KEY POINTS:
It could be just the show to get the children out of their shells - Kelly Tarlton's today opens its Turtle-Topia display of rare sea turtles.
It is likely to be the last chance for spectators to see the large loggerhead turtle, which has undergone almost a year of rehabilitation since being washed up injured and malnourished on Baylys Beach near Dargaville, before its release.
The display runs until mid-November. Normal admission prices apply.
Here are some other school holiday suggestions:
Theatre and Stage
* The Dragon of an Ordinary Family, from the book by Margaret Mahy, The Pumphouse, Takapuna, Sep 29-Oct 11, 10.30am and 1pm, no shows Sundays. Ph (09) 489-8360.
* Pippi Longstocking, Howick Little Theatre, Sep 29-Oct 4, 10.30am and 1pm, and at Hawkins Theatre, Papakura, Oct 7-11, 10.30am and 1pm. Ph (09) 361-1000.
* I Love Cinderella, Western Springs Community Garden Hall, Western Springs, Oct 7-9, mid-morning and lunchtime, tickets $7.50, brothers and sisters under 2 free.
* The Hi-5 Circus Stageshow, Founders Theatre, Hamilton, Oct 8, 10am and 12.30pm, Oct 9, 10am. Ph 0800-484-2538. Also at Aotea Centre, Auckland, Oct 11, 12.30pm and 3pm, Oct 12, 10am and 12.30pm. Ph (09) 357-3355.
Creative and learning
* Sharing Secrets, hands-on secrets and scientist secrets, Auckland Museum, daily at 12.30pm.
* Lost Treasures of Rajah, a treasure hunt, Auckland Museum, daily at 11am and 1pm.
Also craft activities, story writing, design and reconstruction. All at the Auckland Museum, ph (09) 309-7048.
* Photograph framing, 5-10 year-olds, Sep 30-Oct 2, 10am-noon, Auckland City Art Gallery, ph (09) 307-7700.
* Clay modelling, 7-12 year-olds, Oct 7-9, 10am-noon, Auckland City Art Gallery.
* Heart of the Sun, footage from satellite and telescopes, Stardome Observatory, 29-Sep-Oct 3 and Oct 6-10, 10am-11.30am, noon to 1.30pm, 2-3.30pm, , $15. Ph (09) 624-1246.
* Crystal Mountain, collection of crystals and minerals from around the world, also theme park and gallery, 80 Candia Rd, Swanson, Mon-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 9am-4pm, admission charges apply. Ph (09) 833-5033.
* Business for Kids and Robo Explorer, 9-14 year olds, Mon-Fri both weeks, plus activities for other age groups, Parnell Trust, 545 Parnell Rd. Ph (09) 379-2095 ext 9724.
* Art, dance, singing and more, 4-9 year olds, both weeks 9am-noon, $135. Creative programmes 10-16 year olds, Tues-Thur both weeks, 1-4pm, $145. Marco Trust, Mt Eden. Ph (09) 623-6595.
* Cemetery tours, ferry and harbour cruises, guided walks, bird-watching and more, Auckland Heritage Festival '08, runs until Oct 5, see aucklandcity.govt.nz/events.
* Auckland City Council Community Centres also run school holiday programmes. Details in White Pages.
Activities
* K'Nex, construction toys plus working models, help build a city or your own Sky Tower.
Builder's certificates and kitsets to be won, plus stories, song and dance. Auckland Sky Tower, Sep 29-Oct 12, 10am-4pm, admission charges apply. Ph (09) 363-6000.
* Archery, ice skating, arts and crafts and trips to Rainbow's End, Motat, Auckland Zoo and movies, 5-14 year-olds, Sep 29-Oct 10, Manukau Leisure Services; Te Matariki Clendon Community Centre and Library, (ph) 266 1100, Moana-Nui-a-Kiwa Leisure Centre, (ph) 275 8979, Lloyd Elsmore Park Leisure Centre, (ph) 535 5502, Howick Recreation Centre, (ph) 534 5153, Manurewa Leisure Centre, (ph) 267 4646, Allan Brewster Recreation Centre, (ph) 277 7222, Pakuranga Youth Centre, (ph) 576 9739, Manukau on the Move - Teen Extreme, (ph) 274 6904.
* Motat - Girl Power, The Heritage of Women Tours.
Bookings essential, ph (09) 818 5808, www.motat.org.nz
Theme Parks
* Butterfly Creek, Tom Pearce Drive, Auckland Airport, ph (09) 275-8880, www.butterflycreek.co.nz
* Rainbow's End, cnr Great South and Wiri Station Rds, Manukau City, ph (09) 262-2044 or 0800 438-672.
