Canberra’s best family-friendly events for July
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As the winter chill settles into Canberra, parents across the city are collectively asking the same question: how do we keep the kids entertained during the July school holidays?
Fortunately, the city is absolutely bursting with fantastic, family-friendly activities this season. Whether your little ones are budding scientists, creative artists, or energetic explorers, we’ve rounded up some of the best local events to keep boredom at bay.
ACTIVITIES YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS
Westfield Woden’s Kid Pass
Let Westfield Woden do the hard work these school holidays.
Forget planning every outing and budgeting for every ‘I’m bored’, because Westfield Woden has brought back their Kids Pass just in time for the July school holidays, and it’s better value than ever! For just $39, you’ll unlock $75 worth of value – giving you everything you need to make sure that the kids have a fun time.
What’s included? A ticket to HOYTS to see a movie of their choice, 30 minutes of play and 200 Powertickets at Timezone, and one Mini Me Pack of their choice from Grill’d.
And if that’s not enough, for two weeks during the school holidays, they’ll also be giving away a bonus one-hour Kiddy Car ride with every purchase!
Add in five hours of free parking, and you have a whole day of fun sorted!
Purchase your Kids Pass today at the Concierge Desk, on level 2 near Michael Hill.
More shopping centre fun!
For free retail entertainment, the Canberra Outlet has a drop-in Mini Vet Clinic where kids can treat a plush pet patient and earn an honorary certificate. The Canberra Centre invites you to strike a pose at their larger-than-life Hollywood-inspired photo experience and step into the spotlight as the star of your very own Minions & Monsters movie moment. They are also offering convenient Bundle of Fun passes ($30–$50) along with free photo experiences and NAIDOC Week cultural workshops.
Northside, Marketplace Gungahlin is transformed into a K-Pop haven with free Gear Workshops and a Golden Stage performance zone, alongside their value-packed K-Pop Hunter Fun Pass ($40). South.Point Tuggeranong is bringing the festive spirit early with Christmas in July festivities featuring Mrs Claus, elves, and carols.
Antarctica at National Museum of Australia
Over at the Acton Peninsula, the National Museum of Australia is taking families on a sub-zero journey with Antarctica, an exhibition sharing extraordinary first-hand stories of Australians on the icy continent. While the main exhibition is free, you can level up the experience with the Antarctica Virtual Reality Adventure (priced at $17.50–$20) to tour a penguin colony from a helicopter cockpit or book the kids into the Penguin Pals craft sessions ($5) running from Monday 13 until Friday 17 July.
Nature-based workshops at The H Dispensary
For something uniquely mystical, The H Dispensary in Griffith has a fascinating calendar of nature-based workshops, from Crystal Jewellery Making ($24) to Natural Skincare Labs for teens ($40). Pottery fans will love The Ceramic Studio in Mitchell, offering Clay & Cocoa mug-building sessions and Winter Lights tea-light holder making ($49–$69).
UNIQUE EXPERIENCES AND COMMUNITY EVENTS
The City Renewal Authority is transforming City Walk with Winter In The City from Wednesday 8 until Saturday 18 July. This free community festival features incredible daily acrobatics from Circus Oz, followed by the mesmerizing Flux Fire Shows throughout the evening, showcasing spectacular pyrotechnics, flames, and lights.
For an exclusive behind-the-scenes adventure, Canberra Airport is opening its tarmac for bus-led Runway Tours ($5–$20) hosted by airport staff. Lego fans can head to Deakin for Bricks @ The Woden School ($5–$10), a huge display raising funds for special needs students. Pop culture enthusiasts won’t want to miss the massive Geek Expo ($15–$20, kids under 12 free) at Exhibition Park on 18 and 19 July.
If you’re looking for a truly magical evening, the heritage-listed Hyatt Hotel Canberra is partnering with the Mount Stromlo Observatory to launch S’mores & Stargazing. Held on Saturday 11 July and Saturday 18 July in the historic Rose Courtyard, this intimate experience invites families staying or dining at the hotel to gather around the fire for astronomy, storytelling, and complimentary toasted s’mores while parents enjoy mulled wine. Guided by professional astronomers, it’s a beautiful way to view celestial objects through telescopes and celebrate a relationship that dates back to 1924, when the observatory’s director was the hotel’s very first guest. The event is part of the Hyatt’s wider, complimentary Winter School Holiday Program, which also features a pop-up hot chocolate station, cupcake decorating, family pancakes, and junior spy games. Sessions are limited to just 20 guests, making bookings absolutely essential.
