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School holiday activities in Canberra for 2021

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

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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 winter.

Looking to take a road trip? See our top recommendations below.

Outdoor activities
At-home activities
Day trips
Free activities
School holiday dates
Events
Activity deals
FAQs

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.

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

RedBalloon

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

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

Viator

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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.

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.

Don't stop the learning

Forget hours of searching online for educational things to do these school holidays. With KidCampus, your children can enjoy a wide range of options, including creative design classes and games of soccer and rugby.

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

Autumn 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.

Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is less touristy than the CBD or the Snowies. In just under an hour, you'll be on the doorstep of its walking trails. These take you through a eucalyptus 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 on the Canberra during the winter break

The nation's capital plays host to some of the biggest events over the school holidays.

  • Truffle Festival: Teach the kids that there's more to truffles than just chocolate. With their exceptional aroma, high value, adaptability and those clever and cute truffle dogs, truffles can appeal to gourmands of all ages. Until 29 August
  • LEGO Robotics School Holidays Workshops: Get them building these school holidays with a trip down to the National Library. The $25 interactive program features real-time programming and the National Library's robocourier, ISAAC. 1 July.
  • Basketball ACT School Holiday Camp: Have a future LeBron James or Nikola Jokic on your hands? If they have an eye for the courts, this program teaches the fundamentals and understanding of basketball in a fun and unmissable way. Runs at the Belconnen Basketball Stadium for $160. 7 - 9 July.
  • Skating At Festival: Strap your skates on and embrace the cold with an ice skating festival right in the heart of the city. Give the ice rink a go and the kids will especially love the inflatable tube rides and the jumping castle. TBC
  • Mkids Movies: Treat your kids to a free movie this winter thanks to the National Museum. With four different flicks on offer, you could see one or check them all out coupled with a visit to the museum. TBC

When are the 2021/22 school holidays in Canberra?

TermDates
Term 1 school holidays2 April to 18 April 2021
Term 2 school holidays26 June to 11 July 2021
Term 3 school holidays18 September to 4 October 2021
Term 4 school holidays18 December to 30 January 2021/22

Activity and experience deals for the Canberra school holidays

KlookKlook
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$15 off all Australian activities with code

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RedBalloonRedBalloon
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Get $5 off activities with code

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RedBalloonRedBalloon
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Get $10 off activities with code

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Skydive AustraliaSkydive Australia

Extra $40 off weekday skydiving with code

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Frequently asked questions

What should I keep in mind with COVID-19 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

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    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 above are available for 13 years 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 want to also check our review on things to do in Canberra.

      Hope this helps!

      Cheers,
      Val

      Reply
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