11 Dec School Holiday Survival Guide: ACT
Summer has arrived in Canberra, bringing hot sunny days, country walks, and plenty of kid-approved fun.
From exploring the ACT’s world-famous attractions to hidden gems across regional towns, there’s something for every family. Whether you’re after fresh air adventures, indoor escapes, or just a new twist on holiday fun, here are some great ways to keep the kids entertained these school holidays.
Outdoor & Water Adventures
National Arboretum – Pod Playground & Walking Trails
What it is: A spectacular outdoor space with sky-high climbing pods, giant nets, and shaded nature walks overlooking Canberra.
Best for: Ages 3–12.
Accessibility:
- Excellent wheelchair access to pod area (but pods themselves involve climbing).
- Wide pathways ideal for neurodiverse children needing space and fresh air.
Link National Arboretum
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Lake Burley Griffin – Family Cycle & Scooter Loops
What it is: Flat lakeside tracks perfect for bikes, scooters, prams, or picnics by the water.
Best for: All ages.
Accessibility:
- Fully wheelchair/pram accessible.
- Great low-sensory environment early in the morning.
Link Lake Burley Griffin
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Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve – Koalas & Wetlands Walk
What it is: Ranger-guided experiences, wildlife spotting (emus, kangaroos, koalas), wetlands loops, and shaded picnic areas.
Best for: All ages.
Accessibility:
- Wheelchair-friendly boardwalks on wetlands trail.
- Quiet, predictable environment ideal for autistic children.
Link Tidbinbilla
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Mount Stromlo Observatory – Stargazing Nights
What it is: Family tours, telescope viewing nights, and astronomy talks — warm summer evenings are ideal.
Best for: Ages 8+ (younger kids welcome but content suits older).
Accessibility:
- Wheelchair-accessible pathways and lecture spaces.
- Low-light environment can be soothing for many neurodiverse kids.
Link Mount Stromlo Observatory
Nature & Free Play
Australian National Botanic Gardens – Rainforest Walk & Dinotrail
What it is: Shady boardwalks, gentle trails, a waterfall, and the fun Dino-themed summer trail.
Best for: All ages.
Accessibility:
- Mostly wheelchair accessible; some hills.
- Extremely sensory-friendly (cool, shaded, peaceful).
Link National Botanic Gardens
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Commonwealth Park – Nerang Pool & Play Areas
What it is: Canberra’s central park with ponds, birdlife, bridges, playgrounds, and picnic lawns.
Best for: Ages 0–12.
Accessibility:
- Flat, fully accessible.
- Lots of quiet break-out spaces for sensory regulation.
Link Commonwealth Park
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Weston Park – Splash Park + Mini Train
What it is: Shallow splash pads, playgrounds, miniature railway, BBQs, shaded picnic areas.
Best for: Toddlers to Tweens.
Accessibility:
- Mostly wheelchair accessible.
- Splash pad great for sensory play; low-pressure environment.
Link Weston Park
Rainy-Day / Heatwave Ideas
⭐ Questacon – National Science & Technology Centre
What it is: Canberra’s most popular kid attraction — interactive science, robots, physics, illusions, engineering, live shows.
Best for: Ages 4–16.
Accessibility:
- Outstanding wheelchair access throughout.
- Sensory room available.
- Staff trained in supporting neurodiverse children.
Link Questacon
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⭐ Canberra Museum & Gallery (CMAG)
What it is: Creative kids workshops, local art, hands-on programs during holidays.
Best for: Ages 5+.
Accessibility:
- Fully accessible venue.
- Calm, low-sensory experience compared to larger museums.
Link Canberra Museum
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⭐ Blochaus Canberra (Mitchell or Fyshwick)
What it is: Climbing walls+; suitable for various ages.
Best for: Ages 5+ (Mitchell). Ages 12+ (Fyshwick). Dedicated family area. Classes available. Special supervision rules for kids and details. (see link)
Accessibility:
- Not suitable for wheelchairs.
- Excellent proprioceptive input for sensory-seeking kids.
Link: Blochaus Canberra
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Canberra Aqua Park (Black Mountain Peninsula)
What it is: A giant inflatable water obstacle course — open during summer only.
Best for: Ages 6+ (strong swimming required). Supervision required for under 10’s.
Accessibility:
- Not wheelchair accessible. Check with them directly.
- High sensory stimulation and full-body activity.
Link Canberra Aqua Park
Unique Summer Experiences
National Zoo & Aquarium – Walk on the Wild Side
What it is: Up-close wildlife experiences, treehouse-style viewing decks, and private encounters.
Best for: All ages.
Accessibility:
- Good wheelchair access to most areas.
- Sensory note: wide spaces, less crowded than other big zoos.
Link National Zoo
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Old Parliament House – PlayUP Children’s Room
What it is: Creative play installation space with crafts, dress-ups, storytelling, and sensory-friendly activities. Some craft activities available to do at home with videos. https://moadoph.gov.au/play/play-at-home/make-a-paper-house-with-lights-that-switch-off
Best for: Ages 0–10.
Accessibility:
- Fully wheelchair accessible.
- PlayUP is intentionally designed to be inclusive of neurodiverse children.
Link Old Parliament House
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National Dinosaur Museum
What it is: Fossils, animatronic dinosaurs, hands-on activities, fossil digs.
Best for: Ages 3–12.
Accessibility:
- Wheelchair accessible.
Dark spaces + sound effects — manageable for some autistic children, overstimulating for others.
Link National Dinosaur Museum
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Lanyon Homestead – Twilight Picnics and Heritage Farm
What it is: Historic property offering summer twilight picnics, animals, gardens, and family-friendly walks.
Best for: All ages.
Accessibility:
- Accessible grounds and facilities. Downloadable tour sheet. Nature Play Passport for families.
- Very calm, low-sensory summer experience.
Link Lanyon Homestead
Notes & Things to Check
- Opening Seasons / Hours: Many adventure or water parks are seasonal. Always check before planning.
- Age / Height / Skill requirements: High-ropes, zipline, etc, often have restrictions (min height, supervision). Good to make sure it’s suitable for your kids.
- Cost + Booking: Private ones often have higher entry fees + require bookings in advance (especially in peak holiday times).
- Distance / Travel Time: Some of these involve a drive; mix some local ones with “special day trip landmarks” so not every day means a big trip.
Tips / Reminders
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Weather check: Summer can be unpredictable. Plan at least one indoor backup plan per week.
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Book ahead: For workshops, shows, or special places, make bookings early (spots fill up).
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Variation: Mix free + paid, outdoors + indoors, high-energy + relaxed days. Keeps things balanced.
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Budget: parks, free events, and the local library can be great low-cost hits.
See also general ideas here
