The Age from Melbourne, Victoria, Australia • Page 53

20 AN AGE ADVERTISING FEATURE FRIDAY 2 APRIL 1999 THE AGE School Holiday Fun m'-lnlxll kids JHttWfwi homework 1 fcO chrnntcttt.BsrtUmettorlei ciuj. test o.vi Coolest links to learning Above, examples of AOL's recently-launched pages; below, French-accented Madeleine. COOLER weather is a traditional feature of the Easter school holiday break, so inside fun such as computer games and Internet surfing is an ideal way to keep the kids amused and interested and who knows, they may even learn something! There is a host of fun and educational software titles for kids of all ages. For preschoolers, one of the most popular software products is the Elmo's Reading, Preschool and Kindergarten CD-ROM, which aims to build reading confidence and inspire a love of reading, offering 40 activity combinations to keep the little ones challenged. The software is designed for kids from three to six and quickly adjusts cmM MWI Ifcnlnfl eflwrfiw WONDFK advanced than that and start surfing the Internet by themselves, they can open up a world of information, games and fun.

But they can also expose themselves to inappropriate material such as pornography or violence and that's where AOL can help. Recently launched in Australia, AOL is one of the world's most popular Internet online services with more 15 million members. One of the advantages of the service for parents is AOL's Parental Controls, which allow parents to decide the level of online content.The comprehensive, easy-to-use tools and controls enable parents to set appropriate online access parameters and ensure kids are shielded from potentially damaging material. AOL has other features, such as communications tools including e-mail, Instant Messenger and Buddy Lists features, messages boards and built-in chat, plus plenty of links to interest areas such as sport, travel, personal finance, entertainment and news. A strong points is AOL's easily navigable site and accessible services, which make it a powerful tool to harness all the Internet has to offer.

The graphics are bright and easy-to-read, there is plenty of assistance, both on-screen and with 24-hour phone support, so new surfers feel confident enough to experience the best of the World Wide Web. to suit the level of the child in charge' of the mouse. Two CD-ROM discs are included in the package, so children can progress through levels of learning as they master different skills. The graphics are bright and attention-grabbing, but the format is simple enough for the newest computer user to grasp fairly quickly. The Madeleine Preschool and Kindergarten CD-ROM is another favorite.

Preschoolers are taken on a whirlwind tour through basic educational activities and can print awards and certificates as they complete each section. Narrated by the French-accented Madeleine, from the popular TV program, the software is a winner with kids aged up to about six. For older children the Reader Rabbit's Math software has dazzling graphics and different skill levels to keep them engrossed for hours and learning without even realising. Aimed at six to nine-year-olds, the software has an ideal balance between fun and education. Another popular title for the primary-school age is Clue Finders 3rd Grade Adventure, which sends kids off on a virtual-jungle adventure, with eye-catching cartoon-style animation and storylines, interesting characters and lots of mental challenges along the way.

Teenagers and adults will have to fight over Redshift 3, an award-winning CD-ROM that can be used as a versatile and powerful astronomy VICTORIA'S opt Range Zoo I Vd 5 Experience a unique Ki ITJw, wildlife safari. fhaV Walking trails and LV food facilities available. (At Information Hotline Phone: 9731 9600 Sfhweppes. SJ2E7 School Holiday Ages 5-8 Program WMMJIF 15th April 'Wild Signs' fcitCTfr. tSUD Ages 8-12 18th April HBMSJ Bookings Essential 11.00am Phone: 9731 9600 tool to journey beyond human experience on a virtual tour of the known universe.

Easy-to-use software has you gasping at more than 30 minutes of 3D animation and jotting observations in a Sky Diary. For a totally different adventure Operation Eco-Nightmare enlists kids to help save the world from ecological catastrophe. The adventure game combines educational skills, draws on scientific ability and addresses issues environmental issues such as recycling, energy efficiency and eco-technology in a fun, challenging format. If your kids want to get more These school HOCUS POCUS holidays in Bendtgo GttJOV THG ZOO Magic and Illusions Kathleen Turner Christopher Uoyd oin the Madhatter's rlt rig MnMYnf the AVTnnr StMiot The Art of Illusion fuvnm SPECIAL GVEHT2 ea party it tin uic Magic of Science IEI3SG COlEDfflJS KEEPER TALKS, SPECIAL FEEDING TIMES, AND A FREE CRAFT ACTIVITY. yfy Join in the fun and find out inuie uuuui rvusiiuiiun rui Seals, Pelicans, and Little Penguins and their CHIP Programs presents: "Going In Circles" Holiday Program Maths Chess English ArtCraft Electronics For further information on the Carlton or Glen Waverley programs, contact the CHIP Centre on (03) 9347 9826.

marine habitat. Holiday activities from April 3 to 18, Think innocent. Think twlptcis. Think ogatn. 1 0a m-3 II a daily.

I 1 i MM. 11 rigeniusesiTv lt'jt Melbourne Zoo Elliott Avenue, Parkville -1 Ph. 9285 9300 There is plenty of fun and madness at The Mansion at Werribee Park these school holidays. You can join in the easier egg hunt with the famous Madhatter (11 April, 2.00pm), and feed the animals down at the farm (1 8 April, 1 1 or just simply participate in the various children's activities from 2-18 April. The Mansion at Werribee Park More than a Mansion' Road, Werribee (Melways Ref 201 Dl), Ph: 13 1963.

upenrrom lu.uuamaaiiy (except Christmas day). FILL TOUR CAR AMD GET IN FREE! A special treat for the holidays, bring your children to see any of the films on offer at IMAX. An accompanying adult can receive entry for every three children's tickets purchased. Film details in the directories of this paper. For this offer to be valid, bring this coupon to Box Office when you purchase your tickets.

IMAX Melbourne, Rathdowne Street, Carlton. Next to the Royal Exhibition Building. Valid 2nd April 17th April 1999. I ZCO NOW SHOWING AT CINEMAS EVERYWHERE.