The best school holiday activities in Canberra this winter

Winter in the City (8–18 July) transforms the city centre into a lively hub, featuring free headline performances and a range of pop-up experiences across local businesses. Rug up, wander through the lively streets, and enjoy great food, glowing installations, and an atmosphere that builds into the night. 

At the same time, the National Arboretum Canberra’s Winter in the Woods (26 June–9 August) offers a relaxed, family-friendly escape. With nature play, storytelling sessions, craft activities, and engaging school holiday programs, it’s the perfect way to connect with the outdoors. Whether you’re after excitement or something more laid-back, winter in Canberra has something for everyone. 

Creative kids can get hands-on at Canberra Glassworks (7-17 July), one of Australia’s most exciting art facilities. Under the guidance of some of Australia's most acclaimed glass artists, learn how to work with glass and take your own art piece home.

Are you ready to conjure some magic and make your very own personalised wand? Will you pass the test and be granted an official wand license? For Harry Potter fans, a visit to Quizzic Alley is a must. Alongside the country’s largest range of official merchandise, the store offers wand-making workshops during the school holidays, allowing young wizards to craft their own magical wands.

Animal lovers will enjoy a day at the National Zoo & Aquarium, which is a great way to spend the day with the family, where they can encounter a wide variety of animals, both native and exotic. During the school holidays, the zoo also hosts Zoocation, which offers a unique experience for primary school aged children. Throughout a fun-filled day, children will get up close and personal with many of the zoo’s animals, play games, make toys for the animals, and learn something new along the way.

For a more natural encounter, make your own way to a self-guided adventure through Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve to spot wallabies, emus, koalas, and maybe even a platypus.

The tracks at Power Kart Raceway are sure to get your heart racing. Take the whole family to try racing the world-class electric go-karts on a Formula One style indoor circuit. You’ll also find an indoor glow-in-the-dark mini golf course, virtual escape rooms, and arcade machines to keep everyone entertained.

A short drive away, you’ll find BlocHaus within the Dairy Road precinct. This bouldering centre is perfect for kids to get a taste of rock climbing, with a section of the gym dedicated to families, featuring shorter walls and padded mats below.

For those seeking a little more adventure, Treetops Adventure delivers an exhilarating experience among Majura Pines. Navigate a series of rope courses, ziplines, and aerial challenges set high among the trees—perfect for families, groups, or anyone looking to try something different. Alongside the high ropes courses, the new Networld experience adds another dimension, especially for younger visitors. Suspended netted play zones stretch between the trees, creating a soft, bouncy environment where kids can run, jump and explore freely without harnesses.  

Finally, the Canberra Centre offers a full day of indoor entertainment. Start at Hijinx Hotel , a quirky venue filled with challenge rooms designed to test teamwork and will keep everyone entertained. Next, test your mini-golf skills at Holey Moley, where each hole is uniquely themed. The fun doesn’t stop there – head over to Kingpin for an exciting mix of arcade games, bowling, karaoke, and immersive escape rooms that will keep the whole family engaged for hours.