30+ ways to spend the spring school holidays
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Spring has sprung and school holidays are just around the corner.
From 29 September – 14 October fill your days with a pop-up wilderness camp, all-ages theatre, gravity-defying lego sculptures and flower crown workshops.
CANBERRA THEATRE CENTRE
JOSEPHINE WANTS TO DANCE
A story about dreams, believing in yourself… and a dancing kangaroo.
Josephine is a kangaroo – who loves to dance. Her little brother, Joey, tells her that kangaroos don’t dance, they hop – but Josephine continues to point her toes and leap through the air. A delightfully funny tale that looks at the importance of believing in yourself and realising your dreams.
Tickets start at $20. Suitable for all ages.
For tickets, session times, and more information visit the website.
The Canberra Theatre Centre | 10:30 am and 12:30 pm | 29 September | canberratheatrecentre.com.au
JUSTINE CLARKE SILLY SONGS TOUR 2018
The homegrown queen of children’s entertainment, Justine Clarke, is getting ready to perform a show with her fans this coming September – October, on the Silly Songs Tour.
Performing only two shows on Saturday 6 October, Justine is sure to entertain not just the kids, but the whole family.
Tickets start from $39.40. Suitable for all ages.
For tickets, session times, and more information visit the website.
The Canberra Theatre Centre | 10 am and 12 pm | 6 October | canberratheatrecentre.com.au
THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR SHOW
One of the most-read and famous children’s books of all time, The Very Hungry Caterpillar emerges off the page in a masterful theatrical experience for the whole family.
This Australian made show will excite, educate and entertain new readers and first-time theatre-goers, while for those who grew up with these books will delight in experiencing one of the most popular children’s books ever written.
Tickets start from $24. Suitable for all ages.
For tickets, session times, and more information visit the website.
The Canberra Theatre Centre | 10 am and 3 pm | 10 October | canberratheatrecentre.com.au
CANBERRA CENTRE
Kids activities these school holidays Kids story time with Robinsons Bookshop.
Robinsons Bookshops ramps up entertainment these school holidays with Story Time. Sessions will run daily, featuring some of the most inspiring characters to appear on the page this year brought to life by the experienced Robinsons storytelling team.
Saturday 29 September – Sunday 7 October at 11 am daily | Level 1, Monaro Mall, Canberra Centre, Bunda Street, Civic
Victoria’s Models School Holiday Modelling Course
Victoria’s Models is running a Grooming, Deportment and Modelling course from 8-12 October at the Hellenic Club, Phillip.
It’s aimed at 12-17-year-olds and is suitable for anyone interested in modelling or acting, or those wanting to learn valuable life skills from industry professionals.
The course covers Hairstyling, Makeup, Fashion, Television, Photography, Catwalk, Self Motivation and lots more. Come along and learn new skills, boost your confidence, have fun and meet some great new people.
6282 8700 | courses@victoriasmodels.com.au
THE BRICKMAN EXPERIENCE
Ryan McNaught’s Brickman Experience – an interactive exhibition made entirely from LEGO® bricks – opens its doors to Canberra’s budding brickies from Friday 28 September through to Sunday 14 October.
Suitable for little and big kids (LEGO® code for adults!), the exhibition is made with over five million LEGO® bricks with some of the world’s largest and most detailed LEGO® models including Ryan’s biggest ever Star Wars LEGO® build, a 6m tall Saturn V rocket, a quarter scale LEGO® Ferrari and the world’s largest LEGO® flower.
Brickman Experience features a collection of over 60 individual works by Ryan McNaught – the only LEGO® Certified Professional in the Southern Hemisphere and one of only 14 in the world. Ryan and his team’s award-winning creations have featured in locations around the world, and now Canberra for the first time.
Canberrans will also have the opportunity to build their own LEGO® creations in the interactive master builder zones.
Friday 28 September to Sunday 14 October | Fitzroy Pavilion, Exhibition Park in Canberra, Mitchell | Daily from 10 am – 4 pm | Tickets are essential for this family-friendly experience and can be purchased at ticketek.com.au
FLORIADE
KIDS FLORAL CROWN WORKSHOP
To celebrate the opening of Rome: City and Empire, book into Floriade’s floral crown workshop to learn about the role of headpieces in Ancient Rome and create your own.
Bookings are essential and places are limited.
Suitable for ages 7+ and all children must be accompanied by a non-paying adult. Individual tickets are $11.30.
For tickets, session times, and more information, visit the website.
Commonwealth Park | 12:45 pm and 3:15 pm | 29 September | floriadeaustralia.com
KIDZKLUB
Floriade will be hosting two weeks of free kid-friendly entertainment and activities by children’s entertainment specialist KidzKlub.
