Canberra’s coolest holiday programs for the winter break
Posted on
The mid-year term break usually comes as either a relief or a source of stress for many parents.
If you’re lucky enough to escape somewhere warm (sigh), it’s a welcome reset. On the other hand, if you need to stay in town or keep working through, there’s the inevitable struggle of figuring out what to do with the kids.
The good news is there’s actually a huge range of exciting holiday programs hidden under the radar in Canberra; whether you have an animal lover, budding actor or mini-athlete to entertain.
While prices and times vary, be sure to book quickly as many sell out!
Code Camp
Code Camp is a school holiday workshop for kids aged five to 13 who love technology and winter school holiday bookings are now open. From designing and coding their very own arcade-style video game to exploring the art of drawing, sketching, cartooning and font creation, the two or three-day workshops will educate and entertain them.
Cost: Starting from $275
Web: codecamp.com.au
Zoocation
Zoocation offers a unique experience for kids in Kindergarten to Year 6 at the National Zoo and Aquarium. During a fun-filled day, they’ll get close to many of the zoo’s animals, play games, make toys and learn plenty of interesting animal facts along the way! Zoocation runs between the hours of 9 am to 4 pm on weekdays during school holidays.
Cost: $105 per day
Web: nationalzoo.com.au
Dance Central
Dance Central will have your child twirling, leaping and jumping their way through the winter holidays! Catering for ages six to 14 years old, their four-day program helps kids learn a range of dance styles while having fun along the way. Keep an eye out, because bookings open soon.
Cost: $380 for the week
Web: dance-central.com.au
Woden Valley Gymnastics Club
This is the perfect option for budding gymnasts or kids who have a lot of energy to get out! Parents can choose between the Free G program, which runs from 8 am until 11.30 am, or the Gymsports program from 11.30 am until 5 pm (or combine both!) The morning program includes a fun obstacle course and a ‘ninja warrior’ title, while the afternoon program includes a variety of fun activities, from trampoline to acrobatics.
Cost: $35 for Free G, $65 for Gymsports
Web: wodenvalleygymnastics.com.au
Warehouse Circus
Does your little one want to run off and join the circus for a week? Now they can! This holiday program provides a full week of training for ages eight to 12 or half-day programs for children aged five to seven years where they can learn to master tumbling, juggling, aerials and more!
Cost: From $230 for the week
Web: warehousecircus.org.au/classes/shp/
Perform Australia
Got a theatre kid in the house? Perform Australia will run a three-day “time travel adventure” themed program for kids ages seven to 12, where they can play drama games, learn acting skills and rehearse and perform in a play on the last day. There is also a two-day “monologue masterclass” for older students aged 11 to 17.
Cost: $290 for Time Travel adventure, or $190 for the monologue masterclass
Web: perform.edu.au
Wildbark
Blending education and adventure in the pristine setting of Mulligans Flat Sanctuary, Wildbark’s Holiday Program includes exciting expeditions, hands-on activities and guided explorations. Kids will learn about the delicate balance of ecosystems, the importance of conservation and the fascinating behaviours of native species. Expect them to return home with stories of encounters with rare creatures, newfound friendships and a connection to nature.
Cost: From $140 per day
Web: wildbark.org
Australian Sports Camps
Perfect for the active kids, Australian Sports Camps run a range of sports programs throughout the winter holidays, including basketball, netball, football or soccer. Held at the ANU Sports Centre, the programs usually run for three days from 9 am until 3 pm, and will be sure to satisfy even the sportiest kiddo!
Cost: From $234.50 for three days
Web: australiansportscamps.com.au
Maker2Market Business Taster Experience
Got an entrepreneurial teen who’s ready to turn their creative passion into real profit? This homegrown Canberra program has already helped over 650 young creatives learn business skills while earning actual money! Perfect for budding entrepreneurs, the three-day program takes participants through problem-solving, customer identification, logo creation and pitching before they create 20 products to sell at a real market day.
The July program will see participants sell their creations at Capital Food Markets in Belconnen, and upon completion, they’ll receive a free six-month pass to continue developing their business skills at monthly market days.
Cost: $300
Web: edii.com.au/m2m-business-taster
