Best school holiday activities Canberra 2025 | Kiindred

Are you having trouble keeping your tiny tornadoes entertained during the holidays? Say no more! Canberra has a treasure trove of school holiday activities that will delight kids of all ages.

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Whether your little ones are budding botanists, museum buffs, or adrenaline junkies, this city has something to keep them (and you!) smiling.

So, take a deep breath, put down the screens, and get ready for some serious family fun with a dose of Canberra school holiday activities.

Top indoor school holiday activities

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National Museum of Australia

Step into Australia’s past at the National Museum of Australia, where kids can explore a world of history through interactive displays.

The National Museum of Australia hosts special school holiday activities including craft workshops and family-friendly tours that bring Australia’s stories to life. Little ones will enjoy craft activities inspired by Indigenous culture, while older kids can get involved in storytelling sessions.

The museum’s Red Centre Garden is also a standout with its visual feast of living plant fossils and mountain ash forests that take you back to the era when magnificent megafauna roamed Australia. With plenty of free entry options, it’s a family-friendly tour that’s both affordable and fascinating.

National Dinosaur Museum

No visit to Canberra is complete without stopping by the National Dinosaur Museum. Known for its impressive dinosaur displays and images that transport kids back to prehistoric times, this museum is packed with life-size replicas of dinosaurs and interactive exhibits. It’s a perfect stop for any young dino enthusiast!

While the National Museum of Australia, located nearby, offers a broader cultural and historical perspective on Australia, the National Dinosaur Museum focuses on the prehistoric era, providing an engaging experience for kids to learn about Australia’s past, including the magnificent megafauna that once roamed the continent.

Be sure to check out the treasure trove of fossils and the fuzzy felt wall, where younger kids can engage in creative play.

National Portrait Gallery

Explore Australia’s rich cultural history through the lens of its people at the National Portrait Gallery.

This gallery has fun activities for all ages, from craft activities to interactive workshops. The Listening Pods let kids dive deeper into the stories of the portraits, providing an educational yet entertaining experience.

With its prime location on King Edward Terrace, it’s also an easy addition to your day if you’re exploring the Parliamentary Triangle.

Old Parliament House – Museum of Australian Democracy

Okay, politics and democracy may not seem the most exciting of school holiday activities. But we promise this one will exceed your expectations. Old Parliament House, home to the Museum of Australian Democracy, has a PlayUP exhibition that younger kids love. It has interactive displays that teach them about democracy without the yawn, and they can role-play, vote on issues, and learn about Australian democracy through games.

This unique experience not only educates kids about Australia’s past but also keeps them actively engaged in fun and creative play. With its hands-on approach, it’s the perfect spot for family fun during the school holidays.

Bounce Inc Australia

If your kid won’t stay still, take them to Bounce Inc in Belconnen for some school holiday fun. They have a school holiday program with structured activities to keep the kids entertained. There’s something for all ages, with miniBounce for the little ones, and oodles of activities to keep the big kids happy too.

This indoor playground is not just trampolining, there is wall climbing and high ropes to explore too. And the best part… if you need some time to regain your sanity, you can relax knowing they have a school holiday camp available during the school holiday period, so you can drop the kids off and escape for a few hours.

National Film and Sound Archive

If you’re interested in exploring the fascinating world of film and sound, the National Film and Sound Archive (NFSA) is a must-visit destination in McCoy Circuit, Acton, Canberra. This is a great place to learn about the evolution of media and enjoy some classic screenings.

The NFSA has educational programs aligned with the Australian Curriculum, providing a unique learning experience through interactive exhibits and archival recordings.

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Top outdoor school holiday activities

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Corin Forest Mountain Resort

Located just a 45-minute forest drive from Canberra, Corin Forest is a family favourite for outdoor adventures. It’s also a perfect spot for picnics, nestled in the majestic mountain ash forests of the Tidbinbilla Ranges.

