A Treetops Adventure is perfect for adventurous kids. Image: Nathan Darma, Treetops Adventure
In Brief:
- Canberra has plenty of school holiday programs and activities.
- This story lists activities for children and teens these summer school holidays.
This summer there’s plenty to do across the capital. From getting up close and personal with dinosaurs to craft sessions and story time, there is so much to choose from:
Go big with mega fun
For $89.10, the Canberra Mega Pass will get you access to three of Canberra’s most iconic attractions.
Tour Australia’s premier elite sports precinct with an Olympian at the Australian Institute of Sport, encounter the animal kingdom up close and personal at the National Zoo & Aquarium, and unpack your curiosities at Australia’s National Science & Technology Centre, Questacon.
Get out in nature
This summer, the National Arboretum Canberra has put together a lineup for the whole family.
Activities are suitable for children 5 and up, and include:
- a botanical gel print workshop
- a kite making workshop
- a rock painting workshop
- family orienteering.
Find out more.
Take a trip to the theatre
Canberra Theatre Centre is the place to be these school holidays, with a lineup of shows appropriate for children of all ages. Choose from:
- Bluey’s Big Play The Stage Show
- Circus of Illusion
- Storytime Ballet: The Sleeping Beauty
- Steve Backshall’s Ocean: Bringing Marine Dreams to Life
- The 78-Storey Treehouse
- The Listies: Make Some Noise.
Swim in a sea of light
No swimmers required. This is a theatre show, but not light you’d expect. It’s an illuminating interactive installation. It merges art, theatre, light, and fun for the entire family.
Get up close with a dinosaur
Thirty huge dinosaurs will stomp onto Black Mountain Peninsula from 11 January to 2 February. Dino Fest Canberra – Age of the Tyrannosaur is an outdoor interactive dinosaur experience. In addition to a 45-minute dinosaur encounter, there are also dino-themed activities for kids.
Explore under the sea
Get to know strange and beautiful sea creatures at The National Archives of Australia. Kids can see the 20 Years of Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year exhibition. Then they can paint their own underwater scene. Suitable for children aged 7 to 12 years.
Catch a sunset screening
The Sunset Outdoor Cinema is at the Australian National Botanic Gardens this summer. Family-friendly films on offer include:
- Wicked
- Home Alone
- Elf
- The Princess Diaries
- Paddington in Peru
- Moana 2.
Geek out with Operation Ouch
TV’s favourite doctors are coming to Llewllyn Hall on 25 January. “Quest for the Jurassic Fart!” is equal parts educational and hilarious.
Head to Red Shed
Teens new to rowing or looking to refine their technique will love the school holiday program at Red Shed. The program is for students in year 7 to 12.
Visit your local library
Libraries ACT has a lineup of free family friendly activities from 14-23 January. Options include a science show, documentary screenings and author talks.
Find out more.
Have a summer of sport
There’s a stellar line up sport this summer in Canberra, including:
Get a taste of tennis
The Workday Canberra International is retuning to Canberra from 29 December to 4 January. The tournament will include the introduction of Kids Tennis Day. This includes free kids access for the day, and a range of free family-friendly activities.
Get snappy at PhotoAccess
There are three workshops at PhotoAccess these school holidays:
- Summer Digital Shutterbugs for children aged 8-16
- Summer Photo Makers workshop for children aged 8-16
- Claymation Creations Workshop for children aged 8-13.
Become a mini glass artist
Canberra Glassworks’ runs a school holiday program for creative kids.
This summer, the workshops include:
- a Teen Glass Blowing
- a Kids Holiday Bowls
- a Kids Holiday Tiles
- Wall Flowers
- Holiday special: Handmade Glass Ornaments
Join the circus
Warehouse Circus is running programs from 6-31 January. There are three- and six-hour programs in Kaleen and Chifley.
Explore the world of conservation
The Wildbark at Mulligans Flat school holiday program is back!
The program offers a hands-on, action-packed adventure for children. Choose from:
- the new Youth Ranger Program for children in grades 6-9
- the Junior Ranger Program, for children aged 5-11.
Get minted
The Royal Australian Mint reopened in August. If you haven’t seen the new space, these school holidays are the perfect time.
Bookings are recommended for the free family-friendly guided tours.
Run wild at the zoo
Primary school aged children can enjoy a fun-filled day at the Canberra Zoo and Aquarium. Activities will include games, crafts and educational elements.
There are mixed aged groups so siblings and friends can enjoy the day together.
Get crafty
Canberra Museum and Gallery are hosting kid’s activities these school holidays. Choose from:
- Storyteller Sessions
- MakerSpace
- Canberra Symphony Orchestra’s Instrument Petting Zoo
- Puppy Puppets workshops
- Treehouse Creations workshops.
Scale the treetops
Treetops Adventure has opened at Majura Pines and offers an outdoor adventure for children aged 3 and older.
Featuring more than 90 aerial obstacles and 16 zip lines, there are three junior courses and five tree top ropes courses.
Catch a film
The National Film and Sound Archive is screening family-friendly films throughout the school holidays. Films include favourites from Studio Ghibli as well as:
- Ice Age
- Anastasia
- The Wind Rises
- Happy Feet
- Happy Feet Two
- Frozen.
Learn the secrets of the Australian bush
Visit the National Botanic Gardens for a family-friendly tour. Children aged 4-10 and their parents or carers can travel on the magical Flora bus, explore the gardens and finish at the Paperbark Treehouse.
For children who love reptiles, there’s also a week-long exhibition in January called Snakes Alive!
Spend the day playing up
PlayUP is a children’s exhibition at the Museum of Australian Democracy. It includes several rooms that have various activities for children. Expect role play, reading, craft activities and more.
Visit Pompeii
See the latest exhibition at the National Museum of Australia. Pompeii is an immersive experience that includes soundscapes, projections and remarkable objects.
Find a new favourite playground
Canberra is positively packed with amazing playgrounds. Whether you’re looking for a new favourite or willing to venture further afield, you’re bound to find a good one.
See a list of Canberra’s best playgrounds.
Read more like this:
- Activities for toddlers in Canberra
- Canberra's best kids' menus
- All-abilities bike track now open in Evatt
- 12 playgrounds to visit this summer
- Budget-friendly activities to keep the kids busy
- Five free ways to stay entertained at home
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