Family Friendly School Holiday Activities Canberra

All kids look forward to the summer break and all those weeks off school, but without stimulating activities to keep their minds and bodies active, they can soon get bored and restless.

If you're worried about how to keep the little ones entertained this summer, check out these activities, events and workshops taking place across Canberra in December and January. Best of all, many of them are free!

Story time and crafts at the Memorial

The Australian War Memorial is the base for all manner of engaging, free activities every day of the week. Pre-schoolers will be enthralled by magical stories and puppet shows, history buffs can connect with the past by trying on uniforms and handling real artefacts, and creative kids can show off their talents on Drop-In Craft Fridays.

Summer sports programs

There's no shortage of opportunities for kids to stay active over the holidays – whether they sign up for three-day basketball, cricket and soccer workshops with Australian Sports Camps, tennis, swimming and volleyball at the Australian Institute of Sport, or learn to sail at Canberra Yacht Club.

Festive cooking classes

If your kids are more at home in the kitchen, junior chefs and teens can learn to make gingerbread treats, ice cream cake, turkey burgers and other festive favourites at Kids Pantry.

Be a zookeeper

Animal lovers can do more than just visit the zoo this summer. The National Zoo and Aquarium's Zoocation program invites curious kids to get closer to their favourite animals and learn all about how a zoo works from qualified education guides.

Guided nature walks

There are more wildlife encounters waiting at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, which operates guided walks and special school holiday programs for different age groups.

Meet the dinosaurs

If their favourite creatures are the prehistoric kind, the National Dinosaur Museum's Weekend Tours are popular with all ages. These tours are led by expert guides and are included in the admission price – don't forget your camera.

Kids Club

Join The Market Play Kids Club and stay up to date with all our fun activities for kids.