Spring school holidays in Canberra: 100+ things to do with the kids
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Spring has officially sprung, which means Canberra’s school holidays are about to be filled with sunshine, creative messes, outdoor adventures and, inevitably, someone asking “What are we doing today?”
Fortunately, there’s no shortage of answers.
Whether there’s a budding artist in the family, a little adventurer who needs to burn off some energy, a future scientist who would happily dismantle the toaster, or a teenager who has outgrown traditional kids’ activities, there’s sure to be something to fill those precious (and occasionally very long) holiday days.
Here’s our guide to the spring school holidays, organised by interest so families can find the right fit.
THE HIGHLIGHTS YOU CAN’T MISS
Disney’s Frozen, The Broadway Musical
Brought to life by a talented local cast and creative team, this spectacular production combines beautiful music, striking costumes, and theatrical stagecraft to create a live theatre experience you won’t forget.
Cost: $40–$60
The Q (Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre), 253 Crawford Street, Queanbeyan | Until Sunday 11 October, various showtimes | theq.net.au
Bundle of Fun September School Holidays
Keep the kids entertained with passes that include movie tickets, bowling, arcade credit, mini-golf, and dining vouchers.
Cost: $40 Kids Pass, $50 Adults Pass, $150 Family Pass, $140–$180 Buddies Packs
Canberra Centre, 148 Bunda Street, City (Pick up at Level 1 Guest Services) | Monday 7 until Wednesday 30 September | canberracentre.qicre.com.au
NFSA School Holiday Screenings
Catch classic family animated films on the big screen, including UP, Frozen 2, Kiki’s Delivery Service (4K restoration), and Finding Nemo.
Cost: $14 Adult, $12 Concession, $10 Child (+ booking fee)
National Film and Sound Archive (Arc Cinema), 1 McCoy Circuit, Acton | Selected dates from Tuesday 29 September until Thursday 8 October, 1 pm | nfsa.gov.au
Mario the Maker Magician
Get ready for robots, magic, slapstick and plenty of belly laughs as Mario takes audiences on an energetic adventure through a world of cardboard creations, science, innovation and seriously good magic. An all-ages show for curious kids and grown-ups alike.
Cost: $15–$35
The B (Bicentennial Hall), 253 Crawford Street, Queanbeyan | Saturday 3–Sunday 4 October, various showtimes | theq.net.au
RELICS: A New World Rises
An immersive exhibition where vintage objects become homes for intricate miniature worlds built from LEGO® bricks. Created by LEGO® Masters winners Jackson Harvey and Alex Towler, it is a captivating visual feast for all ages.
Cost: $15–$70 (+ booking fee)
Canberra Museum + Gallery, Corner London Circuit & Civic Square, City | Until 31 January 2027 | cmag.com.au
The Quizzical Mr Jeff
Step into a world of dazzling circus feats, mind-bending magic and playful illusion as Mr Jeff brings 11 hoops to life in mesmerising mandalas and living geometry – before climbing inside a giant balloon in a spectacularly silly finale.
Cost: $15–$35
The B (Bicentennial Hall), 253 Crawford Street, Queanbeyan | Wednesday 7 October, 6pm | theq.net.au
KidVenture Fun Pass
Includes free parking, a Betty’s Burgers kids’ meal, small coffee, Boost Juice, grocer and Kmart vouchers, a plush flower, and a tea-making workshop!
Cost: $40 Marketplace Gungahlin, 30 & 33 Hibberson Street, Gungahlin | Available during holiday trading hours | marketplacegungahlin.com.au
Botanical Crowns, Teas & Mindful Workshops
A suite of nature-based workshops including flower crowns, herbal iced tea blending, lip balms, crystal jewellery, and fairy potions.
Cost: $6–$43.66 depending on workshop
The H Dispensary, 6 Barker Street, Griffith | Various dates and times across holidays | thehdispensary.com
Camp Bigfoot
Brings the spirit of the great outdoors into the centre with interactive activities designed to get kids moving, creating, and solving puzzles.
Cost: Free, drop-in
Canberra Outlet Centre (outside Merrell), 337 Canberra Avenue, Fyshwick | Thursday 1 until Saturday 10 October, 11 am–2 pm | canberraoutlet.com.au
Westfield Kids Pass
Includes a HOYTS child ticket, Timezone timeplay and power tickets, a Grill’d Mini Me pack, and five hours of free parking.
Cost: $39 Westfield Woden (Concierge Desk Level 2), Keltie Street, Woden | Available during trading hours | westfield.com.au
RETAIL & SHOPPING CENTRES
Sonic Meet & Greet
Power up for Sonic’s 35th Anniversary with gaming, interactive photo moments, and action-packed family fun with Sonic the Hedgehog.
