KIDS
Towers of Tomorrow
Calling all aspiring architects and emerging engineers - the Towers of Tomorrow exhibition features Lego versions of big and beautiful buildings. Constructed by Ryan McNaught, one of 12 Lego-certified professionals across the globe, Towers of Tomorrow includes some of the most famous buildings across Asia and Australia, including the Shanghai Tower and Singapore's Marina Bay Sands. Several of the intricate constructions stand at a towering three metres high. Lego devotees don't just have to look, either - kids can get creative with more than 200,000 Lego bricks available to construct their own fantastic buildings, which are then put on display as part of the exhibition. Until April 19, 9.30am-5pm, Sydney Living Museums, corner Phillip and Bridge streets, Sydney, tickets sold only as timed sessions: adult $15, child $15, family $45, children two and under free, 9251 5988, sydneylivingmuseums.com.au.
Walking with dinosaurs
Travel back to prehistoric times at the Taronga Zoo Dinosaur Trail, where long-dead giants have returned to walk the earth in animatronic form. Visitors can pick up a free trail map and witness 16 life-sized dinosaurs, including the stegosaurus, tyrannosaurus Rex, Australian Muttaburrasaurus and many more. The Dinosaurs in the Wild exhibition not only brings these creatures back to life, but also focuses on issues such as extinction and adaption in a modern-day context, referring to the stories of the southern cassowary, the Tasmanian Devil and the Asian elephant. Visitors can turn their dinosaur experience into an interactive one, too, with a free app available for download. As you trek down the trail, use the app to scan markers that make the dinosaurs come alive. Kids will love the Dino Keeper talks, run at 11am and 2pm each day, where they can learn more about the time dinosaurs roamed the earth and the importance of preserving today's endangered wildlife. The Dinosaur Lawns feature a T-Rex and stegosaurus robot, along with a fossil pit dig where kids can release their inner palaeontologist. Catch the ferry to Taronga Zoo from Circular Quay or the 247 bus from Wynyard or QVB. Open daily until February 1, 9.30am-5pm (close 4.30pm on New Year's Eve), Taronga Zoo, Bradley Head Road, Mosman, day entry prices for adult $46, child $23, concession $32.50, family $124.20, 9969 2777, taronga.org.au/dinosaurs.
Voyage to the Deep
Travel under the sea with the National Maritime Museum this summer as the Voyage to the Deep exhibition brings to life the 1870 Jules Verne classic, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. Children are invited to explore the exciting new exhibition, where they can learn about the adventures of the mysterious Captain Nemo and his submarine, the Nautilus. Voyage to the Deep features a giant version of the submarine, which children can thoroughly explore by taking the helm, peering though periscopes, scoping out the living quarters and checking out some deep sea marine life. Kids can also don a dive suit and get lost in the kelp forest, re-discover the lost city of Atlantis, and venture into the octopus' garden - just beware of the giant squid! There's plenty to do and plenty to learn, with information on display about our oceans today, marine wildlife and conservation issues. Kids will stay engaged with various activities, including craft and dress-up sessions, net weaving workshops and special tours for the little ones. Open daily until April 27, closed Christmas Day, 9.30am-5pm in December, 9.30am-6pm in January, Australian National Maritime Museum, 2 Murray Street, Darling Harbour, buy a 'Big Ticket' for entry, adult $27, child/concession $16, family $70, 9298 3777, anmm.gov.au.
SYDNEY
Shakespeare in the Park
The Sport for Jove theatre company is bringing back its wildly successful Shakespeare in the Park series for a sixth season. This year, they're performing two world-famous works - Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream and The Crucible by Arthur Miller. Miller's chilling portrayal of the ordinary evils that lie within mass hysteria will be performed in a perfect setting: the 200-year old Bella Vista Farm. Sport for Jove is also developing a brand new production of Shakespeare's famous A Midsummer Night's Dream, where audiences can see a fresh take on his tale of dreams, selfishness and love. And if you miss the Sydney shows, don't despair - the shows move on to Leura in January, with details on their website. Various dates and times until December 30, Bella Vista Farm, 2 Elizabeth Macarthur Drive, Bella Vista, adult $32-$35, concession $27-$30, family $88, buy tickets for one play and add the second for adult $11, child $6, 9439 5683, sportforjove.com.au.
Christmas at Town Hall
Become entranced by Christmas light projections at Sydney Town Hall if you find yourself in the city after sunset. Vivid colours and designs will splash over the building, turning the facade into a kaleidoscopic explosion of colour. You can see more projections at the King Street entrance to Pitt Street Mall. When you have had your fill of the Town Hall lights, head across the road to the Queen Victoria Building to feast your eyes on the Swarovski Christmas Tree. At 24 metres tall and covered in almost 150,000 crystals and 60,000 lights, the stunning tree will be hard to miss. You can also find Santa Claus under the sparkling tree, ready to hear wishes from all the kids and smile for the camera on Christmas Eve. Until December 25, daily 8.30pm-1am, Sydney Town Hall, 483 George Street, Sydney, free, sydneychristmas.com.au.