National Arboretum Canberra is hosting its inaugural Winter in the Woods festival with a mix of free, self-guided activities, alongside a curated program of bookable workshops, guided tours, and First Nations-led experiences.
MUSEUMS, GALLERIES, AND CULTURAL ADVENTURES
Our city’s iconic institutions are putting on an absolute show these holidays. In Parkes, the National Portrait Gallery invites young creators to explore identity and fashion at the free Who. What. Wear exhibition or join the Portrait Play sessions ($7) tailored for ages four to eight. Just down the road at the National Gallery of Australia, families can drop into The Weavers’ Studio for free to create on specially designed looms or join unique Weaving Play workshops to take home a handmade tapestry.
For a dose of history, MoAD at Old Parliament House is celebrating NAIDOC Week with free 50 Years of Deadly craft and writing activities, alongside book readings and nature-based workshops with author Jade Goodwin ($10). Meanwhile, the National Archives of Australia is hosting Built For Speed ($7), where kids can explore motoring history and build their very own mini car to take home.
If your family loves performing arts, the Canberra Museum + Gallery has a stellar lineup, including a Shadow Puppet Making workshop ($15) and Dance: Buzzz ACT ($10–$20), an award-winning dance and science experience celebrating bees. If a cosy movie day sounds perfect for a winter afternoon, the National Film and Sound Archive is hosting special school holiday screenings of classics like Jumanji, WALL-E, and E.T. ($10–$14).
Finally, round out the cultural tour at Australian Parliament House with a family-friendly How Parliament Works Tour ($14–$28) or a Traditional Bush Animal Weaving Workshop ($5) inspired by the Tjanpi weavers.
EMBRACE THE GREAT OUTDOORS
If you want the kids to burn off some energy while connecting with nature, Canberra’s outdoor attractions have plenty on offer. The National Arboretum is celebrating Winter in the Woods with a Winter Wildlife Quest ($5 per family), where you can grab a map from the Village Centre and hunt for clues hidden in the beautiful forests. They are also hosting various nature journaling and lantern-decorating workshops, alongside a magical Stargazing experience ($57–$88) on Friday and Saturday nights.
In Throsby, Wildbark is running its popular Junior Explorer and Youth Ranger programs ($160–$495) packed with outdoor experiences designed to build confidence. For a prehistoric twist, head to the Australian National Botanic Gardens for the free MEGAfauna Megahunt, where kids can track down massive Australian megafauna models along the garden trails, or join artist Tom Buckland for a MEGAfauna Makers sculpting workshop ($11.90).
Animal lovers will also want to check out the National Zoo & Aquarium’s Zoocation: Super Senses program ($112 per day), where kids get up close with animals and make toys for them. For a true bush adventure, head out to Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve for their free school holiday program (with reserve entry fee), featuring Billy Tea & Damper sessions, World of Waterbugs discoveries, and a Cubby House Rules building day.
MUSIC, THEATRE, AND LIVE PERFORMANCE
The stages across Canberra and its surrounding regions are coming alive with pure magic. The Canberra Theatre Centre is hosting the beloved Spot live on stage ($35–$45) for the littlest theatregoers, alongside a high-energy concert by the UK’s first virtual K-Pop band, K-Pop Icons ($39–$90).
Down in Greenway, the Tuggeranong Arts Centre is offering a week-long Make a Mini Musical program ($470) with Mr. Tim and Ms. Nat, as well as shadow puppet theatre performances of Spike the Echidna ($20–$30). Just across the border, The Q in Queanbeyan is serving side-splitting laughs and acrobatics with the Splash Test Dummies Circus ($15–$35), followed by the thrilling illusions of Luke Blaze in Abracadabra ($34.90–$44.90).
For something classical, 6th Position is performing The Nutcracker at the Gungahlin College Theatre ($27.50–$137.50), complete with sensory-friendly morning matinees perfect for toddlers. Energetic kids can also join the Power of Performance Camp (AKA Pop Camp) in Harrison, Wanniassa, or Karabar ($85–$360) to practice dance, singing, and drama. Don’t miss the Canberra Symphony Orchestra’s Meet The Endangered Instruments performances ($20–$70) in Tuggeranong and Braddon, introducing under-nines to the joy of orchestral music.
