10 summer activities to do in Canberra these school holidays

Summertime in Canberra is more commonly known as The Great Migration. Everyone packs up and flocks to the sea, turning Canberra into a bit of a ghost town. But as Canberra’s biggest fans, we’re here to show you Canberra is a place to be this summer holidays! There’s so much to do; we had to narrow it down, so here are our top 10 suggestions!

1. Sunset Cinema Canberra

Photo source: The Riot ACT

As kids, we all remember going to a drive-through cinema, right?! Give your kids that same memory and summertime fun at the Sunset Cinema Canberra! They’re ready to rock and roll from November 25 until February 26 and show about 35 different movie classics! Located at Eucalypt Lawn, Australian National Botanic Gardens—you can go there for a movie, for the gardens, or both!

2. Summernats

Photo source: Supercars

Held from 6-9 Jan 2022, Summernats is a Canberra favourite. For car and burnout fanatics, this event is commonly known as the place ‘where tyres come to die’. But whether you’re car people or not, seeing super hotted up cars is always entertaining. And, located at the exhibition park, it’s easy to get to with or without a car. 

3. Australia Day Celebration

Photo Source: ABC News

There’s always something fun to do for people of all ages on Australia Day, and 2022 is no different! Enjoy a picnic, concerts and fireworks on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin at Commonwealth Park! But, if you’re not about Australia Day, you can head to Garema Place at 10 am to partake in a Survival Day March.

4. Paw Party

Photo Source: Events Canberra

The paw-fect party awaits you, the Paws party free dog party in the park on January 29 in Haig Park Braddon! Bring your furry and non-furry family for a morning of fun. It happens on the last Saturday of every month and is a free event. Enjoy dog agility equipment, Bark-B-Q with fundraising, live music, delicious coffee and pastries, and a paw-laroid photographer!

5. Haig Park Village Markets

Photo Source: Concrete Playground

If you miss the paw-party, you can head down to the Haig Park Village Markets on a Sunday! They’re held every Sunday from 9 am to 2 pm, no matter the weather! You can find a suite of fresh produce, beautiful blooms, artisan breads, deli and meats, treats and delicious food! All you gotta do is grab your favourite people and a picnic rug and head over!

6. Capital Paddle

Photo source: Capital Paddle

Now, we all know about GoBoats in Canberra, but what about the classic paddle boats—a way better family activity as it tires out the kids! This means, maybe, just maybe, the possibility of your kids going to bed on time! Capital Paddle is open every Saturday or Sunday, and you get to paddle your way around Lake Burley Griffin, with life jackets, of course!

7. Canberra Aqua Park

Photo Source: The Canberra Times

Located on the Black Mountain Peninsula is the Canberra Aqua Park, one of Canberra’s coolest water activities. The park is a giant inflatable obstacle course made of slides, ladders, and a jumping pillow! A must-go for you, your family, friends or even colleagues!

8. Gibraltar Falls

Photo Source: The Canberra Times

Now, this activity probably isn’t suitable for the smaller humans, but visiting Gibraltar Falls is an excellent activity for families that like a bit of an adventure. You can set up a picnic, walk 2.3km through Namadgi National Park, view the beautiful cascading waterfall, or take a dip in a natural swimming hole at its top!

9. Canberra Olympic Pool

Photo Source: The Canberra Times

Splash around or dive into one of Canberra’s most historic pools, the Canberra Olympic Pool. Iconically built in the ’50s with a diving board of up to 10 metres, this Canberra activity is an all-around family winner! Kids of any age and swimming capability can go here and have loads of fun!

10. Scooter Ride

Photo Source: ACT Government

Taking a scooter ride around Canberra should not be underestimated! Everyone LOVES the Beam or Neuron scooters, and scoot around town or Lake Burley Griffin is both beautiful and FUN!

So, there you have it, Canberra! Stay safe, have fun and enjoy your summer school holidays with your friends and family!