10+ free or cheap spring school holiday activities
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School holidays are upon us again, and you can probably already hear your wallet groaning.
While it may seem impossible to find free or cheap things to do besides the trusty local playground, Canberra actually has plenty of activities to keep little ones busy that won’t cost you a cent, from spring-themed crafts, vintage car displays and slimy science experiments.
We’ve done the hard work for you and lined up a range of free (or cheap) activities besides playgrounds and parks, so you can give your wallet a rest these holidays.
Free activities
National Museum of Australia
Keen to inject some culture into your holidays? The NMA is hosting a range of free exhibitions suitable for all ages, including the interactive Great Southern Land and First Australians, which will run throughout the entire school holidays. If the kids are into wheels, check out the free Canberra MG Rally car display on 30 September, featuring over 100 of Australia’s finest MG sports cars built between 1923 and 1955.
Visit nma.gov.au
Libraries ACT
From guided butterfly activities to paper flower workshops, Libraries ACT have a bunch of delightful spring-themed activities perfect for all ages!
Visit library.act.gov.au
South.Point
Keen to burn some energy? Tackle the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle obstacle course at South.Point. Spanning over 24 meters, the course features squeeze through holes and X beams, and every child who conquers the course takes home their very own felt eye mask. The little ones are not left out either: the Baby TMNT course is for everyone 90cm and below. Check out the course at Centre Court everyday between September 25 and October 8, between 11am and 2pm.
Visit southpointcanberra.com.au
Canberra Outlet Centre
Do you have a budding scientist in the family? Embark on some experimental fun at the Canberra Outlet Lab, where kids can create their own glow in the dark galaxy jars, cloud slime and lab coats. There is no need to book and activities are free for Kids Club members, or a gold coin donation to Marymead for those who aren’t. (If you would like to sign up to be a Kids Club Member you can do so at the CO Lab on the day!) Activities will be held every day from 11am – 2pm.
Visit canberraoutlet.com.au for the full timetable.
Floriade
Check out the beautiful colours of spring (and make the most of this sublime weather) at Canberra’s iconic flower festival, Floriade. With free entry, there is plenty to see and do for kids including live music, entertainment by the Gecko Gang, gnome painting and even virtual reality experiences.
Visit floriadeaustralia.com for the full program
The Royal Australian Mint
Keep little hands busy at The Mint’s crafternoons! Perfect for all ages, the two-hour sessions include a range of fun craft activities, minus the mess at home. Curious to learn more? The Mint also run daily free tours, led by friendly and knowledgeable guides who love to share their passion for coins and who are great at bringing the history of coins to life.
Visit ramint.gov.au
The Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House
A firm favourite among little ones, PlayUP is a hands-on exhibition filled with activities to excite and challenge young minds through imagination, discovery, roleplay and fun. Children and adults alike can engage with craft activities, story time, a fuzzy felt wall, a kindness café and listening pods.
Visit moadoph.gov.au
Under $10
Australian Botanic Gardens
Know a mini green thumb? Discover the amazing plants that live in the bush on the Secrets of the Australian Bush tour. This family-friendly tour includes a ride on the magical Flora bus, a wander through Rainforest Gully and a visit to the Paperbark Treehouse.
$8 adult, $5 child & concession (bookings essential) | Visit parksaustralia.gov.au
National Film and Sound Archive
Get a taste of Hollywood with personal treasures from Baz Luhrmann, Eric Bana, Mia Wasikowska and more on display at the NFSA’s Australians & Hollywood exhibition. This Canberra-exclusive exhibition celebrates iconic moments in contemporary Australian film and the people and stories that brought them to life. See beloved cinema moments, rare behind-the-scenes footage and costumes and props up close from the NFSA collection for the first time.
$7.50 for children 5- 17 years, children under 5 are free | Visit nfsa.gov.au
National Portrait Gallery
Perfect for children aged between four and eight, Portrait Play at the National Portrait Gallery is a fun way to introduce your little ones to art. At the sessions, an experienced guide will choose a few portraits to talk about and then hold a craft activity that relates to each portrait. Held from 3 until 6 October.
$7 per child | Visit portrait.gov.au
The Mint
See coins from the National Coin Collection, view the factory floor and create your own magnificent monster at Marvellous Monotremes, aimed at ages six to 12. If your little ones are younger, check out Mini-Minties: Buzzy Bees and Blooming Blossoms, which features story time, craft and a tour of the gallery and factory. Perfect for ages three to five.
$10 per child (plus booking fee) | Visit ramint.gov.au
Gina Fairfax Discovery Centre
While you’re at the National Museum of Australia, visit this state-of-the art centre, perfect for burning off energy while encouraging curiosity.
$10 per child | Visit nma.gov.au
