The Canberra parents’ survival guide to the April school holidays
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The chocolate has been eaten, the Easter egg hunt clues have been recycled, and the kids are approximately 48 hours into the holidays with the full force of their boundless energy directed squarely at you. Sound familiar?
Don’t worry – Canberra has your back.
This April, the capital is putting on one of its most impressive school holiday programs, with activities running right through from Monday 7 to Thursday 17 April across the city.
Whether you have budding artists, aspiring wizards, K-pop enthusiasts, or the kind of children who need to run very fast down a 300-metre inflatable obstacle course, there’s sure to be something on this list with their name on it.
Wonderful World Festival
The City Renewal Authority is transforming Garema Place and City Walk into a celebration of creativity, community and connection these school holidays!
Expect awe-inspiring family activities including shows, shared eats, and plenty of reasons to rediscover joy in the everyday. It’s a free event designed to spark imagination across generations.
Cost: Free
Tuesday 7 until Sunday 12 April | Garema Place and City Walk, Canberra City | inthecity.com.au
Wild Family Adventure at South.Point Tuggeranong
South.Point is pulling out all the stops these school holidays, with a free two-week program that’s genuinely one of the most packed lineups in the city. The centrepiece is a daily Reptile Zoo activation opposite Big W, where the Canberra Reptile Zoo brings snakes, lizards, and crocodiles up close for hands-on encounters that are equal parts thrilling and educational.
Daily nature-themed craft sessions run alongside (10 kids per session from Tuesday to Saturday each week at 10 am, 11 am, and 12 pm), giving creative little ones plenty to make and take home.
There’s also a brilliant competition designed to put the kids in charge: grab a South.Point receipt of any amount, head to the concierge, and have your child answer five questions about reptiles and nature for a chance to win a Wild Family Adventure to Taralga. The prize is seriously impressive – a BMW for the weekend courtesy of Canberra BMW, a family pass to Taralga Wildlife Park, and a night’s accommodation at Charlie’s on Church in Taralga. The first 25 competition entrants also score a free family pass to Limelight Cinemas, so it’s worth heading to the concierge early.
And keep an eye out at Donut King: purchase two cinnamon donuts between 11 am and 2 pm and you’ll receive a mini iced donut in a bag – two lucky winners per day will find a Golden Ticket inside, redeemable at concierge for a family pass to the Canberra Reptile Zoo.
Cost: Free (competition entry with any South.Point receipt)
Tuesday 7 until Friday 18 April, 10 am–1 pm | Opposite Big W, Coner Anketell and Reed Streets, Tuggeranong | southpointcanberra.com.au
Easter Factory and Magic Bunny Garden at Marketplace Gungahlin
Keep the Easter vibes going after the long weekend is done with one of the most charming Easter setups in Canberra – Marketplace Gunghalin is hosting two distinct free activity zones across the school holidays.
In the mornings, the Easter Factory (outside Big W, 10 am–1 pm) is where the busy bunnies get to work and kids can decorate plaster and chocolate bunnies or build their very own Easter basket. Then in the afternoons, the magic shifts to the enchanted Bunny Garden (outside Daily Market Grocer, 1 pm–4 pm), where the activities take on a more whimsical flavour: felt garden crowns, candy flower pots, and mini fairy gardens that are almost too pretty to take home.
Shoppers can also try their luck at the Lucky Carrot Pluck every Saturday and Sunday from 11 am–1 pm outside the Big W — spend $30 or more at the centre and you’re in with a chance to win gift cards, dining vouchers, or gift packs.
Cost: Free (Lucky Carrot Pluck with $30+ spend)
Friday 4 until Saturday 19 April, 10 am–4 pm | Outside Big W and Daily Market Grocer, Marketplace Gungahlin | marketplacegungahlin.com.au/whats-on/easter-2026
School Holiday Adventures at Wildbark
Tucked into Throsby, Wildbark is the kind of school holiday experience that stays with kids long after the lunch boxes are unpacked. A place where young people explore nature, discover wildlife, and build genuine confidence through outdoor adventure, Wildbark’s holiday program runs across both weeks with options for a range of ages.
The Junior Explorer Program (ages 5–11) runs across both weeks, while the second week also adds the Youth Ranger Program (Grades 6–9) and Wild Voices (ages 7–12) for Monday through Thursday. With full days running from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm, it’s also a genuinely practical option for working families.
