Celebrate the secret world of submarines in family fun day

by Jude Timms on 14 May 2014 2014 is the centenary of submarines in Australia and to mark this milestone the National Maritime Museum is holding a special family fun day on Sunday 25 May 2014, celebrating its very own Royal Australian Navy Oberon class submarine Onslow.

Come dressed in your best spy costume for your chance to win our fancy dress competition. Go on a special character tour through the Navy Gallery led by character guide Jack Bluto Tar. Take part in creative arts and craft activities, make and parade your own submarine ‘float’ costume, enjoy screenings of the Octonauts and be thrilled by exciting circus displays. A full day of fun is planned for all the family including:

Kids On Deck: Splendiferous Submarines – Learn about how submarines go undercover in specially themed crafts, games and dress ups. 11am – 3pm

HMAS Onslow Secret Code Treasure Hunt – Climb on board the museum’s real life submarine HMAS Onslow for a special treasure hunt to decipher the secret code 9.30am – 4pm

Dazzle Camouflage Submarine Float-making and Circus display – Watch as the multi-talented Heidi Hoops performs crazy acrobatics, then join her as she teaches you how to make cool submarine ‘float’ costumes to wear in our special submarine parade. 10.30am, 11.30am, 12.30pm

Character Tours and Family Games with Jack Bluto Tar – Join our lively character guide Jack Bluto Tar as he leads you through the museum’s Navy Gallery to learn about life under the surface. 11am, 12pm and 2pm

Submarine Spies Face Painting - Get equipped to go undetected with camouflage facepainting. 11am - 3pm

Film Screenings - Enjoy free screenings with selected episodes of everyone’s favourite underwater explorers the Octonauts. 10am – 3pm

Entry to all activities is included in the special Submarine Family Day ticket –$12 per person or $50 per family (two adults, three children). For more information visit website.

The Australian National Maritime Museum, in Darling Harbour, is open from 9.30am to 5pm daily. For more information call 02 9298 3777 or visit website.