Canberra school holiday activities you’ll love
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As school bells ring for the last time this year, Canberra parents scratch their heads, thinking of ways to entertain their kids over these next bazillion…er, eight…weeks.
We’ve gone ahead and gathered a list of activities that both you and them are guaranteed to love. Read on for some great ideas for every kind of kid.
For the curious
From hands-on activities and imaginative play spaces that flip the traditional idea of museums completely on its head to giant lawn games and dress-ups in iconic outfits of historical and contemporary figures, there’s a whole lot to keep young minds engaged at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House this January.
For little people who love exploring, borrow a family action pack and embark on the ultimate museum adventure. Save the world on the Superhero Museum Trail, break the news with a Press Gang Backpack, find out what makes collectors tick with a Collector Kit or borrow a Stanley Backpack and bird watch in the gardens.
Behind the Lines: The Year’s Best Political Cartoons 2018 theme of Curiouser and Curiouser, inspired by Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, will give kids the chance to dress up as the colourful and curious characters of Wonderland and becoming Alice, the Queen of Hearts, the Cheshire Cat or the Mad Hatter. Card games also await, with special Wonderland twists. Older kids can go on a cartooning trail through the exhibition, following clues and learning about the art of political cartooning.
Finally, visitors can discover The Magic of Malala in a creative drawing workshop inspired by the bravery of Pakistani schoolgirl Malala Yousafzai. Kids aged 8 to 15 can create their own masterpiece in this artist-led workshop using a variety of different drawing techniques.
Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House | 18 King George Terrace, Parkes | See website for program details, dates and costs | moadoph.gov.au
For those who love to learn
All roads lead to Rome at the National Museum of Australia (NMA)! Well, at least some will lead to their latest exhibition Rome: City and Empire. Join them these school holidays for activities inspired by Ancient Rome.
When in Rome …
Dress up in a toga or stoa, make a Roman laurel wreath and help complete a Roman bathhouse mosaic.
10 am–1 pm weekdays, 14 – 18 January 2019 and 21 – 25 January 2019. All ages, children must be accompanied by an adult. Cost: Free-$5. Bookings not required but places are limited. See the website for more information.
Chill-out zone
Play, read or relax in the NMA’s Bay Window chill-out zone or try one of the self-facilitated activities inspired by Ancient Rome. In the mornings watch on as artist Byrd creates a cardboard chariot.
10 am–1 pm and 2–3.30 pm weekdays, 14 – 18 January 2019 and 21 – 25 January 2019. Free. All ages, children must be accompanied by an adult. Bookings not required, places limited.
National Museum of Australia | Lawson Crescent, Acton | 7 to 18 January 2019 | nma.gov.au
For the sporty
If you’re keen to keep your children active and away from screens while learning new skills, then the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) holiday program is ideal.
Running from 2 January to 1 February, you can choose from the pre-school, swimming intensive, soccer, cricket, tennis, dance, and multi-sport programs.
With a focus on participation and fun, the programs are suitable for all skill and experience levels and cater for children aged four to 13.
Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) | Leverrier St, Bruce | 2 January – 1 February 2019. Drop off from 8 am with pick-up until 5.30 pm. See website for camp dates | Daily cost is $66, or $287 if you book for five consecutive days | experienceais.com/sports-camps/holiday-program
For the foodies
With lots of laughter, mess, and a whole heap of scrumptious recipes ready to create, Kids Pantry is just waiting for you to join them.
Kids can learn how to make some spectacular dishes and best of all eat them with the new friends they have just met! Even Mum and Dad will be impressed!
A range of classes are available for ages: 5-9, 10-12, and 13-18 years.
See the website for specific session times, pricing and bookings.
Kids Pantry | 7 Geils Court, Deakin | Tuesday 18 to Friday 21 December 2018 and 14 January – 1 February 2019. Classes run from 9 am to 5 pm. | 0447074167 | kidspantry.com.au
For the outdoor types
At Mulligans Flat these summer holidays, kids can meet a Bettong, go on night tours to find nocturnal animals and join experts to go birdwatching.
Meanwhile, some of the programs at Jerrabombera Wetlands includes Art Meets Science—a series of four workshops where you can learn about the creatures that hide in leaf litter, find out what Rangers do, or learn about animal tracks and nests.
For older kids, there are art workshops where kids can make Butterflies or Clay Owls, plus learn many more techniques. The popular Bush Tucker tour is back, and for under sevens, Wetland Treasures gives kids the chance to meet Tucker the Turtle!
Mulligans Flat | Corner of Quinane Avenue and Justice Kelly Street, Forde | 8 to 31 January 2019 – see website for program details and costs | mulligansflat.org.au
Jerrabombera Wetlands | 2 Dairy Road, Fyshwick | 7 to 17 January 2019 – see website for program details and costs | jerrabomberrawetlands.org.au
For keen explorers
The National Library of Australia (NLA) isn’t just for adults! Over the summer holidays you’ll find a range of fun activities and games and their special exhibition Cook and the Pacific. Drop in to read stories from the Dreaming, explore the science of Cook’s voyages and create your own story of adventure at WordPlay. Designed for ages 4 and over, this activity is on 10 am to 4 pm daily from 22 December-3 February (closed Christmas Day).
Beauty Rich and Rare, the NLA’s immersive sound and light show illuminating the natural beauty of Australia through the eyes of Sir Joseph Banks is a must-see for kids and grown-ups alike. Showing daily from 10am to 5pm until 10 February.
If Storytime is more your scene, your little ones can share the love of reading and stories with some exciting and heartwarming tales from the ACT Storytellers Guild at 11.30am on Thursday 24 January. $2 per child (EFTPOS only) Bookings essential.
And why not stay for a bit of free cinematic action, with The Adventures of Tintin! When young journalist Tintin buys a model of the seventeenth-century sailing ship Unicorn, he finds a set of secret instructions. Along with his faithful dog Snowy and his new accomplice Captain Haddock, Tintin is swept up in an adventure that spans the globe. Screening 1 pm Thursday 24 January
Bookings essential.
National Library of Australia | Parkes Place, Parkes | 22 December 2018 to 3 February 2019 | nla.gov.au
For (Active) Gamers
Image via activegamers.com.au
A new supervised holiday program run in conjunction with AFL ACT, the Active Gamers program will involve sessions of free play gaming, an organised co-operative gaming session, a specially designed fun fitness session with coaches and a trip to the swimming pool. The program will highlight the importance of healthy eating with nutrition-rich lunches and snacks.
The programs are designed for kids aged 11-16 and aim to promote a healthy balanced lifestyle while keeping the kids engaged and entertained for the entire day.
Active Gamers Program | AFL headquarters, 8 Spoering St, Phillip | 14-18 January 2019 | Ticket packs for two, three and five days – $205 to $450 | activegamers.com.au
For those with boundless energy
The Q-One Indoor Sports Centre in Queanbeyan has a multi-sport holiday program that involves everything from soccer, to a giant inflatable obstacle course.
With a wide variety of sports and activities, such as arts and crafts, the program will keep your kids entertained and active. Running from 20-21 December and 2-28 January, this program is perfect for primary schoolers.
Q-One Indoor Sports | 1A Yass Rd, Queanbeyan | 2 January – 28 January | Half day option – 8.30-1 pm or 1 pm – 5.30 pm. Full day option – 8.30 am – 5.30 pm. See the website for more information. | Daily cost is $40 for a half day and $70 for a full day.
Looking for more ideas?
Check out holidayhappenings.com.au—they have the goss on more school holiday activities than you can poke a stick at!
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