Mini Menagerie Parade

The Mini Menagerie Parade is a fun costume competition where children aged 2 to 12 can dress as their favourite animal and show off their creativity.

Families can register their child on the day, with up to 20 children selected to take part in the on-stage parade. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place.

Families can register their child at the Registration Desk on the day of the event. Look for the marked Registration Desk between the Stage and Blue Whale Skeleton.

Registration is free but required to be considered for the on-stage parade and must be completed by 10:30am.

Once registered, your child will receive an orange wristband.

No. All registrations are completed on the day at the event.

Registration closes at 10:30am.

Your child will receive an orange wristband to show they have registered.

The judges will consider registered children when selecting participants for the on-stage parade.

An orange wristband does not provide access to the stage. Only children who receive a green wristband will be permitted to take part in the on-stage parade.

After registration closes at 10:30am, the judges will review the registered participants and select up to 20 children to take part in the on-stage parade.

The selection will be based on creativity, imagination and enthusiasm.

If your child is selected for the on-stage parade, a staff member will approach you to confirm that your child would like to participate.

Your child will then receive a green wristband.

Green wristbands indicate that a child has been selected to participate in the on-stage parade. Only children wearing green wristbands will be permitted on stage.

A staff member will also provide instructions about where and when to meet before the parade.

Only children wearing a green wristband will be permitted to go on stage.

Due to the limited time available, up to 20 children will be selected from those who register before the 10:30am registration cut-off.

Receiving an orange wristband confirms that your child has registered, but does not guarantee a place in the on-stage parade.

Each selected child will walk across the stage, strike a fun animal pose and have a quick chat with the MC before leaving the stage.

Parents and carers are expected to accompany their child onto and off the stage. The MC may ask your child a short question about their costume.

The MC will guide families through the process and keep things playful, positive and fun.

After their turn, parents and carers should accompany their child off the stage via the opposite side from where they entered.

Families should then return with their child to the designated holding area and wait until the final selected participant has completed the parade.
Once everyone has had their turn, the judges will take a moment to choose the first, second and third place winners.

The winners will then be invited back onto the stage to be announced and celebrated, followed by a group photo with all children who received a green wristband.

That's absolutely fine. If your child is selected but feels nervous or changes their mind, they do not have to participate.

Parents and carers can support their child throughout the process, and we want the experience to be fun and enjoyable.

If your child receives a green wristband, a staff member will let you know where and when to meet before the parade.

Please arrive at the designated holding area at the time provided so we can get everyone ready to go on stage.

Yes. A parent or carer must remain with their child throughout their participation in the Mini Menagerie Parade.

Parents and carers must accompany selected children onto and off the stage.

The judges will award first, second and third place prizes at the end of the parade, with each winner receiving a tote bag containing a selection of the following prizes:

• Tiger Tribe Silicone Threading Shapes
  Little hands will love threading, stacking, and creating with this colourful bead set! Perfect for building fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, the chunky geometric beads come in a variety of shapes and vibrant colours to inspire creative play. Includes chunky, easy-to-grasp geometric shapes, made from soft, child-safe silicone.
• Ochre Dough Australia Stamp
  Bring culture into playtime or baking with this Aboriginal Australia Natural Dough Stamp. This eco-friendly, biodegradable product can be used with playdough or cookies, kinetic sand or air dry clay. The free activity pack download offers fun activities for little ones, and teaches them more about the design and symbols. It's a versatile, sustainable tool for both fun and learning. This product features intricate Aboriginal designs, hand-drawn by Ochre Dough. The product is made in Australia.
• Tiger Tribe Stackable Crayons
  This set of easy-grip crayons is specifically designed to help build hand strength and coordination as children engage in mark-making. Children can also explore mathematical concepts like counting, sorting, and number recognition through the embossed numbers on each piece.
• Ultimatum Koala Catch Game
  This Koala Catch Game promotes active play. Children build physical confidence and gross motor skills as they use pads to strengthen hand-eye coordination and balance. The game promotes collaborative play that fosters turn-taking and cooperation, with children developing persistence and problem-solving skills through the repeated practice of catching and throwing.
• Wild Dough Playdough 100g
  Developed specifically for little hands and promises a full sensory experience for kids. Rehydratable with water.
  All children who receive a green wristband will be invited back onto the stage for a group photo following the prize announcements.

All children who receive a green wristband will be invited back onto the stage for a group photo following the prize announcements.

Yes! Families are welcome to take photos and videos of their own children during the event. The Museum may also take official photos to capture the fun.

Yes. A parent or carer must remain with their child at all times while participating in the Mini Menagerie Parade, including before, during and after the parade.