10 free or cheap things for your teenager to do in Canberra this winter
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Do your teenagers think the word ‘winter’ is synonymous with ‘Netflix’ and ‘hibernate’? Sometimes they need a little motivation to get out and about.
But when the weather is cold and funds are limited, what can they do to bust winter boredom? The answer: plenty.
Here’s a list of affordable things to do in Canberra to help inspire them (and you) to get out of the house on a budget.
Bundle up and get busy!
Celebrate the magic of Christmas in July
A free French-inspired winter market? This event is fun for all ages. Packing four days full of food, live entertainment, street shows, and concerts, The Xmas in July Festival is free to attend and celebrates the magic of Christmas…in July.
From Christmas lights to falling snow, there’s plenty to see and do but it’s worth noting that the fire pit experience does need to be booked in advance and you will need to budget for snacks – because with German hot dogs, crepes, and raclette on the menu, they’ll want to try it all.
Thursday 27 until Sunday 30 June | National Rose Gardens, Parkes | christmasinjuly.com.au
Make the most of the Little Burley Markets Winter Wonderland
Free and family-friendly, this is a cosy community event that will get everyone into the winter spirit.
Taking place on Saturday 6 July, Canberra’s favourite lakeside market is putting on a wee winter warmer with gorgeous market stalls, glittering goodies and food and drink from the diverse cultures. From free local entertainment to drumming and dance groups, free kids’ arts and crafts, marshmallows for toasting, and more, there’s plenty for everyone to do.
Saturday 6 July, 9 am – 2 pm | Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes |
thelittleburleymarket.com.au
Step into a winter wonderland in Braddon
Braddon’s Haig Park Village Market will be transformed into a winter wonderland this July and there will be plenty for your teen to see and do.
From enjoying twinkling lights and spices in the air, to tasting marshmallows and strolling the stalls of bakers, makers, creators, and producers, the event is free to attend and is perfect for anyone working with a budget.
Plus there will also be free live entertainment from the Burns Club Pipe Band, choirs, dancing and drumming groups!
Sunday 14 July, 8 am – 2 pm | Haig Park, Braddon | haigparkvillagemarkets.com.au
Hit the snow (without the drive)
Forget taking them all the way to Thredbo to chuck snowballs – this winter make a trip to Corin Forest.
While you do need to pay to take part in the activities (which include the alpine slide, Snowplay, lessons, and skiing), entry to Corin Forest – Canberra’s own mini snow wonderland – is free and if you’re on a bit of a budget, snuggling up on the viewing decks besides the Snowplay area and Ski Hill with a hot coffee or nibbling on some woodfire pizza is a great way to spend a day.
Explore the National institutions
Sometimes people forget that Canberra is home to an abundance of cultural icons – and that all of them have free entry.
If your teen is complaining that there’s nothing to do, send them to visit the National Gallery of Australia, Questacon, National Film and Sound Archive, National Museum of Australia, Australian War Memorial, Museum of Australian Democracy (MoAD) at Old Parliament House, Australian Parliament House, National Archives of Australia, Royal Australian Mint, National Portrait Gallery, National Capital Authority and National Library of Australia. With ever-changing exhibitions (and plenty of heating), they might just discover something new.
Take a walk
Sometimes something as simple as a walk can be the best boredom buster, especially on a clear and sunny winter’s day. And luckily, there are plenty of tracks to choose from in Canberra.
But if suggesting the bridge-to-bridge causes a resounding “But MUMMMMMM”, how about something a little different? From swinging bridges to a secret garden, hidden sculptures, and natural wonders, here are five unique walks in Canberra that will keep them busy for an hour or two.
Go to the movies
If you’re after an affordable night at the pictures this winter (aren’t we all?), the National Film and Sound Archive (NFSA) is launching a low-priced $8 Collection Selection series in Arc Cinema, offering new opportunities for audiences to discover content from the national collection.
And if that’s not enough, your teens can also pop into the Theatrette each weekend to watch one of several documentaries that will be screened for free (yes, free!) on a rotating basis. Keep an eye on the NFSA website to see the full program.
Browse vintage treasures
If their idea of fun is poking around, sending your teens to Canberra antique stores to search for some pre-loved treasure might be the solution you need.
Full of thrifty finds, you know that if they buy something, it won’t blow their budget and shows them the power of shopping second-hand. We suggest sending them to the suburb of Fyshwick to join the vintage trail.
Get trivial
Cheap, fun, and a great bonding experience for the whole family, a trivia night is not only fun and challenging but it’s also an opportunity to win some free stuff.
Here are some locations in Canberra that hold trivia nights – and it’s worth noting that there are usually some great week-day dinner deals, so you can dine out without blowing the bank!
Spend a day at a Repair Café
Sometimes saving money is as simple as fixing something yourself, and with plenty of Repair Cafes popping up in Canberra you can teach your teen this valuable lesson.
Free to attend, they can take along anything that needs to be fixed (from a pair of jeans to a wobbly chair) and with the help of some skilled volunteers it will be as good as new before they know it. Great for learning new skills, keep an eye out to see when and where the Repair Cafés pop up next.