Cost: $160–$540 (varies by program and number of days)
Tuesday 7 until Friday 10 April and Tuesday 14 until Thursday 16 April | 25 Rosenberg Street, Throsby | wildbark.org
K-pop Dance Workshops & K-fest at the National Museum
In celebration of their Hallyu! The Korean Wave exhibition, the National Museum of Australia is hosting electrifying K-pop dance workshops with Canberra’s Dance til Dawn studio on 10 and 17 April, promising brilliant fun for older kids and teens (and adventurous adults).
Then on Saturday 11 April, the free K-fest Korean Cultural Festival will bring a vibrant evening of music, food, and community from 4 pm until 8.30 pm.
Cost: $10 child/concession | Adult accompanying free ($15 participating) | K-fest free
Friday 10, Saturday 11 and Friday 17 April | Gandel Atrium, Lawson Crescent, Acton Peninsula | nma.gov.au
Hallyu! Workshops at the National Museum of Australia
Alongside the K-pop dance workshops and K-fest, the National Museum is also running a lovely series of hands-on creative workshops inspired by their Hallyu! The Korean Wave exhibition — with something for every age group.
The Mini Minhwa Fans workshop (ages 5–12) invites kids to create a traditional paper fan inspired by minhwa folk painting and the Korean alphabet across three sessions in the first week of holidays.
In the second week, the Tiny Toons Workshop (ages 8–12) teaches simple drawing techniques to capture facial expressions in webtoons, then kids design and decorate their own 3D emoti-toy. And for teens, the Teen Toon Studio (ages 14–18) with illustrator and designer Lucius Ha is a brilliant introduction to the art of vertical storytelling, layout, and webtoon-style comic creation.
Cost: Mini Minhwa Fans $5 child, $5 participating adult | Tiny Toons Workshop $20 child ($16 Friends) | Teen Toon Studio $35 teen ($30 Friends), accompanying adult free
Mini Minhwa Fans: Tuesday 7 until Thursday 9 April, 10 am–12 pm | Tiny Toons Workshop: Tuesday 14 and Wednesday 15 April, 10 am and 11.30 am | Teen Toon Studio: Thursday 16 April, 1–4 pm | Lawson Crescent, Acton Peninsula | nma.gov.au
School Holiday Film Screenings at the NFSA
The ARC Cinema at the National Film and Sound Archive continues to be one of Canberra’s most wonderful spots for a school holiday outing, with four classic film screenings on offer.
The lineup for these school holidays includes The Wizard of Oz, The Red Turtle, Big, and Hook will all screenings taking place at 1 pm on their respective days.
Cost: $14 full | $12 concession | $10 child (+ booking fee)
Wednesday 8, Thursday 9 April, Wednesday 15 April, and Thursday 16 April | Arc Cinema, 1 McCoy Circuit, Acton | tickets.nfsa.gov.au
School Holiday Program at The H Dispensary
The H Dispensary in Griffith is one of Canberra’s most charming and distinctive school holiday destinations, and their nature-inspired program spans both weeks of the holidays.
The first week (Wednesday 8 to Friday 10 April) brings Autumn Wild Crowns, Natural Perfume Creations, a Magical Herb Garden, Nature Hunt, Warm Tonic Creations, Homeopathy Story Time & Bingo, a free Nature Detectives Day, and various Potions and Remedies workshops.
The second week (Tuesday 14 and Thursday 16 April) is equally wonderful, with Potion Play and Autumn Art kicking off Tuesday morning, followed by Herbal Bath Salt Creations at lunchtime. Thursday brings two brilliant options for older kids: Make Your Own Study Survival Kit and a Natural Skincare Lab for Teens. It’s a truly unique school holiday experience in a beautiful local setting.
Cost: $3–$45 per activity (some free)
Wednesday 8 until Friday 10 and Tuesday 14 and Thursday 16 April | 6 Barker Street, Griffith | eventbrite.com.au
School Holiday Activities at MOAD
The Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House has put together a rich school holiday program this April.
From Monday 6 to Friday 10 April, drop into Open Air PlayUP where kids can enjoy a mix of fun activities and let their imaginations roam in a free outdoor play space for families.
Then from Saturday 11 to Sunday 19 April, join free daily craft sessions where kids can write, draw, collage, create and explore using their voice. No bookings required.
