SPRING SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAM 2022

Spring has sprung! Entertain the kids these school holidays at the Cairns Museum!

Book early for our Diamond-inspired artworks workshop inspired by our temporary exhibition, 1×4: One Object / Four Stories, or build your own paper museum in our Craft your own museum workshop.

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WINTER SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAM 2022

Cairns Museum Winter School Holiday Program 2022-Cairns on a Canvas

Needing plans for these winter school holidays? Bring the kids down to the Cairns Museum!

Book early for our Cairns on a Canvas workshop inspired by our temporary exhibition, Sihot’e Nioge; When Skirts Become Artworks, or celebrate NAIDOC Week with our cultural workshop – Get up! Stand up! Show up!

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SUMMER SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAM 2021

three kids listening to and enjoying the audio tour while at the Changing Cairns gallery

Week one and two

14, 15, 16, 21 December

Merry and bright Christmas workshop

10:30 – 11:30am

5-12 years

Make your own colourful decorations with a fun FNQ twist! Christmas in the tropics is always merry and bright.

$10 members | $15 non-members

Booking essential – book here

Week three

28, 29, 30 December

DIY time capsules

10:30 – 11:30am

5-12 years

As 2021 draws to an end, get crafty and creative making your own time capsule full of memories to look back on in years to come.

$10 members | $15 non-members

Booking essential – book here

Week four

4, 5, 6 January

Cool cameras and amazing animation

10:30 – 11:30am

5-12 years

Wow your friends by making your own pinhole camera and fun animation devices! Inspired by our fascinating collection of cameras.

$10 members | $15 non-members

Booking essential – book here

Week five

11, 12, 13 January

Torres Strait Islander cultural workshop

10:30 – 11:30am

5-12 years

Led by cultural facilitators, this wonderful hands-on workshop includes activities based around language, instruments, songs, weaving and more.

$10 members | $15 non-members

Booking essential – book here

Week six

18, 19, 20 January

FNQ science

10:30 – 11:30am

5-12 years

Make your own ‘rainforest in a bottle’ then continue the fun by investigating other amazing science experiments inspired by our tropical region.

$10 members | $15 non-members

Booking essential – book here

Every Friday and Saturday

Family friendly guided tours

10:30-11:30am 

Recommended 5 years+

An interactive, informative and FUN way to explore the Cairns Museum!

Free with entry

Bookings essential – book here

Daily (Mon - Sat, 13 Dec - 22 Jan)

Colouring in competition

10am-4pm 

Suitable for all ages!

Could you be the lucky winner? Collect your sheet from Museum Reception then head to our kids table on the verandah to create your masterpiece. Winners will receive a Cairns Museum Prize Pack (entry box at reception, Dec & Jan prizes drawn 4/1/22 & 24/1/22).

Free with entry

No bookings required

Museum activity trails

10am-4pm 

Suitable for all ages!

Ask Reception about our selection of family friendly activity trails. Choose your adventure, grab a clipboard and get exploring!

Free with entry

No bookings required

two boys looking at rocks and gems through a magnifying glass as part of a permanent display

Kids audio self-guided tour

10am-4pm 

Recommended 9 years+

Who’s up for an adventure? Join Pip, Caden and Jessie as they bring the Museum to life! BYO device and earphones and get ready for lots of fun and laughs along the way.

Free with entry

No bookings required

three kids listening to and enjoying the audio tour while at the Changing Cairns gallery

COVID SAFE MEASURES ARE IN PLACE FOR ALL ACTIVITIES.


*For workshops hosted by Cairns Museum, members and annual pass holders will have a small charge of $10 per child to cover the cost of materials.

Adult assistance is recommended in workshops for children under 7 years.

We thank you for your understanding of our efforts to curate a dynamic, engaging and educational school holiday program.

 
Museum admission times

Monday to Saturday 10am-4pm


Admission prices

Adult: $15
Child (under 14): $6
Family (2 adults + 2 kids): $30
Concession: $12
Members: FREE*

WINTER SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAM 2021

Download Our Program

WEEK ONE

JUNE 28th - JULY 2nd (Mon-Fri)

TROPICAL PRINT MAKING WORKSHOP

Time: 10:30am – 11:30am

Target Age: 5-12 years *

Description: Make your own tropical masterpiece! Inspired by our new exhibition ‘Reef Productions: migrants, makers and merchandise’, this fun workshop for 5-12 year-olds will involve hands-on creation in a range of simple print making technique.

