There’s no shortage of things to do and friends to meet at the National Zoo and Aquarium. Image: Tourism Australia
08 September 2026
In brief:
- The spring school holidays are from 26 September to 12 October 2026.
- There are plenty of activities for kids in Canberra these school holidays.
- This story lists some free and paid events and activities for kids of all ages.
Celebrate spring and keep the kids entertained with these creative, adventurous and spring-inspired activities.
Discover LEGO worlds at Canberra Museum + Gallery: from 19 Sep
RELICS: A New World Rises is a fun-filled LEGO adventure for curious kids and grown-ups too.
The exhibition is on at CMaG and turns forgotten treasures into incredible LEGO worlds.
While you’re visiting CMaG, don’t forget to experience Hop In! It’s a playful hands-on exhibition for children aged three to 12.
Kite Fest at the Arboretum: 26–27 Sep
Get ready for two full days of kite-flying fun.
Kids can bring a kite, buy one there or book into a workshop and make their own. There are even low-sensory workshops.
As well as kite-flying, you can enjoy:
- live entertainment
- hands-on activities
- pop-up food stalls.
More kids’ activities at the National Arboretum: various dates
The Arboretum also offers other great school holiday activities.
Why not try a junior bird watching walk or family orienteering?
Family fun at Floriade: 12 Sep–11 Oct
At Floriade, the whole family can enjoy colourful blooms, fun rides and delicious food.
The program includes:
- activities including gnome-painting
- workshops like plant-potting workshops
- entertainment including circus, fire and musical performances
- rides, games and more.
Floriade NightFest also promises an exciting time for all ages. It’s on from 1–4 October. Buy tickets to NightFest.
Botanical Play at Lanyon Homestead: 7–9 Oct
Continue the Floriade fun southside.
Kids can enjoy playful outdoor workshops using materials gathered from Lanyon Homestead’s gardens.
There are also plenty of other Floriade-related activities on at Lanyon.
Libraries ACT spring school holiday program: 28 Sep–9 Oct
Head to your local library for theatre workshops, silent discos, journalling sessions and more. There’s even a board game lounge for teens.
The springtime theme continues with family movie screenings inspired by nature, animals and gardens.
There’s plenty to do at Haig Park Village Markets 4 and 11 Oct
Head along to the markets where kids can enjoy free nature play, sensory activities, floral-themed arts and crafts, and more.
Enjoy springtime arts and crafts: various dates
The H Dispensary in Griffith hosts hands-on creative workshops for kids.
Options include making spring botanical crowns and wands, as well as flower crowns and crystal jewellery.
Run wild at Canberra Zoo and Aquarium: daily
Zoocation is a unique experience for primary-aged children.
Kids get up close to the zoo’s residents, play games, make toys for the animals, and learn lots along the way.
Families can also experience Zoo in Bloom on their zoo visit. This runs at the same time as Floriade and includes fun interactive activities.
Climb to great heights at Treetops: daily
If your children are bursting for some outdoor action, Treetops Adventure could be just the thing.
They can climb, balance and zip through the forest with over 90 aerial challenges and ziplines. There’s also Networld, where they’ll defy gravity with inflatable balls.
Care for shelter animals at the RSPCA: 28 Sep–9 Oct
Young animal-lovers can spend half a day learning about animals, positive pet care and more at the RSPCA in Weston Creek.
They’ll meet shelter animals, see how the shelter runs, and make enrichment goodies.
Visit Antarctica at the National Museum of Australia: until 11 Oct
It may be spring but the National Museum is serving up some frosty fun with Antarctica-themed activities.
Kids can make a DIY dog sled while teens can try some polar role-play. There’s even an Antarctica Experience VR session.
Head to Circus in the City: various dates
There will be free workshops, shows and roving entertainment in various parts of the city centre and Braddon.
Train with a circus: 28 Sep–9 Oct
Keen for more of a circus experience? Warehouse Circus has a packed kids’ holiday program.
They offer a full week of training for ages eight to 12 years and half-day programs perfect for children aged five to seven years old.
Kick back with a kids’ flick at the NFSA: various dates
The National Film and Sound Archive’s Arc Cinema is running low-cost family movie screenings during the school holidays.
Get amongst nature at Wildbark: 28 Sep–9 Oct
The Wildbark at Mulligan’s Flat school holiday program is back for spring.
It offers a hands-on, action-packed adventure for children aged five to 15 years.
Some programs include additional excursions.
Explore art and action at Tuggeranong Arts Centre: 1 Oct
The Art and Action program is an action-packed day of visual and performing arts.
It’s suitable for ages six to 16 years.
Become more mindful: various dates
Playful Pause run yoga and mindfulness workshops for primary school-aged kids.
The sessions include playful yoga movement, storytelling, breathing techniques and mindful crafting.
Get creative at the National Portrait Gallery: various dates
Portrait Play is a great option for kids aged four to eight years.
Visit the drop-in Holiday Space for some hands-on fun inspired by author Andy Griffiths and his new commissioned portrait.
Kids can even join Andy for an interactive session.
Cook up a storm: 28 Sep–9 Oct
The ACT Nutrition Support Service in Chifley runs half-day sessions that foster kids’ love for cooking, while building kitchen skills and confidence.
Run by food-loving dietitians, the sessions are for kids aged eight to 12 years.
Enjoy outdoor play in the Senate Courtyard: 28 Sep–2 Oct
PlayUP at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House heads outdoors during the holidays.
Kids can build blocks, play a game or settle in for story time in the sunshine.
Indoor craft activities continue in the learning space too.
Tour the Botanic Gardens: various dates
Tired legs? Forget about it. The whole family can tour the gardens aboard the Flora Explorer open-air electric bus.
Kids will enjoy hearing fascinating stories about Australia’s unique plants.
While there, you can check out the Bugs Alive exhibition too.
Play the day away at LFG: various dates
Looking For Gamers (LFG) in Kambah run supervised full-day board game sessions for kids in year three and above.
Become a potion master: daily
Create a mystical potion or join the professor and make your very own wand.
Quizzic Alley hosts a range of magical classes for kids aged six years and over to get creative.
Embrace the obstacles at Tuff Nutterz: various dates
Tuff Nutterz returns to Commonwealth Place these holidays.
It promises plenty of bouncing, sliding, racing and family fun. There’s also a mini course for younger kids.
Find your new favourite playground
Canberra is positively packed with amazing playgrounds.
Whether you’re looking for a new local gem or willing to venture further afield, you’re bound to find a good one.
Brighten your day at Colour Frenzy: 11 Oct
Walk, jog, run or crawl through 5km of colour stations, a foam station filled with bubbles, and exciting inflatable crawl obstacles.
It’s great fun for all ages!
Bundle your fun
If you’re looking to enjoy a few attractions or activities, you’ll find plenty of ways to bundle admission fees. These include:
Get in touch
Did we miss your favourite school holiday activity? Email us at ourcanberra@act.gov.au
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