If you’re looking for great ways to entertain the family all summer long, check out what our advertisers in this special feature have to offer.
Family fun and entertainment all summer long at South.Point
The season of “Mum, Dad, I’m bored” is nearly upon us. But do not fret, South.Point in Tuggeranong has made sure there is plenty for the little ones to do – before and after Christmas!
Let’s dive into the all the fun awaiting you at South.Point!
Capture the Magic of Christmas with Santa Photos
The most iconic symbol of Christmas is none other than Santa Claus himself. Head over to Centre Court to capture the magic of Christmas with a memorable photo session with Santa. Whether it’s your kiddos who have their wish list ready, or you are a big kid who just wants to relive the joy of the season, Santa is ready to welcome you.
But that’s not all! South.Point is also offering Sensitive Santa and Santa Pet Photo sessions to ensure that everyone can join in the festive fun. Sensitive Santa sessions, designed for families with children facing sensory challenges, provide a calm and welcoming environment. These sessions take place before stores open on Sundays, with reduced noise and lights, creating a sensory-friendly experience for all. To avoid missing out on this magical opportunity, make sure to book your Santa Photos session ahead of time.
Explore the Christmas Craft Village
Step into a gingerbread-themed wonderland at the Christmas Craft Village. This enchanting village is packed with interactive activities for your little elves to enjoy. Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect:
- Craft Workshops: Unleash your child’s creativity with a series of festive craft workshops.
- Roaming Christmas Characters: Meet and greet Santa’s friends as they roam around the village.
- Picture-Perfect Scenes: Capture beautiful moments with your loved ones against scenic backdrops, perfect for your Christmas photo album.
Family Movies at Limelight Cinemas
When it comes to family entertainment, Limelight Cinemas at South.Point has got you covered. With a lineup of both new releases and beloved classics, you can make it a cinematic holiday to remember. Here are some of the exciting movies coming your way:
- Trolls Band Together (Release Date: 30 November)
- Elf (Screening Date: 3 December)
- The Boy and the Heron (Release Date: 7 December)
- Die Hard (Screening Date: 10 December)
- Wonka (Release Date: 14 December)
- Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (Release Date: 26 December)
- Migration (Release Date: 26 December)
- Wish (Release Date: 26 December)
- Jungle Bunch 2 – World Tour (Release Date: 18 January)
Join Limelight Cinemas’ Legends Rewards Program for free and enjoy ticket discounts every time you visit. It’s a great way to make your movie outings even more budget friendly.
Discover ‘The Point’ – South.Point’s New Dining and Entertainment Precinct
South.Point’s newest addition, ‘The Point,’ is family-friendly destination for food and entertainment. While the kids have a blast on the playground, you can sit back and enjoy a meal at one of the fantastic dining options.
But a real highlight for the young and the young at heart is Metaphysica Virtual Reality, now open at The Point. This immersive experience offers mind-blowing VR games, escape rooms, and adventures through thrilling virtual worlds. Whether you want to explore the depths of the ocean or venture into outer space, Metaphysica Virtual Reality has something for everyone.
Speaking of reasons to get to The Point, keep an eye out for the Summerfest – a January Kids Extravaganza. Summerfest will see a suite of children’s activities held every weekend in January. There will be outdoor movie sessions, mini carnivals, and stacks of giveaways. It’s the perfect way to keep the kids entertained during the summer break.
To stay updated on all the exciting activities happening during Summerfest, be sure to sign up for the South.Point newsletter or follow them on social media.
These school holidays, South.Point is your one-stop destination for festive fun, entertainment, and making cherished memories with your family.
Cnr Anketell and Reed Streets, Tuggeranong
Dynamic Motivation MTB School Holiday Day Camps
Based at UC Stromlo Forest Park in Wright, Dynamic Motivation offers world class MTB instruction for Beginner to Advanced riders, ages 6-16.