Cost: Prices range from free to $15
Thursday 9, Saturday 11, Sunday 12, Monday 13 and Tuesday 14 to Sunday 19 April | 18 King George Terrace, Parkes | moadoph.gov.au
Leonardo da Vinci: 500 Years of Genius
Extended due to popular demand, this is the final chance to experience one of the most talked-about immersive exhibitions to visit Canberra. Five centuries after his death, Leonardo da Vinci remains the ultimate restless mind – artist, engineer, anatomist, philosopher, futurist – and this landmark exhibition brings his notebooks, inventions, and art to life through monumental projection art, reconstructed machines, and interactive storytelling on a breathtaking scale.
Created by Grande Experiences in collaboration with Museo Leonardo da Vinci, it’s an experience genuinely suited to all ages. During school holidays, kids enter free Monday to Thursday when tickets are pre-booked online.
Cost: Free (when pre-booked online).
Until Sunday, 12 April | Federation Centenary Fountain precinct, Parkes Place lawns, Parkes | happengroup.com.au
Creative Journaling for Beginners at the National Library
For older kids and teens who love writing and art, the National Library of Australia is offering a Creative Journaling for Beginners workshop on Wednesday 15 April for ages 10 to 16.
Blending writing with artistic elements like sketching, collage, and painting, it’s a wonderful introduction to a mindfulness practice that can last a lifetime.
Cost: $15
Wednesday 15 April | Ferguson Room, Level 1, Parkes Place, Parkes | library.gov.au
Gabby’s Dollhouse Live on Stage
Canberra Outlet is wrapping up the school holidays in style with live shows and meet and greets from the beloved Gabby’s Dollhouse – a treat for any family with pre-school or early primary aged fans.
Shows run at 11 am and 1 pm with free entry. An absolute winner for the little ones.
Cost: Free
Wednesday 15 until Saturday 18 April | 337 Canberra Avenue, Fyshwick | canberraoutlet.com.au
Velveteen Rabbit at Canberra Theatre Centre
A gorgeous note on which to close out the school holidays: Physical Theatre Company brings their thoughtful and hilarious reimagining of Margery Williams’ century-old children’s story to the Canberra Theatre Centre.
It’s the kind of live theatre experience that reminds everyone – kids and adults alike – why stories matter.
Cost: $40–$45 (+ booking fee)
Friday 17 and Saturday 18 April | Civic Square, London Circuit, City | canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Canberra Airport Open Day
The Canberra Airport Open Day is back — and by all accounts, bigger than ever. Rounding out a jam-packed school holidays weekend, this free event on Saturday 19 April promises aviation displays, aerobatic demonstrations, children’s activities, and local food stalls. Whether your kids are obsessed with planes or you’ve simply been looking for a great reason to get outside, this one is hard to beat.
Cost: Free
Saturday 18 April, 9 am–3 pm | Catalina Drive, Majura Park | canberraairport.com.au
Kids Month at Canberra Southern Cross Club
The Canberra Southern Cross Club is going all in for April with Kids Month – a month-long program of family activities across Woden, Tuggeranong, Jamison, and Stellar Canberra venues.
Highlights include Kids Eat Free every Monday to Wednesday with an adult meal, free glitter tattoos every Friday and Saturday evening, and Sunday Funday at Woden and Jamison with free arcade game access.
Keep an eye out for Kidtastic Workshops as details are released!
Cost: Free (various inclusions with meal purchases)
Wednesday 1 until Thursday 30 April | Various locations | cscc.com.au
Easter Bath Bomb Workshop at Lush
Lush Canberra is bringing the fun to the school holidays with their Hop into Handmade Bath Bomb Workshop. Kids get to create their very own Toby’s Magic Cow bath bomb, hunt in-store for the hidden Rockstar Rabbit for a chance to win a Hey Bun Gift and enter the Colour-In Competition.
Sessions run across various dates in April – talk about a fragrant and fizzy school holiday activity.
Cost: $15
Tuesday 7, Thursday 9, Saturday 11, Tuesday 14 and Saturday 18 April | Canberra Centre, Ground Floor, City | humanitix.com
Art Steps by Naminapu Maymuru-White
The National Gallery of Australia is hosting a beautiful drop-in school holiday program inspired by the work of Naminapu Maymuru-White.
