10+ things to do these winter school holidays in Canberra
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We’ve created the perfect mix of indoor and outdoor fun to fill your days these winter school holidays in Canberra.
Have an “ice” day out with Winter in the City
It’s time to break out your ugly jumpers and grab your ice skates—Winter in the City is here to make school holidays an even cooler experience. Taking over Civic Square from Friday 1 to Sunday 17 July, there’s plenty to see, do, eat and drink (hello ice-skating and a $9 gelato, brownie and coffee combo).
Read more here.
Friday 1 to Sunday 17 July | Various locations across Civic | winter.inthecity.com.au
Explore Questacon’s Mid-Winter Nights
Bursting with wintry fun (hello, snow globe making and delicious hot chocolate), Questacon is finally bringing our favourite after-dark event back to its action-packed galleries—think illuminated igloos, science-themed cocktails, and the ultimate night-time science excursion!
Taking place from Wednesday 6 until Saturday 9 July, trust us when we say it’s the perfect antidote to a cold night at home.
Read more here.
Wednesday 6 – Saturday 9 July, 5:30 pm – 9 pm | King Edward Terrace, Parkes | Tickets here.
Dance til they drop
A silent disco is coming to Canberra with three playlists of music, as well as interactive games including a lit-up LED limbo bar it is sure to have your toes tapping and the little ones dancing their hearts out. Flip out is just around the corner and with delicious food options such as Lollipops café and playground, Majura Park is the perfect way to spend a day out of the house.
You can learn more here.
10 am–2 pm, Monday 4–Friday 8 July | Majura Park Shopping Centre | majuraparkshopping.com.au
PlayUp (and learn)
Looking for an educational, fun, and free (our favourite kind) activity for the whole family? Then head on down to Old Parliament house where they have set up a creative exhibition space that celebrates the role of children in our community and provides a welcoming environment for families to engage in the rights and responsibilities of children through imagination, discovery, roleplay, and fun.
This free event runs daily | Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House | moadoph.gov.au
Swim with The Rainbow Fish
The world’s most beautiful fish and a lesson that kindness is valued most of all. This childhood hit is taking the stage with Perform Australia bringing the Rainbow Fish to life, delighting 4–8-year-olds and their families in this musical.
Friday 1–Sunday 3 July | Perform Australia Theatre in Fyshwick | stagecenta.com
Meet The Twits
A performance full of trickery and wickedly-funny pranks, Dahl’s adored classic encourages us to treat others with love and care and proves that if you have good thoughts, they will shine out of your face like sunbeams. The Canberra Theatre is bringing you a show packed with Dahlicious mischief, hilarious mayhem and big belly laughs, The Twits is unmissable theatre for all ages.
22–23 July | Canberra Theatre Centre | canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Get lost in the Gardens
For the days when the sun decides to shine, go and lose hours in the Australian National Botanic Gardens finding ancient plants, megafauna and more!
Or for those who want an extra adventure head along to the ‘Megafauna after dark’ experience. Explore the gardens under the starry night and be enchanted with a local Gurulidj (Bunyip) story and song by First Nations storyteller Tyronne Bell.
Daytime access is free every day, but paid bookings must be made for the after-dark experience here.
Megafauna after dark runs from 5.30 pm–8.30 pm on 2–3, 7–9 July | Australian National Botanic Gardens | parksaustralia.gov.au
Portrait Play
Portrait play, storytime, and a play plot—the National Portrait Gallery has you covered these school holidays!
Hop (like Peter Rabbit) into the Play Plot‚ based around Beatrix Potter’s portrait, or pop along to a storytime of Ceremony written by Adam Goodes and Ellie Liang.
Once you’re there, why not check out their special exhibition Shakespeare to Winehouse: Icons from the National Portrait Gallery!
Various times | National Portrait Gallery | portrait.gov.au
Embrace the inner entrepreneur
Creative, collaborative and cracking to get into the business world? Maker2Market is a three-day intensive for young people (aged 10-17) who love making things, have probably been tinkering for a while, and have the aspiration to start their own business.
Over two days learn all about how to run a successful business whilst creating products to sell on the third day at local market stalls around Canberra.
9.30 am–4 pm, 7–8 July | University of Canberra | edii.com.au
Explore the Arboretum
Escape the city just minutes from the CBD. With more than 20 kilometres of multipurpose walking, biking and even horse riding tracks, the National Arboretum will take you into different worlds with its 94 forests of rare, endangered and symbolic trees.
Feeling peckish? Stop by the café inside the Village Centre for a bite to eat and let the kids burn off any extra energy in the POD playground.
9 am–4 pm every day | National Arboretum, Forest Drive, Molonglo Valley | nationalarboretum.act.gov.au
Be inspired at the NGA
With rotating exhibitions, there’s a high chance it’s time to swing by the National Gallery again.
Check out the 4th National Indigenous Art Triennial: Ceremony exhibition, or the Rauschenberg & Johns: significant others exhibition which only opened this month. Split up the indoors with an adventure into the outdoor sculpture garden and a snack from the Street Café.
Looking for a creative activity? Then book into the Art Steps by Hayley Millar Baker for a fun activity in the foyer or Art Together with Joel Bray, or get your teens to check out the Art Lab Stop Motion workshop.
For tips and tricks on how to make it the best experience possible for the whole family read this guide by the gallery.
Various times | National Gallery of Australia | nga.gov.au
Connect with the NMA
Where to start is the question you’ll be asking yourself when you walk into the National Museum. Book a ticket to see artworks from over 70 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists transformed into one powerfully rich story of culture and Country in the multisensory experience of Connection (read more about it here).
Afterwards, explore the free exhibits—including An Aboriginal Culinary Journey—and the new discovery centre or follow a family trail to see what you can spot.
Open 9 am–5 pm every day | Lawson Crescent, Acton | nma.gov.au
Play around
Playgrounds are the perfect way to burn off some of that extra energy. Check out this list of some of the best indoor and outdoor playgrounds in Canberra to suit any weather that the holidays might throw at you. Make sure you check out Boundless in the heart of the city or Kidzplore in Fyshwick!
Find your next playground adventure here.
Strap on the sneakers
Grab your favourite puffer coat and beanie to go and explore all the hikes that Canberra has to offer. Check out the walks below (and find a bunch more here)!
Tidbinbilla
If you’re wanting to escape the hustle and bustle (and up your chances of spotting some wildlife) then look no further than Tidbinbilla. Hop in the car for around an hour and find yourself surrounded by 20+ walking trials with a range of lengths and abilities depending on how far little legs are wanting to walk. Break up the walk by playing at the Nature Discovery Playground or having a friendly competition to see who can spot the most koalas, platypus and kangaroos.
Bridge to Bridge
If you’re looking for a quick option in the city, then head on down to the bridge-to-bridge walk. A classic for a reason, taking you past cafes, parks, and cultural institutions it’s the perfect way to grab some fresh air and a coffee (check out Walter’s café whilst you’re there!). You can also take it up a notch by jumping onto an e-scooter and zooming around the lake’s foreshore.
Mount Ainslie
With breathtaking views of the city making the trek up Mount Ainslie is well worth it! One of the most popular walks among locals, the bush track behind the Australian War Memorial goes to the top of Mt Ainslie.
It’s about 2km each way, there are plenty of steps and it’s steep in parts, so check your fitness level and bring plenty of water.
Photograph of Australian Parliament House art workshop by 5 Foot Photography