Pop to Popism
Warhol devotees should flood to the Art Gallery of New South Wales this summer for Pop to Popism, an exhibition of more than 200 works featuring some of pop's greatest artists. The exhibition will feature works spanning from the mid 1950s to the 1980s by more than 70 artists, serving as an exploration of the legacy left by this influential style. Dubbed one of the "most ambitious" exhibitions the Art Gallery of NSW has shown, Pop to Popism will see Australian artists on display alongside their international counterparts from America, Britain and Europe. Featured artists include Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, David Hockney, Cindy Sherman, Brett Whiteley and more. The works on display are on loan from some of the most famous institutions across the globe, including the Tate in London and the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Catch the 441 bus to arrive right outside, or walk from Martin Place or St James stations. Open daily until March 1, 10am-5pm, open late certain days in January, closed Christmas Day, Art Gallery of NSW, Art Gallery Road, Sydney, adult $20, concession $16, member $14, child $10, free for children under five, 9225 1744, artgallery.nsw.gov.au.
Christmas Eve at The Scots Church
If you are keen for carols on Christmas Eve, head to The Scots Church to hear - and sing - joyful renditions of the music of Christmas. At The Scots Church, visitors can enjoy a combination of contemporary and organ carols, along with classic Christmas Bible readings and tales. Kids can rock on up at 2pm for a children's carol service, with a carols and readings service later at 4pm. At 6pm, visitors can hear the Nine Lessons, a service consisting of nine readings that tell the story of the birth of Jesus Christ, interspersed with singing and music. The church is also hosting a Christmas Day service at 10.30am. December 24, services start at 2pm, The Scots Church, 44 Margaret Street, Sydney, free, 9299 7490, thescotschurch.com.au.
Chill out at the Tom Keneally Centre
Craving a break from the hustle and bustle of the festive season? Try taking some time out for yourself, and head to the Tom Keneally Centre, a quiet haven nestled in the heart of the CBD. The centre was opened in August 2011, and holds the research collection of author Thomas Keneally, one of Australia's most eminent writers and a previous winner of the Booker Prize and the Miles Franklin Award. A perfect place to read, research, write or simply enjoy the peaceful setting. Catch a train to either Town Hall or Museum and walk, or any bus travelling along George Street. Open every Tuesday and Thursday, 10.30am-2.30pm, Tom Keneally Centre, Sydney Mechanics' School of Arts, 280 Pitt Street, Sydney, free, 9262 7300, smsa.org.au.
OUT OF TOWN
World of Cricket - Canberra
The unique World of Cricket exhibition connects cricketing history to the contemporary game. Held concurrently with the ICC Cricket World Cup in Canberra, the exhibition aims to bridge the gap between legend Donald Bradman and the game as it now stands. Featuring exhibits from the Bradman Museum alongside equipment from modern teams playing in the ICC World Cup, this exhibition is a perfect way to jump into the cricketing spirit. Take along your budding Pontings, Warnes, Clarkes, and Gilchrists for maximum inspiration as they wield bats and balls this summer. Christmas Eve is the last chance to see the exhibition before it closes for two weeks over Christmas and New Year's Eve. Until March 15, Mon-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat-Sun 12pm-4pm, (closed December 25 - January 11), Canberra Museum and Gallery, corner London Circuit and Civic Square, Canberra, free, 6207 3968, museumsandgalleries.act.gov.au.
Carols at The Entrance - Central Coast
Christmas Eve means one thing on the Central Coast: it's time for Carols by Candlelight at The Entrance. Families and friends can gather for this kid-friendly event on The Entrance foreshore for a relaxing night of carols, amusement park rides and market stalls. JB Dance will kick off the celebrations with a boogie for kids at 6pm, while Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer will make a guest appearance on stage and greet the kids before heading back off to the North Pole. The Tuggerah Lakes Show Band will be on hand to provide the music, along with special guests Lambeth Bennett and Leanne Peters. There's even a crazy rumour going around that Santa himself will enter the premises at approximately 8.45pm, accompanied by Mrs Claus. Song booklets will be available for purchase on the night, and a fireworks display will commence at 9pm. Christmas Eve, 6pm, Marine Parade, The Entrance, free, 4333 5377, theentrance.org.
Christmas Lights Spectacular - Hunter Valley
For a truly epic Christmas light display, head to the Hunter Valley Gardens. This year, the enormous Christmas extravaganza boasts a mind-blowing 1.5 million lights. Wander through the gardens once the sun has gone down and drink in the huge variety of displays, featuring Santa, sleighs, toadstool mushrooms, reindeer and all the scenes from the 12 Days of Christmas emblazoned across a towering hedge. The fun doesn't stop at lights, either - Santa will be present and available for photos, and a range of entertainment and food is also on offer. Roaming performers will entertain the crowds, and the Little Scallywagz children's music group will keep the tiny tots bopping every night at 7pm and 8pm. With a jumping castle and other amusement park rides in store, it's sure to be the best night of the year for the kids. Until January 26, (closed Christmas Day), area open from 6.30pm-10pm with lights starting at 7.30pm, adult $25, child $20, family $60, children three and under free, 4998 4000, huntervalleygardens.com.au.