From arts and craft to totem tennis, stilts, ball games and giant board games for the big kids, there is something for all ages.
Suitable for all ages.
For session times, and more information, visit the website.
Commonwealth Park | 29 September – October 14 | floriadeaustralia.com
KOOKABURRA KIDS CRAFT WORKSHOP
Join Kookaburra Kids and learn about their programs and opportunities for children and families affected by mental illness. Enjoy screen printing, stress ball making, sand art and flower craft.
Suitable for all ages.
For session times, and more information, visit the website.
Commonwealth Park | 15 September – October 1 | floriadeaustralia.com
CANBERRA OUTLET CENTRE
The Slime Academy is now enrolling at Canberra Outlet Centre! Join in the fun of our Slime Academy in Centre these school holidays.
All students will learn how to make slime to take home and be awarded a certificate for their efforts.
The perfect school holiday activity and the best part – parents don’t have to clean up the mess! Can we get an OH YEAH!
Bookings for the academy are essential and are in 20-minute blocks. Limited spots per session available.
Monday 1 October – Friday 5 October at 11 – 2pm ( times 11 am, 11.20, 11.40, 12 pm, 12.20, 12.40, 1 pm, 1.20, 1.40)
Monday 8 October – Friday 12 October at 11 – 2pm ( times 11 am, 11.20, 11.40, 12 pm, 12.20, 12.40, 1 pm, 1.20, 1.40)
Located near Harris Scarfe | To book your child’s place call 6112 6222 or see the website for more information
The Playful Endeavour
A pop-up play space is coming to the city centre these school holidays. The Playful Endeavour will be a space to inspire creative minds with a focus on imaginative play. This is definitely not your traditional playground with the selection of equipment more likely to be hoops, poles, crates, ropes, sheets and tyres than slippery dips and swings.
The Playful Endeavour will be located in Civic Square out the front of Canberra Theatre operating daily from 10 am – 4 pm.
Be sure to visit this creative play space – it’s all for free these school holidays!
While you’re in the area, why not consider making a day of it. The Canberra Museum and Gallery are hosting film screenings of The Land, an adventure play documentary by New Day Films about a junkyard where children are free to do whatever they want with whatever they can find. Screenings will be held Thursday 4 October and Sunday 7 October.
Civic Square | 29 September – 14 October every day from 10 am – 4 pm | Find out more about it here
Teen Makeup Workshop at Saloon
These school holidays, Saloon on Lonsdale Street is running its first ever teenage makeup workshop.
They’re offering a three-hour session with their talented team of beauty experts who will help teens understand makeup and have their makeup looking perfect by the end of the session.
They will cover the basics of makeup from product knowledge and how to apply the minimal product to get the best result and enhance your beautiful natural features.
Happening Wednesday 3 October from 12.30 – 3.30 pm at Saloon, 30 Lonsdale Street, Braddon.
See Facebook for more information or email info@saloonco.com.au.
PARLIAMENT HOUSE
SPRING SCHOOL HOLIDAY FREE FILM SCREENING
These school holidays celebrate the building of the People’s House with everyone’s favourite building blocks – Lego! Bring the kids to Parliament House and enjoy Lego movies free on the big screen!
Held over the Sundays within the school holidays, People’s House will be screening The LEGO Movie and The LEGO Batman Movie.
Suitable for all ages, no bookings required.
For session times, and more information, visit the website.
Australian Parliament House, Level 1 | 10 am and 2 pm | 2 October and 9 October | aph.gov.au/spring
QUESTACON
Image via facebook.com/pg/Questacon.
MINI Q
Mini Q—fun for 00-6-year-oldsis a custom-built environment for little scientists. Each zone in Mini Q encourages carers and their young children to explore their environment through a process of observation, prediction, testing and refining.
These processes are used by little (and big) scientists to learn about the world around them, as well as nurturing imagination and growing confidence in the world.
Suitable for ages 0-6.
No cost after admission fee.
Questacon | 29 September – 14 October | questacon.edu.au
SPECTACULAR SCIENCE SHOWS
Questacon’s Spectacular Science Shows will deepen your understanding of science and technology through humour, character, live demonstrations and audience volunteers!
All shows are free with your paid Questacon admission and are presented at various times throughout the day. All shows run for 30 minutes.
Suitable for all ages.
No cost after admission fee.
Questacon | 29 September – 14 October | questacon.edu.au
Maker2Market
A fun, three-day, school holiday experience where 10-17 yr olds take a crack at creating a real-world business from scratch!
Problem-solving, creating a logo, learning to prototype and make hand-made products and sell those products to real customers @ Old Bus Depot Markets.
