Your ultimate autumn school holiday survival guide: 25+ things to do
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School’s out and Canberra’s playground is wide open!
From hidden gems to outdoor thrills, we’ve scoured the capital to bring you the ultimate guide to holiday fun.
Whether you’re working with pocket change or looking for something a little different to do, these local treasures promise to turn “I’m bored” into “Can we do that again?”
Let the holiday conquest begin!
Budget busters
Wallet-friendly adventures that prove the best memories don’t have to come with a hefty price tag.
School holidays at the Canberra Outlet
Perfect for parents on a budget, these school holidays the Canberra Outlet has a range of free programs for kids to enjoy! From an Easter maze (running until Wednesday 30 April), to a Spongebob and Patrick live show (Wednesday 23 until Saturday 26 April) and a showcase from Play the Dance Company (Sunday 27 April), you can thank us later.
Various dates | 337 Canberra Avenue, Fyshwick | More information here.
Easter at Marketplace Gungahlin
The kids won’t be bored with this line-up of events. From the Battle of the Bunnies – where primary school students are invited unleash their artistic talents by decorating larger-than-life Easter bunny sculptures – to making bunny masks, fairy garden jars, a mini farm and more, you’ll need to book ahead to reserve your spot in these fun and free workshops!
Make sure to check out the website to see the full program.
Saturday 12 until Sunday 27 April | 30 & 33 Hibberson Street, Gungahlin | More information here.
School holidays at the Canberra Centre
There’s plenty happening at the Canberra Centre these school holidays with a series of workshops. Kicking off the fun on Saturday 12 and 13 April, Lush is kicking off the fun with their Lush School Holiday Party. Hosted by the Lush party experts, their mini parties will last 45 minutes and include a bath bomb making workshop, a party game, and more. You’ll also receive a party bag filled with a range of goodies to enjoy at home!
Then, on Tuesday 15, Wednesday 16, and Thursday 17 April, your kids can channel their inner artist with the Metamorphosis School Holiday Workshops. Run with artists Skunk Control, combining art and STEM, they will produce their own beautiful holographic flower during this workshop. Perfect for either adults or children aged seven and over, these free workshops allow you to create a take-home flower or create one to integrate into the Metamorphosis in centre display!
Various dates | Canberra Centre, City | Book here.
The Twisty Science Show
A book reading done with a twist, this free event is a fun way to learn about DNA! Based on the book What Makes You Unique by Dr Chloe Lim (a scientist who is also a professional balloon artist), the show starts with an interactive book reading that uses balloon creations that help engage the children’s curiosity and interest.
Then, they’ll have their own chance to make DNA by extracting it from bananas! The activity will mimic a laboratory setup with the use of lab items to encourage imaginative play and role-playing as scientists. It’s a fun way for children to learn more about how their body works!
Tuesday 22 April | Denman Village Community Centre, 5 Felstead Vista, Denman Prospect | Book here.
Hidden gems
Here are some of Canberra’s best-kept school-holiday secrets.
Canberra Airport Runway Tour
This is an exclusive behind-the-scenes bus tour of the airport! Led by Canberra Airport staff, they will share information about aircraft operations, interesting aviation facts, and more! Tours will run for approximately 30 mins (subject to air traffic), departing from Canberra Airport.
Tuesday 15 April | Canberra Airport, Terminal Circuit Canberra Airport | Book here.
Kids Workshop: Exploring Stage Design
Canberra Museum and Gallery (CMAG) is the place to be these school holidays! Ideal for creative children, they’ll be inspired by Sidney Nolan’s theatre and costume designs and create an original set design idea. Embarking on a guided tour of the Total Work of Art – Nolan and the Stage exhibition before diving into fun drama exercises that explore composition, space, and storytelling, they’ll then select their favourite exhibition piece as inspiration for their very own minimalist set design.
Bring your imagination, CMAG willl supply everything else!
Wednesday 16 April | 176 London Circuit, City | Book here.
Erth’s Prehistoric Picnic
Erth’s Prehistoric Picnic will send the Mill Theatre back to the wilderness of a distant era!
Sydney’s world-famous dino-recreationists are coming to Canberra for one unforgettable day. Perfect for the whole family, pack a picnic, practice your dino-voice and prepare to get very close to your favourite ancient creatures – including, for the first time, the newest members of Erth’s prehistoric menagerie, the towering, three-metre-tall Thunderbirds.