Run by: Cairns Museum

Cost: Non-Members = Free with entry; Members = $5 ‘Materials cost’

Booking required: YES – Click here to book

WEEK TWO

JULY 5th - 9th (Mon - Fri)

TOTE-ALLY AWESOME SCREEN PRINTING WORKSHOP

Time: 10:00am – 11:00am

Target Age: 5 – 12 years *

Description: Join local screen printer, Marnie Awram, to design a Cairns inspired image which will then be screen printed onto your own tote bag to take home and use. This fun workshop is for 5-12 year-olds.

Run by: Cairns Museum

Cost: Non-Members = $20 charge per child +$5 for parents in a supervisory role (1 x $5 adult entry per child); Members = $15 per child

Booking required: YES – Click here to book

DAILY: JUNE 28th - JULY 10th

(EXCLUDING SUNDAYS)

SUPER SENSATIONAL SCAVENGER HUNT

Time: 10am – 4pm, self guided; Museum Guides will offer help.

Target Age: All ages

Description: The challenge is on! How many Museum objects on our list can you find? Grab your clipboard and activity sheet from Museum Reception to get started.

Run by: Cairns Museum

Cost: Free with entry

Booking required: No

KIDS AUDIO TOUR

Time: all day,  self guided – Museum Guides & Reception will show you starting points and how to download

Target Age: 9+ years

Description: Who’s up for an adventure?  Join Pip, Caden and Jessie as they bring the Museum to life with our audio tour just for kids! BYO device and earphones and get ready for lots of fun and laughs along the way.

Run by: Cairns Museum

Cost: Free with entry

Booking required: No – BYO headphones & device for download

NAIDOC WEEK ACTIVITY PACK

Time: 10am – 4pm; self guided

Target Age:  All ages

Description: Join us in celebrating NAIDOC Week at the Museum by learning about the culture, history and stories of our local First Nations Peoples. Activity packs can be collected from Museum Reception or check out the display on our verandah to learn more.

Run by: Cairns Museum

Cost: Free with entry

Booking required: No

COLOURING IN COMPETITION

Time: 10am – 4pm; entry box at reception.

Target Age: all ages

Description: Could you be the lucky winner? Colouring in sheets and materials can be collected and returned to Museum Reception. Winners will receive a Cairns Museum Prize Pack (drawn 12/7/21).  

Cost: Free with entry

Booking required: No

SOCIAL DISTANCING MEASURES ARE IN PLACE FOR ALL ACTIVITIES.

* Children 7yrs & younger must have parent stay and help child if needed

 
MUSEUM ADMISSION TIMES:

Monday to Saturday 10-4pm

 
ADMISSION PRICES:

Adult: $15
Child (under 14): $6
Family (2 parents or grandparents + 2 kids): $30
Concession: $12
Members: FREE

Share the Winter School Holiday Program 2021

EASTER SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAM 2021

 

** ALL BOOKABLE ACTIVITIES ARE INCLUDED IN THE CAIRNS MUSEUM ENTRY FEE FOR NON-MEMBERS. FOR EXISTING MEMBERS AND ANNUAL PASS HOLDERS , THERE IS A SMALL CHARGE OF $5 PER CHILD PER WORKSHOP TO COVER THE COST OF MATERIALS. WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING. 

WEEK ONE

APRIL 5TH - 9TH (MONDAY TO FRIDAY)

CHINESE DRAGON WORKSHOP

Time: 10:00am – 10:45am

Target Age: 5-12 yrs *

Description: Celebrate our current temporary exhibition by making your own Chinese Dragon masks and puppets to take home.

Run by: Cairns Museum

Cost: Free with entry **

Booking required: YES – Click here to book

WEDNESDAY APRIL 7TH

GUIDED TOURS FOR KIDS

Time: 10:00am – 11:00am, 11:30am – 12:30pm, 2:00pm – 3:00pm

Target Age: all ages

Description: An interactive, informative & FUN  way to explore the Museum!

Run by: Cairns Museum

Cost: Free with entry

Booking required: YES – Click here to book

SATURDAY APRIL 10TH

CHINESE INSPIRED ART WORKSHOP – 8 YEARS +

Time: 10:00am – 11:00am  

Target Age: 8+ yrs

Description: Spend the morning creating your own Chinese inspired artwork to take home and proudly display.  For children 8 years and older

Run by: Cairns Museum

Cost: Free with entry **

Booking required: YES – Click here to book 

WEEK TWO

APRIL 12TH - 16TH (MONDAY TO FRIDAY)

DRUM AND LANTERN WORKSHOP

Time: 10:00am – 10:45am 

Target Age: 5-12 yrs *

Description: Make your own Bolang Gu (Chinese rattle drum) and paper lanterns to celebrate our temporary exhibition, ‘Lions and Dragons: The sights and sounds of Chinese New Year’.

