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School holiday activities in Canberra for 2020

How to have tons of fun with your little ones these spring school holidays.

Stephanie Yip
Stephanie Yip

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From crafts and board games to museums and day trips, we've got you covered for activities to do at home and out and about in Canberra this spring.

What's in this guide?

Outdoor activities in Canberra over the school holidays

Spend a day at Canberra's top family-friendly attractions

All of Canberra's museums and galleries including the Australian Institute of Sport, National Museum of Australia, Cockington Green Gardens, National Zoo and Aquarium, The National Dinosaur Museum and National Gallery of Australia are waiting for you to explore.

National Museum of Australia Building and Architecture Tour
National Museum of Australia Building and Architecture Tour

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Cockington Green Gardens Entry Ticket
Cockington Green Gardens Entry Ticket

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See Canberra from above

Introduce the kids to a bird's-eye view of the city. For budget-savvy families get to the top of Telstra Tower on a clear day and for a larger treat or celebration, wake up before dawn for a hot air balloon ride over the region.

Hot Air Ballooning Over Canberra
Hot Air Ballooning Over Canberra

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Go scavenger hunting

If you've signed yourself up to look after a group of kids, a scavenger hunt is heaps of fun. Plus, it doesn't hurt that it works for their team building skills. You can host this in your home or neighbourhood using a DIY kit from a professional company with a larger network of families.

Have a wildlife encounter

If you have an animal lover on your hands, a close encounter with native wildlife will most definitely grab their attention. Head to the zoo or try a twilight tour of the local woodlands.

Cheetah Encounter at the National Zoo - Weekday
Cheetah Encounter at the National Zoo - Weekday

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Twilight Tour Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary
Twilight Tour Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary

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National Zoo and Aquarium Family Tour
National Zoo and Aquarium Family Tour

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Jump on your bike

Canberra has more than a few bike trails where the young'uns can easily peddle and get some fresh air and exercise. Choose a dedicated route, hop on your bikes or trikes and spend a few hours in nature. We recommend checking out Acton Park or Commonwealth Park.

At-home activities to do in Canberra over the school holidays

Get creative at home

Painting, collaging, mosaics, baking, you name it. With a few materials or ingredients to spark their imaginations, they can be creating in no time. Choose a creative activity they love and watch the magic unfold.

Snuggle in for a night on the couch

Winter is the ideal time to snuggle up on the couch, flick on the television and enjoy each other's company. We're sure the kids would agree. If you haven't already signed up, Netflix, Disney+ and BINGE have libraries upon libraries of child-friendly shows.

Complete a puzzle, board game or LEGO build

Clear the kitchen table or some floor space and throw some LEGO or puzzle pieces on the ground. Join them if you like or watch them nut the puzzle out themselves.

Road trips you can take from Canberra

Batemans Bay

Distance from Canberra: 2 hours by car or 3 hours by bus.

This beautiful coastal town offers holidaymakers kayaking, fishing, snorkelling, swimming and local Indigenous experiences. Choose to relax or explore as much as you like.

Full-Day Pebbly Beach and Batemans Bay Tour with Kayaking
Full-Day Pebbly Beach and Batemans Bay Tour with Kayaking

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Snowy Mountains

Distance from Canberra: 2.5 hours by car or booked coach.

The snow may not be gracing you with its presence, but there's still plenty to explore in the Snowy Mountains in spring.

Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve

Distance from Canberra: 50 minutes by car.

Less touristy than the CBD or the Snowies is Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. In just under an hour you'll be on the doorstep of its walking trails. These take you through a eucalypt forest that's teeming with native wildlife.

Free school holiday activities in Canberra

  • Cycle or walk around Lake Burley Griffin.
  • Pay your respects at the Australian War Memorial.
  • The National Gallery of Australia has free entry with timed tickets.
  • Take the kids to Eddison Park for a game of disc golf, perfect for a family day out or a play date with friends.
  • Pack the picnic and take it to Lennox Gardens on a sunny day.
  • Visit the Royal Australian Mint to learn the interesting stories behind Australian coins.

Need more ideas? Check out our 50 free activities to keep the kids busy these school holidays.

School holiday events in Canberra

  1. Floriade. Let's start with the most important event of the season. Floriade is a festival that needs no introduction, being the largest festival of spring in the nation and features 30-days of floral action and spring festivities. If you only attend one event, this is it. 12 September - 11 October 2020.
  2. Light The Night. Support a good cause as you light up the night - literally - with coloured lanterns. 10 October 2020.
  3. Alpaca Magic. Cap off their holiday making friends with the 200 alpacas and lamas that roam around this Sutton property. Ticketed events stroll throughout the holiday break, including llama walking, workshops, feedings and more. Throughout September and October
  4. Project Dinnertime Junior. Have a tonne of fun with a cooking class or two these upcoming school holidays at the Chifley Health Hub. 28 September - 2 October 2020.
  5. Bricks 4 Kidz Canberra. There's nothing like a day filled with LEGO, with workshops inspired by Minecraft and Star Wars. 28 September - 9 October 2020.

Activity and experience deals for the Canberra school holidays

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Frequently asked questions

What should I keep in mind with COVID when going out during the school holidays?

When planning activities over the 2020 school holidays, parents and caregivers are urged to maintain good hygiene and social distancing.

Are all attractions in Canberra open?

You can now check out Parliament House, Australian War Memorial, National Gallery of Australia, National Museum of Australia, Questacon, National Zoo and Aquarium, National Arboretum Canberra and the National Dinosaur Museum.

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2 Responses

  1. Default Gravatar
    PirenneJanuary 8, 2019

    What activities are there for 13 year olds in Canberra these school holidays?

    Reply
    • Avatarfinder Customer Care
      ValJanuary 9, 2019Staff

      Hi Pirenne,

      Thank you for reaching finder!

      It seems like you are looking at the correct page. All activities listed are available for 13 year old and also for the entire family. For most promos, kids age 13 and up are categorized as an adult already.

      This will also depend on your child if he/she would prefer outdoor or indoor activities. You may also visit this page for 10 capital ideas for things to do in Canberra with kids

      Hope this helps!

      Cheers,
      Val

      Reply
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