The best school holiday activities in Canberra this summer

Celebrate culture at the National Multicultural Festival, where Canberra transforms into a vibrant showcase of global traditions, performances, and cuisine.

From face-painting and arts & crafts to unforgettable feature events, there’s something for every young explorer. Step into Glow and Tell, an interactive UV-lit storytelling adventure where imaginations shine, and join the Rice & Peas Jamaican Dancehall Party to groove, learn iconic moves, and celebrate community through rhythm and joy.

The ACT Brumbies will kick off the 2026 season with a combined Fan Day and Season Launch at GIO Stadium. Families can look forward to an afternoon of fun with inflatables, giveaways, and entertainment in the dedicated Family Zone. This free event is open to everyone, so come along and celebrate with the Brumbies as they gear up for an exciting season.

At the National Museum of Australia, kids can dive into the world of K-pop with the Hallyu! The Korean Wave exhibition. Check out the full program where you can design miniature hanbok outfits, learn the latest choreography, and experience the energy of Korean pop culture, including songs from Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters.

Head to the National Arboretum Canberra for creative kite-making workshops or get the whole family involved in orienteering through forests and gardens, solving clues along the way.

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, creating colourful sea creatures from salvaged glass, or safely cut glass, explore colour and pattern, and make a hanging artwork inspired by icy poles.

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.

Embark on a Treetops Adventure in the Majura Pines, just a short drive from the CBD. With over 90 aerial obstacles and 16 ziplines suspended 1–15m from the ground, the high ropes courses offer challenges for beginners and thrill-seekers alike.

Let imaginations soar at the award-winning POD Playground at the National Arboretum Canberra — a wonderland of adventure nestled among 44,000 rare and beautiful trees. Inspired by seeds as the beginning of life in the forest, this enchanting play space and exciting challenges are designed to spark curiosity and creativity for children of all ages.