Children's spaces

Kids at the National Museum of Australia discover what is special about Australia.

Children's stories, experiences and interpretations feature throughout the National Museum of Australia and young visitors are encouraged to make their own contribution to the displays and exhibitions.

> Check out the online Calendar for the full range of fun activities for families and children.

The Kspace 3D theatre. Photo: George Serras.

The fun starts at Kspace - a hands-on interactive exhibit allowing children to contemplate what life will be like in the future and then see it materialise in front of their eyes!

Kids at Kspace can design vehicles and buildings in a futuristic Australian world, with their creations coming alive in a sophisticated 3D virtual reality theatre complemented by a vibrant soundtrack.

> More about Kspace

Exploring the Our Place cubbies. Photo: George Serras.

Another highlight is Our Place, a discovery display with four different cubbies, or children's play houses:

• a treehouse (complete with python and mysterious footprints)
• a tankstand hideaway (shared with a crocodile)
• a backyard cubby
• a magic wardrobe cubby.

Each cubby contains clues which point to the area of Australia where it might be found.

Children are invited to actively participate. Photo: Lannon Harley.

At the second discovery space, inside the bowels of a boab tree, is the Story Place.

The outside of the tree is lined with the favourite stories of children. Inside is the place for live storytelling, puppets, videos and events related to the Museum's exhibitions and topical events.

The Museum's storytellers are members of the Storyteller's Guild and come from a range of backgrounds including Indigenous Australian, Romany and First Nations. This leads to an eclectic and entertaining mix of storytelling styles and traditions.

Free storytelling sessions are held regularly for children under the age of five and primary school children.

Check the online Calendar for more on the Museum's regular storytelling program and details of special school holiday sessions.

Preschool students in the First Australians gallery. Photo: Lannon Harley.

Children and their carers are encouraged to explore throughout the Museum.

Tracing the many names of the Rainbow Serpent, for example, is a challenge in the First Australians gallery.

Of the six information kiosks which aid a journey through the Museum, the king hit for kids is in the main Hall, one which allows them to track their favourite objects.

Mobile touch trolleys are also available throughout the Museum so kids can get hands-on with objects.