How to Spend Time in Canberra During School Holidays

Australia’s capital city of Canberra/Ngambri offers a wide range of family-friendly activities to explore over the school holidays. Whether it’s learning about science with interactive exhibits or getting up close to some of the country’s most iconic creatures, all you need is your Dollar rental car and an appetite for adventure to make the most of this exciting city over the break from school.

Be Electrified by Science at Questacon

Canberra’s Questacon is an unmissable school holiday activity for the whole family to enjoy. An interactive museum that encourages kids to take science into their own hands through play and experiments, Questacon invites children and families to engage with all areas of science, innovation and technology through exciting exhibitions and hands-on learning. Located right in the centre of the city across from Parliament House, Questacon is the perfect place of exploration that is sure to fill up a whole day. Brimming with electrifying activities like the Caged Lightning exhibit that safely demonstrates a real lightning strike, or the Wimshurst machine that kids can use to create a crackle of static electricity, there’s sure to be an adventure in Questacon suited to everyone. There are also a variety of science demonstrations at the Q Lab, led by the museum’s knowledgeable science staff, encouraging kids to interact with experiments and ask questions about the fascinating world that surrounds them. Questacon also has a cafe for you to take a break in between exhibits, providing locally roasted coffee and science-themed treats for you to refuel on before you continue your exploring.

Embrace Adventure at Corin Forest

Just a forty-five-minute drive south of Canberra city sits Corin Forest, an outdoor adventure land that is perfect to explore all year round. In the winter months, the man-made snow and staffed Snowplay area make this a great option for little ones experiencing snow for the first time. In this purpose-built snow playground, you can build a snowman as a family or ride toboggans through the pillows of silky snow together, and all with the comfort of knowing there are friendly staff on hand to make the experience one of safety and exploration. There are also areas available for kids to learn how to ski through lessons, as well as small slopes to ride down and race as a family. The Alpine Slide is another great activity in Corin Forest, with over a kilometre of track that glides you through the majestic Mountain Ash Forest at whatever pace you choose.

Marvel at Animals at the National Zoo and Aquarium

The National Zoo and Aquarium, located less than ten minutes west of the city centre, makes for an ideal school holiday adventure for little ones wanting to discover more about the exciting creatures of Australia and beyond. See everything from a rhinoceros to a koala at Canberra’s zoo, with even the chance to get up close and personal with some of these majestic animals. The close encounter exhibitions boasts activities like meeting a meerkat and having a lion encounter, and if you’re wanting to learn even more about the lives of these creatures and the people that look after them, the Junior Zoo Keeper program allows kids a behind the scenes insight into how these incredible animals are cared for. Reminder to bring a camera—the National Zoo is one experience you’ll definitely want to capture.

Get the Heart Racing at the AIS

Whilst the country’s capital is famously home to Parliament House and the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra also houses another iconic destination in the Australian Institute of Sport. Taking a tour at the AIS allows you and the family a unique insight behind the scenes to this institution where some of Australia’s best sporting champions are created. The ninety-minute tour will take you through some of the magnificent world-class facilities that these elite sportspeople train in, from the swimming pool to the gymnasium, and you might even be able to catch some of the athletes in action. The tour also includes a visit to Sportex, an interactive sports exhibit that presents a unique collection of sporting memorabilia on display for you to learn more about the iconic athletes of this country. Discover what it takes to become an elite athlete and even get the chance to step into their shoes with a range of games and interactive programs. Experience the thrill of running a road race in a wheelchair, or dive head-first virtually down the chute of a skeleton run.

Embrace the fun of the school holidays in Canberra with this handy guide to make the most of all the family-friendly activities that are on offer around the city and its surrounding areas.