What To Do These Spring School Holidays in Canberra

Sometimes, the school holidays can seem like an endless drag of coming up with new ideas to entertain your kids. We've taken the hard work out of thinking of what to do these spring school holidays in Canberra. Read on and get inspired!

ARC by Erth

Erth, the team that dazzled us with their roving performances of prehistoric creatures at the Enlighten Festival, are touring Canberra again, this time with their show ARC at the Canberra Theatre Centre. The work will showcase exquisite puppetry of rare and exotic animals, providing children and parents with intimate and magical encounters with vulnerable species. The show will raise important questions about our collective and individual relationship with nature and loss. Suited for children 5+, ARC is a magical, moving, and empowering show for young audiences that you won't want to miss. Grab your tickets here.

ARC by Erth @ The Canberra Theatre Centre - 26th-28th September - $40+

Space Time!!

If you missed Space Time last holidays, don't stress. The Vault is hosting another Space Time event, and it sounds even cooler than before. Step into the beauty and mysteries of the universe, and experience mind-bending photos from telescopes on an immersive sound and projection system. Go on a journey with rocket launches, black holes, nebulae, and galaxies that bend time and space. This is an awesome-kid friendly event, with tiered seating, room to run around, a candy bar (with cocktails for the grown ups), and there's even a 'Bright Stars' version for sensitive people (especially under 8 years old) each morning. There's also a pay-what-you-can ticket if you're feeling the financial pinch at the moment. Find tickets and more info here.

Space Time!! @ The Vault - 27 September - 13 October, 10am - 5:00 pm daily - $9.50+

Junior Eras Themed Disco

Got a Swiftie in your house? Head to Lollipops Playland on Friday the 27th of September for a Taylor Swift Junior Eras Tour disco night. You can expect endless play, dancing, and a visit from Lollipop's the Cat, plus all of your favourite Taylor Swift tunes. Don't forget your socks! More info and tickets here.

Junior Eras Tour Disco Night - Lollipops Playland @ Majura Park - 27th of September - 5:30 - 7:30pm - $10

Work, But This Time Like You Mean It

Is there a teen in your life with a part-time job? They'll love this tongue-in-cheek work by Honor Webster-Mannison. Work, But This Time Like You Mean It is a darkly surreal comedy about young people’s first experiences in the workplace. It’s about having a good work ethic on less-than-minimum wage. It’s about perseverance when you just want to curl up under the counter and cry. It’s an unhinged, deep-fryer-dive into deeply human relationships, forged within the most alienating of circumstances. It's sure to reach the hearts of young and old (or anyone who's had to work on minimum wage in their life!). Get tickets here.

Work, But This Time Like You Mean It @ The Courtyard Studio - 20th - 29th September - $25

Meet the Author with Doctor Karl

Dr. Karl will be discussing his memoir A Periodic Tale: My Sciencey Memoir, supplemented by audiovisual images of his remarkable life. The story of Dr. Karl's life has been a been anything but straightforward, and amidst the scramble of experiences, there's lessons to be learnt. If you've got kids who are interested in science, bring them along to this free event for a night of laughs and entertainment. Book your spot here.

Meet The Author: Dr. Karl Kruszelnicki @ The Street Theatre - 1st October - 6pm - free

Film Screenings @ NFSA

The National Film and Sound Archive are holding kid-friendly screenings in their beautiful cinema throughout the school holidays. Films include:

• Fern Gully: The Last Rainforest (27th Sept)

• Babe (4th Oct)

• Princess Mononoke (5th Oct)

• Peter Rabbit (8th Oct)

• Red Dog (9th Oct)

Grab tickets here.

Film Screenings @ the NFSA - 27th September - 9th October - $10+

Mystique

Everybody loves a magic trick, and when a show brings together magic, spell-binding illusions, dancers and comedy, it's sure to be a hit with the whole family. Internationally acclaimed illusionist and Australia’s Got Talent Finalist Michael Boyd brings his spectacular illusion Mystique back to Canberra after a sell-out season in 2023. Featuring some of the world’s most impressive illusions (designed and built by the same team that work alongside the famous David Copperfield), jaw-dropping escapes, levitations, transformations, special effects and mind blowing disappearances, Boyd’s incredible production will surprise and delight.

