What To Do During These School Holidays

School holidays are underway, and there are plenty of things for kids and families to do this summer in Canberra!

If you’re a parent or caregiver, you know all too well the chorus cries of “we’re bored!” once the kids are out of school and at home. Finding fun activities over the holidays can be a real challenge, especially when you have kids of varying ages and interests. 

Luckily, we’ve done the hard work for you and have rounded up the best school holiday activities to do this summer – and there’s something in there for everyone! (including the parents!)

School Holiday Fun at Marketplace Gungahlin 

If your kids enjoy everything about space or just looking for some fun activities locally, Marketplace Gungahlin has got you covered. During these school holidays, Marketplace Gungahlin is launching some exciting new space-themed programs for the kids.

From building their own space straws to making their own galaxy slime, the School Holiday Program is hosting creative and fun activities this January. 

When?  19th January 2022 – 30th January 2022
Where?  Marketplace Gungahlin Shopping Centre, outside Big W
Price?  FREE for The Hub Members – Bookings are essential.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK >> 

Science & Arts

Engineering & Robotics Summer Holiday Program

Hosted by Young Engineers Australia, the Engineering & Robotics Camp is a full-day school holiday program designed to ignite your child’s curiosity over all things STEM (science, technology, engineering & math).

This year’s theme is all about space travel! Kids will be treated to awesome facts about space and the science behind space travel. They will also get to build prototypes using Lego, solder-less electronics and robotic components!

When?  19th January 2022
Where?  Merici College, ACT

Sensory Art Lab

Kids can let their imaginations run wild at Sensory Art Lab these school holidays! 

The interactive art exhibition invites kids and families to play and explore a creative wonderland with a focus on sustainability, material ethics, DIY culture, activism and collaboration.

From a large-scale weaving room to an audible touch space where you can create collaged sound worlds by touching musical instruments – the Sensory Art Lab is your ticket to imaginative play this summer!

When?  28th January – 6th February 2022
Where?  Gorman Arts Centre: F Block Gallery

Illustration Exhibition

Do you have a child who loves drawing or getting lost in picture books? Then the Illustration Exhibition at Belco Arts Centre in Belconnen is worth checking out these holidays!

Launch into a new world and discover alien creatures at the Other Worlds: Exploring the Universe of Graeme Base exhibition. Kids and parents can marvel at the original illustrations from the book, “The Worst Band in the Universe” by the celebrated Australian children’s author. 

While you’re there, don’t forget to look out for the aliens hiding around the centre! Can you find them all?

When?  26th November 2021 – 6th February 2022
Where?  Belconnen Arts Centre

Questacon

Everyone’s favourite, Questacon, brings science to life! Explore the galleries and let the kids engage in science with a range of interactive displays, sculptures and hands-on exhibits.

Feel the force of an earthquake, take a peek inside a beehive or look at the world through a microscope! Wherever you turn there’s something new and fascinating to discover and delight in!

Questacon is open throughout the school holidays by ticket only. 

When?  Monday – Sunday, from 9am-5pm
Where?  The National Science and Technology Centre, ACT

Art Steps with Jeffrey Smart

Make a geometric sign inspired by one of Australia’s most celebrated artist’s, Jeffrey Smart.

Art Steps will have the kids cutting shapes from colourful paper to arrange them on cardboard to make a sign. They can then display their Jeffrey Smart-inspired sign in their front yard or neighbourhood to communicate and share their message with the local community. 

When?  18th December 2021 – 30th January 2022
Where?  National Gallery of Australia, ACT

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With all that exploring, make lunch with the kids quick and easy by stopping for a meal at one of our eateries, or grabbing some movie snacks from Woolworths. 

Sport

SportsCare Oz Day Aqua Fest

Get the whole family out for an action-packed afternoon of water activities at the Black Mountain Peninsula!

The Oz Day Aqua Fest will include Aquathlons, Water Polo and an Aqua Fun Park to watch or participate in, along with market stalls, live music, face painting and more!

The fundraising event is open to all ages and encourages everyone to get outside and enjoy being active during the summer school holidays.

When?  26th January, from 2pm
Where?  Black Mountain Peninsula

Cricket Camp

Cricket lovers, rejoice! These school holidays, the Canberra School Holiday Cricket Camps are back!

Catering to ages 6-16, the ACT Cricket Camps will include cricket coaching from qualified cricket coaches along with a T10 Challenge Cup where the kids can test their newfound skills in a fun and supportive team environment.

When?  10th January – 14th January 2022
Where?  Reid Oval, ACT

Basketball Tournaments

Encourage the kids to get fit and have fun these summer school holidays with the Get Up and Hustle basketball tournament run by Basketball ACT.

Tournaments will be run by age group, from under 11’s right through to under 19’s as well as Open Age.

Get your team together and register for four weeks of 3×3 basketball tournaments!

When?  18th January 2022
Where?  Belconnen 3×3 Outdoor Courts, Belconnen ACT

Way2Fast Slot Car Racing

Revv your engines at Canberra’s only Slot Car venue!

Way2Fast has 4 large tracks to test your slot car racing skills. Kids can choose from a range of remote control cars with Ready to Run cars available to hire or they can build their own slot car with Build Kits.

Slot Car racing is open for all ages and skill levels, and makes for a super fun day out!