Cost: Free, drop-in
Canberra Centre, Centre Court, Ground Level, 148 Bunda Street, City | Tuesday 6 until Thursday 8 October, 10 am–1 pm | canberracentre.qicre.com.au
Floral Builder Workshop
Kids can create crepe flowers, pipe cleaner blooms, pressed flower bookmarks, flower wands, and decorate flower cookies across themed daily sessions.
Cost: Free
Marketplace Gungahlin (outside Big W), 30 & 33 Hibberson Street, Gungahlin | Saturday 26 September until Sunday 11 October, 10 am, 11 am and 12 pm | marketplacegungahlin.com.au
Flower Pop
Spend $20+ in the centre, find a matching pair in the card-flipping game, and claim a plush flower alongside other gifts. Free popcorn is available for all players.
Cost: Spend $20+ in centre
Marketplace Gungahlin (outside Chemist Warehouse), 30 & 33 Hibberson Street, Gungahlin | Saturday 26 September until Sunday 11 October, 1 pm–4 pm | marketplacegungahlin.com.au
Creatures Have Landed
This is a National Zoo & Aquarium activation featuring live reptiles, photo moments, educational talks, and kids’ craft activities.
Cost: Free, drop-in
South.Point Tuggeranong (Centre Court), Corner Anketell & Reed Streets, Tuggeranong | Monday 28 September until Saturday 10 October, 10 am–1 pm | southpointcanberra.com.au
Help Build Our Home!
Help complete a community house with drop-in activities including decorating flowers, recipe cards, mural colouring, and laundry craft.
Cost: Free, drop-in
Majura Park Shopping Centre (near Toy Mate), 18–26 Spitfire Avenue, Majura Park | Tuesday 29 & Wednesday 30 September, Tuesday 6 & Wednesday 7 October, 11 am–2 pm | majuraparkshopping.com.au
Take to Your Home! Workshops
Decorate your own pot and plant a seedling with Bunnings, or stuff and personalise a teddy bear with Lollipops.
Cost: Free
Majura Park Shopping Centre (near Toy Mate), 18–26 Spitfire Avenue, Majura Park | Monday 28 September & Friday 2 October, 11 am, 12 pm and 1 pm | majuraparkshopping.com.au
Housewarming Party!
Get into the party mood with a live DJ, face painting, and final colouring touches on the community house project.
Cost: Free, drop-in
Majura Park Shopping Centre, 18–26 Spitfire Avenue, Majura Park | Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 October, 11 am–2 pm | majuraparkshopping.com.au
Halloween Candy Capers
Young detectives aged three to 12 can follow the clues through IKEA’s spooky Living Room to uncover the identity of the mysterious candy thief.
Cost: Free, drop-in
IKEA Canberra, 1030 Majura Road, Pialligo | Until Sunday 1 November, 10 am–6 pm | ikea.com
Spring Craft
Kids aged four to 12 can make napkin flowers, complete spring worksheets, and frame a multimedia botanical artwork to take home.
Cost: Free for IKEA Family members
IKEA Canberra, 1030 Majura Road, Pialligo | Tuesday 29 September, 2 pm–3 pm and 3 pm–4 pm | ikea.com
Marvel Assemble!
Little heroes can step into a world of Marvel to create superhero shields, craft masks, paint plaster figures, and complete daily colouring activities.
Cost: Free, drop-in
Westfield Woden (Level 1, near Skechers), Keltie Street, Woden | Monday 5 until Sunday 11 October, 11 am–3 pm | westfield.com.au
Marvel School Holiday Fun at Westfield
Suit up for action-packed school holiday activities with free Marvel activity stations, immersive hero pods, NBL 3×3 basketball games at Westfield Knox, and the chance for Westfield members to win a Marvel-themed trip to Hong Kong Disneyland.
Cost: Free (Westfield Membership required for entry to the Hong Kong Disneyland competition)
Westfield Woden and Belconnen (Check local centre website for specific activity details and times) | Thursday 17 September until Sunday 11 October | westfield.com.au
MUSEUMS, GALLERIES & NATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
Andy Griffiths – Art.Make.Create
Join best-selling children’s author Andy Griffiths for a seriously silly day celebrating the launch of his new portrait by artist Ronnie van Hout. Be prepared to laugh your head off in his interactive session and explore playful talks and family tours.
Cost: Free, drop-in
National Portrait Gallery, King Edward Terrace, Parkes | Saturday 26 September, 10 am–4 pm | portrait.gov.au
Kite Fest
Enjoy a sky full of kites, delicious food stalls, kite-making workshops, family fun, and live music in one of Canberra’s most stunning elevated landscapes.
Cost: Free entry (Workshops $20)
National Arboretum Canberra, Forest Drive, Molonglo Valley | Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September, 10 am–3 pm | nationalarboretum.act.gov.au
MoAD Kindness Craft
Create and decorate lanterns, craft paper friends, and explore kindness-themed art projects in a dedicated learning space.