Friday 18 April | Mill Theatre at Dairy Road, Fyshwick | Book here.
Canberra Steam Train Rides
Take the kids to experience the unique thrill of a heritage rail journey on one of the restored Steam Locomotives as you travel from Canberra to Bungendore and return. Running across the Easter long weekend, they’ll enjoy views of the spectacular Molonglo Gorge, as you travel through three tunnels and view the rolling country scenery from the heritage carriage. Bring a picnic and make a day of it.
Friday 18 until Sunday 20 April | Canberra Railway Station, Kingston | Book here.
Wand Making and Potions Classes at Quizzic Alley
The April school holidays promise to be super magical at Quizzic Alley with two enchanting classes to experience. From crafting their very own one-of-a-kind wand to take home (after passing a series of basic spells to earn their wand license), to diving into the intriguing world of potion-making, it’s perfect for Harry Potter fans of all ages.
Running all through the school holidays, make sure to secure your spot for your young witch or wizard!
Until Sunday 27 April | 5 Pirie Street, Fyshwick | Book here.
Code Camp
Does your child love coding, creativity and being active? Code Camp is back with an exciting new lineup that goes beyond tech. Along with popular coding camps, kids can now get creative with Get Crafty, stay active with Get Sporty, or dive into the Minecraft Madness camps (a must-do for young Minecraft fans), offering a range of activities to keep them entertained.
Designed for kids aged five to 13, make sure to buy some tickets so they don’t miss out!
Monday 14 until Thursday 24 April | Various locations | Book here.
Brainy bunch
Mind-expanding activities where curiosity is rewarded!
Rock On School Holiday Program
At the National Museum of Australia, these school holidays the kids can see the wall of ancient rocks and crystals on display in the Great Southern Land gallery, before joining a geode exploration workshop.
They will open their own geodes, unearth the crystals inside and create a take-home artwork with watercolours and sand inspired by these colourful gems! Suitable for ages five to 12 years, all children must be accompanied by an adult.
Monday 14 until Tuesday 22 April | Lawson Crescent, Acton | Book here.
Creative Writing Workshops
Does your child dream of becoming a writer? The Book Cow has partnered with local authors to run creative writing workshops for kids aged five and up! The sessions are $10 per child and will enable them to produce a short story or poem, from start to finish. Or, if art is more their thing, they’ll be encouraged to show off their skills! Then, after the Easter Holidays are over, they’ll compile the stories, poems, and drawings into an anthology to be sold in-store! All participants will get a copy as part of their ticket price.
Monday 14, Wednesday 16 and Wednesday 23 April | Cusack Centre, 27 Eyre Street, Kingston | Book here.
Terrariums and Climate School Holiday Program
Discovering the joy of learning while also playing, in this program, they’ll explore the effects of climate change on the Australian continent in the Great Southern Land gallery in the National Museum of Australia and hear from experts about their work in this dynamic field.
Then, they’ll create their own terrarium and stabilise its climate to ensure a sustainable environment for their own mini ecosystem! Suitable for ages 12 to 17 years, under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.
Wednesday 23 and Thursday 24 April | Lawson Crescent, Acton | Book here.
Fun with Fossils Holiday Program
Did you know that the National Arboretum Canberra is home to some of the oldest species of trees on Earth? This special program offers an inspiring blend of geology, art, and nature for children aged seven to 12! During the day, they’ll guided on a walk through these living fossils, before they create their very own botanical fossil, before finishing the session exploring the fossils hidden in the new National Rock Garden.
Wednesday 23 and Thursday 24 April | Forest Drive, Molonglo | Book here.
Rainy day rescues
Because you always need the option of an indoor haven.
School holidays activities at the Museum of Australian Democracy
Craft, painting, drawing and more is on at MoAD these school holidays! Take the kids along to make bird gliders, create a colourful artwork of birds and beetles in a painting workshop, and learn how to draw a wild scene with birds, trees and more natural elements.
Check out the website to see the full program.
Monday 14 until Thursday 24 April | 18 King George Terrace, Parkes | Book here.
Metaphysica Holiday Program
Fighting some Zombies, escaping a dragon’s tower, playing Mario Kart, or exploring the ocean in a UFO VR ride – this sounds like a fun way to spend the school holidays. Running every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of the school holidays from 9 am until 12 pm, The Metaphysica Holiday Program is back!
From playing board games to retro arcade games and thrilling escape rooms, each session is fully supervised and includes snacks, so you can relax while they play.