With special prices for under 12 years old, this is a show you can take the whole family to. For tickets and more info, head here.

Mystique @ Canberra Theatre Centre - 2 October, 2pm & 6.30pm - $49+

Signor Baffo

Signor Baffo is bringing chaos to the Tuggeranong Arts Centre these school holidays. In a comedy treat for children and families, you can discover answers to some of life's silly questions: How do you make a chicken lay an egg? And how, exactly, does a sausage roll? In this supremely silly interactive children’s show, expect generous helpings of fun, mischief and adventure. Tickets and show times here.

Signor Baffo @ Tuggeranong Arts Centre - 9th - 10th October - $20+

360 ALLSTARS

BMX, basketball, breakdancing, beatboxing, acrobatics, drumming and more - 360 ALLSTARS delivers a supercharged urban circus and fuses the extraordinary artistry that emerges from street culture. With a stunning live soundtrack and spectacular video projections, 360 ALLSTARS is a revolutionary production that will leave you dizzy with excitement! With reasonably priced tickets for the whole family (including cheap tickets for under 18s), this is an event not to miss. Find tickets and more info here.

360 ALLSTARS @ Canberra Theatre Centre - 10th - 12th October - $39+

'Art Steps' by Billy Bain

'Art Steps' is a series of creative making activities produced by artists for children to enjoy with family and friends. These school holidays, bring the kids to the National Gallery for the free Art Steps activities with Dharug artist Billy Bain, who will explore his wonderful world of clay and sgraffito. Held in the Tim Fairfax Learning Studio. Find bookings and more info here.

'Art Steps' by Billy Bain @ the NGA - 28th September – Sun 13th October, daily @ 10:30am - free

Tuggeranong Arts Centre Holiday Activities

The Tuggeranong Arts Centre is holding a range of fun activities these school holidays, including giant puppet workshops, making a mini musical, and songwriting. If your youngster wants to try something new, why not give one of these amazing activities a try? Find more info, session times and tickets here.

Tuggeranong Arts Centre Holiday Activities - various dates - some free & some paid activities

Tulip Top Gardens Photography Workshops

Do you have a budding photographer in your life? Why not help them embrace the beautiful spring weather and attend a photography workshop at the gorgeous Tulip Top Gardens? Better yet, you get to complete the course with your own camera, and photography teacher Christine will help you learn how to learn the ins and outs of your camera. Price includes all day entry to the Tulip Top Gardens, plus the photography workshop. Find more information here.

Tulip Top Gardens Photography Workshops - Click Walk Learn - 28th September - $210

Holiday Workshops @ the National Museum

Join established and emerging First Nations artists from the Pormpuraaw Art & Culture Centre in Far North Queensland for a series of workshops in conjunction with the exhibition Belonging: Stories from Far North Queensland.

Activities include Coastal Creations (using mixed media to make fluorescent turtles), Tidal Treasures (create a hanging mobile from seashells), and Jellyfish Sculptures (create a woven jellyfish sculpture). Suitable for ages 5-12. Find more information here.

Holiday Workshops @ the National Museum - various dates - $9+

Creative Catalyst Visual Arts Holiday Workshops

Aeon Academy’s Creative Catalyst program is renowned for its inspiring & engaging Artist-led workshops. Children & Teens, aged 7 – 16, have the chance to immerse themselves in the wide world of Arts where they can create their very own masterpiece while working at their own pace. With activities like watercolour treasure books, making ceramic dragon eggs and deep forest dioramas, there's sure to be something to capture the interest of your child. Find more information here.

Creative Catalyst Visual Arts Holiday Workshops - 30th September - 11th October - $103+

Kidtastic Crafts Holiday Activities

Kidtastic craft sessions are held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in the school holidays at Henry's in Woden (Canberra Southern Cross Club). There are two activities on offer - Sensational Sand Art, and Glass Mosaic Coasters. Both activities run for 1 hours and are suitable for ages 3+. Find more information, including prices and booking details, here.

