10 free or cheap things for teenagers to do in Canberra this spring
Posted on
How come teenagers hibernate ‘til summer? Even in spring when the weather is perfect, why do they stay inside watching Netflix when they can take advantage of the amazing weather outside?
But what can teenagers do in Canberra that is fun and affordable? There is so much (even though they can be hard to please).
Here is a list of affordable activities and events that teenagers can enjoy this spring.
Floriade
Canberra’s most iconic flower festival is here! The festival is running from Saturday 14 September until Sunday 13 October, with free entry. There is so much to do, starting with painting gnomes, live music, amazing food, and fun rides!
Saturday 14 September until Sunday 13 October | Commonwealth Park, City | floriadeaustralia.com
Palace Electric Cinema
Located in NewActon, Palace Electric Cinema offers awesome events, including as film festivals from all around the world. This spring, the cinema will be showing an Italian film festival from Thursday 19 September until Wednesday 16 October as well as a Japanese film festival which is also on from Tuesday 24 September until Tuesday 15 October.
Open Monday to Sunday | 2 Phillip Law Street, New Acton | palacecinemas.com.au/festivals
Fashion Thrift Society
Fashion Thrift Society is an awesome pop-up where people sell vintage items of clothing! This is an event that teenagers would definitely enjoy, especially if they love fashion and shopping. The pop-up is open from 10 am – 4 pm on Sunday 20 October and is located in Budawang Pavilion at Exhibition Park. Tickets range from $10 to $20!
Sunday 20 October | Exhibition Park, Corner of Flemington Road and Northbourne Avenue, Mitchell | moshtix.com.au
Sunset Cinema
Located on the Eucalypt Law at the Australian National Botanic Gardens starting from Thursday 21 November, the Sunset Cinema is an awesome place for teenagers to get out and about and watch a fun movie with their friends and family (while also enjoying the weather). The Sunset Cinema offers food and drinks and snacks, but you are able to bring your own food and have a picnic while watching your favourite movie.
Thursday 21 November until Australian National Botanic Gardens, Clunies Ross Street Acton | sunsetcinema.com.au
Instala DIY Studio
Instala DIY studio is located in Braddon and offers so many fun DIY activities that teenagers would enjoy, giving allows them to be creative and have fun with friends. The studio offers activities such as candle making, decondan cream art, and fluid bear art. These activities range from $15 to $20. Bookings are essential.
Open Wednesday to Sunday | 30 Lonsdale Street, Braddon | instalastudio.com
National Zoo and Aquarium
The National Zoo and Aquarium is an awesome way to spend the day with friends and family. The zoo offers a range of activities and tours that allow you to connect with animals by feeding them and getting stunning photos with them. After all, everything can turn into an Instagram post.
Open Monday to Sunday | 999 Lady Denman Drive, Yarralumla | nationalzoo.com.au
Red Hill Lookout
Red Hill lookout offers beautiful views of Canberra (mainly the south side) and gives a fantastic view of Canberra landmarks such as Parliament House. You can either drive up and have a picnic or walk up the hiking trails and see the kangaroos that surround the area.
Open Monday to Sunday | Red Hill Drive, Red Hill | canberratracks.act.gov.au
Australian National Botanic Gardens
The Australian National Botanic Gardens offers both beautiful sights and lots of information about nature and wildlife. It’s a fun way to get out and about with friends. The gardens are also filled with so many beautiful animals, which makes the walk so much more interesting. The park also offers tour guides and Flora Explorer bus tours. After exploring the beautiful gardens, you can have a break and enjoy some food or coffee at the Pollen café.
Clunies Ross Street, Acton | Open Monday to Sunday | parksaustralia.gov.au
Mini Golf Federation Square
Mini Golf Federation Square offers an amazing outdoor mini golf course which is also cheap and affordable. Mini golf is a great way for teens to get out and about and challenge their friends to some friendly competition!
Open Monday to Sunday | Shop 5a 18 O’Hanlon Place, Nicholls |minigolffedsqu.com.au
Tuggeranong Arts Centre
Tuggeranong Arts Centre has amazing exhibits of local Australian artists and they offer workshops and events such as songwriting classes and other events like battle of the bands. The Tuggeranong Arts Centre is a great way for teenagers to explore and expand their knowledge on visual and performing arts!
Open Tuesday to Saturday | 137 Reed Street, Greenway | tuggeranongarts.com
Feature image supplied by Visit Canberra.