Monday 14, Tuesday 15, Wednesday 16, Monday 21, Tuesday 22 and Wednesday 23 April | Shop 176, South.Point, Tuggeranong | Book here.
Tarzan at the National Film and Sound Archive
Perfect for the whole family, take the kids along to the NFSA for a day at the movies! These school holidays, they’re showing Disney’s Tarzan at the Arc Cinema. Head along to enjoy the film and sing along to the soundtrack! Keep an eye out to see what else their showing during the holidays.
Saturday 19 April | McCoy Circuit, Acton | Book here.
Wild wanderings
Untamed experiences that connect curious kids with Canberra’s spectacular natural wonders.
Zoocation at the National Zoo and Aquarium
Because who doesn’t want to play zookeeper for the day? These school holidays, the National Zoo and Aquarium is hosting a Zoocation for primary school aged children – and it sounds like a blast. During the fun-filled day, children will get up close and personal with the animals, play games, make toys for the animals and learn something along the way!
You never know – you might just have a future zookeeper on your hands.
Tuesday 22 until Thursday 24 April | 999 Lady Denman Drive, Yarralumla | Book here
Adventures with Wildbark
Get the kids outside with the Young Ranger school holiday programs at Mulligans Flat Sanctuary. Run by Wildbark, during the program kids will go on expeditions, uncover local wildlife secrets, and explore habitats through hands-on activities. From being a zookeeper for the morning to getting crafty, if that’s not enough morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea are all provided by the in-house restaurant!
Designed for ages five to 12, visit the website to see the full program on offer.
Monday 14 until Thursday 24 April | 25 Rosenberg Street, Throsby | Book here.
Autumn School Holiday Program
Join the Ginninderry Conservation Trust rangers these school holidays for a time of exploration and fun! This hands-on program is designed for children aged seven to 12 and connects them with nature whilst also teaching them the importance of environmental conservation.
Over two exciting days, they will engage in a variety of outdoor activities led by our experienced rangers, including nature walks along the Ginninderry Conservation Corridor walking tracks, wildlife spotting, singing songs, creating art with nature-based materials, and more.
Tuesday 15 and Wednesday 16 April | 1 McClymont Way, Strathnairn | Book here.
Fresh air fixes
Perfect for burning off excess energy and soaking up vitamin D.
Corin Forrest
Corin Forest is opening their snow play area on Saturday 12 April, just in time for the school holidays! Along with plenty of fun in the snow, they’re also offering Easter Egg-citement packages with Pre-Season Snow Play, the Alpine Slide, and Easter Egg Hunts included. Yep, we’re talking snow, slides and chocolate from Friday 18 until Monday 21 April.
Make sure to visit the website to watch the live feed of the growing snow pile and to book your Pre-Season Snowplay and Easter Egg-citement Packages before they sell out.
From Saturday 12 April | 1268 Corin Road, Corin Forrest | Book here.
Holiday Rowing at The Red Shed
Accessible, enjoyable, and educational, the holiday program, at The Red Shed is the perfect introduction to rowing. Running across three days, it’s open to both beginners and experienced rowers in secondary school, providing expert coaching from experienced rowing instructors in a safe, supportive, and fun environment.
Providing classes that cater to the specific age group and skill level of participants, they’ll learn the fundamentals of rowing, including technique, equipment handling, and safety!
Monday 14 until Thursday 24 April | 45 John Cardiff Close, Acton | Book here.
Learn to ride a Mountain Bike
This exciting course will get your children (and you!) riding off-road, just in time for the beautiful autumn weather. Suitable for ages nine and older and, it includes four seasons, running for over an hour each and will cover bike safety and readiness checks, terrain awareness and more!
Tuesday 15 April until Wednesday 23 April | Centenary Trail Entrance, Taylor | Book here.
Tuff Nutterz
Perfect for burning off some energy, this inflatable obstacle course is designed to challenge and test the skills of all ages! Navigating through a series of inflatable obstacles, including tunnels, slides, and other exciting features, you’ll climb, slide, jump, and crawl your way to the finish line, all while having a blast.
Along with to the 300-metre-long obstacle course, Tuff Nutterz also offers a mini obstacle course and a six-metre-tall slide for those looking for an adrenaline rush! There are also food and drinks available, so everyone can refuel and recharge before tackling the next challenge.
Friday 25, Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 April | Parkes Place Lawns, King Edward Terrace, Parkes | Book here.
