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School holiday activities in Canberra 2024

Here's how to have tons of fun with your little ones these school holidays.

From crafts and board games to scavenger hunts and hula hooping, we've got heaps of activities to do outdoors, at home and online in Canberra these holidays.

Out-and-about activities in Canberra over the school holidays

Explore the city

Take in the sights and sounds of the city on a tour of Canberra's best attractions.

Hot Air Ballooning Over Canberra - Weekend
Hot Air Ballooning Over Canberra - Weekend

RedBalloon

Electric Scooter Daily Self-Hire through Canberra
Electric Scooter Daily Self-Hire through Canberra

Viator

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

All of Canberra's museums and galleries, including the Australian Institute of Sport, the National Museum of Australia, Cockington Green Gardens, the National Zoo and Aquarium, the National Dinosaur Museum and the National Gallery of Australia, await you.

Cheetah Encounter at the National Zoo - Weekend
Cheetah Encounter at the National Zoo - Weekend

RedBalloon

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

RedBalloon

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. For a larger treat or celebration, wake up before dawn for a hot air balloon ride over the region.

Hot Air Ballooning Over Canberra - Midweek
Hot Air Ballooning Over Canberra - Midweek

RedBalloon

Canberra Helicopter Flight Experience for 3
Canberra Helicopter Flight Experience for 3

Adrenaline

Canberra Hot Air Balloon Flight Experience
Canberra Hot Air Balloon Flight Experience

Experience Oz

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 - Weekend
Cheetah Encounter at the National Zoo - Weekend

RedBalloon

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

Adrenaline

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

Order a DIY craft kit

Puppets, beaded creatures, pirate ships… anything and everything is possible with craft kits. With a few materials to get you started, the kids can be creating in no time. Choose something you think they'll love and watch the magic unfold.

DIY White Mini-macrame Wall Hangings Craft Box / Kit
DIY White Mini-macrame Wall Hangings Craft Box / Kit

Classbento

Have fun with paint

A virtual paint party is a fun way to get together with friends safely during these school holidays. A professional will guide the kids through the process of creating something wonderful.

Drawing classes

Sharpen your pencils, grab some paper and get ready to learn how to draw. Create your own masterpiece or start with the basic art courses.

Learn How to Draw Anime Characters for Kids
Learn How to Draw Anime Characters for Kids

Classbento

Spend time together in the kitchen

Making food together is a fun way to bond, so check out these food-focused activities that will have your kids whipping up a treat quick-smart.


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.


Free school holiday activities in Canberra

  • Cycle or walk around Lake Burley Griffin.
  • Take the kids to Eddison Park for a game of disc golf.
  • Picnic at Lennox Gardens on a sunny day.
  • Stroll through the Australian National Botanic Gardens.
  • Make a scrapbook or video diary of holiday memories.
  • Have the kids help out with cooking.
  • Build a pillow fort.

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

When are the 2024/25 school holidays in Canberra?

TermDates
Term 1 school holidays13 April - 28 April 2024
Term 2 school holidays6 July - 21 July 2024
Term 3 school holidays28 September – 13 October 2024
Term 4 school holidays18 December – 2 February 2025

Activity and experience deals for the Canberra school holidays

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Canberra workshops from $25

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10% off activities with code FD300

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Get 5% off activities with code

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Groupon Groupon

Up to 65% off Canberra tours and sightseeing activities

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Stephanie Yip was the travel editor at Finder and has been writing about travel and lifestyle for over a decade. She has written for a range of travel publications including Thomas Cook Magazine and Showpo. Stephanie has a Bachelor of Communications from the University of Technology Sydney, Australia, and has visited over 50 countries (and counting). She has a passion for sharing her experiences and knowledge of travel and helping consumers stretch their travel cash while on holiday. See full bio

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