10+ things for teenagers to do in Canberra this summer
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Sick of mall trips and movies? Wondering what else is there to do in Canberra these holidays?
Whether you are an adrenaline junky or a bookworm, here are 10+ things you could do these holidays.
Canberra Aqua Park
Missing the beach? Canberra’s very own Aqua Park is here! Returning once again this summer, they offer 60 minute sessions and all day passes for ages 10 and up. Their range of slides, ladders, and pillows are just the start of the fun, with paddle boards and BBQs for hire. Spend a day by the lake and soak in the sun.
Until Wednesday 22 April | Black Mountain Peninsula, Lake Burley Griffin | canberraaquapark.com
Sunset Cinema
The Sunset Cinema is a Canberra classic. With food trucks, snacks, and a wide range of movies, there is nothing better than visiting the sunset cinema with family or friends. Over the summer they are screening classics, recent releases, and Christmas movies. Cuddle up under the stars and enjoy a night of calm.
Until Saturday 28 February | Australian National Botanic Gardens, Acton | sunsetcinema.com.au/canberra
Treetops Adventure
Adrenaline junkies will love Canberra’s Treetops Adventure! With high ropes, ziplines, and aerial obstacles, Treetops is the perfect place to push yourself and have fun with your friends. The standard sessions are two hours and 30 minutes, guaranteeing time to do it all. Make sure you book ahead so that you don’t miss out.
Open Monday to Sunday | Lime Kiln Road, Majura | treetopsadventure.com.au
Cotter Dam
The Cotter Dam is home to beautiful rivers and wildlife, equipped with places to swim, playgrounds, walking trails, BBQs, grass fields, views, and much more. The Cotter is a popular spot for families over the summer, with plenty of spots to fish, have a picnic, and sun bake. It is perfect for a cost-free day out of the house and an aesthetic Instagram post.
Open Monday to Sunday | Cotter Road, Stromlo | parks.act.gov.au
National Zoo and Aquarium
Love animals or just want some sun? The National Zoo and Aquarium is just the spot to eat, play, and learn. The zoo is packed with exotic and native animals, whether they be from land, sky, or water. With tours, encounters, feedings, souvenirs, and more, the National Zoo and Aquarium is perfect for a summer outing.
Open Monday to Sunday | 999 Lady Denman Drive, Yarralumla | nationalzoo.com.au
ACT Speedway
The ACT Speedway is the home of motorsport in Canberra. Get invested in sprintcars, production sedans, legend cars, and street stockers, as they go face to face, fighting for the championship trophy. On top of the action, spectators have access to various food trucks and merchandise. What better way to bring some excitement to Saturday nights?
Until Saturday 14 February | 583 Pialligo Avenue, Fairbairn | speedwayaustralia.org/act-speedway-canberra
Festival of Speed
Interested in cars? Looking for something to do this summer? The Festival of Speed is returning to Canberra! The two-day motorsports festival will entail European food, motoring trade stalls, and showcases of supercars, motorcycles, circuit-side vehicles, Aussie icons, and more. Bring your friends and family, but don’t forget to purchase tickets before they sell out.
Saturday 31 January and Sunday 1 February | Thoroughbred Park, 1 Randwick Road, Lyneham | canberrafestivalofspeed.com
Paintball
Lucky for us, Canberra has two incredible paintball parks that offer loads of fun.
Delta Force offers an immersive experience with movie-set themed game zones, life sized props, and a whole lot of competition. Wanna play in a Tomb Raider themed zone? Delta force is the paintball park for you. It is highly reviewed and only a 20-minute drive from Canberra’s CBD.
Open Monday to Sunday | Corner Monaro Highway and Old Tuggeranong Rd, Greenway | canberrapaintball.com.au
Paintball Sports ACT offers 12 different battle fields, player chosen groups, and parties. Their fields include a range of themes, from a Lego themed zone to war zones. Located out by the airport, it’s the perfect outdoor activity these holidays.
Open Monday to Sunday | 625 Pialligo Avenue, Majura | paintballs.com.au
The National Museum of Australia
With its exceptional exhibitions, infrastructure, and air-conditioning, the National Museum of Australia is an ideal day out. Known for its interactive exhibits, breathtaking views, comfy cafe, beautiful gardens, and outdoor ‘breathing space’, the National Museum is the perfect place for curious minds.
Open Monday to Sunday | The National Museum of Australia, Lawson Crescent, Acton Peninsula | nma.gov.au
Hallyu!
Over the 2025/26 summer holidays the National Museum of Australia are running events as a part of their ‘Hallyu!’ Season of Korea’ exhibit. These events include K-pop DJ sets, dance performances and workshops, lectures on curation, a Korean cultural festival, arts and craft workshops, and two nights packed with Korean chicken, beer, and music. Join in the fun and find out more on their website.
Until Sunday 10 May | The National Museum of Australia, Lawson Crescent, Acton Peninsula | nma.gov.au/hallyu
Power Kart Raceway
Power Kart Raceway has a variety of things for teens to do these holidays. Offering not only indoor karting, but glow in the dark mini golf, VR experiences, and arcade games. Worried about getting hungry? They have a cafe with hot food, and vending machines with snacks and cold drinks. Along with this, they also host birthday parties and functions, making it easy for large groups to enjoy the activities at a lower price.
Open Monday to Sunday | 125 Canberra Avenue, Griffith | powerkarts.com.au
Zone 3 Laser Tag
Wanna do something that’s going to get your blood pumping? Zone 3 Laser Tag is the place for you! With competitive games of laser tag running all day, teens can stay inside and be active. It is an immersive, lights out experience, packed with adrenaline, great for team building, and especially great for large groups.
Open Monday to Sunday | 28 Weedon Close, Belconnen | zone3act.com.au
BlocHaus Rock Climbing
Got a group of friends? Want to challenge yourselves? Give BlocHaus Rock Climbing a try these holidays. They have a range of walls, party options, and group bookings. One of the best parts is that BlocHaus Canberra has two locations, one in Mitchell and one in Fyshwick! Pick one closest to home and give rock climbing a go these holidays.
Open Monday to Sunday | 2/1 Dairy Road, Fyshwick | 1/2 Essington Street, Mitchell | cbr.blochaus.com.au