Artful escapes
Some creative sanctuaries where young minds can express themselves through colour, sound, and movement.
Animals Reimagined Holiday Program
Let your child’s imagination run wild with surreal animal collages inspired by the 20 Years of Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year exhibition at the National Archives!
After exploring the exhibition, they’ll create surreal mixed-medium collages, reimagining animals in fantastical scenarios – like frogs in top hats, lizards in space or penguins driving the school bus!
Monday 14 until Thursday 24 April | Kings Avenue, Parkes | Book here.
Nature Art Journalling at Mugga Mugga Cottage
Suitable for kids aged eight to 14 years and their parents or carers, in this creative workshop they’ll take a close look at the natural world as they head outdoors enjoy drawing and writing exercises and then return to the house to pull it all together in a journal!
All materials will be provided – including an art journal – so they can continue creating long after the day is done.
Monday 14 April | 129 Narrabundah Lane, Symonston | Book here.
Autumn Photo Makers Workshop
This is a dynamic two-day adventure designed for young photographers to explore the artistry of image-making through hands-on activities and creative experimentation. Led by experienced instructor, Eunie Kim, your kids will dive into photography basics, from capturing images with digital cameras to experimenting with printing in the darkroom.
Snap to it to book a spot!
Wednesday 16 and Thursday 17 March | PhotoAccess, 30 Manuka Circle, Griffith | Book here.
Art and Action at Tuggeranong Arts Centre
This school-holiday program gives children a chance to show off their creativity! Guided by a team of professional artists, musicians, dancers, and actors, during the one-day program, kids will do everything from play theatre sports to take part in arts classes, take part in street-funk dance, and make some music!
It’s ideal for ages six to 12!
Wednesday 16 and Thursday 17 April | 137 Reed Street, Greenway | Book here.
Claymation Creations Workshop
Calling all future filmmakers! This exciting two-day workshop led by stop-motion animation experts Eleanor and Giovanni is the perfect way for your kids to spend their school break. Designed for kids aged eight to 16, in this workshop kids will learn everything they need to know to get started on their animation and filmmaking journey – from writing to storyboarding, animating and then editing their own short film on a smartphone or tablet!
Tuesday 22 and Wednesday 23 April | PhotoAccess, 30 Manuka Circle, Griffith | Book here.
Create a Ceramic Coral Reef
Head along to the Canberra Museum and Gallery (CMAG) to watch the kids create a ceramic coral reef! Using images of oceanscapes, aquatic plants and marine life to help inspire and create their own organic form, the workshop will include a walk through the Resonance: Art as the Voice of Nature exhibition to see the different ways artists respond to the natural world.
Wednesday 23 April | 178 London Circuit, City | Book here.
Fit to Photoprint
To coincide with their exhibition Fit to Print: Defining Moments from the Fairfax Photo Archive, the National Library of Australia is partnering with PhotoAccess ACT to present a special school holiday workshop!
During the day, kids will explore the Fit to Print exhibition and experience producing a cyanotype sun print – an early photo imaging process developed in the 1840s – along with experimenting with Polaroid photography.
This workshop is suitable for children aged 8 and over, but younger children can participate with parental supervision.
Wednesday 23 April | Parkes Place West, Parkes | Book here.
My Awesome Australian
Looking for a creative activity the kids can do these school holidays? To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Australian honours system, the National Portrait Gallery is inviting school students from across the country to create a portrait of someone in their community who they think deserves to be recognised.
Using painting, drawing, sculpture or textiles, selected portraits will then form part of an online exhibition, My Awesome Australian, which will be officially launched by Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia. Entries close on 19 June, with the online exhibition launching on 11 September.
Until Monday 19 June | King Edward Terrace, Parkes | More information here.
Looking for more?
Here are some bonus adventures and resources for when you’ve conquered everything else on our list!
Looking for something you can take the whole family to? Don’t forget about the National Folk Festival on from Thursday 17 until Monday 21 April and the Canberra and Region Heritage Festival (which runs from Friday 18 April and into May).
And for those looking for some bang for their buck can book the Canberra Mega Pass to explore three of Canberra’s top family attractions – the Australian Institute of Sport, the National Zoo and Aquarium and Questacon – or the Gold Creek Adventure Ticket for full-day access to multiple attractions in the Gold Creek area, including the National Dinosaur Museum and the Canberra Reptile Zoo!
