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Three kids playing with autumn leaves

Family fun

Updated 11 Mar 2025

Make the most of the school holidays with these epic activities for children, teens, and kids at heart

From giant acorns to miniature villages, Canberra offers more than just the classics when it comes to family fun. Whether you like to entertain the family with something active, educational or both, your weekend and school holiday plans are sorted, with countless cool activities right at your doorstep. From lakeside e-scooters to interactive museums and a store dedicated to Harry Potter, there’s no doubt the kids will be asking to come back every holiday.

Best things to do with the family

Aerial image of the Pod Playground at the National Arboretum Canberra with the arboretum and Black Mountain Tower in the background. | © Wunderman Thompson

10 cool things to do with the kids

A young girl wearing a pointed witches' hat and harry potter robes.

72 hours of family fun

Drone shot of the Pod Playground

The best school holiday activities in Canberra

National Dinosaur Museum

Canberra’s Ultimate Treasure Hunt

Three friends clinking glasses over share platters at a winery.

What’s on in Canberra this summer

A family enjoying the lakeside and cycling along a path in autumn.

Top ways to explore Lake Burley Griffin

Popular attractions for kids

20 metre long T-rex

National Dinosaur Museum

2 Guests and 2 zookeepers partaking in a Cheetah Encounter at the National Zoo and Aquarium

National Zoo & Aquarium

Family walks in front of a Tudor style architecture buidling

Cockington Green Gardens

Corin Forest as seen by a drone. There are 3 large patches of snow & a small dam surrounded by trees

Corin Forest

Three large oversized acorn cubbies

POD Playground at the National Arboretum

An aerial view of the National Museum of Australia, Canberra.

National Museum of Australia

Aussie green tree pythons

Canberra Reptile Zoo

Canberra Walkin Aviary entrance

Canberra Walk In Aviary

Mist in rainforest

Australian National Botanic Gardens

Aerial photo

Yarralumla Play Station

Family entertainment and events

LEGO Castle

1–2 Nov 2025

Canberra Brick Show - LEGO Fan Event

Thoroughbred Park, Lyneham

Next on today from 9:00am to 4:00pm

Two glass birds in the Hotshop

17 May – 21 Dec 2025

Glass Blowing Experience at Canberra Glassworks: Make Your Own Bird

Canberra Glassworks, Kingston

Next on today from 11:00am to 1:00pm

Gears exhibit in Questacon Presents: ZAP! CLANK! POW!

31 May 2025 – 1 Feb 2026

Questacon Presents: ZAP! CLANK! POW!

Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre, Parkes

Next on today from 9:00am to 5:00pm

A group of people learning about the history of Mount Stromlo Observ

22 Nov 2024 – 16 Nov 2025

Outer Space: Stromlo to the Stars

Canberra Museum + Gallery, Canberra

Next on today from 12:00pm to 4:00pm

Women with plant

2 Feb 2025 – 1 Feb 2026

Hartley Hall Markets

Hall Showground, Hall

Next on today

Glass blowing experience at Canberra Glassworks

13 Jan 2024 – 21 Dec 2025

Glass Blowing Experience at Canberra Glassworks: Make Your Own Vase or Tumbler

Canberra Glassworks, Kingston

Next on today from 10:00am to 4:00pm

Animation of young girl with blonder hair, blue dress and bow in her hair, surrounded by animals

5 Sep – 29 Nov 2025

Family Friendly Screenings at the NFSA

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Acton

Next on 14 Nov 2025 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm

Ranger and children seated on rocks with mountain range in the background.

13 Apr – 16 Nov 2025

Young Rangers Program

Jerrabomberra Wetlands Office, Fyshwick

Next on 16 Nov 2025 from 10:00am to 12:00pm

sunset Cinema, outdoor movies, Canberra, events, food, wine, cheese, bar, picnic

20 Nov 2025 – 28 Feb 2026

Sunset Cinema Canberra

The Australian National Botanic Gardens, Acton

Next on 20 Nov 2025 from 6:00pm to 10:30pm

Santa and Hall Town Crier

21 Nov 2025

Hall Village Christmas Street Party

Hall Heritage Village, Hall

Next on 21 Nov 2025 from 4:30pm to 8:30pm

Hansel and Gretel running through a fairytale forrest, all leading to the witch

12–20 Dec 2025

Hansel & Gretel

Albert Hall, Yarralumla

Next on 12 Dec 2025 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm

people sitting on a grass field watching Carols in Town Park Canberra

14 Dec 2025

Carols in Town Park

Tuggeranong Town Park, Greenway

Next on 14 Dec 2025 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm

Showtime FMX bike and rider in mid air

20–22 Feb 2026

Royal Canberra Show

Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC), Mitchell

Next on 20 Feb 2026

Simon playing a guitar while riding his penny-farthing

27 Feb – 1 Mar 2026

Cyclonats Festival of Cycling Culture

Smith's Alternative, Canberra

Next on 27 Feb 2026

Taiwanese man waving at the start

28–29 Mar 2026

Aussie Peace Walk

National Film & Sound Archives, Canberra

Next on 28 Mar 2026 from 7:00am to 9:00pm

A street performer performs for a crowd at the Festival

2–6 Apr 2026

National Folk Festival

Exhibition Park in Canberra, Lyneham

Next on 2 Apr 2026

Participants crossing the start line

10–12 Apr 2026

The Canberra Times Marathon Festival

John Dunmore Lang Place, Parkes

Next on 10 Apr 2026 from 12:00pm to 2:00pm

Winners of the Royal Canberra Poultry Show

6–7 Jun 2026

Royal Canberra Poultry Show

Exhibition Park in Canberra, Mitchell

Next on 6 Jun 2026

Kids enjoying Mini-Minties activities at the Mint

30 Sep – 9 Oct 2026

Mini-Minties - Animals on Australian coins

Royal Australian Mint, Deakin

Next on 30 Sep 2026 from 10:00am to 11:00am

Child throwing straw

17–18 Oct 2026

Murrumbateman Field Days

Murrumbateman Recreation Ground, Murrumbateman

Next on 17 Oct 2026 from 8:00am to 5:00pm

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