Kidtastic Crafts Holiday Activities - Canberra Southern Cross Club Woden - 1st-2nd October & 8th-9th October - $15+

Printing From Nature @ The National Archives

Do you have a budding young artist? Explore their creativity through artistic ways of representing nature. Young visitors will be guided through the Waterhouse Natural Science Art Prize exhibition and explore examples of printing from nature. They will then have a chance to create their own piece of nature-based art using a variety of natural and art materials. Suitable for school aged children from 5 to 12 years. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Find more details here.

Printing From Nature @ The National Archives - 30th September - 9th October - $5

National Arboretum School Holiday Activities

The National Arboretum has a range of fun school holiday activities on offer, and we can't think of a better way to spend the spring holidays than heading out to this beautiful natural landscape. Activities on offer include:

Children's Beginner Bonsai Workshops - Is there a budding bonsai artist in the family?

Nurture their creativity and love for nature at the Children’s Beginner Bonsai Workshops. This engaging and hands-on experience is perfect for young enthusiasts aged 8 - 16 years who are eager to learn the art of bonsai. Sessions are 90 minutes and cost $40.

Mara Boomerang Children's Workshops - Participants will learn the basics of boomerang mechanics, their unique flight patterns and how to safely throw them. Our Indigenous Educator will share the history of these hunting tools and encourage creativity in decorating a personalised boomerang to take home. Perfect for children aged 7-12, (younger children also fine with a carer present) this event promises a memorable experience filled with discovery and fun. Sessions run for 1 hour, are held outdoors, and cost $25.

Family Orienteering - Get the family together for a few hours of fun in the forest. Pick up your map and clue sheet from the Village Centre and head out into the forests and gardens. Find the hidden letters to discover the name of one of our unique forests at the National Arboretum. This is a drop in activity and no bookings are required, there is a cost of $5.

For more information on what's on at the Arboretum during the holidays, visit their website.

Photo Access Workshops

Spring Photo Storytelling (1st - 3rd October)

Help your teens explore their story through photography with School Holidays: Spring Photo Storytelling, for ages 13-16! Over three days, participants will embark on a journey of self-expression through photography. From understanding the basics of digital photography and studio lighting to going on interesting photo walks and learning how to express their themes through image-making, this three-day workshop is perfect for budding photographers to explore and express their ideas creatively. All cameras and equipment are provided! Kids can also bring their own camera if it’s in working order. Find more information here.

Animation Storytelling (10th - 11th October)

Calling all future filmmakers! This exciting two-day workshop led by stop-motion animation experts Eleanor and Giovanni is the perfect way to spend your school break. Explore fun themes like “When I Grow Up” “In My Dreams”, or "Once Upon a Time" and bring them to life with the magic of paper cut-out animation! Learn animation techniques, create backgrounds and props, and even edit your film – all with the guidance of these amazing animators. The best part? Your creations will be showcased at the 2025 Canberra Short Film Festival – a chance to see your work on the big screen! This workshop is for kids aged 8-12 years.

Photo Access Workshops @ Manuka Arts Centre - $385 - $425

Canberra Glassworks School Holiday Program

Canberra Glassworks is running a range of school holiday activities for kid and teens. Give your child the opportunity to explore their creativity in a unique way and experience the awesome art of glass. Activities include Glass Blowing (2 day workshop for teens), and bowl, wall flower hanging, and tile making (for kids). For more information, visit their website.

Canberra Glassworks School Holiday Program - various dates - $55 - $600

Maker2Market Taster Program

The Maker2Market taster program is for young people (aged 10-17) who are creative, love making things, and have the aspiration to start their own business. This business taster builds an entrepreneurial mindset through a real-world, intensive business life cycle experience. After the two-day workshop, participants are given the opportunity to sell their products at the Old Bus Depot Markets in Kingston. If you've got a budding entrepreneur, this is an opportunity not to miss. Find more information here.

Maker2Market Taster Program - UC Faculty of Arts & Design - 10th - 13th October - $300

Latorta School Holiday Classes

Latorta offers a range of fun and friendly hands-on workshops for children aged 6+, all designed as an introduction to the wonderful world of cake decorating. The workshops generally run for 2 hours and the children will learn step by step how to decorate their own mini cake, cupcakes or cookies or make their own chocolates! Classes include 2D cartoon cakes, spring garden cupcakes, Taylor Swift 'Blank Space' cake, game controller smash cake, and more. For bookings and pricing, click here.