We have a fun day full of riding on our MTB day camps, weekdays between Monday 11 and Friday 22 December and Monday 8 and Friday 19 January. You can enrol in one or many days. Each day, we split into appropriate small skills groups (maximum 8 per instructor) and ride with focus on building skills relevant to the group. Shuttles may be used as part of the day, with most groups getting two uplifts during the day.
With a day of riding whilst increasing skills with suitable breaks, and over 40km of trails to choose from, our goal is to send them home tired, more skilful and stoked.
As with most things fun, there is a serious side, and we are across that too – all our staff hold current WWVP registration, have current first aid, hold an international standard professional mountain bike instructing certification and are trained to deliver our curriculum. We have been running these proven programs for years, and have had thousands of happy riders, some of whom are now instructors!
Cost $98 per day.
For families who want to ride together or riders of any age who are seeking private lessons, either outside those dates or within them, we can do that too. Lessons can range from one to three hours or more. Contact us for details and pricing.
We also run a full range of skills clinics, masterclasses and term-based programs for riders of all ages and abilities. See our website for more details.
For all programs, bring your bike, safety equipment, spare tube, sense of adventure and food for the day or order from the café onsite on the morning.
Check out our website and our reviews on Trip Advisor.
Dream big these holidays – and win a year of free movies at Limelight Cinemas
In the wise words of Willie Wonka, “Every good thing in this world started with a dream”.
These holidays, to celebrate the release of the amazing Wonka, Limelight Cinemas is giving moviegoers the chance to win FREE MOVIES FOR A WHOLE YEAR. Customers who buy a ticket to any session of Wonka at Limelight Cinemas between 14 December 2023 and 10 January 2024, will go into the draw to win one of five Golden Tickets.
Visit Limelightcinemas.com.au for full details.
Wonka is based on the extraordinary characters at the centre of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and tells the wondrous story of how the world’s greatest inventor, magician and chocolate-maker became the beloved Willy Wonka we know today. Starring Timothee Chalamet in the title role and produced by the filmmakers who brought you the Harry Potter series, Paddington and Barbie, Wonka is the motion picture event of the year, and a genuine treat for all ages.
This promises to be the biggest summer for family entertainment in years, with something for everyone. On 30 November, those irrepressible Trolls are back, in Trolls Band Together. Anna Kendrick and Justin Timberlake are reprising their roles in a new adventure with a Boy-Band twist, and featuring new music from NSYNC.
On Boxing Day, we have Migration, a hilariously heart-warming tale of a family of ducks, who try to convince their over-protective father to go on the vacation of a lifetime. From the studio that brought you Minions, Sing, and Super Mario Bros, this one promises to be a perfect holiday escape for the whole family.
And from the people who invented family entertainment, comes Walt Disney’s Wish, a magical story of a young girl named Asha, who wishes on a star and gets a more direct answer than bargained for, when a trouble making star comes down from the sky to join her. For lovers of all things Disney, this one is not to be missed.
Limelight Cinemas – making moviegoing fun and affordable for the whole family.
Find us at South.Point, Tuggeranong.
Blast into the past this summer at National Dinosaur Museum
This school holidays, visit the capital’s best tourist attraction, as decided by the 2023 Canberra Region Tourism Awards!
The National Dinosaur Museum is Australia’s largest permanent display of prehistoric specimens. The Museum houses over 150 dinosaur models, a multi-level indoor gallery, a gift shop, and a garden space featuring a 20-metre animatronic T. rex. The storytelling within its collection is linked to Australia, its history, and its preservation. By weaving a chronological and accessible story of habitation, change, and extinction, the National Dinosaur Museum’s mission is to foster a sense of environmental stewardship among its visitors, both great and small.
Get into the holiday spirit this year with a visit to Santa! From Friday 1 December, Santa Claus will be spending his days in the heat Down Under and making a special appearance at the Museum at 11am and 2pm, all the way up until Christmas Eve. When he’s not around, he’ll leave behind his mailbox: drop a letter to Santa and his Elves into our express letterbox and we’ll make sure it gets to the North Pole before Christmas Day – which just so happens to be the only day that the Museum will be closed this year!
