What's on during the autumn school holidays in Canberra

There’s lots to do in and around the ACT during the autumn school holidays, which start around 3pm this Friday 8 April and continue through to the start of Term 2 on Tuesday morning 26 April, the day after Anzac Day.

Having fun with the kids can be as easy as taking a walk around your neighbourhood – a pastime that became exceptionally popular during lockdowns – or heading out on the scooter or bike.

Most suburbs have a nature reserve close by, which is a great place to explore and observe wildlife, or a neighbourhood playground, where you can play on the equipment for free. Pack a picnic and make a morning or afternoon of it.

The ACT Government has provided a handy list of ACT parks, reserves and playgrounds, their locations and facilities here.

Here’s a round-up of other activities that are taking place during the break:

Pixar Putt: Australia’s much-loved pop-up mini-golf phenomenon, Pixar Putt, opens at Civic Square in Canberra City from 8 April through to 1 May. Tickets on sale now via www.pixarputt.com.au

The Canberra and Region Heritage Festival

A celebration of our local heritage with a host of events across the ACT region until 1 May. Over the Easter long weekend, the 2022 Canberra and Region Heritage Festival has a variety of activities available for the family to explore.

The Festival’s first ever Kids Week starts on Monday 18 April, encompassing family-friendly fun over the school holidays. With activities spanning from building a boombox to learning local Ngunnawal greetings, the week is dedicated to getting the younger generation involved in and passionate about conserving heritage.

If you are looking for something a little different to do with the family this Easter, check out some of the fascinating events on offer, including:

Saturday 16 April

Canberra Railway Museum open day: Discover Canberra’s surprising rail history and explore vintage sleeping cars and imagine a century of rail travel.
Toy animal husbandry: Learn how to care for your bears and toys to make sure they last for generations to come.
From Ireland in Chains to the Limestone Plains: Learn about the story of Martin Pike, a convict’s journey from Queens Country to the Limestone Plains, from an iron gang to freedom.

Sunday 17 April

The old curiosity box: Take the whole family on a journey back in time with a trip to Blundells Cottage. Ask to see the curiosity box with all the mysterious objects inside!
Steaming Day: Witness the majesty of two operational 1800s stationary steam engines housed in the historic, Victorian Georgian style, Waterworks Pumphouse at Goulburn NSW. Set on the banks of the picturesque Wollondilly River, it offers a place to relax and have a picnic or BBQ while the kids enjoy the playground.

You can find more information about what’s on in this year’s Festival on the Heritage Festival website.

Canberra Classic Boatfest: See traditional boats, both restored old ones and new recreations, out on Lake Burley Griffin on the weekend of 9-10 April. See the boats at Lotus Bay, near Canberra Yacht Club from 9am on Saturday or on the water later that day or again during the Grand Parade from Lotus Bay to Kingston Harbour on Sunday morning.

Saturday Afternoon Tunes: Free live music in Gungahlin at Yerrabi Pond District Park, Saturday 9 April 3-5pm; belcoarts.com.au

Matildas Free Fan Day: The Commonwealth Bank Matildas will hold a free Fan Day this Sunday 10 April at Viking Park in Canberra, gates open 9.30am. Football fans will be able to watch the Matildas train from 10am followed by a player signing session. The Matildas will train ahead of the Young Matildas arriving for their match against the New Zealand Junior Football Ferns, which is free for all to attend and kicks off at 2pm. Fans can also get involved in a series of free activities including face painting and football skills sessions run by Capital Football.

South.Point Tuggeranong: Let the little ones enjoy Easter crafts on 11-14 and 16 April 11am-2pm each day. Then, from 19 to 24 April, see The Beanies these school holidays with 2 shows daily, 10am and 11.30am in Centre Court at South.Point Tuggeranong.

