• Free entry, Ground floor

Wild Planet Gallery

Get up close to more than 400 animals from all around the world – an extraordinary mix of thriving, rare, endangered, native, exotic and extinct species.

Free entry, Ground floor

Minerals Gallery

Be dazzled by 1800 sparkling gemstones reflecting all the colours of the spectrum, and rare earth minerals and priceless gems from across the world. Featuring engaging fun interactives for children.

• Free entry, Level 1

Scientist for a Day – Climate Science

Get behind-the-scenes access and meet the AM’s scientists and learn about the important work they do to help protect our planet. This full-day experience will give budding scientists positive solutions and practical steps to help ensure a brighter future for the environment.

• Mon 8 July, Tues 9 July. Ages: 9-12 years, 9.30am – 3.30pm; $150 non-member child, $120 member

Scientist for a Day – Entomologist

Which insects are friends, and which are foes? Children are invited to study real insects to classify and determine what makes up an insect with entomologist and beetle expert, Dr Chris Reid. Participants will also go behind-the-scenes to see our special entomology collection.

• Tues 16 July, Wed 17 July Ages: 9-12 years, 9.30am – 3.30pm, $150 non- member child,
  $120 member-child

Shellwork Art with Aunty Maxine

Shellwork art remains an important practice for the traditional people of coastal Sydney. Learn about the history and cultural significance of this artform as you decorate your very own wooden boomerang with local shells. Join us for this creative workshop as we celebrate NAIDOC Week.

• Wed 10 July, Thurs 11 July 10.30am – 11.30am (5-8 yrs), 1pm – 2pm (9-12yrs and 13 – 16yrs). All materials will be provided. $45 Non-member child, $36 member child.

Digital Wildlife Photography Workshop (beginner)

Bring nature into focus in this in-depth workshop, led by award-winning nature Angela Robertson-Buchanan. Unlock the potential of your digital SLR camera and learn simple and creative techniques.

• 27 July 2024, 7 & 8 Sept 2024, 10.30am – 1.30pm Members $140, Non-members Adult: $175, Concession: $157.50

Digital Wildlife Photography Workshop (intermediate)

Take your digital camera skills up a notch with advanced shooting techniques and tricks applicable to studio and field photography. Put your new skills to work by photographing objects from the Australian Museum's collection.

• 27 July 2024 | 7 & 8 September 2024, 2.30pm – 5.30pm Members: $140, Non-members: Adult: $175, Concession: $157.50, 16+ years

For bookings and information visit: https://australian.museum/visit/whats-on/kids-at-the-museum/

About the Australian Museum

The Australian Museum (AM) was founded in 1827 and is the nation’s first museum. It is internationally recognised as a natural science and culture institution focused on Australia and the Pacific. The AM’s mission is to ignite wonder, inspire debate and drive change. The AM’s vision is to be a leading voice for the richness of life, the Earth and culture in Australia and the Pacific. The AM commits to transforming the conversation around climate change, the environment and wildlife conservation; to being a strong advocate for First Nations cultures; and to continuing to develop world-leading science, collections, exhibitions and education programs. With 22 million objects and specimens and the Australian Museum Research Institute (AMRI), the AM is not only a dynamic source of reliable scientific information on some of the most pressing environmental and social challenges facing our region, but also an important site of cultural exchange and learning.

Media Contacts

Australian Museum:

Claire Vince, Media Advisor
T 0468 726 910
E Claire.Vince@Australian.Museum