The best school holiday activities in Canberra this spring

Over one million blooms will transform Commonwealth Park when Floriade, Australia's biggest celebration of spring, returns for its 38th year with the theme Science and Nature. This year’s program will offer a thrilling range of activities, including art exhibitions, live entertainment, music, culinary delights, horticultural and artistic workshops, bustling markets, and much more.

The Canberra Nara Candle Festival (25 October) is held at Lennox Gardens, Yarralumla, to celebrate the sister city relationship between Canberra and Nara.  Families can experience Japanese art, culture, performances and activities for all ages, try delicious Japanese cuisine, and see the park illuminated with 2000 candles.

Step into a world of culture and celebration at Windows to the World (18-19 October). Embassies and High Commissions across Canberra open their doors for a weekend of cultural performances, delicious international cuisine, and immersive experiences.

Whether you're running for a cause or just for fun, the Canberra Times Fun Run (2 November) is a great way to get active and enjoy the city’s scenic routes. Post-run, unwind in the lively event village with entertainment, a kids zone, and great vibes all around.

The National Museum of Australia invites children to explore Norman Hetherington's creative mind through the highly anticipated Mr Squiggle and Friends exhibition.  

Children will discover puppetry, cartooning and art through nearly 300 objects including costumes, props and sets, artworks and 90 puppets.

Experience spectacular science shows, exciting experiments, and hands-on galleries tackling science concepts in a fun and engaging way at Questacon, winner of the 2024 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards 'Major Tourist Attraction'. The Mini Q area is perfect for kids aged 0-6, so the little ones don’t need to miss out on the fun.

Make sure to chek out the latest exhibition, ZAP! CLANK! POW!, to get hands-on with electricity, simple machines and fundamental forces as you play with pulleys, marvel at magnetic slime and craft flying contraptions in this interactive exhibition. 

Creative kids can get hands-on at Canberra Glassworks, one of Australia’s most exciting art facilities. Under the guidance of some of Australia's most acclaimed glass artists, choose between blowing your own tumbler in the Hotshop, fusing your own glass bowl, or crafting your own holiday tiles with their exclusive school holiday program (1-12 October).

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.