Five educational adventures in Auckland

Mini marines


Where? Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World, Tamaki Drive, Orakei.

When? 9 am to 3 pm daily.

What's on offer? A holiday programme for 7- to 10-year-olds that allows children to get behind the scenes at the aquarium and feed the fish and help with some marine experiments. An interactive room and touch pool provide an opportunity to hold some marine animals.

How much? $30 a child for the six-hour session.

Contact: ph (09) 528 0603, 0800 805 050.

Paddle pop scavenger trail


Where? Auckland Zoological Park, Motions Rd, Western Springs.

What's on offer? Answer questions correctly and you may get a free ice cream from the Paddle Pop Lion. The first five children that arrive at the zoo each day dressed as their favourite storybook character will win a prize from either See Spot Run or Thomas and the Magic Railroad. Sea lions are fed everyday at 3.05 pm.

When? 9.30 am to 5.30 pm

How much? Adults $12, children 5-15 $7, under-5s free, senior citizens $8, family passes $32.50 to $39.

Contact: Information line, ph (09) 360 3819, visitor centre, ph (09) 360 3805

All our yesterdays


Where? Howick Historical Village, Office Bells Rd, Lloyd Elsmore Park, Pakuranga.

When? 10 am to 4 pm.

What's on offer? See life as it was in great-grandmother's day and visit a Victorian-style classroom. Interactive days are held for school groups during school terms but take the children during the holidays and see what you miss out on by not volunteering to go on school trips.

How much? Adults $9, senior citizens and students $7, children $4, groups of 10 or more $6 each.

Contact: ph (09) 576 9506.

Into the toy box

Where? Motat, the Museum of Transport, Technology and Social History, Great North Rd, Western Springs.

What's on offer?A display of Hasbro toys joins Motat's regular collection of dolls, cars, trains and teddies.

How much? Adults $10, children and senior citizens $5.

Contact (09) 846 7020.

Discovery Centre


Where? Auckland War Memorial Museum, Auckland Domain.

When? 10 am to 3 pm.

What's on offer? Different inter-active activities daily including craft workshops in clay, flax, screen printing and medal making.

How much? From $2 to $8 depending on the activity.

Contact: ph (09) 309 0443, Infoline ph (09) 309 7067.

Links:

Kelly Tarton's