GET CRAFTY AND CREATIVE
Unleash your child’s inner artist with a huge range of hands-on workshops. The Canberra Glassworks is hosting winter-themed sessions where kids can design a Kilnformed Snowflake or enjoy Painting with Frit to make a beautiful glass bowl ($85). In Ainslie, Q Gallery is running art classes focused on canvas painting and clay creature crafting ($45). If you’re up for a short drive, Cassie Carter Art in Bungendore is hosting fun Paint & Snack sessions ($45) featuring themes like Mario Galaxy, Pokémon, and Toy Story.
Harry Potter fans must check out Quizzic Alley in Fyshwick, where kids can join Wand Making or Potion Making workshops ($45) and enjoy a free QBrew. Alternatively, the Canberra and Region Visitors Centre is hosting a Canberra Made Series painting workshop ($33) with Jenny Adams, where kids can paint a gorgeous view of Lake Burley Griffin and Parliament House.
PLAY CENTRES, SHOPPING HUBS, AND RETAIL FUN
Canberra’s local shopping and entertainment hubs are pulling out all the stops to make parent life easier. Ninja Parc in Fyshwick is hosting half and full-day School Holiday Camps ($55–$95) for kids wanting to tackle ninja obstacles. Lollipop’s Playland & Cafe at Majura Park is offering 2-for-1 entry on Mondays, free crafts with entry, and special Build-A-Bear workshops ($29). In Nicholls, Let’s Play Indoor Playground is running its Drop & Run program ($95 per day), complete with themes like making winter bird feeders and designing windmills.
And for something a little bit different, IKEA Canberra is offering Blockitecture building events and free kids’ meals on Tuesdays for IKEA Family members, while Bunnings Warehouse locations across Canberra are running free Kids DIY weekend workshops.
FOR THE MINI FOODIES AND CHEFS
If the kids love helping out in the kitchen, there are some delicious options available. The ACT Nutrition Support Service in Chifley is hosting dietitian-led Kids Cooking Classes ($80), where kids aged eight to twelve can learn knife skills and prepare healthy winter dishes. Grill’d at Westfield Belconnen is running $15 Kids Masterclasses to teach the nutritional ‘superpowers’ of food while kids build their own burgers.
Sweet teeth will love driving out to the Murrumbateman Chocolate Co for a Kids Chocolate Workshop ($39) to decorate chocolate lollipops. In Fyshwick, Latorta is offering incredible baking workshops ($90–$150), including Frosty the Snowman Cupcakes, Winter Beanie Novelty Cakes, and a Snow-Melt Melting Moments session. Finally, the Canberra Southern Cross Club is keeping families fed and entertained with Marvel and Pixar trivia afternoons, a Crazy Science live show ($25), and 20 minutes of free arcade credit when you buy a kids’ meal at the Woden venue.
Over at Rashays Tuggeranong, the Little Chefs Club ($15) is letting little rascals get hands-on with pizza making on Tuesdays (7 and 14 July) or pancake decorating on Wednesdays (8 and 15 July), with every child taking home a completed creation and their very own chef’s hat.
Keep moving and learning
Looking to develop a new skill? Fast Running is hosting an Accelerate Sprint, Agility and Speed Clinic ($40) at the Aranda Playing Fields. Pedal Power ACT is running its Big Skills for Small Bikes course ($135–$150) at Lyneham High School to teach parents how to get kids riding confidently. For a more mindful movement, Shine Om is hosting a joyful Family Yoga Class ($3–$19) in Scullin. Budding cricketers can also head to Reid Oval for the ACT Winter Holiday Cricket Camps ($120–$575) to elevate their skills in team matches.
On the educational front, the National Library of Australia invites little ones to The Love of Storytelling ($5), featuring library exploration and healthy snacks. The Royal Australian Mint has a brilliant public program, including free Family Tours and Crafternoons, alongside paid Mini-Minties and Mintventures workshops ($10) exploring coin design, codes, and spies.
Libraries ACT locations across the city are also offering an entirely free holiday program, featuring Winter Painted Stories with Wiradjuri artist Ross Spencer, Ozobot Adventures coding sessions, cartooning workshops, and Happy Dog safety classes.
For tech lovers, IV Learning is hosting a STEM Camp and a Digital Startup Holiday Program ($299–$439) in Braddon, where teens can build and publish their own digital app.
No matter what your family enjoys, Canberra has every corner of the winter school holidays covered. Be sure to check the respective websites to secure your bookings and make the most of this winter!
