Six Reasons to Hit the Road for the Nation's Capital These School Holidays

1) Wake up in the Wild at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
There has never been a better time to experience Canberra's iconic wildlife sanctuary than with the ultimate sleepover – A Wild Night Out at Tidbinbilla (2-17 April). Only 45 minutes' drive from the city centre, spend a night under the stars in the comforts of a family glamping tent. With ranger-guided activities and talks, dinner by the campfire and much more, there's a lot to learn and appreciate about this area on the northern edge of Australia's Alps.

2) Get arty and admire a world-class exhibition - Botticelli to Van Gogh

Take some time with the kids and admire the incredible artworks in the exclusive Botticelli to Van Gogh: Masterpieces from the National Gallery London at the National Gallery of Australia (5 March – 14 June). The exhibition includes 60 artworks from one of the most significant collections of European paintings in the world. There are kids' activities to keep your budding artists captivated too.

3) Enjoy a floating picnic on a GoBoat - Ahoy!

Take turns wearing the captain's hat in a GoBoat on Lake Burley Griffin – no boat licence needed! Pack a picnic and float along the lake as you play spot the attractions and landmarks that line the lake's foreshore with the kids. It is a fun way to enjoy Canberra from a completely new angle.

4) Discover the delightful Gold Creek Village

Located on the city's outskirts, Gold Creek Village is a wonderous surprise offering a mixed bag of activities and attractions for all the family to enjoy. Dino-fanatics of all ages can have a Jurassic Park-like adventure at the National Dinosaur Museum. With the largest permanent collection of interactive dinosaurs in Australia – get up close and personal to the skeletons and fossils and join a fun and educational tour to experience a journey through time – snap a selfie and say hello to Stan the T-Rex– a 20-metre-long dinosaur! Explore the whimsical Cockington Green Gardens; it is a charming miniature village with its own houses, iconic international buildings, lakes, perfectly manicured lawns and even a steam train for all to ride - all aboard! Stop for a sweet at The Lolly Shop, famed for its floor-to-ceiling collection of every type of confectionery imaginable – take your pick!

5) Climb, play or explore the bush capital

A natural wonderland, Canberra is built around a lake and surrounded by mountains. There's plenty of open space to let the kids race around and green hills to roll down at the National Arboretum Canberra, but make sure you save some time to explore the magical Pod Playground. It features giant acorn-shaped cubbies and banksia pods at various heights connected by rope tunnels and tube slides and climbing nets. Take your teenagers for a spin on a guided Segway tour with SegGlideRideit's a fun way to zip around Lake Burley Griffin foreshore. You'll find plenty of wildlife on our doorstep too - Search for bettongs at the Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary, spot kangaroos lazing under the trees at Weston Park, or water dragons basking in the sun at the Australian National Botanic Gardens.

6) Family foodie favourites

There are more than the average family-friendly dining spots that won't break the bank—the hard part, which one to choose. You don't want to miss Braddon's dining precinct. It offers something for the fussiest of eaters and budgets – indulge on tasty sweet treats and gourmet paninis from Sonoma Bakery, scrumptious wood-fired pizza from Pizza Gusto and delicious homemade ice cream or gelato from Frugii Dessert Laboratory. Make the most of the mild autumn afternoons and roll out the picnic rug to enjoy fish and chips from Snapper by the Lake there is plenty of space for the kids to run around as well.

If you're looking for more fun-filled family activities these April school holidays be sure to check out www.visitcanberra.com.au

Website: www.theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

Tags: Easter school holidays, school holidays, Family Travel, Family, Canberra, Things to do with the Kids