25+ ways to spend the winter school holidays
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Don’t let the cold weather deter you from the endless amounts of activities and programs on offer for kids these winter holidays.
Your little ones will have a wide range of options to play, learn and create, so here’s how to spend 5 – 22 July.
Marketplace Gunghalin
Kids are king these school holidays at Marketplace Gungahlin with free activities for the whole family every single day!
There’ll be sand and craft play, plus popular children’s characters roaming around the centre to surprise the little ones.
All of this entertainment is absolutely free so don’t miss out on the fun! It’ll all happen directly outside Big W throughout the school holidays.
In the first week of the school holidays, there will be sensory play activities happening every day Monday to Friday from 10.30 am – 1.30 pm, including face painting, scratch art with coloured sand and a magic sand table with different sand activities each day.
On the weekend of 13 and 14 July, the Meet Your Favourite Characters event will take place from 11 am – 1 pm.
Come say hello and grab a photo with your favourite characters, as princesses, snowmen, ice queens and tigers roam the centre.
The second week of the holidays is all about craft, with different activities on offer from Monday to Friday at 10.30 am – 1.30 pm.
Kids can play with building straws, play dough, collage, sticking and glueing, the sand table and crayon rubbing every day, plus make their own grass heads on Monday, enjoy bug magnet weaving on Tuesday, make their own wind chime on Wednesday, design their own frisbie on Thursday and make their own kaleidoscope on Friday.
On the weekend of 20 and 21 July, the kids will have another chance to meet their favourite characters from 11 am – 1 pm, with cowboys, dinosaurs and superheroes visiting the centre.
8-19 July | Marketplace Gungahlin, Hibberson Street, Gungahlin | Website
Free Minions Dance Party at Marketplace!
Come and dance along with your favourite stars from Despicable Me™ at Marketplace Gungahlin!
It’s your chance to meet and greet the lovable Gru, Mel and the Minions as they will all be at Marketplace Gungahlin for active meet and greet sessions and to dance with everyone who comes along!
Watch your favourite Minions have a dance party on stage (and maybe learn some moves) then grab some family photos with the adorable but cheeky stars during an active character meet and greet!
There are three convenient half-hour sessions to choose from:
- 10 am- 10:30 am
- 11 am – 11:30 am
- 12 pm– 12:30 pm
Best of all ….there is no cost to join in the fun. So bring the kids and your dancing shoes for hours of free entertainment.
Happening 6-7 July from 10 am at Marketplace Gungahlin, directly outside Big W, Hibberson Street, Gungahlin.
See marketplacegungahlin.com.au for more information.
Kids Outdoor Play Day in Haig Park
Let’s get physical! Join Haig Park Experiments for a fun and active day in our city’s backyard.
Kids can try out a range of play activities designed to get them moving including tree climbing, slacklining, an obstacle course, nature play, circus skills, aerial sports and loads more.
In between all the active fun, take a break to enjoy the arts and crafts, live music and performances.
Visit one of the food stalls to complete your play day with a picnic in the park. Everyone is welcome!
(Play activities recommended for ages 5 to 12.).
Happening Saturday 20 July from 11 am – 3 pm at Haig Park, adjacent to Watson and Masson Streets, Turner.
For exact location, click here.
See Facebook for more information.
Dance Central
Enjoy school holidays jam-packed with fun this July at Dance Central, with guest choreographers stretching your dance limits further than ever!
Keep busy with Musical Theatre Jazz, Acro, Contemporary and Hip Hop every day, followed by a range of super-special workshops in the afternoons.
Super-boost your confidence and your dance game with the afternoon workshops! Dance Central show you how to reach for your stars and dazzle while you look the part.
Lessons include goal-setting and confidence boosting, modelling, deportment, catwalk training, basic TVC model acting training, and make-up course and application by Canberra Make-up Academy (CMA).
Finally, you’ll finish off big with a professional photo shoot and mock auditions — perfect practice for Dance Central’s crew and troupes auditions later this year!
You’ll take home all digital copies of your photoshoot, TVC casting and video clip.
PLUS, there will also be a trip to the movies! Phew!
Only 25 spots available in each program — get in quick!