Latorta School Holiday Classes - various dates - $85+

Tie-Dye Workshops with Rainbowtopia

Join the fun at the Old Bus Depot Markets these school holidays with Rainbowtopia’s Tie-Dyeing Workshops. There are two workshops that will showcase the ins and outs of tie dyeing and the intricate patterns that can be made, using Australian handcrafted dyes that are non-toxic (so no masks, eyewear or gloves required!). Join either the pillowcase or tote bag tie-dye workshops. Find more information at their website.

Tye-Dye Workshops - Old Bus Depot Markets - 13th October - $25+

Canberra Youth Theatre Holiday Workshops

With three school holiday programs, the Canberra Youth Theatre has all bases covered for your kids these school holidays. For primary-aged kids (years 1-6), there's the Imagine That 4 day workshop which will allow young actors to work with a professional theatre maker to create an original performance, fuelled by the young artist’s imaginative ideas, or the Once Upon a Villain 3 day workshop, designed for young storytellers eager to dive deep into the darker side of fairytales. For high-schoolers (years 7-10), there's a one day Musical Theatre Masterclass, exploring musical theatre, singing, dancing and performance.

Canberra Youth Theatre Holiday Workshops - various dates - $200+

IKEA School Holiday Activities

Need to head to Majura Park these holidays? Why not keep the kids entertained as well and head to IKEA for their free school holiday activities. They'll be running ' IKEA Master Builders' workshops, 'Artists in bloom' origami activities and 'Halloween candy capers' scavenger hunts. Find more information here.

IKEA School Holiday Activities - 30th September - 11th October - free

Coach Dave Love Shooting Clinic

Got a basketball lover in the house? You'll definitely want to enrol them in Coach Dave Love's Basketball Shooting Clinic these school holidays. The clinics are a series of shooting workshops designed by NBA Shooting Coach Dave Love (who has worked with teams including the Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers, Orlando Magic and Dallas Mavericks). Players will be taught the what's, why's and how's of shooting fundamentals, and will hear stories of the work NBA players have done to improve. Find all clinics, including prices and age restrictions, here.

Coach Dave Love Shooting Clinic - Radford College - 28th September - $97+

Gooromon Riding School Holiday Programs

If you've got a child who wants to learn to ride a horse (or improve on the skills they've already built), Gooromon Park offers a range of school holiday programs for the complete beginner to the regular rider. Children can really get “down and dirty” caring completely for their horse from organising the feeds, bring the horse from the paddock, grooming, saddling, riding twice daily and finishing their week with a fun gymkhana and a party where each child is awarded a certificate of attendance. There are both 1- and 4-day programs on offer. For more info, visit the Gooromon website.

Gooromon Riding School Holiday Programs - 27th September - 11th October - $175 - $585

Canberra City Gymnastics Club Holiday Program

If your kiddo has always wanted to try gymnastics, this might just be the perfect opportunity. The Canberra City Gymnastics Club holiday programs include multiple sessions of gymnastics, games and free play. Morning and afternoon tea are both provided. Available for anyone from Kindergarten through to grade 8. For more information or to book, visit their website.

Canberra City Gymnastics Club Holiday Program - 30th September – 11th October - $90+

Gymbaroo Holiday Play Sessions

Escape the holiday boredom and let your little ones burn their energy running wild on the Gymbaroo obstacle course! Gymbaroo is holding holiday play session in the school holidays, running select dates between 30th September to 12th October from 9:30-11:30am. These sessions consist of play on their amazing obstacle course - packed full of ways for little ones to jump, run, climb, swing and bounce! Tickets range from $13.49 (for babies) to $18.78 for walking children up to 6 years old. Book tickets here.

Gymbaroo Holiday Play Sessions - Fairbairn, ACT - 30th September - 12th October - $13+

Warehouse Circus School Holiday Program

Help your kids burn their energy in the most fun way possible! Warehouse Circus offers school holiday programs for 8-12 year olds and half-day programs for kids aged 5-7 years. Watch your young ones learn to master juggling, acrobatics, and so much more. Find more information here.