Cost: Free, drop-in
MoAD at Old Parliament House, 18 King George Terrace, Parkes | Saturday 26 September until Sunday 4 October, 10 am–4 pm | moadoph.gov.au
Open Air PlayUP
Enjoy outdoor family play with building blocks, lawn games, skipping, and sunny story times in the Senate Courtyard.
Cost: Free, drop-in
MoAD at Old Parliament House, 18 King George Terrace, Parkes | Monday 28 September until Friday 2 October, 9.30 am–4.30 pm | moadoph.gov.au
Cloud Gazing and Painting Workshop
An outdoor painting workshop for children aged five to 12, led by local Canberra artist Ineka Voigt in the House of Representatives Courtyard.
Cost: $10 Child
MoAD at Old Parliament House, 18 King George Terrace, Parkes | Thursday 1 and Friday 2 October, 10.30 am and 1 pm | moadoph.gov.au
Paper Hat-Making Workshop
Design and craft creative paper hats alongside award-winning picture book author Andy Geppert for ages five to 12.
Cost: $15 Child
MoAD at Old Parliament House, 18 King George Terrace, Parkes | Tuesday 6 October (10 am & 2 pm) & Wednesday 7 October (10 am) | moadoph.gov.au
How Parliament Works Family Tour
An engaging 45-minute tour designed especially for school-aged children (six and above) and their families to discover how Australia’s Parliament operates.
Cost: $28 Adult, $14 Child (five and above), $21 Concession, Free for four and under
Parliament House, Parliament Drive, Canberra | Saturday 26 September until Sunday 11 October, 11 am and 2 pm | parliamenthouse.respax.com
Portrait Play: Andy Griffiths
Discover Ronnie van Hout’s portrait of Andy Griffiths up close through an interactive 30-minute tour and hands-on art-making session for ages four to 10.
Cost: Free
National Portrait Gallery, King Edward Terrace, Parkes | Saturday 26 September, 11 am, 12 pm, 2 pm and 3 pm | portrait.gov.au
Andy Griffiths Holiday Space
A self-guided, hands-on creative space inspired by author Andy Griffiths and his newly commissioned gallery portrait.
Cost: Free, drop-in
National Portrait Gallery, King Edward Terrace, Parkes | Saturday 26 September until Monday 19 October, 10 am–4 pm | portrait.gov.au
Portrait Play: Storytelling & Style
Kids aged four to eight explore how artists use clothing and special objects in portraits to share who a person is and what matters to them.
Cost: $7 Child
National Portrait Gallery, King Edward Terrace, Parkes | Tuesday 6 until Friday 9 and Monday 12 October, 10.30 am–11.30 am | portrait.gov.au
A City in Bloom
Step into the vision of Marion Mahony and Walter Burley Griffin to learn about native floral plans, then construct a vibrant flower sculpture for ages seven to 12.
Cost: $7 Child (Free for NAA members)
National Archives of Australia, Kings Avenue, Parkes | Monday 28 and Tuesday 29 September, Thursday 1, Tuesday 6 and Thursday 8 October, 10.15 am–11.30 am | naa.gov.au
DIY Dog Sleds
Learn about Antarctic sled dogs and craft air-dry clay dogs to pull a custom-made wooden sled home (ages five to12).
Cost: $12.50 Child ($10 Friends), Adults free
National Museum of Australia, Lawson Crescent, Acton Peninsula | Monday 28 September until Thursday 1 October, 10 am and 11.30 am | nma.gov.au
Choose Your Own Antarctic Adventure
Teens aged 13 to 17 can step into the boots of early 1900s polar explorers in an interactive role-playing historical adventure.
Cost: $18 Teen ($15 Friends), Adults free
National Museum of Australia, Lawson Crescent, Acton Peninsula | Friday 2 and Friday 9 October, 10 am–12.30 pm | nma.gov.au
Artistic Antarctica
Author Alison Lester and illustrator Coral Tulloch share stories, presentations, and creative activities based on their journeys to Antarctica (ages five to12).
Cost: $25 Child ($20 Friends), Adults free
National Museum of Australia, Lawson Crescent, Acton Peninsula | Wednesday 7 and Thursday 8 October, 10 am and 1 pm | nma.gov.au
Mint Crafternoons
Discover iconic Australian animals featured on everyday currency and create your own animal or floral crafts to take home.
Cost: Free, drop-in
Royal Australian Mint, 62–114 Denison Street, Deakin | Monday 28 September until Friday 2 October and Tuesday 6 until Friday 9 October, 2 pm–4 pm | ramint.gov.au
Coin and Design Discovery Tour
A hands-on museum tour uncovering the stories, decisions, and artwork behind Australian coin design for families with kids under 12.
