Guide to Autumn School Holidays

Stuck for ideas over the term break? Autumn school holidays are only a short time away. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the best things you can do in and around Canberra this holiday break. From short trips to local sites and activities, equip yourself with a daily plan to keep the kids busy and yourself balanced while the kids are home from school.  

Engage the kids at the National Arboretum

The National Arboretum offers fun, wholesome activities for all ages. Activities inside kite making and bonsai. You can find out more through their website or by calling 6207 8484.

Juggle and tumble at the Warehouse Circus

Running both weeks of the school holidays, the Warehouse Circus is located at Chifley Health and Wellbeing Hub and the University of Canberra High School Kaleen. It’s a chance for young kids to learn all the arts of the circus, from trapeze and unicycle to tumbling and juggling. Starting at $175, there are two week long programs, though times will vary depending on your enrolment.
Find out more details on their website.

Zoocation for primary school kids

Running Monday through to Friday 9am-4pm over the school holidays, Zoocation is a chance for primary school aged kids to get up and close with all the animals from the National Zoo and Aquarium. It’s fun, educational and a unique opportunity that your child is sure to love. Cost starts at $75. Find out more at the National Zoo website.

Enrol in an AIS sports program

Over the autumn holidays, the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) offers a vacation program for kids between the ages of 5 and 13. Sports include:
Soccer

• Netball
• Pool activities
• Interactive Sport Exhibit

The Australian Sports Commission is also running camps for potential stars of the future. Cost varies depending on length of enrolment, so find out more on their website.

Story Time at the National Portrait Gallery

Running on April 15 from 10:30 – 12 noon, Story Time this autumn holiday is tales from the book Twelve Terrible Tales by Jill Mater and Philip Vivian. Taking place at the National Portrait Gallery, entry is $5, which also includes craft materials children can use to create their own visual response to the story. A fun way to spend a few hours out of the house the autumn school break. More info at the National Portrait Gallery website.

National Dinosaur Museum tours

Engage your kids with the wonder of a 30-minute tour through the National Dinosaur Museum. Tours run between 11am and 2pm daily and include a dinosaur hunt activity sheet. Cost is $9.90 and for lovers of dinosaurs and scientific adventures, this is a blast. Check out the Dinosaur Museum website for more info.

Toy Theatre at the National Museum of Australia

Running Monday to Friday on April 13-24, Play with Plays at the National Museum of Australia gives children the opportunity to take a story to stage by creating a toy theatre. Kids also have the chance to interact with Marianne Mettes, a puppeteer from PuppetOOdle. Cost is $3, with various times scheduled. Full details at the National Museum website.

Dirt bike through Kowen Forest

Not for the faint of heart, the Kowen Dirt Bike Rally is a non-competitive two day ride through Kowen Forest. This is not a spectator sport, but for the budding dirt bike rider, it's a great time in a friendly, social and safe environment.
The ride takes place on the 11th and 12th of April and there's a $180 registration fee. Find out more by visiting the DSMRA website.

Go camping

Going camping with the family can be a great opportunity to connect with nature and each other. Leave the devices behind and discover the beauty and mystery of the Australian bush. Camping is a challenge, no doubt, but your kids might just surprise you.
If you think a camping trip could be fun for your family, check out the Visit Canberra website for a list of camping destinations.

Perception Deception at Questacon

Test your brain with this illusions exhibit which teaches kids just how our brain processes information from the work around us. Open every day between 9am and 5pm, entry is $17.50. More info at the Questacon website.

Join the Marketplace Gungahlin Kid’s Club

Want to be the first to know about all the kid’s activities happening at Marketplace Gungahlin? Members of our kid’s club get a free gift, membership card and invitation to birthday celebrations. We’ll also keep you in the loop for all the fun holiday stuff happening at Marketplace Gungahlin. Get all the details here and make the most of the autumn school break this year.