The Royal Australian Mint, the place where every single coin in your pocket comes from, is turning spare change into school holiday fun this July, with a packed program of mysteries, crafts and coin-themed adventures for curious kids. 

From hidden animals and secret codes to designing their own currency, there’s plenty to keep young minds busy. 

For The Tiny Detectives 

Children aged four to six can join the Mini-Minties program, where storytelling, creativity, and discovery come together.  

Armed with magnifying glasses, little detectives will investigate the tiny details hidden on Australian coins, uncover familiar animals and explore unusual colours, shapes and features.  

They’ll also get the chance to design their own special coin to celebrate the Mint’s 60th birthday, with all the glitter, glue and creative mess safely contained in Deakin. 

For The Big Kids 

For children aged seven to 12, the Mintventures program takes a deeper dive into the stories behind Australia’s coins. 

Participants can explore how nature has inspired coin designs, learn about Stuart Devlin’s iconic decimal currency artwork and crack secret codes hidden in plain sight. 

It’s part treasure hunt, part history lesson and a fun way to discover how much thought goes into the coins we use every day. 

The Last-Minute Backup Plan 

We’ve all been there. You promised a fun day out but forgot to book ahead. Luckily, the Mint has you covered. 

Crafternoon runs every day of the school holidays from 2pm to 4pm, with free coin-themed craft activities for all ages. There’s no need to book. Just wander in, get creative and take home something made on the day. 

The Practical Stuff 

The Mint is located in Deakin, just a short drive from the city, with free on-site parking, accessible facilities and a café. 

Some sessions require bookings, so it’s worth checking the full program before heading in. 

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: 

Location: Denison Street, Deakin
Dates/Times: Daily throughout the July school holidays. Open Mon–Fri 8:30am–5pm; Weekends 10am–4pm. 
Ticketing/Booking: Most activities are walk-in friendly, but check their website for specific session details. 

Find out more HERE