Children are invited to listen to the Milky Way story, learn about the Milŋiya river, and create shadow puppets inspired by the dark spaces between the stars. It’s free, it’s meaningful, and it’s the kind of cultural experience that stays with kids long after the holidays are over. A sensory-friendly session runs on Thursday 16 April.
Cost: Free
Tuesday 7 until Saturday 11 and Monday 13 until Thursday 16 April | Gallery 12, Level 1, Parkes Place East, Parkes | nga.gov.au
ZOOcation at the National Zoo & Aquarium
The National Zoo & Aquarium’s school holiday program ZOOcation is always a highlight – and this year’s theme, ‘Animals in Film: Fact or Fiction?’, sounds particularly captivating.
Running over four days in each week of the school holidays, it’s a full-day immersive experience for animal-loving kids. Book ahead, as sessions fill quickly.
Cost: $112 per child, per session
Tuesday 7 until Friday 10 and Monday 13 until Thursday 16 April | 999 Lady Denman Drive, Weston Creek | nationalzoo.com.au
School Holiday Workshops at the National Arboretum
The National Arboretum is offering a stunning variety of school holiday workshops this April, making the most of its unique natural setting.
Highlights include Kite Making Workshops (with flying included) Rock Art sessions following a guided walk through the National Rock Garden, Mushrooms & Mini-Beasts in the heritage Cork Oak Forest, and a Little Ecologists Forest Walk through the Himalayan Cedar forest. Family Orienteering is also available daily throughout the holiday period.
Cost: $5 – $15 per activity
Tuesday 7 until Tuesday 21 April | Terrace Room, Forest Drive, Molonglo Valley | nationalarboretum.act.gov.au
School Holiday Workshops at Canberra Glassworks
The Canberra Glassworks always transform into a creative wonderland during school holidays, and this April is no exception.
Kids can make Leafy Lightcatchers using autumn-coloured glass scraps (a particularly lovely activity for the season) or create Mushroom Magnets by fusing colourful glass with kawaii murrini eyes for personality. The finished pieces make genuinely beautiful keepsakes.
Cost: $85 per workshop
Saturday 4 until Friday 17 April | 11 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston | canberraglassworks.com
Wand Making & Potions at Quizzic Alley
For the aspiring witches and wizards in the family (and let’s be honest, that’s most children), Quizzic Alley in Fyshwick is offering two absolutely magical school holiday experiences.
The Wand Making Class sees young sorcerers create their very own personalised wand under the guidance of a professional wand maker, while the Luminarae Potions Class involves creating a layered ‘lake effect’ potion with swirling shimmer and enchanted finishing touches. Both run across multiple sessions during the school holidays.
Cost: $45 per class
Saturday 4 until Sunday 19 April | 5 Pirie Street, Fyshwick | quizzicalley.com
School Holiday Workshops at The Ceramic Studio
The Ceramic Studio in Mitchell is running a wonderful program of themed pottery sessions throughout the school holidays. From Clay Goes to the Movies (movie-inspired creations for ages 6 and above) to Superhero Planter Paint-Ups, Princess Ring Holders, Dino Egg Cups, and Wizard Mugs – there’s something for every young artist.
Sessions run across the first and second weeks of holidays with multiple options to choose from.
Cost: $49 per class
Tuesday 7 until Friday 17 April | Unit 4, 15 Darling Street, Mitchell | theceramicstudioact.com.au
Money, Money, Money School Holiday Program at the National Archives
The National Archives of Australia is inviting young visitors to explore the fascinating stories behind Australia’s banknotes as well as design their very own.
Sneaking in a little learning in alongside fun, at under $10 per child (accompanying adults free), it’s excellent value for an engaging morning on the Parliamentary Triangle.
Cost: $7 child | Adult free | NAA members free
Thursday 9, Friday 10, Wednesday 15 and Thursday 16 April | Kings Avenue, Parkes | naa.gov.au
The Vegetable Plot: Pajamazon Jungle at Tuggeranong Arts Centre
Following their MOAD music workshop, the wonderful children’s band The Vegetable Plot will be performing Pajamazon Jungle at Tuggeranong Arts Centre on Friday 10 April.
Combining puppetry, live music, incredibly catchy songs, and delicious silliness, it’s an organic, interactive theatre experience for young children and their families that comes very highly recommended.