Corin Forest is ideal for families looking for a mix of adventure and relaxation, where both younger kids and teens can enjoy the day outdoors.

Namadgi National Park

Head to Namadgi National Park for a family-friendly tour through Canberra’s stunning natural landscapes. While not offering a traditional forest drive, the park features scenic mountain roads that allow you to explore its vast wilderness.

With trails that cater to all fitness levels, this park is perfect for hiking, spotting wildlife, and discovering ancient Aboriginal rock art. Your kids will love exploring the forests and might even spot a kangaroo or two!

For a deeper understanding of the area, consider joining a tour with an experienced guide.

Lake Burley Griffin

A day by Lake Burley Griffin is perfect for the whole family. Whether you’re renting e-scooters, bikes, or paddle boats, there are endless ways to explore Canberra’s iconic Lake Burley Griffin. Pack a picnic and relax by the water, or walk along the lakeside while taking in the beautiful scenery of Canberra’s landmarks.

You could also take in the views from Mount Ainslie Lookout or enjoy a family-friendly tour of the Royal Australian Mint, where kids can learn how Australian coins are made.

Yarralumla Play Station

Located in the heart of Weston Park, Yarralumla Play Station is a fantastic outdoor destination that combines fun with nature.

Here, you can putt-putt your way around some of Canberra’s most famous icons in mini golf, take a ride on the miniature train ‘Bluebell’ (currently under maintenance, but expected to return soon), and experience the original mini railway. The mini farm is always open, where you can feed and interact with friendly animals.

After a day of play, relax and unwind with lake views, enjoy fresh food, barista-made coffee, and treats from the ye olde lolly shop and ice cream stand at Station Stop Café.

Yarralumla Play Station also has birthday and function packages, including old-school fun on the jumping castle or exclusive historic carriage hire for photographers and film crews. It’s a great place to encourage kids to explore their creativity and social skills through play.

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Educational activities

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Canberra Glassworks

A unique creative hub where both kids and adults can experience the fascinating art of glassmaking. Through hands-on workshops, participants are guided by skilled artisans in the ancient craft of glass-blowing and tile-making.

Kids can design and create their own glass artworks, from colourful mosaics to delicate ornaments.

National Arboretum

Another great educational activity for the school holidays is a visit to the National Arboretum Canberra. This expansive 250-hectare site is home to over 44,000 trees from around the world with a stunning natural environment for families to explore.

During the school holidays, the National Arboretum runs special programs like guided walks, craft activities, and workshops focused on nature, sustainability, and biodiversity. Kids can learn about different tree species, including rare and endangered types, and discover the Rainforest Gully and the incredible living plant fossils.

The Pod Playground at the National Arboretum, with its unique acorn-shaped climbing structures, is perfect for younger ones to play to their heart’s content.

Questacon 

You’re probably tired of seeing this one in school holiday guides, but to be fair – it’s still a hit.

If you haven’t been (we’re sure you exist) Questacon is Australia’s renowned National Science and Technology Centre. It has multiple storeys of scientific fun as well as daily science shows presented by the Questacon Excited Particles troupe. Kids will learn about physics, chemistry, and heaps more, in a lively and interactive environment.

Questacon’s galleries are also filled with interactive exhibits that ignite curiosity and encourage hands-on learning that will spark the interest of your little ones.

Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex

If you’re on the hunt for a fun holiday activity in Canberra, visit the Canberra Deep Space Centre at Tidbinbilla. This NASA facility is all about tracking spacecraft and is a must-visit for young space lovers.

During the school holidays, they have some exciting activities and exhibits where kids get into the wonders of the solar system, explore space exploration, and discover Australia’s role in it all.

There’s plenty to keep the kids entertained at Deep Space Centre. Plus, kids can even try out some astronaut activities. To infinity, and beyond!

Australian National Botanic Gardens

Set on the lower slopes of Black Mountain, this beautiful space offers a mix of nature and education for kids of all ages.