Cost: Free
Royal Australian Mint, 62–114 Denison Street, Deakin | Weekdays (excluding. public holidays), 12.30 pm–1.15 pm and 1.30 pm–2.15 pm | ramint.gov.au
Kids Mini-Minties
Targeted morning workshops for ages four to six exploring spy details, custom coin drawing, native animal currency, and coin shapes and colours.
Cost: $10 Child (+ booking fee)
Royal Australian Mint, 62–114 Denison Street, Deakin | Selected dates from Monday 28 September until Friday 9 October, 10 am–11 am | ramint.gov.au
Mintventures
Interactive hour-long sessions for ages seven to 12, exploring floral designs, coin manufacturing, spy codes, and unlikely Australian heroes on coins.
Cost: $10 Child (+ booking fee)
Royal Australian Mint, 62–114 Denison Street, Deakin | Selected dates from Monday 28 September until Friday 9 October, 12 pm–1 pm | ramint.gov.au
Kids Coin Trades
Children aged five to 12 can bring up to $30 of pocket change to trade for pristine, newly minted coins of equal face value.
Cost: Free (Booking required)
Royal Australian Mint, 62–114 Denison Street, Deakin | Wednesday 30 September and Wednesday 7 October, 10 am–12 pm | ramint.gov.au
Make Your Own RELIC
Kids aged five to 13 use imagination and recycled materials to invent future gadgets in response to the museum’s LEGO® exhibition.
Cost: $10 (+ booking fee)
Canberra Museum + Gallery, Corner London Circuit & Civic Square, City | Tuesday 29 September until Thursday 1 October, 10.30 am and 11.45 am | cmag.com.au
Talk with LEGO® Builder Eric Wanigasekara
Hear how award-winning builder Eric Wanigasekara grew his idea into the interactive model A Normal Day at Jurassic Park.
Cost: Pay what you want (+ booking fee)
Canberra Museum + Gallery, Corner London Circuit & Civic Square, City | Thursday 1 October, 12.30 pm–2 pm | cmag.com.au
Polish Pająki Chandelier Making
Join designer Beci Orpin to learn traditional construction fundamentals and craft a colourful paper chandelier ornament.
Cost: $100 General, $95 Concession/Member (+ booking fee)
Canberra Museum + Gallery, Corner London Circuit & Civic Square, City | Saturday 10 October, 1 pm–4 pm | cmag.com.au
MAKERSPACE: Upcycled Flowers
Drop into this free hands-on studio space to transform everyday scrap materials into colourful floral art pieces.
Cost: Free, drop-in
Canberra Museum + Gallery, Corner London Circuit & Civic Square, City | Until 30 November | cmag.com.au
Connecting to Country Through Art
Ngunawal artists Jazz and Kristal Matthews lead a storytelling and painting workshop where children craft their own painted canvas panel (ages six to 10).
Cost: $25 Child
National Library of Australia, Parkes Place, Parkes | Wednesday 30 September, 10 am–12 pm | library.gov.au
STAGE, SCREEN & CREATIVE ARTS
Mario the Maker Magician
An all-ages show weaving through vaudeville magic, cardboard inventions, robotics, science, and high-energy comedy.
Cost: $15–$75
The Q (The Bicentennial Hall), 253 Crawford Street, Queanbeyan | Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 October, 11 am and 2 pm | theq.net.au
The Quizzical Mr Jeff
Set to orchestral music with minimal dialogue, this delightful show features circus feats, visual magic, and illusion.
Cost: $15–$75
The Q (The Bicentennial Hall), 253 Crawford Street, Queanbeyan | Wednesday 7 October, 6 pm–7 pm | theq.net.au
TAC Grand Day Out
Sample drop-in art stations, book into dance or drama taster classes, and enjoy outdoor stage performances by local youth talents.
Cost: Free
Tuggeranong Arts Centre, 137 Reed Street, Greenway | Saturday 26 September, 10 am–2 pm | tuggeranongarts.com
Beth Monzo Songwriting Workshop
Teens aged 12 to 18 learn practical tools to turn everyday personal experiences into original songs and creative compositions.
Cost: $10
Tuggeranong Arts Centre, 137 Reed Street, Greenway | Wednesday 30 September, 10 am–2.30 pm | tuggeranongarts.com
Especially on Birthdays Show & Drama Workshop
A theatrical production exploring the big feelings of turning six, paired with an optional movement and drama workshop for ages three to 10.
Cost: $30 Adult, $20 Child, $90 Family ($15 Workshop)
Tuggeranong Arts Centre, 137 Reed Street, Greenway | Wednesday 30 September, 10.30 am and 1 pm | tuggeranongarts.com
Art & Action School Holiday Program
An action-packed visual and performing arts program featuring creative workshops for ages six to eight and nine to 12.