Cost: $30 adult | $20 child | $90 family of four
Friday 10 April | 137 Reed Street, Greenway | tuggeranongarts.com
Big Skills for Small Bikes with Pedal Power ACT
For parents who’ve been meaning to get the little ones properly riding, the school holidays are the perfect window, and Pedal Power ACT’s Big Skills for Small Bikes course is designed exactly for this moment.
The course teaches parents and carers how to help their children ride confidently and safely, with sessions running every morning across the second week of holidays.
Cost: $150 | $135 for Pedal Power members (+ booking fee)
Monday 13 until Friday 17 April | Lyneham High School, 61 Goodwin Street, Lyneham | pedalpower.org.au
Tuff Nutterz Inflatable Obstacle Course
Billed as Australia’s longest inflatable obstacle course at 300 metres, Tuff Nutterz is coming to the Parkes Place Lawns these school holidays and you better be excited.
With two additional inflatable games on top of the main course, it’s a full-on, burn-every-last-drop-of-energy afternoon for kids and adults alike. Sessions run four times daily.
Cost: $25–$60 (+ booking fee)
Wednesday 15 until Sunday 19 April | Parkes Place Lawns, Parkes | tuffnutterz.com
Bunnings School Holiday DIY Workshops
Bunnings continues its free DIY Workshops program throughout the school holidays, with activities and times varying by store. Check the relevant store website for specific dates and bookings – it’s a reliable, hands-on activity and the price (free!) can’t be argued with.
Cost: Free
Various dates | Various locations | bunnings.com.au
School Holiday Fun at Lollipop’s Playland
After the Easter Bunny Disco fun, Lollipop’s Playland is back for the school holidays with free activities included with paid entry.
Sessions feature crafts, glitter tattoos, face painting, and cookie decorating – a winning combination for keeping energetic little ones happily occupied.
Cost: Activities free with paid play centre entry.
Monday 6 until Thursday 9 and Monday 13 until Thursday 16 April | Majura Park Shopping Centre (near Aldi) | canberra.lollipopsplayland.com.au
IKEA School Holiday Workshops
IKEA Canberra is offering two lovely free school holiday workshops for IKEA Family members.
On Tuesday 7 April, kids aged four to 12 can build their very own miniature town in the Create a Tiny Town workshop using the MÅLA series. Then on Tuesday 14 April, Autumn Leaf Art invites children to create leaf-inspired artworks that get framed in-store to take home.
Cost: Free for IKEA Family members
Tuesday 7 and Tuesday 14 April | 1030 Majura Road, Pialligo | ikea.com/au
Kids School Holiday Cooking Classes at ACT Nutrition Support Service
For families looking for something a little different, the ACT Nutrition Support Service is running school holiday cooking classes facilitated by qualified dietitians.
Kids learn a range of cooking methods, knife skills, and food safety tips in a supportive, educational environment – the kind of practical life skill that’s genuinely worth investing in. Running across the full second week of holidays.
Cost: $80 per session
Monday 13 until Friday 17 April | Lower Level, Chifley Health Hub, 70 Maclaurin Crescent, Chifley | actnss.org
Code Camp
The school holidays are the perfect time to swap passive screen time for something a little more purposeful, and Code Camp delivers exactly that. One of Australia’s most-loved holiday programs for kids, Code Camp is back these autumn holidays with an impressive lineup of camps running across multiple Canberra locations, for children aged five to 13.
With camps running across suburbs including Coombs, Evatt, Farrer, Forrest, Giralang, Harrison, Watson, Waramanga, and Wanniassa, there’s very likely a location close to home.
Price: Prices vary. Check the website for details.
Various dates | Multiple locations | codecamp.com.au
Zoorassic Park school holidays at the National Zoo and Aquarium
The National Zoo and Aquarium transforms into Zoorassic Park these school holidays, taking families back in time to encounter prehistoric creatures and their modern-day relatives. Follow the egg-themed quiz trail to discover more about egg-laying animals, then head to the Viewing Park for lawn games and roving entertainment featuring baby dinosaur characters.
The weekend of 11–12 April brings Wild Festivals to life with jumping castles and live music from the 6 Jazz Band (11 am–1 pm). Daily activities run throughout the holidays, with Adventureland, animal tours and encounters also available. New dining deals are on offer at the Rhino Bistro.
Friday 3–Sunday 19 April | National Zoo and Aquarium, Yarralumla | nationalzoo.com.au