During the school holidays, the Australian National Botanic Gardens often host special family-friendly tours and interactive workshops, including guided walks through the Rainforest Gully and the Red Centre Garden, where kids can learn about Australia’s unique ecosystems.

The gardens also host craft activities and storytelling sessions. It’s an ideal spot to keep the kids engaged while exploring Canberra’s natural beauty.

Family-friendly events and activities

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Floriade 2025

Canberra’s Floriade is a must-see this season, featuring over a million blooms in Glebe Park. The festival includes fun activities for school holidays, like flower-themed workshops and displays that appeal to both kids and adults.

For evening fun, don’t miss NightFest at Floriade. The park lights up with colourful displays, live performances, and street theatre. It’s a great way for the whole family to enjoy a magical night out.

National Zoo and Aquarium

Spend a day at Canberra’s National Zoo and Aquarium, where you can get close to a variety of exotic animals. The National Zoo has family-friendly tours that let kids meet fascinating creatures like lions, tigers, and cheetahs.

For something unique, check out the Red Panda Encounter or join a behind-the-scenes farm tour to meet some of the smaller animals.

Power Kart Raceway 

We’re shouting out this electric go-kart indoor track – because it knows just how to get your child’s restless energy tired out (with a smile on their face, too).

If racing isn’t your child’s speed, however, don’t stress; indoor mini-golf and arcade games are also present at the venue. So everyone is covered.

Australian Institute of Sport

 

Any little athlete could spend hours on the behind-the-scenes tour of the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), taking it all in.

You get to witness elite athletes in action during training sessions across various Olympic and Paralympic sports and participate in interactive sports exhibits such as wheelchair basketball, virtual skiing, and sports science demonstrations.

Budget-friendly activities

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Canberra City Farm

If you’re interested in sustainable living, head to Canberra City Farm for free tours and activities focused on sustainable farming.

This is a great place for kids to learn about organic gardening and environmental practices.

The farm often hosts workshops, events and fun things that are open to the public. So, it’s an excellent spot for families to spend a day outdoors while learning something new.

Mount Ainslie Lookout & Trail

For a panoramic view of Canberra, take a free hike up Mount Ainslie. The trail has stunning views of Canberra and is suitable for families with children.

It’s a great way to enjoy nature and get some exercise while taking in the scenic beauty of Canberra.

Boundless Playground

Located in Tuggeranong, Boundless Playground is an all-abilities playground that offers free fun-filled activities for kids of all ages. The playground is designed to be inclusive so that every child can participate and enjoy the facilities (how lovely is that?).

It’s a fantastic spot for families to spend time together, promoting social interaction and physical activity.

Tips for planning school holiday activities in Canberra

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Planning school holidays in Canberra can be a breeze if you follow these simple tips. After all, you want to ensure your kids (and you!) have an amazing time without too much stress.

Create a flexible itinerary

The secret to a successful holiday is balance. Think of it like a recipe: mix in some indoor activities to escape the rain, and some outdoor fun to soak up the sunshine. Don’t forget to balance high-energy adventures with more relaxed outings. Budget-Friendly Options

Book ahead

School holidays can get busier than a Canberra cafe on a Sunday morning, so it’s wise to book tickets for popular attractions in advance.

Consider location and accessibility

When choosing activities, think about how easy they are to get to and what amenities they have. You don’t want to spend half the day stuck in traffic or searching for parking. Opt for places with good parking, food options, and restrooms. Your sanity will thank you!

Prioritise quality over quantity

Don’t try to cram too much into your schedule. Focus on a few quality activities that everyone will enjoy, rather than rushing from one thing to another.

Leave room for spontaneity

And finally, leave a little room for spontaneity. Sometimes the best experiences come from unexpected adventures or changes in plans. So, be open to new opportunities and enjoy the ride!

Wrapping it up

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Canberra isn’t considered one of the world’s most liveable cities for nothing!

From exciting outdoor adventures to captivating museums, Canberra has all the ingredients for an unforgettable school holiday experience.