Warehouse Circus School Holiday Program - 30th September – 11th October - $156 - $410

Little Griffins Play & Learn

Little Griffins is back for October with the perfect theme for celebrating Lake Burley Griffin's 60th Anniversary, Set Sail! Join in this free activity on Friday the 4th of October, where you'll make tiny boats and test them to see how they float, plus sing songs. For ages 0-4 + carers. Reserve your spot here.

Little Griffins Play & Learn - National Capital Exhibition - 4th October - 10am - 11am - free

Tuff Nutterz

Tuff Nutterz is a fantastic family-friendly event that promises a day filled with fun and excitement for everyone. Held at the Parkes Place Lawns, the event features Australia's biggest inflatable obstacle course (300m long) and two other inflatable games, which are sure to provide an exhilarating experience for both kids and adults alike. With Tuff Nutterz, there's no need to worry about age restrictions because the event welcomes all ages to participate and enjoy the fun. Find tickets here.

Tuff Nutterz - Parkes Place Lawns - 5th - 13th October - $31+

Canberra Colour Frenzy Run

The Canberra Colour Frenzy Run is the perfect family-friendly event. Join in the non-competitive fun run that allows participants of all ages to walk, skip, hop, or jump their way through the course, which is a fantastic way to stay active while immersing yourself in the lively atmosphere. You'll encounter a giant bubble machine, obstacles, and colour stations, which will all make sure you end the run covered in lots of colour, and feeling very happy! Find more info and tickets here. Tickets for toddler under 5 are $5.

Canberra Colour Frenzy Run - Weston Park, Yarralumla - 6th October - $19.50+

Gungahlin Gymnastic Holiday Program

Gungahlin Gymnastics runs holiday programs during each school holiday break throughout the year. This spring, they are running two sessions per day - 9.30am - 11.30am and 1.00pm - 3.00pm. Activities include structured skill development teaching basics of gymnastics (handstands, cartwheels, round-offs, and skills on the various apparatus in small groups with children grouped according to age). There is a break time for food, and the sessions finish with free time (under supervision of coaches). You don't have to be a member of the club to book for holiday programs, and no experience is required. Children from 5 - 13 years old can attend. Find more information here.

Gungahlin Gymnastic Holiday Program - 30th September – 11th October - $22+

Flora Explorer Bus Tours

Join an experienced guide in a relaxing 45-minute tour of the National Botanic Gardens aboard the Flora Explorer open-air electric bus. Discover the diversity and beauty of the living collection of native plants and enjoy live commentary of the main highlights of the gardens. Suitable for families and visitors with limited mobility, children must be accompanied by an adult. The bus is not suitable for babies due to seating requirements. Book tickets here.

Flora Explorer Bus Tours - Australian National Botanic Gardens - Every Saturday & Sunday, 11:30am & 1:30pm - $5+

Airport Runway Tour

During the school holidays, Canberra Airport is offering an exclusive behind-the-scenes bus tour of the airport. The Runway Tour will be led by Canberra Airport staff as they share information about aircraft operations, interesting aviation facts, and more! Tours will run for approximately 30 mins (subject to air traffic), departing from Canberra Airport. Buy tickets here.

Airport Runway Tours @ the Canberra Airport - 30th September - $5+

Zoocation

The National Zoo and Aquarium's Zoocation holiday program offers a unique experience for primary aged children. During a fun-filled day, children will get close to many of the zoo’s animals, play games, make toys for the animals, and learn something along the way. Staffed and developed by the experienced and qualified Education Guides of the National Zoo and Aquarium, this program prides itself on delivering a program like no other. Zoocation runs between 9am-4pm on weekdays during ACT school holidays. Visit the National Zoo's website for more information.

Zoocation @ The National Zoo and Aquarium - 30th September - 11th October - $110+

Adventures With Wildbark School Holiday Program

Wildbark offers an unparalleled school holiday experience, blending education and adventure in the pristine setting of Mulligans Flat Sanctuary. Children will embark on exciting expeditions, uncovering the secrets of local wildlife and habitats through hands-on activities and guided explorations. Some activities on offer include live reptile shows and handling, VR experiences, excursion to the Botanic Gardens & Mt. Stromlo Observatory, junior chef cooking workshops, and special guest presentations. Plus, enjoy delicious morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea all catered by Wildbark's in-house restaurant. Find all the details here.

