10+ school holiday activities because somehow, the school term is almost finished
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The winter school holidays are almost here…
We know as well as anyone that entertaining kids in the winter months proves to be a challenge so we’ve put together an assortment school holiday activities – from programs to community events – to keep your kids entertained.
Discovering Worlds and It’s Not Rocket Science
Ages: 6 – 12
Canberra Youth Theatre is bringing two jam-packed winter holiday programs to their Gorman Arts Centre studio during these school holidays! Designed for young people aged six to 12, Discovering Worlds (running from Monday 8 until Thursday 11 July) and It’s Not Rocket Science (running Monday 15 until Thursday 18 July) will ignite their imaginations as they develop dramatic skills to create spectacular worlds and big ideas.
Running during school hours, they’ll make friends in an inclusive supportive environment and learn how to create a whole new piece of theatre in a week.
Discovering Worlds: Monday 8 until Thursday 11 July. It’s Not Rocket Science: Monday 15 until Thursday 18 July | Cost: $425 | Gorman Arts Centre, B Block, Batman Street, Braddon | Book here.
Mind and Dine
All ages
Ever wish a qualified carer could magically appear from thin air so you could have a date night with your partner, sans kids? Well, the creative team at Westfield Woden is granting your wish these school holidays – and we guarantee your kids will love it.
Meet Mind and Dine – a new way for the entire family to have fun. Separately. That’s right – while your little ones watch the latest blockbuster kids film at HOYTS Woden under the supervision of professionals from Stay ’n’ Play (along with a popcorn and water, of course), you’ll be free to stroll along to one of Westfield Woden’s delicious restaurants or cafés to enjoy a relaxed brunch or dinner date with your significant other or bestie – and get some retail therapy in too, of course.
9-13 July | Cost: $10 per child, for Westfield Members | Westfield Woden | More information: Here
Pyramid Making
Ages: 2-5
Have kids that are history-obsessed? Or maybe a young archaeologist in the making? Explore the themes of ancient Egypt with this hands-on activity at the National Museum of Australia. Toddlers will explore and experiment with a range of metals and textures to shape their own pyramids.
19 June to 4 September 10.30 am to 11 am| National Museum of Australia, Lawson Crescent, Acton| nma.gov.au
Art & Action
Ages: 6-12
The perfect opportunity for your kids to explore their creativity by trying Gelli printing, hip-hop dance, drama improvisation games and participate in a high-energy music session where everyone gets involved.
The Tuggeranong Arts Centre’s school program is an action-packed one-day program guided by a team of professional artists, musicians, dancers, and actors.
Thursday 11, July, 9.30 am- 3 pm| Tuggeranong Arts Centre| Book here
Space Time at The Vault
Now is humanity’s best time to discover space in this immersive new experience. These school holidays, everyone is welcome to experience the sublime new photos from the James Webb, Euclid and other mind-bending space telescopes on an immersive sound and projection system in a deep space bunker at Dairy Road.
See a rocket take off, then look through pinholes in the sky to the beginning of the universe. That’s right, look through time with massive images of planets, nebulae, blackholes and millions of galaxies, only in Canberra.
15-22 July | The Vault, Dairy Road, Fyshwick | thevault.place/event-listing-1/space-time
Turkish Mosaic Lamp Class
Ages: Teens
The perfect bonding activity for the school holidays, create stunning Turkish mosaic lamps and immerse yourself in a different culture in this art masterclass. Explore your artistic ability and create a masterpiece… and if you lack artistic ability – it’s a mosaic, no one will notice.
Various dates | Instala DIY, Ori Building, 63/30 Lonsdale Street, Braddon| Book here
Winter in the City: Fire and Ice
All ages
Step into a winter wonderland in a transformed CBD and enjoy the best of a European winter right here in Canberra with ice skating, snow play, market stalls, fire performances and more.
From the thrill of the ice rink to the warmth of the fire performances as night falls, this is bound to warm up your winter evenings (and wear out your kids!).
6-21 July from 9 am to 8 pm| Canberra City | winter.inthecity.com.au
Spies and Detectives
Ages: 4-12
Calling all junior detectives, we have found the perfect school holiday activity for you to enjoy. Libraries ACT is hosting a thrilling spies and detectives-themed program, perfect for families looking to save a buck while entertaining their kids. They’ve got the perfect lineup of family bonding activities, interactive storytelling sessions, craftwork and projects.
8-19 July| Libraries ACT, Hibberson Street, Gungahlin| library.act.gov.au
Warehouse Circus
Various ages
We’re not clowning around – we have found some circus fun! Kids of all ages can unleash their inner acrobat, clown and performer with Warehouse Circus this school holidays with three-hour and six-hour programs designed to spark creativity, grow confidence and build lifelong skills.
Different courses for a variety of ages and skill levels are offered.
8-19 July, 9 am to 3 pm| 70 Maclaurin Crescent, Chifley | warehousecircus.org.au
Perfume Making Class
Age: Teens
Got some teens that are too cool for the regular holiday fun? Signature scents never go out of style. Craft your own unique fragrance at a perfume-making class where there are over 100 scent options to choose from.
Various dates | Instala DIY, Ori Building, 63/30 Lonsdale Street, Braddon| Book here
The Fish That Wanted to Fly
Age: 4-10
A beautiful tale about friendship, resilience and sustainability, The Fish That Wanted to Fly is an entertaining and engaging puppet show about…a fish that wants to fly.
After the show, the kids get the chance to craft their own sea creature puppet in a puppetry workshop.
Thursday 18 and Friday 19 July, starting at 10.30 am| Tuggeranong Arts Centre| Book show tickets here and workshop tickets here.
Candle Making Class
Age: Teens
A good scented candle will always have an association with a cosy winter. Rather than go out and buy new candles, your kids have the chance to create the perfect, unique scented candle to then take home. Perfect for large groups where a much needed catch up session is in order.
Various dates | Instala DIY, Ori Building, 63/30 Lonsdale Street, Braddon| Book here
Feature image: Canberra Youth Theatre. Supplied.
