The Sunset Cinema is playing lots of family-friendly movies this summer. Image: Sunset Cinema.
02 December 2025
In brief:
- Canberra has plenty of school holiday programs and activities.
- This story lists activities for children and teens these summer school holidays.
There’s plenty for families to do in Canberra these school holidays.
From getting up close and personal with dinosaurs to craft sessions and story time, there is so much to choose from:.
Go big with mega fun
For $89.10, the Canberra Mega Pass will get you access to three of Canberra’s most iconic attractions:
- The Australian Institute of Sport
- The National Zoo & Aquarium
- Questacon.
Swing into action at GIO Stadium Canberra
McDonald's Stadium Golf - – Kids Edition gives children a chance to play golf on the field their favourite teams play on.
There are five 60-minute sessions on 24 January. This activity is perfect for children aged 4-14 and their parents or carers.
Take a trip to the theatre
Canberra Theatre Centre is the place to be these school holidays, with a lineup of shows appropriate for children of all ages. Choose from:
- Bluey’s Big Play
- Storytime Ballet: The Nutcracker
- The Bubble Spectacular
- Cirque Alice.
Catch a sunset screening
The Sunset Outdoor Cinema is at the Australian National Botanic Gardens this summer. Family-friendly films on offer include:
- Wicked: For Good
- Zootopia 2
- The Spongebob Movie
- Home Alone
- Elf.
Scale the treetops
Treetops Adventure has opened at Majura Pines and offers an outdoor adventure for children aged 3 and older.
Featuring more than 90 aerial obstacles and 16 zip lines, there are three junior courses and five tree top ropes courses.
Catch a film art deco style
The National Film and Sound Archive is screening family-friendly films at their Arc Cinema throughout the school holidays.
Films include:
- Mouse Hunt
- Ratatouille
- Babe
- Chicken Run.
Find a new favourite playground
Canberra is positively packed with amazing playgrounds.
Whether you’re looking for a new favourite or willing to venture further afield, you’re bound to find a good one.
Head to Red Shed
Teenagers new to rowing or looking to refine their technique will love the school holiday program at Red Shed.
The program is for students in year 7 to 12.
Explore the world of conservation
The Wildbark at Mulligans Flat school holiday program is back this December.
The program offers a hands-on, action-packed adventure for children. Choose from:
- the Youth Ranger Program for children in grades 6-9
- the Junior Ranger Program, for children aged 5-12.
Become a mini glass artist
Canberra Glassworks’ runs a school holiday program for creative kids.
This summer, the workshops include:
- Teen Glass Blowing
- SeaScapes: Aquatic Worlds in Glass
- Mini Fishies: Sea Life from Glass Scraps.
Get crafty
Canberra Museum and Gallery (CMAG) are hosting kid’s workshops these school holidays.
Choose from:
- Puppy Play Ears
- Nutcracker Peg Dancer
- Handmade Movies with Nicci Haynes.
Learn the secrets of the Australian bush
Visit the National Botanic Gardens for a family-friendly tour.
Children aged 4-10 and their parents or carers can travel on the magical Flora bus, explore the gardens and finish at the Paperbark Treehouse.
Spend the day playing up
PlayUP is a free, children’s exhibition space at the Museum of Australian Democracy.
It is open daily and has various activities for children. Expect role play, reading, craft activities and more.
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