Run by: Cairns Museum

Cost: Free with entry **

Booking required: YES – Click here to book 

WEDNESDAY APRIL 14TH

GUIDED TOURS FOR KIDS

Time: 10:00am – 11:00am, 11:30am – 12:30pm, 2:00pm – 3:00pm

Target Age: all ages

Description: An interactive, informative & FUN  way to explore the Museum!

Run by: Cairns Museum

Cost: Free with entry

Booking required: YES – Click here to book

SATURDAY APRIL 17TH

CHINESE INSPIRED ART WORKSHOP – 8 YEARS +

Time: 10:00am – 11:00am  

Target Age: 8+ yrs

Description: Spend the morning creating your own Chinese inspired artwork to take home and proudly display.  For children 8 years and older

Run by: Cairns Museum

Cost: Free with entry **

Booking required: YES – Click here to book 

DAILY APRIL 5TH - 17TH (EXCLUDING SUNDAYS)

CHINESE LION SCAVENGER HUNT

Time: all day 

Target Age: All visitors (encouraged for kids & families)

Description: Help! Six Chinese Lions have escaped from our Temporary Exhibition and are hiding throughout the Museum!  Can you find them and complete our fun fact sheet? 

Run by: Cairns Museum

Cost: Free with entry

Booking required:  No

KIDS AUDIO TOUR

Time: all day,  self guided – Museum Guides & Reception will show you starting points and how to download

Target Age: 9+ years

Description: Who’s up for an adventure?  Join Pip, Caden and Jessie as they bring the Museum to life with our audio tour just for kids! BYO device and earphones and get ready for lots of fun and laughs along the way.

Run by: Cairns Museum

Cost: Free with entry

Booking required: No – BYO headphones & device for download

kids doing an audio tour at the museum

SOCIAL DISTANCING MEASURES ARE IN PLACE FOR ALL ACTIVITIES.

 

* Children 7yrs & younger must have parent stay and help child if needed

** ** All bookable activities are included in the Cairns Museum entry fee for non-members. For existing members and annual pass holders , there is a small charge of $5 per child per workshop to cover the cost of materials. We thank you for your understanding.

 
MUSEUM ADMISSION TIMES:

Monday to Saturday 10-4pm

 
ADMISSION PRICES:

Adult: $15
Child (under 14): $6
Family (2 parents or grandparents + 2 kids): $30
Concession: $12
Members: FREE

Share the Easter School Holiday Program 2021

SUMMER SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAM 2020

family watching a projection at the cairns museum

 

** ALL BOOKABLE ACTIVITIES ARE INCLUDED IN THE CAIRNS MUSEUM ENTRY FEE FOR NON-MEMBERS. FOR EXISTING MEMBERS AND ANNUAL PASS HOLDERS , THERE IS A SMALL CHARGE OF $5 PER CHILD PER WORKSHOP TO COVER THE COST OF MATERIALS. WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING. 

WEEK ONE & TWO

DECEMBER 14TH - 24TH (EXCLUDING SUNDAY)

CHRISTMAS IN THE TROPICS

Time: 10:00am – 11:00am,  12:00pm – 1:00pm (2nd session only if morning session is fully booked)

Target Age: 5-12 years *

Description: Who needs snow when we get to celebrate Christmas in the tropics! Get crafty and make your very own selection of tropical Christmas decorations to take home and enjoy.

Run by: Cairns Museum

Cost: Free with entry **

Booking required: YES – Click here to book

WEEK THREE

DECEMBER 28TH - JANUARY 2ND (EXCLUDING NEW YEARS DAY)

SUMMER, SLIME AND SAND DOUGH

Time: 10:00am – 11:00am, 12:00pm – 1:00pm (2nd session only if morning session is fully booked)

Target Age: 5 – 12 years *

Description:Celebrate all things about our tropical Cairns Summer by making your very own batch of ‘summer slime’ and ‘sand dough’ to play with and take home. Time to get messy!

Run by: Cairns Museum

Cost: Free with entry **

Booking required: YES – Click here to book

WEEK FOUR

JANUARY 4TH - 9TH (MONDAY - SATURDAY)

TINKERING WITH TRANSPORTATION

Time: 10:00am – 11:00am, 12:00pm – 1:00pm (2nd session only if morning session is fully booked) 

Target Age: 5 – 12 years *

Description: Come and learn how methods of transport have evolved over time, then it’s time to get busy tinkering and make your very own transport models. Will your creations pass our fun design challenges?

