So much fun can be had at the library during the school holidays. Image: National Library of Australia.
22 June 2026
In brief:
- Canberra has plenty of school holiday programs and activities
- This story lists school holiday activities for children and teens
- This story lists both free and paid activities.
Looking to keep the kids entertained during the winter school holidays? There is plenty to do in Canberra, no matter how old your child is.
Canberra Mega Pass
The Canberra Mega Pass is the perfect way to enjoy some of the city’s popular attractions.
The pass includes access to:
- National Zoo and Aquarium
- Australian Institute of Sport
- Questacon.
Tickets are $89.10 for adults, $56.70 for children. There are senior, student and family tickets available too.
Gold Creek Adventure Ticket
Visit all of Gold Creek's great attractions with one ticket.
Adventure Tickets include access to:
- Cockington Green Gardens
- Canberra Walk-In Aviary
- Canberra Reptile Zoo
- National Dinosaur Museum.
Tickets are $85 for adults and $54 for children. Senior and family tickets are available too.
Canberra Glassworks
Got a budding creative in your household? Take them to the Canberra Glassworks for a glassmaking experience.
Participants can choose to make a tumbler in the Hotshop, fuse their own fish, or craft a sea scape.
Life in the Great Barrier Reef
The National Museum of Australia is hosting a 360-degree virtual reality tour through the Great Barrier Reef.
Discover how coral bleaching, extreme weather events and global pressures are changing the reef, alongside work underway to help protect and restore it.
Check out these ‘mintventures’
The Royal Australian Mint has plenty of exciting and interactive school holiday activities the kids can enjoy.
From family tours, kids coin trades, and designing your very own coin there is plenty to see and do.
Explore the Arboretum
Winter in the Woods is on these school holidays, allowing you and your family to step into a seasonal escape, where nature and a little bit of magic will warm your soul. Think firelight, food and plenty of forest adventures.
Kids can also check out Nature Play or go on a guided forest walk.
Find out what’s on at the Arboretum.
Make some magic
Wand-making classes are held most days during the school holidays at Quizzic Alley.
Witches and wizards can also enjoy a butterscotchy beverage.
Visit a new playground
Wanting to burn off some energy? Canberra is home to some amazing playgrounds. Whether you’re looking for one nearby or looking to try a new one, there’s plenty to choose from.
See a list of Canberra’s best playgrounds.
Check out a fun event at your local library
Libraries ACT has a packed calendar of events this winter school holidays. There's something for everyone, at branches all over Canberra.
Some highlights include:
- boomerang and clapping sticks painting
- cartooning workshops
- hip hop dance sessions
- dog safety sessions
- the Brindabella’s Night Out reading by Author Ruth Oettle
- arts and crafts activities
- make and decorate your own iconic Canberra bus shelter.
Check out all the exciting events happening and secure your spot.
Run wild at the National Zoo and Aquarium
During the school holidays, the zoo hosts a Zoocation program. This offers a unique all-day experience for primary-aged children.
Children will get up close and personal with zoo animals, play games and have plenty of chances to explore.
Find out more about Zoocation.
Scale the treetops
If your kids need a little outdoor action, head to Treetops Adventure at Majura Pines.
Featuring more than 90 aerial obstacles and 16 zip lines, there are challenges available for adventurers of all ages. There is also Newworld for ages 1 year and above, with suspended net trampolines.
Get amongst nature
Are you raising a little explorer? Sign them up for the Youth Ranger Program at Wildbark for a hands-on, action-packed adventure for kids and young teens.
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