Cost: $95
Tuggeranong Arts Centre, 137 Reed Street, Greenway | Thursday 1 October, 9.30 am–3 pm | tuggeranongarts.com
Play School Live Concert: Humpty’s Big Celebration!
Sing, dance, and solve theatrical problems alongside Humpty and friends as they prepare for a major stage celebration.
Cost: $35–$46
Canberra Theatre Centre, Civic Square, London Circuit, City | Friday 2 October (11.30 am) and Saturday 3 October (9.30 am and 11.30 am) | canberratheatrecentre.com.au
The Snow Fairy
Join The Snow Fairy and Zuzu at The Playhouse for a whimsical live stage adventure featuring bubbles, music, and interactive wonder.
Cost: $34.90–$49.90
Canberra Theatre Centre (The Playhouse), Civic Square, City | Tuesday 6 October, 11 am–12 pm | canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Pop Camp Performing Arts Program
Kids build singing, dancing, and acting skills across full-day sessions, culminating in a live showcase for parents.
Cost: See venue website for pricing
Pop Camp Venues (Wanniassa, Harrison and Queanbeyan) | Weekdays across holidays, 9 am–3 pm | popcamp.com.au
Worlds of Wonder – IMAX Documentary Festival
Experience stunning nature and science documentaries on the giant screen for a budget-friendly ticket price.
Cost: $7 per ticket
Dendy Cinemas, Level 2, Canberra Centre, 148 Bunda Street, City | Thursday 24 September until Sunday 11 October | dendy.com.au
NATURE & THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Kite Making Workshops
Assemble, decorate, and test-fly your custom kite in the wind alongside expert guidance (includes dedicated low-sensory options).
Cost: $20 per kite
National Arboretum Canberra (Margaret Whitlam Pavilion), Molonglo Valley | Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September, hourly sessions from 10 am | nationalarboretum.act.gov.au
Family Orienteering
Collect a clue map from the Visitor Centre and navigate the arboretum’s forests and garden collections to unlock a secret botanical code.
Cost: $5 Family drop-in
National Arboretum Canberra, Forest Drive, Molonglo Valley | Saturday 26 September until Monday 12 October, 9 am–4 pm | nationalarboretum.act.gov.au
Junior Bird Watching
Join an arboretum educator on a guided trail walk to spot, identify, and record native wild bird species (ages eight to 12).
Cost: $15 Child
National Arboretum Canberra, Forest Drive, Molonglo Valley | Monday 28 and Tuesday 29 September, 10 am and 1.30 pm | nationalarboretum.act.gov.au
Zoocation
At this special event, children can get up close and personal with many of the zoo’s animals, play games, make enrichment toys for the animals, and learn about wildlife conservation along the way.
Cost: $112 per day
National Zoo & Aquarium, 999 Lady Denman Drive, Weston Creek | Monday 28 September until Thursday 1 October and Tuesday 6 until Friday 9 October, 9 am–4 pm | nationalzoo.com.au
Wildflower Seed Spheres
Learn how native blooms support native birds and insects, then create clay seed spheres to plant in your home garden (ages five and above).
Cost: $20 Child
National Arboretum Canberra, Forest Drive, Molonglo Valley | Wednesday 7 and Thursday 8 October, 10 am and 1 pm | nationalarboretum.act.gov.au
Secrets of the Australian Bush
An open-air Flora Explorer bus tour offering live commentary on the botanical gardens’ unique collection and bush history.
Cost: $8 Adult, $5 Child
Australian National Botanic Gardens, Clunies Ross Street, Acton | Monday 28 and Wednesday 30 September, Friday 2, Tuesday 6 and Thursday 8 October, 10.30 am–11.30 am | anbg.gov.au
Tidbinbilla Reserve School Holiday Activities
Guided ranger activities for ages six to 11 including bushwalk basics, waterbug discovery, billy tea brewing, cubby building, and tracking animal signs.
Cost: Free with standard reserve entry fee
Parks ACT (Tidbinbilla Sanctuary), Tidbinbilla Reserve Road, Paddys River | Selected dates between Monday 28 September and Friday 9 October), mostly 10 am starts | parks.act.gov.au
Wildbark Junior Explorer & Youth Ranger Programs
Immersive multi-day nature camps featuring sanctuary exploration, nocturnal tracking, ecological studies, and Treetops high ropes excursions.
Cost: $160–$180 Day Passes, $495–$540 Full Programs
Wildbark, 25 Rosenberg Street, Throsby | Weekdays across holidays, 8.30 am–5.30 pm | wildbark.org
Wildbark Family Night Walk
Step into the sanctuary after dark with experienced guides to experience the local native bushland as it existed a century ago.