Adventures With Wildbark School Holiday Program - 30th September - 11th October - $140+

Libraries ACT

As the flowers bloom families across Canberra are getting ready to "Take Flight" with Libraries ACT's Spring Holiday Program! Running from 28 September to 12 October 2024, this year’s program is packed with exciting activities designed to ignite the imagination and creativity of young minds. Best of all, every activity is completely free, helping families enjoy quality time together without the extra cost. This year’s theme, “Take Flight,” invites children to explore the wonders of flight through a variety of hands-on activities, storytelling sessions, and creative projects. Find all of the details on specific activities, dates & locations here.

Libraries ACT School Holiday Program - various locations - 28th September - 12th October - free

Victoria's Models School Holiday course

Is your child interested in modelling or acting? There's no better time to get involved, with Victoria's Models school holiday courses happening these spring school holidays in Canberra. Courses will cover makeup, hair styling, catwalk, TV commercials, photography, promotional modelling and much more. Learn all about the modelling industry in Canberra from their experienced team. For more information, visit their event page here.

Victoria's Models School Holiday Course - Denman Prospect - 8th-11th October - $300

Bugs Alive!

In the Bugs Alive! exhibition at the National Botanic Gardens, your kids can get up close with a wild range of invertebrates including prey mantis, stick insects, spiders, scorpions, beetles, snails, butterflies and more, including rare and endangered species. Tickets and more info available here.

Bugs Alive! @ the Botanic Gardens - 9th-13th October - $10+

Lollipops Playland School Holiday Activities

Lollipops is bringing the fun these school holidays! There will be face painting, a Transformers meet & greet, cupcake decorating, scratch art and Queen Poppy meet & greet. Be sure to head to Lollipops during the school holidays to take part in these awesome activities (all free with entry). Find more details and dates here.

Lollipops Playland School Holiday Activities - Majura Park - $11+

Open Air PlayUP

Open Air PlayUP is back, with a party twist for the school holidays. Head to the Senate Courtyard for some of your favourite party games – musical chairs, Duck, Duck, Goose or an egg and spoon race. Challenge your family to a game of Giant Connect 4, a round of badminton and so much more. Once you're all partied out, you can curl up with a book on a comfy cushion, build with blocks or relax as a family. You can pack a picnic (without nuts) and bring the whole family down to enjoy the fun and games. Don't forget to bring your bucket hats and a water bottle! The best part about PlayUP? It's totally free!

Open Air PlayUP @ Old Parliament House - 30th September-4th October - free

Vala Adventures Spring Vacation Program

Vala Adventures create a magical experience for children and teens, where they play characters in a collaborative tale. Each day of their holiday program a new adventure, brought to life by the magic of D&D-style tabletop roleplaying with dice and miniatures, and Live Action Role Playing (LARP) with costumery, props and ‘boffer’ (rubberised) weapons. For ages 7-15. Find more information here.

Vala Adventures Spring Vacation Program - Aeon Academy - 30th September - 11th October - $103+

Let's Play School Holiday Activities

Looking for ways to keep the kids busy these September school holidays? Let's Play has you covered with exciting workshops for children of all ages. With cookie decorating, clay workshops, friendship bracelets, superhero dress ups, face painting & glitter tattoos, plaster painting, music classes and messy play, there’s a range of classes to suit all children’s interests. Visit their website to book.

Let's Play School Holiday Activities - 1st October - 11th October - $13+

YWCA School Holiday Programs

If you're in need of care for your kiddos these school holidays, check out YWCA's school holiday programs. They offer children a variety of fun, exciting and enjoyable experiences and activities, and endeavour to develop children’s independence, self-help skills and self-esteem. Their fees including morning tea, afternoon tea, excursions, and in-house activities.

YWCA School Holiday Programs - various locations - $100+

Majura Tree House Opening

Head to Majura Park shopping Centre for the grand opening of their brand-new indoor playground near Toymate! They are celebrating with a full weekend of free fun-packed activities for the whole family. They'll have face painting, glitter tattoos, sweet treats from Dobinsons and Mellabella gelato at half price.

