What to do with the rest of the school holidays in Canberra
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It’s only mid-January and you’ve already worked your way through everything you can think of to keep the kids entertained.
How will you fill the remaining empty weeks? Don’t worry, here are five fresh suggestions on how to spend the rest of the school holidays in Canberra.
Relive some classic fairytales at the theatre
Bring some magic and whimsy to the final days of the school holidays with a trip to the theatre to see some classic fairytales, reimagined. From Thursday 22 until Sunday 25 January, Cirque Alice is taking over the stage at the Canberra Theatre Centre for a twist on Lewis Carroll’s classic adventure Alice in Wonderland – complete with mind-bending contortionists, mesmerising aerialists, larger-than-life puppetry, enchanting dancers, special musical guests and more.
Promising a laugh-a-minute, toe-tapping, heart-warming adventure for the whole family, Cinderella is a must-see at The Q from Wednesday 21 until Saturday 24 January. A pantomime spectacular featuring a cast of seven adults and 17 children, there will be silly shenanigans, show-stopping musical numbers and enough sparkle to light up the kingdom.
Re-discover the National Zoo and Aquarium
Live music, lawn games, food, animal encounters and themed keeper talks. The National Zoo and Aquarium has plenty happening that will keep all ages entertained. Hands-on activities include colouring, treasure hunts, hayrides and jumping castles. Special event days feature roaming dinosaurs, silent discos, outdoor movies and mascot appearances. Whether you’re planning a full day out or a spontaneous summer visit, each week will bring a new reason to return.
Running until Sunday 1 February, most activities are included with general admission and free for members.
Show them how cool the national institutions really are
Escape the heat and treat the kids to a cultural experience by taking them to one of the many blockbuster exhibitions currently on show in Canberra. Think: diving into the world of K-culture at the National Museum of Australia’s Hallyu! The Korean Wave, explore the world of electricity, machines, and motion at Questacon’s ZAP! CLANK! POW! and drop into the National Portrait Gallery to enjoy the free summer activities inspired by the commissioned portrait of the CommBank Matildas at Matildas: Game Face & Make and Move. If that’s not enough, the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House is also holding free craft sessions, and Open Air Playup activities!
Enjoy these after-dark activities
Make the most of cool temperatures when the sun goes down with one of these family-friendly evening activities. The Sunset Cinema is back in the Australian National Botanic Gardens to show their signature mix of new releases, all-time classics and family favourites – including Zootopia 2, The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants, and Wicked: For Good.
Across the January long weekend (Saturday 24 – Monday 26 January), FLIGHT: Drone SkyShow + Night Markets are soaring back into Canberra with their biggest and brightest shows yet. With two different 15-minute drone shows each night at 9 pm and 10 pm (as well as night markets), it promises to captivate audiences of all ages.
Take them to a playground
Sometimes the simplest option is the best, and nothing beats a trip to the playground. If you’re looking to beat the heat, here are some places for young kids to play indoors and here are Canberra’s shadiest parks and playgrounds.
Looking for something with close proximity to coffee to get you through the day? Here’s part one, two and three of our series of Canberra’s best playgrounds with caffeine close by.
