Giggle and Hoot are coming to Canberra and they're bringing their friends. Joining them onstage will be Zap, Mimi and Jango from the ABC4Kids show Hoopla Doopla and everyone's favourite twins, the Bananas in Pyjamas, B1 and B2. They will be on Saturday, January 24 and Sunday, January 25. Tickets are available for entry at 10am and 12:30pm each day. Tickets can be purchased at www.canberratheatrecentre.com.au. For more information contact Canberra Theatre Centre on 6275 2700. Transaction fees apply. Disability access provided.

The Australian National Botanic Gardens will come alive with the sounds of blues, big band, rockabilly, jazz and more every Saturday and Sunday evening in January. This is the perfect opportunity for a family picnic. Gourmet food and cold beverages will also be available. Summer Sounds runs from January 3 – 25 between 5.30pm – 7.30pm. There will be a special extended Australia Day concert on January 25 from 5.30pm – 8.30pm. Tickets are $2 for concessions and $5 for adults. Under 17s get in free. For more information call 6250 9588 or go online www.anbg.gov.au/gardens

Ben and Jerry's Open air Cinema is coming to Patrick White Lawns in front of the National Library this January and February. There will be music in the afternoon and movies in the evening every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 5-10:30pm between January 18 and February 22. There will be new releases, kids movies, cartoons, comedies, cult classics and many more. Films commence at approximately 7:30pm. A variety of seating options are available. For more information email hello@openaircinemas.com.au. Tickets at www.openaircinemas.com.au/canberra/home

Alive and Spirited is the National Gallery's new indigenous exhibition. As part of the exhibition there will be drop-in workshops that cater for the whole family. These workshops include games and creative activities for kids inspired by the mythical and spiritual aspects of the exhibition. The workshops will be on Friday, January 16 and Saturday, January 17 between 11am and 3pm. Entry is free. For more information call 6240 6528.

There is no shortage of things to do in the city this Christmas. The SIDS and Kids Christmas Lights in the City are a must see this festive season. The lights have just broken the Guinness World Record for the Largest LED Image Display in the World. The display runs until New Year's Eve. Gold coin donation requested. The Canberra city merry-go-round is also covered in 200,000 lights and is available for rides.

Lastly, Australia's largest trampoline playground Flip Out is open in Civic Square until Boxing Day, providing fun for all ages. Get your tickets in Civic Square (closed Christmas Day). The Christmas Lights can be viewed from 7-10pm. Flip Out trampoline playground is open from 9am-10pm. It all finishes on Boxing Day. For more information call 6287 4255.

Take the family out for a day at the Cricket this summer. Canberra's Manuka Oval will host two games. The first game is the Prime Minister's XI vs England on Wednesday, January 14 from 2.20pm.

Watch Australia's team, handpicked by the Prime Minister, take on English stars like Alastair Cook and James Anderson. The second is the KFC T20 Big Bash League Finals on January, 28. Watch the best big hitters and fast bowlers in the game vie for the T20 title. The women's final will be up first followed by the men's final. Gates open at 1.30pm. Tickets are available from Ticketek. For more information call 13 28 49 or go topremier.ticketek.com.au.

It's time for Flix in the Stix again. Pack a picnic and come along for a festival like no other. Comedy act Tripod will be there and live band My Friend the Chocolate Cake. There will also be a collection of internationally award winning short films for you to watch under the stars. Flix in the Stix is on Saturday, January 31 from 6pm at the National Botanic Gardens. Tickets on sale through Ticketek. Transaction fees apply. For more information call 5310 6657, email info@flixinthestix.com.au or visit www.flixinthestix.com.au

Australia Day celebrations are set to be bigger and better than ever. Commonwealth Park will have loads of entertainment and activities for the whole family, including a free children's concert, rides, games, and craft activities. Face painting and fake tattooing will also be available. Rond Terrace will host the National Flag Raising and Citizenship Ceremony. The Australia Day Fireworks Spectacular will take place on the shore of Lake Burley Griffin from 9pm. Celebrations run all day Monday, January 26. For more information, call 13 22 81, email events@act.gov.au or visitwww.australiaday.org.au/act/.

There are heaps of events at libraries all over the ACT throughout January. Tuggeranong Library will be helping you test your observation skills with a number of hidden objects growing in its garden for you to find. I spy in the garden is available during library opening hours. The activity is suitable for all ages but perfect for children aged 2-6. It runs from Thursday, December 18 to Saturday, January 31. Bookings not required. For more information call 6205 9000 or go to www.library.act.gov.au.

This summer is the perfect time to explore Big Splash Waterpark in Macquarie. This awesome waterpark has nine waterslides, five heated pools and is also home to Canberra's only waterpark cinema. Get your refreshments from the hot food kiosk or their fresh sandwich bar. Trained lifeguards are on duty all day. Waterpark entry is $25 for the day. For swimming only (no rides) concessions are $6, children $7, adults $8.00 and under 2 yrs free. For more information call 6251 1144 or go to bigsplashwaterpark.com.au/.

Tidbinbilla is Canberra's leading ecotourism attraction. In the reserve you can enjoy a picnic while the children enjoy the Nature Discovery Playground. You can search for a koala in the Eucalypt Forest or a platypus at Black Flats Dam. There are over 20 marked walking trails. At the Visitor Centre you can explore the interpretation gallery, have a coffee at the Tidbinbilla kiosk or search for a unique memento from the Tidbinbilla shop. Ranger-guided activities are popular with visitors and can be booked online at www.tidbinbilla.act.gov.au.