From Saturday 16 December, the Museum will also be hosting daily activities and public gallery tours. Come and learn the hands-on way with our free fossil talks, or stay a while to take a look at the new mural in our Dinosaur Garden: there are over a dozen dinosaurs hidden in our painted landscape, and every visitor under 12 will win a prize for filling out our Dino Hunt questionnaire.
6 Gold Creek Road, Nicholls, ACT 2913
Affordable summer holiday fun at Northside Community Service
Finding affordable and fun things to do for young people can be a challenge, which is why Northside Community Service is providing some great programs and activities during the Summer School Holidays.
The School Holiday Program runs from 15 to 26 January and has a range of different options for young people aged 12 to 25 years.
Two free First Aid and CPR course and qualification training sessions are available, helping to develop important life and safety skills.
There’s a Pool Competition and Drop-In and the newly-reopened Gunners Place in Gungahlin.
Finally, we’re running a Fix N’ Ride Bike workshop where you can drop in and get your bike fixed and tuned up for free!
Please be aware that some activities/events require registration and have closing dates.
Northside is a safe and inclusive space for all, so drop in and connect with us and other young people in the community.
There’s a lot happening for everyone at Northside, so keep an eye on our website at northside.asn.au to find out what’s on – including during school terms.
Outward Bound School Holiday Programs
Experience life with a pack on your back and the world at your feet with a range of programs at Outward Bound’s Tharwa Campus, just 30 minutes from the centre of Canberra.
Outward Bound Junior – 5 days (ages 12-15)
Experience adventure, fun and friendship while exploring the Australian bush. An inspiring program for teens to discover their strengths, develop life skills and expand their confidence through facing new challenges and building new friendships.
Outward Bound Expedition ACT & WA – 10 days (ages 15-24)
Journey through some of Australia’s most scenic locations with a pack on your back and the world at your feet. Hike, abseil, climb, and paddle your way through the first week before navigating your way home with a map and compass on the final expedition. Take a giant step into your future with increased self-belief, resourcefulness, and determination to succeed.
Family Adventure – 5 days (ages 12-15 + parent/guardian)
Strengthen meaningful family relationships with a bonding experience you’ll never forget! Our family program encourages participants to support one another, connect through dialogue, personal reflection, and work together to create fantastic lifelong memories. This is a rare opportunity to see your family in a whole new light. The program is devised for one parent and youth pair, where your young person is in Years 7-10 at school.
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award – 2-9 days (ages 14-24)
Complete your Bronze, Silver and Gold Adventurous Journeys or Gold Residential Project by hiking, canoeing, or rafting through ACT, NSW or Victoria. The Adventurous Journey is all about going on an expedition or exploration in an unfamiliar and challenging environment, with an agreed objective/purpose.
Scholarships are available for those who require financial assistance.
VR Canberra’s school holiday programs: Pixel Play and beyond
As school holidays approach, parents in the ACT region have an exciting choice to keep their kids engaged and entertained. VR Canberra, renowned for its immersive virtual reality experiences, introduces Pixel Play – a first-of-its-kind program blending coding with VR gaming. During all ACT school holidays, Pixel Play runs throughout the year and offers an interactive blend of technology and fun.
Pixel Play by VR Canberra: The pick of the school holiday season
Pixel Play by VR Canberra is designed for kids aged 6–11 years. It dives into the realms of coding and VR gaming, with hands-on coding projects to VR adventures. Pixel Play is set to spark creativity and a love for STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics), boost kids’ logical thinking and problem-solving skills, and foster teamwork and build confidence through achievements. It paves the way for continuous learning and skill development.
The program runs twice in these school holidays: 19-21 December 2023 and 22-24 January 2024, 9am-3pm daily.