Workshops: Griffith Hall. Market day: Old Bus Depot Markets | October 11, 12 and 14 from 9.30 am – 4 pm ( all three days) | edii.com.au/ourprograms/m2mmarketdayexperience
NATIONAL GALLERY OF AUSTRALIA
ART SCENE INVESTIGATION: THE MYSTERY OF MODERN ART
Who is Pop, what’s Neo-Dada and where’s the Colour Field?
Join the Art Scene Investigation Squad in their next big adventure into the American Masters exhibition.
Suitable for ages 7+. Tickets start from $10.
National Gallery of Australia | 2 October | 10:30 am and 2 pm | nga.gov.au/calendar
SKETCHY WEDNESDAY
Get sketching around the Gallery in a supported drawing session. Bring your own drawing supplies and join the group (pencils only please).
This event is available for children of all ages (accompanied by an adult), and will take you through different parts of the gallery.
Suitable for all ages. No cost after admission fee.
National Gallery of Australia | 3 October and 10 October | 2 pm – 3 pm | nga.gov.au/calendar
CREATIVE MEDITATION
Spending quiet time in the presence of evocative works of art inspires our sense of wonder and delight in the world.
Spend time individually or with family and friends in a guided meditation session.
Suitable for all ages, children to be accompanied by an adult.
Tickets are $5.
National Gallery of Australia | 9 October | 2 pm and 3 pm | nga.gov.au/calendar
ART EXPLORER: DRAWING AND SOUND, DISCOVER THE PLANT ANTENNA
Join artist Joyce Hinterding in a workshop that explores the hidden patterns in plants to scavenge energy and listen to the local electromagnetic environment. BYO morning tea and lunch.
All materials will be supplied and children will be fully supervised.
Tickets start from $55.
National Gallery of Australia | 11 October | 10:30 am – 4 pm | nga.gov.au/calendar
SOUTH.POINT TUGGERANONG
This is one you don’t want to miss! From tomorrow South.Point Tuggeranong will have moving, breathing, life-like dinosaurs in Centre Court!
Their craft village will also be open from Saturday 29 September.
South.Point Tuggeranong, Anketell Street, Greenway
NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY
HEADHUNT!
Headhunt! is a brand new interactive Gallery experience for visitors aged 7-15 (and their adults!) connecting participants with each other and our portraits.
The experience encourages kids to take the lead and independently explore the Gallery, to look closely at the portraits that intrigue them and to delve into the artistic elements of the work and the stories of the people featured.
All materials are supplied.
Available for all ages 7 – 15. No cost.
National Portrait Gallery | 29 September – 14 October | 10 am – 5 pm | nga.gov.au/calendar
ART CART
Free mixed media activities for families to enjoy, inspired by the National Portrait Gallery Collection.
Suitable for all ages. No cost.
National Portrait Gallery | 29 September – 14 October | 11 am – 4 pm | nga.gov.au/calendar
PORTRAIT PLAY: BRIGHT BOLD AND COLOURFUL PEOPLE
Explore portraits through drawing and creative activity in the galleries, in response to Electric! Portraits that Pop! For children aged 4 to 8 to share with family and friends. All children must be accompanied by a participating adult.
Suitable for ages 4 – 8.
Tickets are $7 and bookings are essential.
National Portrait Gallery | 1 October – 12 October | 10:3 0am – 11:30 am | nga.gov.au/calendar
MARKETPLACE GUNGAHLIN
Marketplace Gungahlin is THE destination for FREE school holiday entertainment. You’ll find them in the Big W mall between 10 am and 1 pm.
WEEK ONE (1 to 5 OCTOBER)
Bop the morning away at their silent disco. Just like a real disco, it’s fun for kids of all ages. There will be a DJ on the decks, fun activities and prizes to be won.
WEEK TWO (9 to 12 OCTOBER)
Enjoy live stage shows with a different theme every day!
Sun Smart Suzie & Kevin the Kangaroo
Sun Smart Suzie along with her friend Kevin the Kangaroo teach children the importance of being sun smart and why it’s important to Slip, Slop, Slap!
Ranger Ruth & Kenny the Koala
Ranger Ruth teaches children all about the native Australian bush and it’s animals inhabitants in this entertaining and informative live stage show.
Recycling Rhonda & Charlie the Chicken
Rhonda teaches children the importance of reducing waste, reusing and recycling.
Together Charlie and Rhonda share their favourite things to do to ensure they are doing everything they can for the environment.
Safari Samantha & Ellie the Elephant
Learn about Africa and it’s majestic animals with Safari Samantha, and get up close and personal with Ellie the Elephant. Who is the king of the jungle? Let Samantha teach you through interactive songs and dances.
Hilary History & Rex the Red Dinosaur
Take a trip back in time with Hilary History to learn about the Dinosaurs!
