Secrets of the shadowy spy world revealed for school holiday fun

Children who think they have what it takes to be a super spy, can find out with some investigative fun at the Museum of the Great Southern during the school holidays.

The museum’s Discovery Centre is being re-themed Codename: Delta Charlie for the September-October break.

On arrival, visitors will be encouraged to collect their security passes and new codenames.

The exhibition will test mental agility, memory and dexterity with a series of displays inspired by real-life spies and their famous fictional counterparts.

In the Discovery Centre, children can use their spy skills to uncover a trail of hidden clues left by a mysterious secret agent.

The aim of the mission is to expose the double agent’s identity.

The centre will be open during the entire holiday period, from September 26-October 12.

This free all-ages activity will run from 10am-4pm.

Museum of the Great Southern regional manager Catherine Salmaggi said she believed the theme would capture children’s imagination.

“The shadowy world of spies and espionage has always been a popular genre in children’s movies and literature, so we thought what a great way to engage young ones in the Discovery Centre than through a series of cryptic clues leading to uncovering the identity of a double agent,” she said.

“Spies and spying has led to innovations and technology that we use today, like the cameras and recording devices we use in our smartphones.”

Also on the agenda is the Spy School which has been supported through the Inspiring Australia Small Grants 2020.

The Spymaster will demonstrate technologies used to hide and reveal messages.

The Spy School will suit children aged six-14 and will take place on certain days during the holidays, with limited spots available.

Staff have also developed a range of fun-at-home kits inspired by the spy theme, including invisible ink pens and code generators to decode secret messages.