Strap in for some school-holiday fun – Cross River Rail is running a free family-friendly program of events from December 13 to January 23. The fun-filled program, designed for kids of all ages, is held at the Cross River Rail Experience Centre and provides families with a unique and free opportunity to have fun while learning about Queensland’s largest infrastructure project.

Here’s what you can get up to …

MAKE YOUR OWN TRAIN – Drop-in session
Use everyday and recycled materials to create your very own battery-powered train! Learn how to make a simple circuit using a DC motor, some AA batteries and a switch. This activity is recommended for ages eight and up, adult supervision required.

LEGO CHALLENGE – Drop-in session
Build your own future development! Become an urban planner and design a new precinct for Albert Street. From streets, transport, trees and buildings of different shapes and scale, how will you bring your city to life using only Lego? This activity is recommended for ages five and up, adult supervision encouraged.

BUILD A BALLOON RACER – Drop-in session
Build your very own balloon-powered racers and see how quickly you can complete the course. We’ll provide some general tips on creating your very own race car, then use air pressure to run the course as fast as you can. This activity is recommended for ages five and up, adult supervision encouraged.

BUILD A TUNNEL – Drop-in session
A tunnel is a hollow tube cut through soil or rock, but there is nothing simple about the construction of a man-made tunnel. In this challenge, junior engineers will receive a design brief, then build a tunnel out of recycled materials. This activity is recommended for ages five and up, adult supervision encouraged.

MECABRICKS VIRTUAL TRAIN STATION MAKER – Bookings required
Can you build the next generation of mega-machines? Join us and learn more all about the design of these machines. In this workshop, you will apply the engineering process to the design of machines, as you refine and develop your model. This activity is recommended for ages 12 and up, adult supervision required.

ROBOTICS CODING WORKSHOP – Bookings required
Cross River Rail has teamed up with Micromelon Robotics to develop a fun robotics workshop for beginners! You will program your own robot to move around without bumping into any obstructions using simple coding tools. Come along and test out your skills, no prior experience necessary. This activity is recommended for ages eight and up.

DESIGN A 3D OLYMPIC VILLAGE WORKSHOP – Bookings required
Cross River Rail has teamed up with STEM Punks to bring an immersive innovation experience. In this workshop, you will be designing Brisbane’s future Olympic Village and learn about the challenges planners face. You will learn new skills in 3D Design and Coding to create your own Olympic Village, using Augmented Reality technology to explore your new creations. This activity is recommended for ages eight and up.

CREATE YOUR OWN TRAIN SIGNALLING SYSTEM – Bookings required
The new European Train Control System being installed by Cross River Rail is an advanced signalling system that relays continuous information between trains and the central Rail Management Centre. Create your own signalling system that can measure the time between gates and the speed of a miniature train. This activity is recommended for ages 12 and up, adult supervision required.

The Cross River Rail Experience Centre is a community engagement and education hub developed in partnership with Queensland Museum, aiming to providing detailed project information, digital engagement experiences, and learning opportunities for visiting members of the public.

Some activities are drop-in sessions, and some require bookings. Check out the list of activities and sign up today here. It’s a guaranteed great day out!