With the help of Rex the Red Dinosaur, Hilary teaches children all about the Brontosaurus and the T-rex, including what they like to eat and what they looked like
While you’re there, pick up a Guzman y Gomez colouring in sheet for the chance to win some fantastic prizes like free fries, drinks and $50 Marketplace Gift Cards.
1-12 October between 10 am and 1 pm | Big W Mall, Marketplace Gungahlin, 33 Hibberson St, Gungahlin
CANBERRA GLASSWORKS
Looking for something out-of-the-ordinary to break through the boredom of the school holidays? Book into one of the Glassworks’ school holiday classes and let the kids unleash their imagination in glass.
Under the tutelage of some of Australia’s most acclaimed artists working in glass, students will learn introductory techniques in glassmaking to create their very own masterpiece, working alongside the studios and equipment of professional artists.
See workshop details here.
Wentworth Avenue, Kingston | canberraglassworks.com/create/holidays
Tidbinbilla Pop Up Family Wilderness Camp
Image: VisitCanberra
Kicking off during the September and October 2018 School Holidays you can experience Tidbinbilla like never before with the ultimate family sleepover at their Wildfest Pop Up Family Wilderness Camp.
Explore this vast 54.5 square kilometre Nature Reserve with specially designed ranger-guided activities that offer NEW ways to learn about the diversity of wildlife in this unique landscape, understand the culture of the traditional country of the Ngunnawal people and see the history of European settlement in the Tidbinbilla Valley.
The importance of our native flora and fauna in the natural world has never been more vital and Tidbinbilla runs one of Australia’s leading endangered species conservation and breeding programs with successful reintroductions of the Northern Corroboree Frogs and Southern Brush Tailed Rock Wallabies back into the nature reserve.
See these animals in the wild as mother nature intended as well as kangaroos, koalas, platypus, potoroos, wallaroos, possums, wombats, echidnas, emus, lyrebirds, turtles, sugar gliders alongside many other birds and reptiles, explore the diverse geography from the wetlands and Eucalypt forest to the mountains and get an insight into the vital work carried out by the Act Parks & Conservation team.
Friday 28 September to 13 October inclusive | Wildfest Pop Up Family Wilderness Camp, Tidbinbilla | wildfest.com.au/tidbinbilla
KIDS PANTRY
Cooking up a storm with Kids Pantry.
KIDS PANTRY SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAM
Kids Pantry have got you covered, yet again, for all of your school holiday needs.
Offering cooking classes between the hours of 9 am and 4 pm every day of the Spring School Holidays, bookings are available over three single sessions, or all day programs.
With classes split in age ranges, there are programs suitable for ages ranging from 5 – 18 years.
For session times, and more information, visit the website.
Kids Pantry | 2 October – 12 October | 9 am – 4 pm | kidspantry.com.au
RSPCA
KIDS N’ KRITTERS
RSPCA ACT will be running a series of fun, interactive education sessions over the school holidays for youngsters who are interested in learning more about animals.
All classes (except for Teens n Kritters) are for a 7-13 year age group.
For session times, and more information, visit the website.
Tickets start from $150.
RSPCA ACT | 2 October – 12 October | Times Vary | rspca-act.org.au/services/kids-n-kritters
CANBERRA GIANTS NETBALL
LITTLE GIANTS
Canberra Giants Netball will hold their holiday program again, run by Netball ACT Development Officers, and featuring appearances from Canberra GIANTS team and Development Squad members.
All clinics are held at the SolarHub ACT Netball Centre, morning tea is included within the costings of each program, with participants to supply their own lunch and water. All participants are encouraged to come dressed in comfortable active wear, including closed toe shoes.
Suitable for children 5-8 years of age (only an estimate).
For bookings, session times, and more information, visit the website.
Tickets cost $120.
SolarHub ACT Netball Centre | 2 – 3 October OR 8 – 9 October | 9 am – 3 pm each day | act.netball.com.au/participation/canberragiantsholidayprograms
BIG GIANTS
Canberra Giants Netball will hold their holiday program again, run by Netball ACT Development Officers, and featuring appearances from Canberra GIANTS team and Development Squad members.
All clinics are held at the SolarHub ACT Netball Centre, morning tea is included within the costings of each program, with participants to supply their own lunch and water. All participants are encouraged to come dressed in comfortable active wear, including closed toe shoes.
Suitable for children 9 – 12 years of age (only an estimate).
For bookings, session times, and more information, visit the website. Tickets cost $120.
SolarHub ACT Netball Centre | 4 – 5 October OR 10 – 11 October | 9 am – 3 pm each day | act.netball.com.au/participation/canberragiantsholidayprograms
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