In the winter school holidays, Canberra has a lot to offer for family getaways – ice skating in the city, fun in the snow, arts and craft activities and lots more. 

On Canberra’s sunny winter days, with gorgeous blue skies and crisp air, there’s some fun outdoor activities to enjoy – just bring your jacket and scarf! On cooler days, there’s plenty of indoor attractions and activities to keep people of all ages busy. Many of Canberra’s national institutions and attractions have special school holidays activities on offer, making Canberra a perfect family destination for the July 2017 school holidays. .

Here’s some of our top suggestions for what to do in Canberra these school holidays.

Have fun in the snow or on the ice

A great first snow experience only around 40 minutes from Canberra city, there’s snow play, beginners ski and snowboard lessons, toboganning and more. Sessions have limited numbers, so prior online bookings are recommended. As activities at Corin Forest are weather dependent, it’s best to check the conditions before you go.

In the heart of Canberra city at Garema Place, less than 10 minutes walk from the hotel, enjoy outdoor ice skating at the pop up skating rink, open from 23 June until 16 July. Bookings online via the Skating At website.

See a movie or stage show

Dendy Cinemas Canberra are only a 10 minute walk from the hotel, showing latest releases, while Palace Electric Cinema is located in New Acton, also not far from the hotel.

At the National Film and Sound Archives, family movies will be showing from 5-7 and 13-14 July 2017at 11am. Movies include The Neverending Story and Beauty and the Beast. Check the website for details. Tickets are $8 with children under 3 free.

The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party live show is on at the Canberra Theatre Centre from 12-15 July 2017. This fun physical theatre show includes circus skills, balancing acts, acrobatics and more. Tickets online from the Canberra Theatre Centre.

Be creative with arts and crafts

At the National Portrait Gallery, children between 4-8 can enjoy Portrait Play, an activity involving drawing and creative activity. Bookings are essential. The cost is $8 per child with supervising parents at no charge. Weekdays at 11am from Monday 3 – Friday 14 July 2017.

At the Belconnen Arts Centre, there is a fun daily Kids Art Club program of arts and crafts for two age groups, 5-7 years and 8-12 years. Weekdays from 10:30-12:30, $20 per session per child. Book online.

Learn about Australian history

Visit the National Museum of Australia, located alongside Lake Burley Griffin, where you can browse through permanent galleries including Landmarks, Journeys and the First Australians gallery. Until 9 July, see 140 years of cycling history with the Freewheeling: Cycling in Australiaexhibition.

During ACT school holidays, weekends and public holidays the Australian War Memorial’s Discovery Zone enables children to explore five areas inspired by Australia’s military history. There are several temporary exhibitions on show, along with the permanent galleries.

 See Australian animals in their natural habitat

Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is home to a range of Australian animals including platypus, possums, wombats, emus, kangaroos and more. The Sanctuary at Tidbinbilla is a large wetlands ecosystem with an accessible pathway that allows visitors to wander through the habitats. There are also 22 marked trails, ranging from a short walk to a full day bushwalking. Don’t forget to look for koalas and other wildlife!

In Canberra’s North, you can find Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary, part of Canberra Nature Park that is open during the day to visitors. On select nights throughout the year, the Sanctuary offers twilight tours for ages 10+. During the July school holidays, there is a special Kids Night Walk on 3 July and Meet a Betong experience on 7 July. Bookings for the Night Walk and Twilight Tours are essential via the website.

See Canberra’s great attractions

With just the one 3infun ticket, you can visit Questacon, take a tour of the Australian Institute of Sport and enjoy the miniature world of Cockington Green Gardens. Find out more on the 3infun website.

Book your Canberra family getaway

Crowne Plaza Canberra offers a Family Getaway package that includes accommodation, breakfast and a 3infun ticket for up to 2 adults and 2 children, or browse our other accommodation options.

During the school holidays, families staying in the hotel can make use of the kids hub, open daily.

Images: Red Hill Lookout and Corin Forest © VisitCanberra