Majura Tree House Opening - Majura Park Shopping Centre - 28th - 29th September - free

Capital Region community Services School Holiday Program

Are you looking for some free activities to keep the kids busy these school holidays? The team at the Belconnen Youth Centre runs a range of events and activities for young people each school holidays. The spring holiday activity line up includes kite making, sports, badminton, picnic lunch, Tidbinbilla, BBQ & a trip to Floriade. Did we mention it's totally free?! Registration is compulsory, so make sure you visit their website to enroll.

Capital Region community Services School Holiday Program - Belconnen Youth Centre - 30th September - 11th September - free

Gungahlin Marketplace School Holiday Activities

Gungahlin Marketplace is continuing to bring you double the fun, double the activities, and double the excitement these school holidays. Get ready to dive into adventure and explore the worlds above and below—from the clouds to the ocean! With activities like shell coasters, seahorse bookmarks, pom pom fish, mermaid bath bombs, wool clouds, wind chimes & flying birds, it's sure to be a whole lot of fun! Activities are free, but do require a booking. Find more information and booking details here.

Gungahlin Marketplace School Holiday Activities - 30th September - 11th October - free

South.Point School Holiday Activities

Looking for the perfect way to entertain the kids during the school holidays? South.Point has two exciting free events lined up that your little ones will love! From crafting dragons with Kung Fu Panda to singing along with CoComelon’s JJ, there’s something for everyone. Spaces are limited, so don’t miss out! Visit their website for more information.

South.Point School Holiday Activities - 2nd October - 11th October - free

Disney Princess School Holiday Zones

With the school holidays upon us, Westfield and Disney invite you to spark magic with your favourite Disney Princesses and join in the wonders of their world. Head to Westfield Belconnen or Westfield Woden these spring school holidays in Canberra and check out their Disney Princess School Holiday Zones for free magical school holiday activities. Activities on offer include Disney Princess LEGO, crown making, bracelet craft, colouring in, and face painting. Visit the Belconnen or Woden websites for more info on session times.

Disney Princess School Holiday Zones - Westfield Belconnen & Westfield Woden - 30th September - 11th October - free

Fyshwick Markets School Holiday Activities

If you're heading to the Fyshwick markets these school holidays, take the kids along to join in two free workshops. On the 5th of October there will be painting a terracotta pot, and on the 12th of October there will be decorating a bird feeder. Get the shopping done while keeping the kids entertained!

Fyshwick Markets School Holiday Activities - 5th & 12th of October - free

Family Fun Day

Are you looking for a day of family fun? The Canberra Southern Cross Club's Family Fun Day at the lawns of the Yacht Club promises a day of fun, good food and festivities for the whole family. Enjoy live music, delicious food and beverage stalls, plus heaps of free activities for the kids, like face painting, balloon sculpting, lawn games and a visit from the Circus Warehouse and Canberra Reptile Zoo! Community Partners will be present on the day too, so you can stop in to visit ACT Rescue and Foster, Tuggeranong Valley Australian Football Netball Club, Canberra Yacht Club, Pegasus Riding for the Disabled and Kidsafe.

Family Fun Day - Canberra Southern Cross Club (Yacht Club lawns) - 29th September - free

Kite Fest

The skies will be alight with colour on the 29th of September, as the annual Kite Fest at the National Arboretum takes place. Fly a kite with your kiddos, take part in a kite making workshop, grab something to eat from the pop up food vendors, view some kite flying demonstrations, visit the Curatoreum gift shop (with a beautiful variety of kites for sale), and enjoy a picnic on the lawns watching the kite demonstrations while listening to tunes provided by BoomBox2U in the Amphitheatre. Event is free; kite making workshops are $15. Find more info and book tix here.

Kite Fest @ the National Arboretum - 29th of September - free (with some paid activities)

Tidbinbilla Open Day

Get ready for another free fun-filled event on Sunday 29 September! The Tidbinbilla open day promises a day of fun for the whole family, with amazing food vendors, displays from National Parks, ACT Wildlife & other groups, fun activities (including face painting), live snake display, kids nature play activities, live music, and much more. Don't get caught out - this event is cash only. For more info, visit their event page.

