Summer School Holiday Fun in Canberra

National Zoo and Aquarium

Looking for summer school holiday ideas? You won't have any trouble keeping the kids happy this summer in Canberra, as many of the iconic attractions host activities and programs to keep the kids entertained for days. Book in early to maximise family holiday fun!

Zoom through the trees at Corin Forest

Just 45 minutes from the city centre, Corin Forest has a scenic alpine slide that trails through the majestic Mountain Ash forest for over 1 kilometre and is a must-do on your visit (open seven days a week during the summer holidays).

While you're in the area, take the family across to Namadgi National Park, where you can explore the ancient and diverse landscape that the local Ngunnawal People have been custodians of for tens of thousands of years. Namadgi National Park protects 106,095 hectares of alpine, sub-alpine and mountain bushland and makes up almost half of the ACT, making it the perfect landscape to enjoy beautiful walks, breathtaking picnic spots, or even a quick swim in one of the watering holes in the area.

See live spectacular science shows

Questacon

The spectacular science shows at Questacon will enthralled the whole family with experiments run by the Questacon Excited Particles theatre troupe. Ignite your sense of adventure as you bounce from one gallery to the next, each one tackling science concepts in an engaging way. Mini Q area, specifically designed for ages 0–6, means the tiny tots in the family don't miss out on the fun.

Walk along phrehistoric life

Enjoy everything the beloved Gold Creek precinct has to offer with the Gold Creek Adventure Ticket. The ticket gives you full-day access to Cockington Green Gardens, Canberra Walk-In Aviary, Canberra Reptile Zoo, and the National Dinosaur Museum.

While you delight in your fun-filled day, roam through the interactive National Dinosaur Museum (recently awarded the best tourist attraction at the Canberra Region Tourism Awards) and snap a pic with Sam the T-Rex. Your budding palaeontologist will love the hands-on experiences on offer. The museum is also home to one of the largest displays of crystals, fossils, minerals, and gemstones in Australia.

Meet animals big and small

With a wide variety of both native and exotic animals, as well as the largest inland saltwater tank in Australia, there is something that will surprise and delight the whole family at the National Zoo & Aquarium. The Zoo also has an epic playground, known as AdventureLand, with 55 activities and various life-size fibreglass animal sculptures to capture memories of your visit.

During the school holidays, the Zoo hosts a Zoocation program, which offers a unique experience for primary aged children. Kids can get up close to many of the Zoo's animals, play games, make toys for the animals, and learn something new throughout a fun-filled day.

Climb through giant acorn cubbies

The National Arboretum Canberra boasts the impressive and award-winning POD playground, designed to encourage young minds with its climbing structures, slides, swings, giant acorn cubbies, and music-making instruments. After exploring the playground, take a stroll through the nearby Bonsai Collection, which showcases some of the world's finest miniature trees and forests.

Make money at the Mint

Royal Australian Mint

If you want to see where Australia's circulating coins are made, head to the Royal Australian Mint. While you're there, don't miss the factory viewing area, which offers a bird's-eye view of the production process. Keep your eyes peeled for two giant robots, Titan and Robbie, and a few other robot helpers that assist in making the coins.

Be sure to pick up the 'My Visit to the Mint' activity book from the front desk and complete the Mint Treasure Hunt. The Mint has more than just contemporary coins. Head to the gift shop to see collector pieces, centenary coins, and the ultimate tooth fairy kit.

See Stories come alive

Get a snapshot of our nation at the National Museum of Australia, which is home to more than 210,000 objects representing Australia's history and cultural heritage.

Follow one of the museum's family trails to discover the stories behind some of the amazing objects on show. Go at your own pace on either of the two self-guided family trails (available for ages 2–5 and 5–8 years) and see what you can discover along the way. Or head to the Museum's Discovery Centre, which is suitable for ages from birth to 6 years. This is a fun and interactive play space where children can discover stories from Australia's history and engage in various types of play.

Join in the fun at the Botanic Gardens

Get ready to learn more about your favourite scaled creatures! The Snakes Alive exhibition is back at the Australian National Botanic Gardens during the school holidays. Hosted by the ACT Herpetological Association, this event features a display of living Australian reptiles and amphibian species. The goal is to inspire interest and awareness of Australian native fauna. The exhibition runs from 8-14 January and is open daily from 10 am until 2 pm.

Discover the amazing secrets of the plants that live in the Australian bush on this family-friendly tour, Secrets of the Australian Bush, on the magical Flora bus (11, 15, 17, 19, and 23 Jan 2024). Walk through the Rainforest Gully, visit the Red Centre Garden, and finish at the Paperbark Treehouse. This tour is designed for children 4-10 years who must be accompanied by an adult. Bookings essential as numbers are limited.

Meet famous faces thorugh portraiture

Look into the eyes of artists, musicians, athletes, scientists, and more at the National Portrait Gallery. Meet famous faces, delve into incredible stories and get creative. Drop by the free family space every day over summer for creative play. Throughout January, the younger kids will love Portrait Play, Story Time or Little Faces, while film screenings and drawing programs will keep the big ones entertained. Be sure to check ahead about what's coming up.

Unlock your creativity

Uncover the inner workings of Canberra Glassworks with a hands-on workshop in one of the most exciting art facilities in Australia. With the help of an experienced artist, children will learn how to cut coloured glass to create a two-dimensional masterpiece in a tile-making workshop or try their hand at designing and creating a sculpture in clay. During the school holidays, choose between blowing your own tumbler, fusing your own glass bowl, or crafting your own holiday tiles. (Costs apply with each workshop).

Climb the walls at BlocHaus

Located just a 10-minute drive from the city centre, you'll find BlocHaus. This bouldering centre is perfect for kids to get a taste of rock climbing, but as the walls are shorter and the mats below are padded, there's no need for ropes, partners, or gear. There's an area designed specifically for families and a coffee and treat recharge station! Need to refuel afterwards? Wander over to one of the best burger joints in Canberra at Brodburger, located inside Capital Brewing Co.
* VisitCanberra https://visitcanberra.com.au
* Donna Ciaccia at donna.ciaccia@act.gov.au