8 – 12 July | 9 am – 5 pm each day | 7 to 11 years (Beginner/Intermediate level) and 12 to 16 years (Intermediate/Advanced level) | dance-central.com.au/workshops-and-events/july-school-hols-2019
Pialligo Estate
Possum Patch
The latest addition to the Pialligo Estate family is the Possum Patch. Taking up shop in one of the beautiful cottages on 12 Beltana Road, kids will be given the opportunity to reconnect with where their food comes from.
During a day class students will begin the day being taken on a farm tour of Pialligo Estate with the market gardener via buggies.
They will collect fruit and veg from the garden and orchard before returning to the Children’s Event Centre to cook using the fresh produce they have collected.
A range of classes will be on offer such as Healthy Lunchboxes, Christmas in July and Winter Warmers.
Holiday programs have classes offered for 4 to 8-year-olds and 9 to 13-year-olds.
Cost is $90 a day.
8-12 July & 15-19 July | Classes from 9 am – 3.30 pm with drop off between 8.30 – 9 am and pick up between 3.30 – 5.30 pm | 12 Beltana Road, Pialligo | For more information see the website
Canberra Centre
Have a (snow) ball these school holidays!
From 10 am–2 pm daily at Canberra Centre, come and sling it like you mean it in a virtual reality snowball fight.
Using a headset and controller, kids can prove their superior snow skills against a friend, family member or nemesis, or even just try to beat the machine.
The baller with the highest score at the end of the school holidays will receive a $300 Canberra Centre gift card!
The second and third highest scores will also be awarded $200 and $100 gift cards respectively.
Don’t be (snow) bored these school holidays.
6 – 21 July | 10 am–2 pm | outside North Face, Ground Level, Canberra Centre
South Point Tuggeranong
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS TOY STORY 4 INTERACTIVE ZONE
Reach for the sky at South.Point Tuggeranong‘s Toy Story 4 interactive zone this school holidays.
Come down South and visit South.Point Tuggeranong and experience a day in the life of Woody and his Gang at a HUGE two-week Toy Story 4 interactive zone.
This zone is perfect for school-aged children, young adults and millennial’s alike with plenty of photo opportunities to remember THE BEST SCHOOL HOLIDAYS EVER!
The activation will include:
- Entrance Photo Opportunity
- Bo Peep Flying Fox
- A Carnival Game: Pong in Tin
- Create your own Toy Craft Table
- Share your Creation Cork Wall with Polaroid images
- A Moon Racer Vertical Ball Maze
- Climb into Bonnie’s backpack for a photo Opportunity
8 – 19 July | 10 am-3 pm | Centre Court, South.Point Tuggeranong | Website
National Museum of Australia
Dragon and Lion Dance Workshops
These traditional dances are performed at festivals around the world, with the dragon representing power, wealth and wisdom while the lion brings good luck.
Learn the moves and become part of the dragon and the lion in these practical workshops at the National Museum of Australia.
10, 12, 17 and 19 July from 9.30 am–11 am | Website
Kung Fu Workshops (non-contact)
Join members of the Yut Hung Kung Fu Academy and learn basic Kung Fu movements, drills and strikes before finishing with breathing and meditation techniques.
Workshops are $15 a child, or $10 for children of Members.
All children must be 6 years and over and accompanied by an adult.
Booking are also essential and can be booked through nma.gov.au/families
10, 12, 17 and 19 July | 11.30 am–1 pm | Gandel Atrium, National Museum of Australia | Website
Dragon Scroll
Be inspired by the paintings on display in the Historical Expression of Chinese Art. Contribute to a giant dragon scroll, create your own artwork or relax in the chill-out zone.
All children must be accompanied by an adult, and although bookings are not required, spots do fill up fast so be punctual!
Gold coin donation or free for member’s children!
8-12 & 15-19 July | 10 am-1 pm and 1 pm-3.30 pm | Website
Dragons and Scrolls: Family Festival Day
Celebrate Chinese art, culture and history and be inspired by the Historical Expression of Chinese Art exhibition. Join for dragon dancing, music and art and craft activities.
