HUNDREDS of cut little ducklings and goslings are hatching out daily in the Wildfowl and Wetlands Centre at Castle Espie in Comber. Co Down throughout July and visitors to the centre can join a daily duckling hunt to get a peek at the newborn fluffies.
Those interested in the conservation work at Castle Espie may also like to adopt their own duck through the "Love a Duck" scheme. For £10, they will receive a personal adoption certificate and receive Duck News newsletter.
Nine to 14 year olds interested in building design should hot foot it to Temple Bar, where the Ark children's cultural centre is running 90 minute crash courses in architecture. The classes consist of a guided tour of part of the current architecture exhibition The Power of an Idea, a special exploration of how the Ark itself was conceived and developed. The sessions, which cost £3, run at 11.30 a.m. and 2.30 p.m. on weekdays and 2.30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays until August 9th. Tel: 01 6707788 to book a place.
Meanwhile, four to 10 year olds can construct their favourite building from cardboard boxes in the courtyard of the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham, Dublin on Saturday to celebrate World Architecture Day. All materials are supplied but parents must remain with their children. Tel 01 6761703 to book a place.
Finally, teenagers and four to eight year olds are invited to participate in the National Gallery's children's summer club for the first time this year. Next week's activities in the Art Adventure programme for nine to 13 year olds includes designing your own T-shirt, producing a play and designing a mural. Classes from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., tickets £3 per class.
Meanwhile the Little Masters drawing classes for four to eight year olds will emulate paintings such as Venus and Cupid and Jacob and Rachel With a Flock Of Sheep. Classes from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., tickets £2 per class. All participants are advised to bring their own art materials. Booking on 01 6615133.