Run by: Cairns Museum

Cost: Free with entry **

Booking required: YES – Click here to book 

WEEK FIVE

JANUARY 11TH - 16TH (MONDAY - SATURDAY)

TROPICAL MOSAICS

Time: 10:00am – 11:00am, 12:00pm – 1:00pm (2nd session only if morning session is fully booked) 

Target Age: 5 – 12 years *

Description: There’s so much to love about living in the tropics!  Join us to create your very own tropical mosaic masterpieces to celebrate what makes Cairns so special.

Run by: Cairns Museum

Cost: Free with entry **

Booking required: YES – Click here to book

WEEK SIX

JANUARY 18TH - 23RD (MONDAY - SATURDAY)

MORSE CODE MADNESS

Time: 10:00am – 11:00am, 12:00pm – 1:00pm (2nd session only if morning session is fully booked) 

Target Age: 5 – 12 years *

Description: Learn about the history of Morse Code and then get to work making your own Morse Code device.  Write and decode secret messages and finish off by creating personalised Morse Code accessories to take home and share with family and friends.

Run by: Cairns Museum

Cost: Free with entry **

Booking required: YES – Click here to book

EVERY WEEK

DAILY (EXCLUDING SUNDAYS)

KIDS AUDIO TOUR

Time: all day,  self guided – Museum Guides & Reception will show you starting points and how to download

Target Age: 9+ years

Description: Who’s up for an adventure?  Join Pip, Caden and Jessie as they bring the Museum to life with our audio tour just for kids! BYO device and earphones and get ready for lots of fun and laughs along the way.

Run by: Cairns Museum

Cost: Free with entry

Booking required: No – BYO headphones & device for download

MUSEUM SUPER SLEUTH CHALLENGE

Time: all day, self guided – Museum Guides will offer help 

Target Age:  7+ years & families

Description: Can you solve the riddle clues and find the 8 secret code pieces hidden around the Museum?  Unlock the secret message to win the Super Sleuth Challenge.  Grab your FREE copy of our Super Sleuth Booklet at Reception to begin!

Run by: Cairns Museum

Cost: Free with entry

Booking required: No

MUSEUM PHOTOGRAPHY SCAVENGER HUNT

Time: all day, self guided – Museum Guides will offer help

Target Age: All visitors (encouraged for kids & families)

Description: Get snapping! Follow the scavenger hunt clues and get creative capturing images from all around the Museum.  Ask a grown-up to upload your favourite pictures to their Facebook or Instagram account (with their permission of course), tag us and use the hashtag #cairnsmuseumphotochallenge. Keep an eye on our social media pages to see if your images are featured.  Pick up your FREE activity sheet at the Reception desk on entry.  

Run by: Cairns Museum

Cost: Free with entry

Booking required: No

COLOURING IN COMPETITION – ‘TROPICAL CHRISTMAS & ‘SUMMER IN FNQ’

Time: all day – Reception will show you starting points.

Target Age: all ages

Description: Show how colourful life is in the tropics by entering our ‘Summer in FNQ’ colouring in competition.  Colouring in sheets and materials can be collected from and retuned to Museum Reception.  Winners drawn and announced every 2 weeks.  Winners will receive a Cairns Museum Prize Pack.  Could you be the lucky winner?  

Cost: Free with entry

Booking required: No

EVERY WEDNESDAY

GUIDED TOURS FOR KIDS

Time: 10:00am – 11:00am, 11:30am – 12:30pm, 2:15pm – 3:15pm

Target Age: all ages

Description: An interactive, informative & FUN  way to explore the Museum!

Run by: Cairns Museum

Cost: Free with entry

Booking required: YES – Click here to book

SOCIAL DISTANCING MEASURES ARE IN PLACE FOR ALL ACTIVITIES.

 

* Children 7yrs & younger must have parent stay and help child if needed

** ** All bookable activities are included in the Cairns Museum entry fee for non-members. For existing members and annual pass holders , there is a small charge of $5 per child per workshop to cover the cost of materials. We thank you for your understanding.

 
MUSEUM ADMISSION TIMES:

Monday to Saturday 10-4pm

 
ADMISSION PRICES:

Adult: $15
Child (under 14): $6
Family (2 parents or grandparents + 2 kids): $30
Concession: $12
Members: FREE

Share the Easter School Holiday Program 2021

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAM 2020

WEEK ONE

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 21ST + TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 22ND

SEA-RIFFIC SCIENCE WORKSHOP

Time: 10:00am – 11:30am

Target Age: 5-12 yrs

Description: Put your lab coats on, tour our Surf Life Saving Exhibition and have fun making some SEA-RIFFIC ocean themed experiments with the Cairns Children’s Museum.  Lots of fun to be had!