Free entry (some costs apply)
Sunday 21 July | 10 am–1 pm | Website
Canberra Outlet
Canberra Outlet is inviting their favourite mini shoppers to Ice Skate these school holidays and join in the winter fun with an in Centre ice skating rink.
Enjoy your favourite parts of a Canberra winter without the Canberra cold weather! The Ice skating rink is available to all children with time slots daily.
Made even better with a coffee in hand from Caffe Cherry Beans.
8 – 14 July | 9 am – 5 pm | Located next to Supergrocer and Caffe Cherry Beans, Canberra Outlet
Canberra Centre
Grill’d Canberra Centre School Holidays Kids Masterclasses
Turn your little ones into master chefs these school holidays as they learn to make healthy burgers and eat them too at Grill’d Canberra Centre’s Kids Masterclasses!
All sessions are running from 9 – 11 July and 16-18 July, and the price for the class is $12.
Please RSVP before attending via email at canberra.centre@grilld.com.au
9-11 July & 16-18 July | From 10.30am-11.30am | For more information see the event page
Westfield Belconnen
Cooking Class: Pesto Pasta
Kids Pantry are lending a helping hand for your kids in the cooking department. In this hands-on activity, your little ones will take home skills and their own heartwarming delicious pesto pasta dish at Westfield Belconnen.
No bookings are required and the cost is free!
Classes last for 10-15 minutes and please be sure to advise staff if your child has any dietary requirements or allergies.
Saturday 6 July | 11 am-2 pm | For more information see the event page
Grill’d: Kids Burger Masterclasses
These hands-on classes are 60 minutes of fun that turn your kids into burger making experts.
Cost is $12 per child and includes a burger, chips and a drink.
Bookings are required, RSVP at belconnen@grilld.com.au
Monday – Friday 8- 12 July & 15-19 July | 9.45 am-10.45 am | For more information see the event page
NAIDOC Week
Throughout NAIDOC Week Westfield is hosting a range of activities you and your child can enjoy to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Welcome to country & didgeridoo performance
A traditional welcome to country ceremony accompanied by a didgeridoo performance will start off the NAIDOC week calendar of events.
Monday 8 July | 10 am | Level 1, Centre Court
Outback Experience Workshops
Run by the Kumurri Foundation, a didgeridoo master will perform his unique experience with native animal sounds and stories through the didgeridoo and educate others about aboriginal artefacts, weaponry and bush survival skills.
Tuesday 9 and Thursday 11 July | 11 am – 2 pm | Level 1, Centre Court
Boomerang Painting
Learn aboriginal symbols and create your Dreamtime story through the art of boomerang painting.
Wednesday 10 July | 11am-2pm | Level 1, Centre Court
For more information on NAIDOC Week, see the event page
Build a Bear School Holidays Workshops
In this fun hour-long session your kids can bring to life their very own ‘Lil Cub’ by participating in a fun heart ceremony which they can take home to keep, all for $10!
Clothes and accessories will also be available for separate additional for purchasing, ranging from $5 to $25.
Please ensure to arrive promptly to the sessions otherwise you may miss out on certain elements of the activity.
Friday 12 and Sunday 14 July | Session Times: 9.30 am, 11 am, 12.30 pm, 2 pm | For more information see the event page
Bricks 4 Kidz Educational play LEGO zone
BRICKS 4 KIDZ Educational Play programs provide a fun and experimental space for kids to have loads of fun building unique creations using LEGO Bricks. This is a great way for kids to explore their curiosity and creativity.
No bookings necessary, children are not to be left unattended at this activity.
Monday 15 – Sunday 21 July | 10 am – 2 pm | For more information see the event page
Westfield Woden
NAIDOC Week
NAIDOC Celebrations are held across the country in July to celebrate history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Welcome to Country & didgeridoo performance
Head to Westfield Woden for a traditional welcome to country ceremony with an accompanying didgeridoo performance to start the NAIDOC week calendar of events.
8 July | 12 pm | Level 1, Centre Court
Boomerang Painting
Learn aboriginal symbols and create your Dreamtime story through the art of boomerang painting.
