Four of the best clever holiday classes

Robot-making involves hands-on problem-solving.

1: Robots

RoboClub is science, technology, engineering and maths presented in fun ways using Lego, EV3 robots and Classic K'nex - hands-on problem solving. There's a stop motion workshop (December 17) using cutting-edge, child-friendly software and a Special Robotics to build to battle in the RoboArena (December 19), with more workshops coming in January. info@roboclub.co.nz, ph 022 0480512

2: Escape to The Mind Lab

The Mind Lab have a huge number of school holiday classes in technology, creativity and innovation for 7- to 12-year-olds (camps December 17-9, January 12-30). With film-making, animation, 3D design and printing, science (conservation, human physiology and biomechanics anyone?), coding and web design, engineering, robotics and more you could be setting up your kids for a career. Five-day camps $570; classes from $35. Ph (09) 964 4444

3: Bubble Dome

With everything from Minecraft inventions, challenges and movies, Lego, science and technology, as well as cookery, crafts and design and architectural modelling, these classes for the 5- to 14-year-old set are stimulating and challenging, geared to age-appropriate interests. Three-day classes range from $299 to $329.

4: Explode at Motat

Motat's January programmes for kids of all ages includes Under Pressure - jet propulsion, hydraulic systems, steam power and lots of bangs - and Lightbulb Labs which involves movie production and designing, and making Arduino Robotics and Scribble Bots.

Under Pressure runs January 3 to February 1 (free with admission); Lightbulb from January 19, $45.