National Folk Festival: Offering a wide range of engagement in the folk arts at EPIC across the Easter long weekend, Mitchell, 14-18 April. Tickets via: folkfestival.org.au

Canberra Circus Festival: A brand-new event bringing youth circus troupes and young circus artists from across Australia to Canberra 19-23 April; canberracircusfestival.com.au

ANU Classics Museum: Free tours conducted by voluntary guides on the second Friday of each month at 12.30 pm in the A D Hope Building, ANU; ring 0438 883 373 for more.

Kippax Marketplace: New indoor market to run the third Saturday of every month, 8am-12pm, at Kippax Uniting Church Community Centre; free entry.

Old Bus Depot Markets: Canberra’s much-loved markets have returned to the Old Bus Depot in Kingston every Sunday 9.30am-2.30pm; obdm.com.au

Matildas Football International: The national capital hosts the Commonwealth Bank Matildas football international against the New Zealand Football Ferns at GIO Stadium on Tuesday 12 April, kick-off 7.45pm. Click here to purchase tickets.

Sam Kerr book signing: Matilda’s captain and soccer superstar Sam Kerr is back in Australia and will be signing copies of her exciting middle grade children’s series ‘Kicking Goals’! The first time she’s been able to do so in the last two years! Sam will be signing copies on Wednesday 13 April 10.30am-12pm at Dymocks Belconnen: Shop 175, Level 3 Westfield Shopping Centre, Benjamin Way, Belconnen.

Storytime at The Book Cow: Suitable for children up to 5 years old, join The Book Cow every Tuesday at 11am for a storytime session at Green Square, Kingston, weather permitting. Follow @BookCowKingston on Facebook or Instagram for updates.

Community open day: O’Connor Canberra Organic Growers Community Garden and O’Connor Uniting Community Hub co-host their first open day at O’Connor Uniting Church, 58-60 Scrivener Street on Saturday 23 April 10am-4pm. Organic gardening demos 10am-12pm, garden guided tours until 2.30pm, community displays and stalls, sausage sizzle, coffee van refreshments until 4pm.

LIVE THEATRE

Seussical the Musical Jr: The Cat in the Hat, Horton the Elephant, Gertrude McFuzz, Amayzing Mayzie, and the loveable Jojo, are all coming to Canberra! One of the world’s most popular children’s musicals, Seussical, will be transporting the Canberra College Performing Arts Centre into the Jungle of Nool, the invisible world of the Whos, and Circus McGurkus. Pied Piper Productions will bring all your child’s favourite Dr Seuss characters to life to tell the story of friendship, loyalty, family, and community. An enticing show for children of all ages (and adults too!), Seussical is running from Thursday 14 April to Sunday 23 April at 2 Launceston Street, Phillip.

Tickets: email [email protected] or visit www.pied-piper.com.au

Hamlet: Older students might appreciate Bell Shakespeare’s critically acclaimed production of Shakespeare’s Hamlet at The Playhouse, Civic, 7-16 April. Tickets: canberratheatrecentre.com.au

EXHIBITIONS

Belconnen Arts Centre:Hosts new exhibition, Precious by Cam Michael, until 15 May; belcoarts.com.au

The 4th National Indigenous Art Triennial: Featuring 35 artists from across Australia, the exhibition, titled Ceremony, is on now at the NGA until 31 July. Bookings: nga.gov.au

Canberra Potters: The Watson Gallery hosts new exhibition, Connections: EASS 2022, 7 April-1 May; canberrapotters.com.au

Rusten House: The Queanbeyan venue hosts new exhibition Site Specific – artists respond to Rusten House, 8-30 April; qprc.nsw.gov.au

Queanbeyan Quilters: Their 2022 exhibition with more than 100 quilts at Queanbeyan Bicentennial Hall, 9-10 April.

Have an event or activity you’d like to add? Email your suggestion to [email protected] with “Autumn school holidays” in the subject heading.

What’s on during the autumn school holidays in Canberra

The Canberra and Region Heritage Festival

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