Run by: Cairns Museum

Cost: Free with entry

Booking required: YES –Book Now

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 23RD

GUIDED KIDS TOURS

Time: 10:00am – 11:00am, 11:30am – 12:30pm, 2:15pm – 3:15pm

Target Age: 5-12 yrs

Description: An interactive, informative & FUN  way to explore the Museum!

Run by: Cairns Museum

Cost: Free with entry

Booking required: YES – Book Now

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 23RD + THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 24TH

LET’S GO LIFE SAVING! JUNIOR SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAM

Time: 10:00am – 11:30am 

Target Age: 5-12 yrs

Description: Fancy being a Junior Life Saver for the morning? Come along and learn what it takes to be a pro.

Get crafty making your very own ‘Ocean in Bottle’ and see how you go in the Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek Challenge.  Run in partnership with NQ Surf Life Saving.

Run by: Cairns Museum

Cost: Free with entry

Booking required: YES – Book Now

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 25TH

SURF SLIME AND SAND DOUGH WORKSHOP

Time: 10:00am – 11:30am 

Target Age: 5-12 yrs

Description: Check out our Surf Life Saving Exhibition and then get busy making your very own surf slime and sand dough to take home.  Let’s get messy!

Run by: Cairns Museum

Cost: Free with entry

Booking required: YES –  Book Now

WEEK TWO

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 28TH + TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 29TH

SEA-RIFFIC SCIENCE WORKSHOP

Time: 10:00am – 11:30am

Target Age: 5-12 yrs

Description: Put your lab coats on, tour our Surf Life Saving Exhibition and have fun making some SEA-RIFFIC ocean themed experiments with the Cairns Children’s Museum.  Lots of fun to be had!

Run by: Cairns Museum

Cost: Free with entry

Booking required: YES – Book Now

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 30TH

GUIDED TOURS FOR KIDS

Time: 10:00am – 11:00am, 11:30am – 12:30pm, 2:15pm – 3:15pm

Target Age: all ages

Description: An interactive, informative & FUN  way to explore the Museum!

Run by: Cairns Museum

Cost: Free with entry

Booking required: YES – Book Now

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 30TH + THURSDAY OCTOBER 1ST

LET’S GO LIFE SAVING! JUNIOR SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAM

Time: 10:00am – 11:30am 

Target Age: 5-12 yrs

Description: Fancy being a Junior Life Saver for the morning?

Come along and learn what it takes to be a pro.

Get crafty making your very own ‘Ocean in Bottle’ and see how you go in the Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek Challenge. Run in partnership with NQ Surf Life Saving.

Run by: Cairns Museum

Cost: Free with entry

Booking required: YES – Book Now

FRIDAY OCTOBER 2ND

SURF SLIME AND SAND DOUGH WORKSHOP

Time: 10:00am – 11:30am 

Target Age: 5-12 yrs

Description: Check out our Surf Life Saving Exhibition and then get busy making your very own surf slime and sand dough to take home.  Let’s get messy!

Run by: Cairns Museum

Cost: Free with entry

Booking required: YES –  Book Now

DAILY (MONDAY TO SATURDAY) SEPTEMBER 21ST - OCTOBER 3RD

MUSEUM SUPER SLEUTH CHALLENGE

Time: all day  

Target Age: kids all ages & families

Description: Put your thinking cap on to solve riddle clues and find the 8 secret code pieces hidden in the Museum. Will you be able to unlock our secret message? Grab your FREE copy of our Super Sleuth Booklet at the Reception desk to begin the fun!

Cost: Free with entry

Booking required: No

MUSEUM PHOTOGRAPHY SCAVENGER HUNT

Time: all day  

Target Age: all visitors

Description: Get snapping! Follow the scavenger hunt clues and get creative capturing images from all around the Museum.

Ask a grown-up to upload your favourite pictures to their Facebook or Instagram account (with their permission of course), tag us and use the hashtag #cairnsmuseumphotochallenge.

Keep an eye on our social media pages to see if your images are featured. Pick up your FREE activity sheet at the Reception desk on entry.  

Cost: Free with entry

Booking required: No

SOCIAL DISTANCING MEASURES ARE IN PLACE FOR ALL ACTIVITIES.

* Children 7yrs & younger must have parent stay and help child if needed.

 
MUSEUM ADMISSION TIMES:

Monday to Saturday 10-4pm

 
ADMISSION PRICES:

Adult: $15
Child (under 14): $6
Family (2 parents or grandparents + 2 kids): $30
Concession: $12
Members: FREE

Share the Easter School Holiday Program 2021