How to Plan a Family Friendly School Holiday Itinerary

It is safe to say that all kids look forward to the school holidays. It provides a break from routine and a space where kids can just be kids. However, holidays can quickly turn boring if kids aren’t presented with activities to stimulate their minds and keep their bodies active. 

When families treat the school holidays as a time for the whole family- not just the kids- to have fun, the holiday memories will be priceless. From a visit to the Australian War Memorial to cooking classes and nature walks, these school holidays, Canberra has something for everyone in the family. With these activities, don’t just make the school holidays fun, make them memorable too. 

Planning school holiday fun is as simple as taking your pick from the list of activities below.

Story time and crafts at the Memorial 

The Australian War Memorial is the base for all types of engaging and free activities every day of the week. Pre-schoolers will be enthralled by magical stories and puppet shows and creative kids can show off their talents on Drop-In Craft Fridays.

During the school holidays, the Australian War Memorial offers tours and activities specially designed for kids to enjoy. There are free family tours which cover the stories behind what is on display. There is also a hands-on history activity that lets kids try on uniforms and touch historic items. The War Memorial is a great way to seamlessly mix history and fun. 

Make a splash with the kids 

Canberra is known for its hot summers so thankfully there are heaps of options for when the kids want to play in the water or the adults just want to cool off. There’s Manuka Pool, an historic outdoor pool surrounded by trees. There is even a designated toddler area and pirate ship playground to keep kids of all ages entertained. 

In Canberra you don’t just have to go to the beach to relax by the water, there are aquatic centres for that too! Dickson Aquatic Centre features an outdoor swimming pool complete with barbeque facilities so that families can swim and eat to their heart’s content. 

For something a little more fast paced, visit Big Splash Waterpark. Home to water slides, inflatable obstacle courses and play areas, this is sure to be a day the kids won’t forget. 

Festive cooking classes 

If your kids are more at home in the kitchen rather than out on the playground, why not try a cooking class? The Kids Pantry is a Food Science Education Centre for all school aged children, young adults and families. As the only cooking school and kitchen garden designed for kids and families in the ACT, families will be in for a unique experience. Each class teaches kids three recipes and costs $160. 

Become zookeepers for the day 

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.

The fun filled day includes an up close and personal look at the animals, games, toy making and learning about the magnificent animals and their environment. Bookings can be made online and sessions cost $80 per child. 

Nature walks 

Seeing as Canberra isn’t short on natural beauty, there are numbers of guided and non guided nature walks that families can partake in. Combining natural beauty with exercise, Tidbinbilla provides at least four child friendly trails perfect for little legs and adults. Tidbinbilla showcases wildlife and nature-based experiences as well as opportunities to learn about conservation. 

Jerrabomberra Wetlands Nature Reserve is a valuable wetland habitat that plays refuge for migrating birds from the northern hemisphere and inland Australia. A stroll through the wetlands allows families to discover an array of wetlands and habitats. 

Meet the dinosaurs 

The National Dinosaur Museum’s Weekend Tours are popular with kids and adults of all ages. The tours are led by expert guides to give visitors an authentic journey through time. As one of Canberra’s premier tourist attractions, there are hours of fun to be had within the museum. A stroll through the Dinosaur Garden brings visitors face to face with life-like fibreglass dinosaur models. While a trip through the exhibitions will allow people to take in the sight of fossils that cannot be found in displays anywhere else in the world. 

Make the Most of School Holidays at Marketplace

When it comes to planning school holidays it is always best to stay on the front foot. Activities can quickly book out, popular spots can become crowded and kids can quickly become bored. From the 30th of September to 12th of October, our free school holiday hub where parents are encouraged to register their interest early to secure a place for their kids at one of the centre’s mindfulness, sensory and skilled based workshops. For those kids who love PAW Patrol, Marshall, Chase and Ryder will be in the centre for a meet & greet between 10AM – 12:00AM on both 28 and 29 of September, 2019.