VR Canberra’s regular holiday program
For those looking for a more traditional VR experience, VR Canberra continues to offer its regular holiday program Mondays to Fridays 10am-1pm and 2-5pm, costing $80 per person (minimum 4 people, bookings required). Packed with unlimited games and rides, the program includes exhilarating solo and group VR adventures. Kids can enjoy VR rides like the VR Roller Coaster, VR Skateboard, VR Aircraft and VR Egg roller coaster, race in the VR Car Simulator, and enjoy a range of games on our Interactive VR Systems.
More than just games
VR Canberra isn’t just about gaming; it’s an opportunity for kids to socialise, team up, and experience the future of entertainment. The venue is also available for birthday parties, with dance party setups to elevate the celebration. And for those who wish to take the fun home, VR equipment is available for hire, complete with staff assistance for a hassle-free party experience.
In short, VR Canberra offers a variety of options to make school holidays unforgettable. Whether it’s the educational and fun-filled Pixel Play or the exhilarating regular VR gaming program, there’s something for every young enthusiast.
Looking for a unique gift? Give the gift of an unforgettable experience with VR Canberra’s gift vouchers – the ideal surprise for friends and family who love adventure and technology.
Embrace the holiday spirit with VR Canberra and give your child an experience they’ll cherish!
Bookings are essential, so don’t hesitate to call 02 6262 2160 or visit www.vrcanberra.com.au to secure a spot in these popular programs.
Canberra City Gymnastics Club School Holiday Program
Come along to CCGC’s Summer School Holiday Program. The children start off the morning with a number of fun gymnastics circuits with skill practice and strength. After a lunch break, we all wind down with a TV show of the children’s choice then get into some games which involve teamwork and, of course, lots of fun. At the end of the day, the children enjoy some free time in our gym which is always their favourite. Let us take the reins for the day and know your children are having a blast!
85 Chandler St, Belconnen
196 Mouat St, Lyneham
Summer fun at Flip Out Majura Adventure Park
Check out Flip Out Majura Adventure Park’s summer holidays promotions, available from 1 to 31 January 2024:
Limited Edition Slushie Bottles (while stocks last)
Purchase a 1-Hour session including a filled slushie bottle $23
Purchase a 2-Hour session including a filled slushie bottle $32
Bring your slushie bottle on your next visit for a free refill.
Limited Edition Flip Out Thongs (while stocks last)
1-Hour session including a pair of thongs $28
2-Hour session including a pair of thongs $36
Thongs Only $12
Flip Out Majura Adventure Park
1/ 5-17 Mustang Ave, Majura
studioMAP sessions for young artists
Since studioMAP was established in 1995, we have consistently provided innovative, practical, stimulating and fun art classes and workshops specifically designed for children and teens.
studioMAP is situated in the centrally located and comfortably air-conditioned M16 Artspace centre in Griffith ACT. studioMAP also runs during-school-term, classes are held after school and Saturdays in painting, drawing, illustration, mixed media visual-arts and now digital art.
Our upcoming Late Afternoon Holiday Sessions include mixed media, collage, painting, drawing, illustration and digital art and they’ll be perfectly creative!
All workshops are professionally managed, staffed and equipped with the highest levels of
care and tuition. Book now!
For more information about classes, fees, gift vouchers and bookings, go to studiomap.com.au
Elevate your school holidays with Treetops Adventure Hollybank!
This summer, Treetops Adventure Hollybank is calling all families to experience the upgraded Zipline Tour with an exclusive family discount! Prepare for a 2.5-hour guided adventure soaring along thrilling ziplines ranging from 15 to 400 metres, offering unparalleled panoramic views while gliding through the tranquil Tasmanian forest.
But why stop there? Elevate your day by adding a session on our high ropes course, and watch in awe as the kids conquer the towering pine trees.
So rope the family together and visit Treetops Adventure Hollybank—a destination where adventure and family fun reach new heights!
Located 20-minutes from Launceston. Open 7 days, 9am–5pm during the school holidays. Tickets start from $32, and save 5% with our family discount.
Treetops Adventure Hollybank, 66 Hollybank Rd, Underwood, Tasmania
