The Port Arthur Historic Site offers many activities for families to enjoy together. Wander through the old houses and let the kids marvel at the way people used to live, or drop by our Education Centre to see what’s happening.

There is enough to keep both the young and old occupied!

 School Holiday Activities

Our school holidays activity program offers a range of hands-on educational activities for young visitors to Port Arthur.

From 12pm to 3pm you can drop in to the Education Centre (The Accountant’s House) to engage in interactive displays, play 19th century games, or take part in one of our hands-on activities such as making a convict brick, dressing a peg doll, designing a convict love token or making a fantascope. Visitors can also relax with a convict themed book or activity sheet in the ‘book nook’, or challenge their friends and family to a colonial game on the lawn.

These activities can also be booked by visiting school groups during terms – see our Education section for details.

Join us at the Education Centre (Accountants House) and try your hand at some traditional crafts, design work and trades.

Convict Brick Making

As you walk around Port Arthur you may notice the bricks are of different colours and states of decay. Find out more about the bricks of Port Arthur and use traditional methods to make a mini brick yourself.

Peg Dolls

A child in the 1800s had to entertain themselves with the materials that were available. Learn about costume and toys for children in the 1800s and create a peg doll to take home.

Fantascopes

Before television and computers, the fantascope was invented.See how people entertained themselves at home in the 1800s and create a moving image with your very own fantascope.

Convict Love Tokens

Before they were transported across the seas, many convicts made a token for their loved ones to remember them by. Find out more about these personal mementos and make your own copper or scratch art token to take home.

 More information

Visiting with Children

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