There’s lots to do in and around the ACT during the winter school holidays, which start around 3pm this Friday 1 July and continue through to the start of Term 3 on Monday morning 18 July.
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. Just be sure to layer up to protect yourself on chilly days!
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:
READ MORE: Winter school holiday activity guide 2022
MEGAfauna: myths and legends: Let your imagination run wild as you wander the MEGAfauna: myths and legends! trail at the Australian National Botanic Gardens and discover Aussie megafauna, ancient plants and more, at no cost. Experience what it was like to live with the giants known as megafauna. The Australian National Botanic Gardens also offers a breathtaking array of native plants in a bushland setting, the only place in the world you’ll see this diversity of Australian native plants in one location. Find out more at parksaustralia.gov.au/botanic-gardens/
MoAD: The Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House has plenty on for young and old these school holidays. From listening pods and a roleplay Kindness Café to a fuzzy felt wall and craft activities, PlayUp has something for all ages and abilities. In DressUp: Change the World, kids can connect with the lives of Malala, Dr Karl, Queen Bey and more and try on costumes of their iconic outfits. Rediscover the lost art of letter writing in Yours Faithfully or create your own zine in the Zine Lounge. Plus, there are around 10 more exhibitions to explore! Admission is free but bookings are encouraged. Book your General Museum Pass.
National Museum of Australia: Visit the Museum’s website for fun at home activities using materials found at home and in nature. Choose from dozens of hands-on activities here. (While at just $2 it’s not exactly free, families can follow one of two self-guided trails, for ages 2-5 and 5-8 years, to discover the stories behind some of the amazing objects on show at the Museum. Available from the information desk.)
Art Steps by Hayley Millar Baker: A drawing activity for the whole family that looks at how our intuitions and imaginations take us to special places and people while we are dreaming. 2-17 July 10am-1pm. Free, National Gallery of Australia; bookings: nga.gov.au/events/art-steps-hayley-millar-baker/
Youth Art Lab: Stop Motion Animation: Learn how to create a stop-motion animated film with Canberra-based stop motion artists and musicians Eleanor and Giovanni. At the National Gallery of Australia 2 and 3 July 10am-4pm; online 9 and 10 July. Free, registration essential: nga.gov.au/events/art-lab-stop-motion-onsite/
NAIDOC at Ginninderry: Spend some time learning the importance of native plants through a workshop and bush cooking demonstration, with bonus rock painting on offer. The Link building, Strathnairn, Sunday 3 July 12pm. Free, bookings essential: belcoarts.com.au
ACT Community Sector Event: Woden Arts invites you to their 8th NAIDOC Week event, opening with a smoking ceremony, and featuring music performances, art workshops, food stalls and more. Woden Town Square, Tuesday 5 July from 10.45am; tuggeranongarts.com
Get up! Stand up! Show up!: A day with live music, indigenous artworks and a drop-in workshop with Dale Huddleston. Mawson Shops, Friday 8 July 10.30am; tuggeranongarts.com
Wiradjuri Story Time: Join Larry Brand as he brings his award nominated book Wiradjuri Country to life. Gungahlin Library, Friday 8 July 10.30am; Belconnen Library, Saturday 9 July 10.30am; belcoarts.com.au