When?  Every day except Monday and Tuesday
Where?  20 Essington Street, Mitchell ACT

Kids Empowered Workshop

Have your kids learn how to defend themselves in the Kids Empowered Self Defence Workshop led by expert self defence coaches.

This workshop is specifically aimed at kids from ages 5 and up and no experience is needed. The workshop will teach your children a variety of techniques and fun drills including how to neutralise a situation without the use of violence.

Morning tea will be provided, and bookings are essential.

When?  29th January 2022
Where?  Synergy Self Defence & Fitness, Hume ACT

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Purchase your running gear and sporting equipment at Big W or Kmart or go for a post-run massage at Gungahlin Massage Centre. Mums can train for these events at Fernwood Fitness. 

Just Plain Fun

Garden Party, Kids High Tea

Put on your favourite summer outfits and get the family together for an enjoyable 2-hour garden tea party at First Edition Canberra.

Experience music, face painting, balloon animals, craft activities and a delectable themed menu complete with sweet, savoury and healthy treats!

Kids will enjoy being able to plant their very own herb garden, while every child will be able to take home a newly seeded pot plant after a day full of entertainment and fun activities. 

When?  21st January 2022
Where?  First Edition Canberra, ACT

Kite Making

Children can take their creations to great heights with their very own DIY kite!

Kite making workshops at the National Arboretum Canberra will include all the materials necessary for kids to design and construct their own kites. 

After flying their kite, kids can take their creations home with them for endless summer school holiday fun!

When?  3rd January – 18th January 2022
Where?  National Arboretum Canberra, ACT

Circus Summer School

Do your kids have dreams of running away with the circus?! Well, now they can – for the school holidays, at least!

Warehouse Circus is running week-long programs for children ages 5 & up during the holidays.

Whether your kids have some gymnastic skills or none at all, they will have a blast learning new circus tricks and performances to show off to their family and friends!

When?  3rd January – 28th January 2022
Where?  Warehouse Circus Inc., ACT

Sunset Cinema

Back for its 10th season, Sunset Cinema will be providing all the family fun these summer school holidays!

The perfect family-friendly event, you and the kids can enjoy all the classic movies from a comfy bean bag or picnic blanket in the stunning Australian National Botanic Gardens.

Pack a picnic or purchase some mouth-watering movie snacks from the onsite food trucks and enjoy watching the big screen outdoors!

When?  25th November 2021 – 26th February 2022
Where?  The Australian National Botanic Gardens, ACT

Family Yoga

Looking for a holiday activity the whole family can do this summer? What about Yoga in the park?

Family Yoga is a free activity for the entire family in the picturesque setting of Haig Park. Get the family or friends together for a fun yoga practice where you’ll get to stretch and unwind.

All you need is a water bottle, yoga mat and comfortable clothing.

When?  11th – 25th January 2022
Where?  Haig Park, ACT

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Grab some tasty meals, healthy snacks or yummy treats on the way to your family fun event at one of our eateries

For the Parents

Live reggae bands and DJ

Kids tiring you out these school holidays? Enjoy a Lei-zy Sunday in the Assembly beer garden for an afternoon of live reggae bands and DJs!

Surrounding a beautiful oak tree, the beer garden at Assembly is the perfect spot to kick back and enjoy some adult refreshments with friends.

This event is free and open to all grown-ups looking for some awesome live entertainment in a relaxed atmosphere.

When?  9th January from 2pm
Where?  Assembly The People’s Pub, ACT

Canberra Triathlon Festival

Want to get active over the summer holiday period? Then sign up to participate in the TriCanberra Triathlon Festival!

2022 sees a brand new course, date and event hub. If hills aren’t your friend, then you will love the completely flat bike and run course!

There are three different distance triathlons to choose from, including Super Sprint, Sprint and Standard. If you’ve never done a triathlon before, then this year’s course is the perfect place to start!

When?  22nd January 2022
Where?  Henry Rolland Park, ACT

Change Yoga

Fancy becoming a yoga teacher these school holidays? Then head to this year’s Change Yoga Teacher Training!

The 5-day immersion course will include practical training as well as reading and online work.

Expect personal change throughout the training, as you explore all the fundamentals of ancient yoga practices. This course will focus on “Hatha” yoga and will involve 200-hour training onsite and online.

When?  20th January 2022
Where?  Change Yoga & Wellness Studio, Scullin

Bottomless Brunch

Grab your friends and enjoy a Sunday brunch with views of the Molongo River and Canberra city skyline.

Bottomless Brunch at Pialligo Estate includes farm fresh eggs, Australian bacon, freshly baked pastries and pancakes, smokehouse meats, fresh fruit and granola to satisfy even the most demanding of brunch goers!

Sip on bottomless mimosas as you relax in the Estate Glasshouse surrounded by good friends and company.

When?  16th January 2022
Where?  Pialligo Estate, Pialligo ACT

For some extra “me time” these school holidays, book yourself in to get pampered at one of our hair and beauty salons or get a relaxing massage at Gungahlin Massage Centre or Miracle Therapy. 

There are plenty more events to explore these school holidays! Check out the Visit Canberra website for fun school holiday activities in your area, and come to Marketplace Gungahlin for all your event supplies.