10 – 12 July | 11 am – 2 pm | Level 1, Centre Court
Secret Life of Pets Immersive Zone
Celebrate the newly released The Secret Life of Pets 2 with a whole week of activities, from 11 am – 2 pm daily, from Monday 15 July to Friday 19 July!
Enjoy craft activities, including your very own key ring to take home, as well as great photo opportunities!
Plus, the first 100 people to visit the activity zone each day will recieve a free burger voucher from Grill’d!
If you’ve got a furry friend who loves a photo, be sure to book a (free) tickets to Westfield’s The Secret Life of Pets 2 BYO Pet Night, where you can bring your own pet in for a photo infront of the Secret Life of Pets photo wall!
15 – 19 July | 11 am – 2 pm | Level G Centre Court, below BIG W
Spendless Kids Morning
Join in the fun this school holidays and make your colouring in book as colourful as your personality.
Receive your own special pack of crayons and a $5 Spendless Shoes voucher to spend in store.
15 – 17 July | 11 am – 2 pm daily | David Jones Court, near JB Hi-Fi
Art workshops
Join in the fun for a two-day paper mache workshop held in partnership with Tuggeranong Arts Centre and presented by the Woden Arts Officer.
From 10 am – 11.30 am on Thursday 18 and Friday 19 July, children will learn to make a paper mache animal, and enjoy a sweet treat from San Churro!
18 – 19 July | 10 – 11.30 am | Tickets are $20 per child (includes workshop and snack on both days) and available for purchase here
Museum of Australian Democracy
DressUP
Explore the lives of Beyonce, Frida Kahlo, Dr. Karl and more in DressUP at the Museum of Australian Democracy.
Try on costumes inspired by their iconic outfits, as you listen to their stories and find out how they overcame their struggles to make a difference in the world.
In DressUP, you’ll also find a cosy reading nook with a library full of books that will inspire young people to change the world.
You’ll also have the chance to try on outfits inspired by Beyonce, Frida Kahlo and Dr. Karl and more in DressUP.
Open daily from 9 am – 5 pm | Museum of Australian Democracy
Action Packs
For little ones who love exploring, borrow an action pack and embark on the ultimate adventure around the museum.
Save the world on the Superhero Museum Trail or break the news with a Press Gang Backpack.
Cost: Free after museum entry.
Available every day | Museum of Australian Democracy
Canberra Theatre Centre
Dr Seuss’s The Cat in the Hat
Adapted for the stage in 2009 by the National Theatre of Britain, The Cat in The Hat interrupts a rainy afternoon with his unexpected visit to Sally and her brother’s cosy home.
Their outspoken and outraged pet Fish is astounded and concerned, but this cat will not be deterred.
He will teach everyone to make their own fun with nothing but a little imagination. Along with Thing One and Thing Two, the cat will fill the theatre with mischievous humour and madcap style.
Young and old alike will delight in this faithful adaptation of a classic book come to life before your very eyes.
Spoiler alert: Things run amuck, and quickly!
Tuesday 16 July | 10 am, 12.30 pm and 3 pm | Website
National Film and Sound Archive
Eight Decades of Classic Kids Films
Inspired by The Wizard of Oz turning 80 this year, NFSA is screening classic kids’ films and animations, from each of the last eight decades.
With a mix of recently restored digital prints and 35mm film prints from the collection, here is your chance to enjoy on the big screen Pinocchio, Gene Wilder’s Willy Wonka, The Goonies, sing-a-long Moana and more.
Program:
- The Wizard of Oz: 80th Anniversary, 1939 (G) – 9 July, 10.30am
- Pinocchio, 1940 (G) – 10 July, 10.30am
- Lady and the Tramp, 1955 (G) – 11 July, 10.30am
- The Jungle Book 1967 (G) – 12 July, 10.30am
- Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, 1971 (G) – 13 July, 10.30am
- The Goonies, 1985 (PG) – 16 July, 10.30am
- The Iron Giant: 20th Anniversary, 1999 (PG) – 17 July, 10.30am
- Spirited Away, 2001 (PG) – 18 July, 10.30am
- Moana Sing-a-Long, 2016 (PG) – 19 July, 10.30am
Cost is $10.
9-19 July | 10.30 am | McCoy Circuit, Acton | For more information see their website
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