As the weather cools down, it becomes harder to find things to keep the kids entertained during the school holidays. To make it easier for you, we've put together a list of activities and programs on offer to help you beat the chill.
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OUTSIDE
DinotraX - a dinosaur adventure
Explore the past and encounter dinosaurs and plant fossils among the landscapes they once inhabited at the The Australian National Botanic Gardens and the National Dinosaur Museum. Study dinosaur herds, flying winged creatures and living fossil plants in the Gardens and then continue on to the National Dinosaur Museum to see the largest permanent display of dinosaur and prehistoric fossils in Australia.
July 6-28, Free at the Gardens, cost applies at the National Dinosaur Museum. More information.
Threatened Species school holiday program with NatureArt Lab
Discover and learn about nature through observation, drawing, painting, nature journaling and craft from experienced science communicators and artists at the Australian National Botanic Gardens these school holidays.
July 8-12, 10am-2pm, $70 per session, bookings essential. More information.
Snowplay
Build a snowman with the whole family at Corin Forest. Less than an hour away from Canberra you can ride a toboggan, throw snowballs or play in the snow in the purpose built area. The sessions run for 2.5 hours, 3 times daily at 8:30am, 11:00am and 2:00pm.
June 20-30, $20 per person, children under 2 free. More information.
Hunt Dinosaurs
Visit the National Dinosaur Museum to find some fossil friends in a dinosaur hunt activity or learn all about them in a guided tour. Visitors can search the displays for answers the prehistoric quiz and win a real fossil to take home.
School Holidays, Free with normal entry, no booking required. More information.
Celebrate NAIDOC week (July 7-14)
Join a ranger at the National Botanic Gardens and enjoy an easy walk along the Aboriginal Plant Trail. You'll discover how Indigenous people from across Australia used plants for a range of activities including food and medicine.
July 9-10, 10:30am-11:30am, $5, bookings essential. More information.
Snowsports
Visit Corin Forest and take part in child ski lessons conducted by the Joey Ski Club. The lessons include boots, skis, boards and outerwear clothing and take place in a safe environment supervised by staff in 2.5 hour sessions.
June 20-30, Kids (Age 4-14) $109, Kids (Age 15+) $129. More information.
The Australian Institute of Sport
The AIS has a range of school holiday programs, some are sports specific, others cover a variety of sports. There are programs that cater for children from ages 4-13.
July 8-19, prices vary, ages 4-13 (depending on the program). More information.
Stories in the Forest
Join people at the Arboretum on a quest and hunt fairies through the hundred-year-old Cork oak forest. Help discover who stole winter and learn why the forest needs winter to thrive.
July 11-17, 10:30am-12pm, $15 per session, Suitable for ages 4 to 8 years. More information.
Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
Explore the nature reserve these holidays with the various activities on offer. Walk through the sanctuary, learn about koalas, wander through the wetlands and more. The reserve is open everyday throughout the holidays from 7:30am-6:00pm.
Dates vary depending on activity, prices vary, suitable for all ages. More information.
CREATIVE
The Possum Patch - School Holiday Program
Visit Pialligo Estate and learn about kitchen safety, healthy food and how to cook using farm-fresh produce. The Possum Patch school holiday program is perfect for teaching children aged 4-13 years how to cook after exploring Pialligo Estate via farm buggies and going on a farm tour with the market gardener.
July 8-19, suitable for children aged 4-13 years, $90 per day, bookings essential. More information.
Casting Snowflakes
Learn how to make a snowflake mould using clay and then turn it into a small glass snowflake at the Canberra Glassworks. While the mould sets, a special tour will be provided.
July 10 or July 17, suitable for children aged 8 and above, from $95. More information.
Winter landscape lanterns
Create your own winter themed design for a glass lantern at the Canberra Glassworks. Children aged 8 and over can enjoy the workshop independently, but those aged 5-7 are required to have parent/guardian supervision at all times.
July 10, $60, bookings essential. More information.
The National Museum of Australia
Warm up with Kung Fu lessons, dragon dancing and art and craft activities. The National Museum of Australia is offering different activities inspired by the Historical Expression of Chinese Art Exhibition.
8-21 July, prices vary, bookings essential. More information.
Winter Holiday Tiles
Go to the Canberra Glassworks and use small pieces of glass to create and fuse your very own winter themed tile. Learn how to cut and fuse glass in a kiln.Children aged 8 and over can enjoy the workshop independently, but those aged 5-7 are required to have parent/guardian supervision at all times.
July 11 $30 per session, bookings essential. More information.
Winter Kiln forming Immersion
Work with world renowned Glass Artist Kirstie Rea at the Canberra Glassworks to complete 3 glass projects that will teach the basics of working in kiln formed glass.
July 17-19, 10:30am-12:30pm, $280, bookings essential. More information.
SCIENCE
Code a Companion
Visit the Ian Potter Foundation Technology Learning Centre and create a portable interactive pet using a micro-computer and coding!
16 July, 9am-12pm, $55 or $44 for Q club members. More information.
Enginuity
Children get to use their science skills to create a domino-effect machine at the Ian Potter Foundation Technology Learning Centre.
16 July, 1pm-4pm, $55 or $44 for Q club members. More information.
Code Like A Girl
The Australian National University is hosting a coding camp for budding coders to look at the intersection of music and technology. Girls aged 8 to 11 will code their own song, create a backing track using music circuitry and build their own webpage over three days.
9-11 July, ages 8-11, $343.96 - $396.71. More information.
Wearable Technology
The Wearable Technology workshop at the Ian Potter Foundation Technology Learning Centre allows participants to learn how to make and modify accessories with basic electronics.
17July, 9am-12pm, $55 or $44 for Q club members. More information.
Game Craft
Learn what goes into making computer games by creating one using Scratch, then invent a new way to control it at the Ian Potter Foundation Technology Learning Centre
17 July, 9am-12pm, $55 or $44 for Q club members. More information.
PERFORMING ARTS
Canberra Academy of Dramatic Art
The Canberra Academy of Dramatic Art is offering programs that cater for children aged 4-17 in Fyshwick.
July 8-19, prices vary. More information.
Kid Biz Holidays
Kid Biz Holidays has a range of sports clinics, dance programs and other activities designed for primary school aged children.The programs are run at two locations in Pearce and Gungahlin. There are full and half day programs available.
July 8-19, ages 5-13, price and time varies depending on the location. More information.
Classics on the Screen
The National Film and Sound Archive is showing a range of classic films and animations from each of the last eight decades, including Pinocchio, Gene Wilder's Willy Wonka and The Goonies.
July 9-19, 11am, ARC Cinema, $10. More information.
EDUCATIONAL
Australian War Memorial
The Australian War Memorial is bringing historical stories to life using puppets, uniforms and educational toys. Children will learn about brave animals, extraordinary people, and faraway places for free.
28 July, 10.30am, Free for children. More information.
Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex
Working with NASA, the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex gives children and families a chance to learn about Australia's role in the exploration of deep space.
The complex is open every day of the school holidays and is free. More information.
National Zoo and Aquarium
Take a walk on the wild side and visit the animals at the National Zoo and Aquarium to learn fun facts about the animal residents.
The Zoo is open everyday, ticket prices vary depending on age. More information.