School holidays are finally here, and while the festive season can be expensive, creating unforgettable memories with your children doesn’t need to be. Canberra is filled with free and affordable activities that encourage adventure, creativity, learning and connection.

Whether you're co-parenting, spending the holidays solo with the kids, or simply seeking budget-friendly ideas, here are some of the best things to do in Canberra these school holidays.

1. Explore Canberra’s beautiful parks & nature reserves

Canberra is spoiled for natural spaces perfect for kids of every age.

• Commonwealth Park

Feed the ducks, wander the paths and enjoy a picnic by the lake.

• Mount Ainslie Lookout Walk

A short but rewarding walk with an incredible view of the city. Great for a morning adventure.

• Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve (low-cost entry)

Spot kangaroos, koalas and wildlife in their natural habitat.

• National Arboretum Canberra – free

Play at the POD Playground, walk the forests and enjoy breathtaking views.

2. Hit Canberra’s best playgrounds

Some local playgrounds are destinations in their own right.

• Boundless Playground (Parkes)

An inclusive playground with equipment for all abilities.

• Yerrabi Pond Park (Gungahlin)

Perfect for scooters, climbing adventures and lakeside walking.

• Fadden Pines Playground

Wide open space, shaded tables and lots of room to run.

• Kambah Adventure Playground

One of Canberra’s most iconic playgrounds — ideal for older kids too.

3. Visit Museums & Exhibitions (many are free!)

Canberra’s national institutions offer fantastic, free holiday fun.

• National Museum of Australia

Great interactive exhibits, rotating displays and family activities.

• National Portrait Gallery

Perfect for creative kids who love art and story-based portraits.

• Australian War Memorial

Educational exhibits and outdoor exploration.

• National Gallery of Australia

Free exhibitions plus the Sculpture Garden for a beautiful outdoor picnic.

4. Enjoy summer pop-ups & community events

December and January bring a wave of local events and outdoor festivities.

• Local markets with kids’ stalls and festive treats
• Christmas lights displays in various neighbourhoods
• Summer cinema nights at the Australian National Botanic Gardens (low-cost)
• Free community festivals hosted throughout Canberra suburbs

Check local council and community Facebook pages for upcoming pop-ups.

5. Water play & splash parks

Perfect for beating the summer heat.

• Canberra Olympic Pool – low cost

• Yarralumla Bay swimming area – free

• Moncrieff and Gungahlin water play spaces – free

• Dickson Pool (low-cost)

Pack towels, snacks and sunscreen — and make a day of it.

6. Creative & budget-friendly indoor ideas

When the weather is too hot (or too stormy), here are some easy indoor activities:

• A DIY craft day using recycled materials
• Home movie marathon with popcorn
• Lego building challenge
• Indoor treasure hunt
• Baking or decorating cookies
• Board game afternoon
• Library visit for story time or holiday programs
• Painting rocks to hide around local parks

Small activities can become meaningful rituals for children in both homes.

7. Outdoor adventures for active days

Let the kids burn off energy with these free favourites:

• Stromlo Forest Park

Ride, scoot or walk the family-friendly trails.

• Lake Burley Griffin Cycle Loop

Choose a short section or tackle a longer ride.

• Weston Park

Perfect for water play, picnics and the huge playground.

• Googong Foreshore (just outside Canberra)

Bushwalks, wildlife and a beautiful place for a summer picnic.

8. Budget-friendly family rituals

Some of the best holiday memories cost nothing at all.

Try:

• Stargazing in the backyard
• Walking to see neighbourhood Christmas lights
• Making a summer playlist and having a dance party
• Sunset picnic at your favourite lookout
• Creating a “holiday scrapbook” from everyday adventures

These small, consistent traditions often mean the most — especially for children navigating two homes.

You don’t need to spend a lot to give your children a magical school holiday experience. Canberra is full of beautiful parks, free attractions and community events that make the festive season feel fun, connected and memorable.

Whether you’re spending the holidays with the kids full-time or sharing time between homes, these budget-friendly activities can help you enjoy the season with ease and joy.

If you’re navigating holiday co-parenting arrangements or need support during the festive period, the team at Parker Coles Curtis is here to help with compassionate guidance.