Cost: $25 Individual, $100 Family (two adults and three children)
Wildbark, 25 Rosenberg Street, Throsby | Saturday 10 October, 7 pm–8.30 pm | wildbark.org
Curious Kids Nature & Art Program
Meet live lizards and invertebrates up close, listen to author readings, and join a guided ecology walk along the conservation corridor.
Cost: $10 Family ticket
Ginninderry Conservation Trust, 1 McClymont Way, Strathnairn | Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 October, 9 am–12 pm | ginninderry.org
Dynamic Motivation School Holiday MTB Camps
Join PMBI-certified coaches at Stromlo Forest Park for action-packed mountain biking day camps tailored for ages six to 16, covering all skill levels from beginners to advanced.
Cost: $120 per rider, per day
Stromlo Forest Park, Opperman Avenue, Wright | Monday 28 September until Friday 2 October and Tuesday 6 until Friday 9 October, 9 am–3 pm | dynamicmotivation.com.au
NPWS Kosciuszko National Park Ranger-Guided Tours
Swap screen time for alpine adventures with Discovery Rangers. Activities include becoming a Junior Ranger, exploring wildlife habitats, learning Aboriginal culture, and guided bushwalks.
Cost: Pricing varies by activity
Kosciuszko National Park, NSW | Various dates across school holidays | nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
Wildlife Reimagined – Bugs Alive Exhibition
More than 100 different invertebrate species are on display, alongside Mini Beast Shows at 10.30 am and 12.30 pm daily, workshops at 2.30 pm and kids’ activities. Young visitors can get up close to giant stick insects, watch a praying mantis hunt, and encounter some of the world’s more formidable creepy-crawlies. Don’t miss the low-sensory session on Wednesday 7 October!
Cost: $15 Adult, $10 Child (3–16), $10 Student, $10 Senior
Australian National Botanic Gardens, Clunies Ross Street, Acton | Friday 2 until Thursday 8 October, 9.30 am–4.30 pm; and Friday 9 October, 9.30 am–12 pm | wildlifereimagined.com
RSPCA ACT School Holiday Program
Junior and senior animal lovers tour shelter facilities behind the scenes, learn proper care routines, and help prepare animal enclosures.
Cost: $110 per session
RSPCA ACT, 12 Kirkpatrick Street, Weston | Weekdays across holidays, 10 am–2 pm | rspca-act.org.au
CREATIVE WORKSHOPS & CRAFT
Floriade in Whitlam Celebration
A spring community day with floral craft, kite making, face painting, photo booths, and a free sausage sizzle.
Cost: Free
SLA Display Village, 3 Klaus Moje Street, Whitlam | Saturday 26 September, 2 pm–5 pm & Wednesday 30 September, 1 pm–4 pm | eventbrite.com.au
Wand, Potion & Bath Bomb Making
Witches and wizards aged six and above can build personalized wands, brew bubbling four-colour potions, or mix fizzy bath bombs under expert instruction.
Cost: $40–$49 per workshop (includes QBrew drink)
Quizzic Alley, 5 Pirie Street, Fyshwick | Daily from 27 September until 11 October, various times | quizzicalley.com
Paint & Snack Art Classes
Guided art sessions for kids covering themes like Footy Finals, sea animals, axolotls, clay modelling, and landscape canvas painting.
Cost: $33 Child
Cassie Carter Art, 55 Gibraltar Street, Bungendore | Tuesday 29 September and Wednesday 7 October, 10 am and 1 pm | eventbookings.com
Dr. Seuss Ceramic Painting
Hand-build and glaze themed ceramic pieces including Cat in the Hat snack plates, Lorax photo frames, and Green Eggs and Ham dishes (ages six and above).
Cost: $49 per class
The Ceramic Studio ACT, Unit 4, 15 Darling Street, Mitchell | Selected dates from Tuesday 29 September until Friday 9 October, 10 am–11.30 am | theceramicstudioact.com
Glassworks Experience & Fused Glass Workshops
Take a guided facility tour or assemble colourful glass fragments to create kiln-formed bugs, butterflies, and blooms (ages eight and above).
Cost: $50 Tour / $85 Glassmaking Class
Canberra Glassworks, 11 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston | Selected dates between Wednesday 30 September and Sunday 11 October), various times | canberraglassworks.com
Bricks 4 Kidz LEGO® Workshops
Full-day engineering and building workshops focused on Pocket Brick Monsters and Ninjas & Superheroes themes for ages five to 12.
Cost: $125 (one-day) / $225 (two-day)
Neville Bonner Primary (Bonner) and Hughes Baptist Church (Hughes) | Selected dates between Friday 2 and Friday 9 October), 9 am–4 pm | bricks4kidz.au
La Torta Baking & Cake Decorating
Hands-on culinary classes teaching kids to create mini burger cakes, lamb novelty cakes, cheeky monkey cupcakes, and freak shake treats.