Tidbinbilla Open Day - Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve - 29th September - free

Floriade

It's not spring in Canberra without a visit to Floriade! Australia's biggest celebration of spring, celebrating its 37th year, will until the end of the school holidays. Stop by this free event to view over one million beautiful flowers planted throughout Canberra's Commonwealth Park. For more details on Floriade's highlights for families and kids, see our post.

Floriade - Commonwealth Park - 28th September - 13th October - free

Tulip Top Gardens

Looking for a bit of a country escape? Only a 20 minute drive away from Canberra you'll find the famous Tulip Top Gardens, where you can take the whole family (pooches included!) for a day of rambling through nature. There's plenty to keep you entertained, with an onsite cafe, Dutch pancake and coffee parlour, free live music on selected dates, and plenty of room for picnics and running around. Better yet, if you want to take the hassle out of planning, pre-order a Contentious Character curated picnic hamper. Pick it up when you arrive, sit back, and relax. And don't forget to pack your camera from some flowery IG snaps. Want more info? You can find it here.

Tulip Top Gardens - 28th September - 13th October - children free, adults $22

Goulburn Lilac City Festival

The Goulburn Lilac City Festival has been around since the 1950s, and has turned into an exciting family-friendly event held on the Labour Day long weekend. With a focus on bringing joy to the community, the festival offers a wide range of attractions and experiences including unique markets, food, flower displays, music performances, entertainment, exciting competitions, and much more. Get the family together, go for a drive, and check out this free event.

Goulburn Lilac City Festival - 3rd October - 7th October - free

Wild Horse Weekend at Hall

Join the Snowy Brumby Horsemanship mob at the Hall Showground during the October long weekend. They'll be promoting, showcasing, and celebrating the legend and culture of brumbies. They'll be bringing a team of brumbies to town, and will be showing how they train, work and ride these incredible once-wild horses. There will be lots of games, challenges and workshops on mountain riding. Visit for a day, or make a weekend out of it by camping at the Pony Club grounds at Hall. Find more information here.

Wild Horse Weekend - Snowy Brumby Horsemanship - 4th - 6th October - $50+ for a family

National Vintage Guitar Expo

The National Vintage Guitar Expo is a celebration of vintage and rare acoustic and electric guitars, amplifiers and accessories from around Australia, held in each year in Canberra. Expo visitors can meet and talk with makers and exhibitors, see interactive demonstrations of vintage instruments and explore everything to do with the world of guitars. Find more information on their event page.

The National Vintage Guitar Expo - Harmonie German Club - 12th October - $10

Pixar Putt

It's baaaaaack! Pixar Putt is hitting Civic Square in time for the upcoming school holidays. This pop-up mini-golf sensation is made up of interactive putt-putt holes inspired by the stories, characters, and icons from some of Pixar’s most beloved films. Be quick, get your tickets here.

Pixar Putt - Civic Square - 28th September - 13th October - $19.90+

Yass Railway Museum Artisan Markets

If you're looking to get out of town, but don't want to go too far, why not visit the artisan markets at the Yass Railway Museum? There's local produce, handmade crafts, food and drinks, and free entry to the railway museum. Find more details here.

Yass Railway Museum Artisan Markets - 29th September - free

Kids Day Out @ Lanyon Homestead

Treat the kids to the ultimate kids day out at Lanyon Homestead! With hours of fun arts and craft, gardening and the great garden discovery challenge in the spectacular springtime gardens, there's hour of fun to be had. Bring a picnic and enjoy some vintage lawn games, grab a snack from the sausage sizzle or coffee cart, or a bigger meal at the Barracks Café.

Kids Day Out @ Lanyon Homestead - 28th September - $10 - $50

Walk 4 Brain Cancer

Get the family together and head to the Patrick White Lawns this September and Walk4BrainCancer to raise much-needed funds for brain cancer research. Help keep the kids active for a good cause. Find more information here.

Walk 4 Brain Cancer - Patrick White Lawns (near the National Library) - 29th of September - $20+