The school holidays are almost over, with public school students heading back on Tuesday 13 October. 

And if the kids have already read every book they own, eaten everything in the pantry and asked, “what are we doing today?” more times than you can count, here are eight ways to fill the days that are left. 

 

Quizzic Alley 

Head to Fyshwick for wand-making, potion-brewing and Herbwarts Cauldron Bath Bomb classes, with kids taking their creations home afterwards. 

Classes run for around 40 to 60 minutes and are recommended for ages six and up. Children aged 10 and under need an adult with them. 

Where: 5 Pirie Street, Fyshwick | Hours: Open daily during the school holidays | Book: quizzicalley.com 

 

Yarralumla Play Station 

There’s plenty to keep the kids busy at Yarralumla Play Station, with mini golf, the Canberra Maze and Mini Farm Friends all packed into one spot at Weston Park. 

Where: 9 Pescott Lane, Yarralumla | Hours: Weekdays 9.30am–4pm, weekends 8.30am–5.30pm | Book: https://www.yarraps.com.au/ 

 

Family Orienteering at the National Arboretum 

Pick up a map and clue sheet from the Visitor Centre and head into the forests and gardens to hunt for hidden clues and crack a botanical code.  

It’s $5 per family, no booking is required and sturdy shoes are a good idea for any uneven ground. 

Where: Forest Drive, off Tuggeranong Parkway, Molonglo Valley | When: Daily until 12 October, 9am–4pm | Cost: $5 per family 

 

Zoo in Bloom 

Spring has taken over the National Zoo & Aquarium, with Zoo in Bloom bringing giant floral displays, colourful installations and extra activities throughout the grounds. 

This year’s theme is pollinators, with plenty of chances to learn more about the role birds, bugs, lemurs and other animals play in keeping ecosystems thriving. Best of all, the whole experience is included with general zoo admission. 

Where: 999 Lady Denman Drive, Weston Creek | When: Until Sunday 11 October | Book: nationalzoo.com.au 

 

Power Kart Raceway 

If the kids need to burn off some energy, Power Kart Raceway has electric go-karts, glow-in-the-dark mini golf, VR, and laser tag all under one roof. Younger drivers aged four to seven can also try Power Kart Kids. 

Where: 125 Canberra Avenue, Griffith | When: Power Kart Raceway | Book: powerkarts.com.au 

Canberra Mega Pass 

The Canberra Mega Pass bundles three big family attractions into one ticket: a guided Australian Institute of Sport tour, Questacon and the National Zoo & Aquarium.  

You can use it across separate visits, and with the pass valid for 12 months, there’s no need to squeeze all three into one week. 

Cost: Adult $89.10, child (3–17) $56.70, family $253.80 | Book: visitcanberra.com.au 

Gold Creek Adventure Ticket 

One ticket gets you into four Gold Creek Village favourites: Cockington Green Gardens, the Canberra Walk-In Aviary, the Canberra Reptile Zoo and the National Dinosaur Museum. 

It’s valid for 12 months, giving you plenty of time to work your way through them at your own pace. 

Cost: Adult $85, child (4–16) $54, family $250 | Book: visitcanberra.com.au 

RELICS: A New World Rises at CMAG

 

At Canberra Museum + Gallery, RELICS: A New World Rises imagines a future where humans have disappeared and LEGO minifigures have taken over what we left behind. 

Around 2,500 minifigures have built new worlds inside everyday objects including a Volkswagen Beetle, jukebox and grandfather clock, with more than 15 large-scale installations made mostly from salvaged LEGO. 

With the exhibition running until 31 January 2027, there’s plenty of time to come back if you don’t make it these holidays. 

Where: Canberra Museum + Gallery, Canberra City | When: Until 31 January 2027 | Book: cmag.com.au