Cost: $90 per class
La Torta (Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets), 36 Mildura Street, Fyshwick | Selected dates between Monday 28 September and Friday 9 October, morning and afternoon sessions | latorta.com.au
EDUCATIONAL & SKILL-BUILDING CAMPS
First Aid for Primary Students
Delivered by St John Ambulance, this session introduces primary-aged children to practical first aid, safety awareness, and emergency responses.
Cost: $20
Tribe Schooling, 34 Dallachy Street, Page | Monday 28 September, age-bracketed sessions from 10 am | tickettailor.com
Junior Builders Holiday Program
Kids aged six to12 learn practical trade skills including measuring, construction methods, and tool safety while earning Builder Passport badges.
Cost: $100 half day/ $200 full day (10 per cent discount for MBA members)
Master Builders Association ACT, 1 Iron Knob Street, Fyshwick | Weekdays from 28 September until 9 October, 8 am–5 pm | mba.org.au
Kids Cooking School
Dietitian-led hands-on cooking classes teaching knife safety, food prep, and kitchen skills while preparing fresh seasonal recipes.
Cost: $80 per session
ACT Nutrition Support Service, 70 Maclaurin Crescent, Chifley | Selected dates between Monday 28 September and Friday 9 October, 9 am–12 pm | actnss.org
Mount Stromlo Space & Science Programs
Interactive STEM sessions covering solar system exploration, stargazing, space missions, planetarium visits, and wind turbine engineering.
Cost: $55 Day Sessions / $60 Stargazing / $150 Excursion
Mount Stromlo Observatory Visitor Centre, Cotter Road, Weston Creek | Selected dates between Monday 28 September and Friday 9 October, times vary | outreach1.rezdy.com
Holiday STEM & AI Startup Camps
Hands-on science discovery alongside working researchers, or a teen vibe-coding workshop using AI to rapidly build functional digital apps.
Cost: $149–$150 per day
IV Learning (Forrest Primary and Ainslie Arts Centre locations) | Tuesday 6 until Friday 9 October, times vary | ivlearning.au
SPORTS, ACTIVE & MOVEMENT
Tuff Nutterz Inflatable Obstacle Course
Burn off energy on Australia’s largest inflatable obstacle course, packed with climbing walls, massive slides, and run-through tunnels.
Cost: $25–$60
Commonwealth Place, Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes | Saturday 26 until Tuesday 29 September, 9 am, 11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm | tuffnutterz.com
Big Skills for Small Bikes
A learn-to-ride course designed to give young children (three to eight) bike confidence while teaching parents effective handling and safety techniques.
Cost: $150 ($135 Pedal Power members)
Pedal Power ACT, Lyneham High School, 61 Goodwin Street, Lyneham | Monday 28 September until Friday 2 October, 10.30 am–11.15 am | pedalpower.org.au
Warehouse Circus Holiday Programs
Kids and teens can master juggling, acrobatics, trapeze, and aerials, including a dedicated pilot program for neurodivergent participants.
Cost: $247–$441 per week
Warehouse Circus (Kaleen and Chifley locations) | Weekdays across holidays, half-day and full-day sessions | warehousecircus.org.au
Playful Pause Yoga & Mindful Movement
A gentle morning combining active movement, yoga poses, storytelling, breathing exercises, guided relaxation, and mindful art for ages four and above.
Cost: $49 Child / $89 Family
Playful Pause, Wild Studio, 25 Dundas Court, Phillip | Tuesday 29 September and Wednesday 7 October, 9 am–12 pm | playfulpause.com.au
Canberra Colour Frenzy
A colourful 1.65km loop fun run featuring five colour powder stations, a foam bubble zone, and new inflatable obstacle crawl stations.
Cost: $10–$109
Weston Park, Weston Park Road, Yarralumla | Sunday 11 October, 8.30 am–12 pm (Run starts 9.30 am) | colourfrenzy.com.au
Accelerate: Sprint & Agility Clinic
Young athletes aged seven to 17 can refine their running technique, explosive acceleration, and high-speed directional agility with expert coaches.
Cost: $40 Child
Fast Running, 41 Chandler Street, Belconnen | Friday 9 October, 10.30 am–12.30 pm | fastrunning.com.au
INDOOR PLAY & PLAY CENTRES
Meet the Minions Disco!
Kick off the break with dance battles, costume prizes, yellow-carpet glamour, and a live Minion mascot meet-and-greet.
Cost: $12 Child ($18 entry + meal deal)
Lollipop’s Playland & Cafe, Majura Park Shopping Centre, Majura Park | Friday 25 September, 5 pm–8 pm | canberra.lollipopsplayland.com.au
Lollipop’s Daily Holiday Crafts
Daily weekday morning craft activations included with playland admission, featuring cookie decorating, Build-a-Bear, and seasonal crafts.
