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GLOWSCAPE School Holiday Program
Open from 9:30am to 4pm
Recommended for kids and families
This autumn, we are brightening the museum with GLOWSCAPE. Think fluro, neon, day-glow and high-vis, the brighter the better!
Arts-meets-STEM in fun holiday activities, designed for primary-age children and their families to explore fluorescing materials, UV-light reactive experiments and learn about bioluminescence.
Join in and contribute to the giant Neon Power House mural, in the Museum STUDIO. This evolving design celebrates the iconic Power House, which brought electrical power to the Rail Workshops before Ipswich had electricity. You might recognise the building, but help transform it brick by brick with a futuristic neon twist! Come in fluro or white clothes and transform yourself into a glowing artwork too.
Drop into our MAKER SPACE and try a variety of free craft activities using fluorescent materials. Activities change daily throughout the holidays and include craft, collage, and art experiments with negative space. Once you’ve finished your creation, take it into the studio to see how it glows!
While you're there, conduct a scientific experiment on a collection of objects in our Glow Boxes. Observe the dramatic shifts in appearance when you expose these items to UV lights.
If your eyes tire of the bright colours, relax on the mat for a gentle Glow-themed Storytime. This program is the perfect mix of science, imagination and storytelling. While ideal for our youngest visitors, everyone is welcome.
Older children might like to join a facilitated Glowing Scorpion Workshop, where they can create and keep their own moving 3D scorpion automata using wooden pegs and pipe cleaners. Inspired by Queensland’s fascinating scorpions, this workshop is a fun way to learn about their glowing superpower under UV light while getting creative. Purchase a ticket online via QTIX.
For a relaxing afternoon, children and their families are also invited to join us for a Pyjama Party, to enjoy watery scenes and underwater creatures in Finding Nemo and Finding Dory. These free film screenings are free, but please book to avoid disappointment.
What's on
The Neon Power House
Daily from 9:30am
Free with Museum entry
Join in and contribute to the giant Neon Power House mural, in the Museum STUDIO. This evolving design celebrates the iconic Power House, which brought electrical power to the Rail Workshops before Ipswich had electricity. You might recognise the building, but help transform it brick by brick with a futuristic neon twist! Come in fluro or white clothes and transform yourself into a glowing artwork too.
Facilitated/supervised area, all ages and abilities welcome.
Creepy Crawly Automata: The Glowing Scorpion
7 – 8 April, 14 – 16 April 2025
11am | 1pm
$20
Uncover the mysteries of scorpions in this hands-on creative workshop! Learn fascinating facts about their hunting techniques and exoskeletons that glow under ultraviolet light.
Get crafty as you design and build your very own moving scorpion automata using everyday objects. Once your scorpion mini-machine is complete, step into our black light room to see it fluoresce, just like glowing scorpion in the wild! For kids ages 8-12 years old, 1 hour duration.
Pyjama Party Movies
10 April & 17 April 2025
Free with Museum entry, bookings required
Settle in for a relaxing afternoon at our Pyjama Party Movies! Children and their families are invited to enjoy free screenings of Finding Nemo and Finding Dory, filled with glowing underwater creatures and enchanting ocean scenes.
While the event is free with Museum entry, spaces are limited and bookings are required to secure your spot. Not allocated seating.
Finding Nemo (2003)
10 April 2025 | 1:30pm
After his son is captured in the Great Barrier Reef and taken to Sydney, a timid clownfish sets out on a journey to bring him home.
Rated G, Animation, 1 hour 40 mins
Disney, Pixar
Finding Dory (2016)
17 April 2025 | 1:30pm
With memories of her family surfacing, Dory sets out on a quest to find her long-lost parents, with Marlin and Nemo by her side.
Rated G, Animation, 1 hour 37 mins
Disney, Pixar
Glow Discovery
Daily from 9:30am
Free with Museum entry
Explore the magic of light in our Maker Space these school holidays! Discover display boxes filled with fascinating objects that react to UV light — from glowing minerals to surprising everyday household items. A hands-on experience perfect for curious minds!
Craft & Create
Daily from 9:30am
Free with Museum entry
Drop into our Maker Space and try a variety of free craft activities using fluorescent materials. Activities change throughout the holidays and include craft, collage, and art experiments with negative space. Once you’ve finished your creation, take it into the studio to see how it glows!
Storytime
Daily at 10am
Free with Museum entry
If your eyes tire of the bright colours, relax on the mat for a gentle Glow-themed Storytime. This program is the perfect mix of science, imagination and storytelling. While ideal for our youngest visitors, everyone is welcome.
Plan your visit
Plan your visit to Queensland Museum Rail Workshops, located in Ipswich.
How to get here & parking
Located in Ipswich, Queensland Museum Rail Workshops is easily accessible by car or on public transport.
Accessibility
Accessibility and sensory information to help you plan your visit to Queensland Museum Rail Workshops.