Cost: Free with standard playland admission (Build-a-Bear $29)
Lollipop’s Playland & Cafe, Majura Park Shopping Centre, Majura Park | Weekdays from 28 September until 8 October, 10 am–12 pm | canberra.lollipopsplayland.com.au
Ninja Parc Holiday Camps
Kids aged six to 14 tackle structured obstacle runs, parkour technique challenges, and team games under dedicated trainer supervision.
Cost: $55 Half Day / $110 Full Day
Ninja Parc, 11 Whyalla Street, Fyshwick | Weekdays across holidays, 9 am start | ninjaparc.com.au
Let’s Play Daily Craft Activities
Drop-in play paired with daily holiday art activities like flower bowls, bubble painting, Spiderman visits, and seed bomb making.
Cost: Included with standard play entry
Let’s Play, 7/50 Curran Drive, Nicholls | Weekdays from 28 September until 9 October | letsplaycanberra.com.au
LIBRARY PROGRAMS & SUNDAY MARKETS
Libraries ACT Holiday Program
Free workshops across all Canberra branches including Puzzle Quest, Constable Kenny Koala safety talks, board game lounges, silent discos, and coding.
Cost: Free (Some sessions require booking)
Libraries ACT (Belconnen, Civic, Dickson, Kippax, Kingston, Tuggeranong, Gungahlin, Erindale, Woden) | Monday 28 September until Friday 9 October | library.act.gov.au
QPRC Regional Library Activities
A packed lineup including real bird nest building, painted library bags, brush bots, foam art, pom-pom animals, and family movie nights.
Cost: Free
QPRC Libraries (Braidwood, Bungendore and Queanbeyan branches) | Selected dates across holidays | library.qprc.nsw.gov.au
Haig Park Village Markets Holiday Activation
Sunday market fun featuring live animal encounters, potion-making workshops, and interactive nature play sensory stations.
Cost: Free activities
Haig Park, Braddon | Sunday 4 and Sunday 11 October, 8 am–2 pm | haigparkvillagemarkets.com.au
DINING & COMMUNITY CLUBS
Kids Craft & Science at Southern Cross Club
Craft crown mirrors at Jamison, paint underwater sea canvases at Tuggeranong, or marvel at The Magical World of Crazy Science in Woden.
Cost: $20 Craft Workshops / $25 Science Show
Canberra Southern Cross Club (Jamison, Tuggeranong and Woden branches) | Tuesday 2, Thursday 1 and Friday 2 October, times vary | cscc.com.au
Kids Chocolate Workshop
Children aged five and above taste sustainably produced chocolates before moulding, decorating, and wrapping their own custom chocolate lollipops.
Cost: $39 Child
Murrumbateman Chocolate Co, 1153 Nanima Road, Murrumbateman | Tuesday 29 September & Tuesday 6 October, 10 am–11 am | murrumbatemanchocolate.com.au
RASHAYS Little Chefs Club
Young foodies get hands-on rolling pizza dough or decorating fluffy pancakes, taking home a custom chef hat and apron.
Cost: $15 Child
RASHAYS (Belconnen, Woden and Tuggeranong venues) | Tuesdays (Pizza) and Wednesdays (Pancakes), 11 am–12 pm | rashays.com
CREATIVE & BUSINESS SKILL WORKSHOPS
Maker2Market Business Taster Experience
Teens aged 10 to17 design and make their own products, learn how to price and sell them, and trade at real commercial markets. Graduates gain access to the Pathways Pass for ongoing market trading, mentoring, and portfolio-entry pathways into UC Arts & Design.
Cost: Check website for program pricing
Locations include Old Bus Depot Markets, Capital Food Markets, and Majura Park Shopping Centre | Dates vary across school holidays | maker2market.com.au
AIE Game Design & 3D Creature Short Courses
Ages 13 and above can get hands-on in two-day holiday intensives, from designing 3D creatures to building side-scroller space games using Unreal Engine.
Cost: $360 per two-day course
Academy of Interactive Entertainment (AIE), Block E, Canberra Technology Park, 49 Phillip Avenue, Watson | Tuesday 6 and Wednesday 7 October (3D Creature) and Thursday 8 and Friday 9 October (Space Odyssey), 9 am–4 pm | aie.edu.au
Code Camp: Drone, AI & Creative Camps
Kids aged five to 13 can dive into hands-on tech and creative programs, including flying and coding real drones, responsible AI usage, and screen-free options like crochet and miniature-house building.
Cost: Pricing varies by course
Various school and venue locations across Canberra and the ACT | Selected dates across school holidays | codecamp.com.au
Feature image: RELICS courtesy of Auckland Museum.
