CityNews rounds up some of the Canberra region’s best activities that the whole family can enjoy over the upcoming school break.

Whether the family is staying in Canberra or travelling to the surrounding regions, there’s plenty of fun to be had during these school holidays. There’s museum exhibits, or even themed art classes. 

The Canberra region has truly everything and more to keep the children engaged and entertained during their time away from school. 

Fun and adventure for all ages

Tuff Nutterz has been bringing families together for fun and adventure since its launch in 2019, says chief operations officer, Juan Gomez.

“It is the ultimate destination for a day filled with laughter, excitement, and unforgettable memories,” he says. 

“We’re back in Canberra this October, ready to deliver joy every day from 9am to 4.45 pm, October 5-13, at The Lawns of the Old Parliament House, right across the road from the National Gallery.”

The October event features Australia’s largest inflatable obstacle course – 300 metres of exhilarating challenges – and two other inflatable activities, designed for all age groups to enjoy.

Juan says that Tuff Nutterz is consistently one of the top-rated school holiday activities, making two appearances in the ACT each year, in April
and October.

“We’re thrilled to offer such an engaging experience for families to bond and have a blast,” he says.

Tickets are priced from $25 when booking four people or more and sessions run daily, with the last entry at 3 pm.

There is also coffee, ice cream and food options for purchase, but Juan says attendees are also welcome to bring their own snacks and drinks. Grip socks are highly recommended for all participants.

“What’s special about Tuff Nutterz is that it’s a full day of outdoor fun, away from screens, where families can share these exciting experiences together,” says Juan.

Tuff Nutterz, The Lawns of the Old Parliament House. Visit tuffnutterz.com

Dinosaurs galore at the interactive museum

Discover one of the biggest permanent collections of interactive dinosaurs in Australia during these school holidays, says National Dinosaur Museum general manager Carole Arulantu, and get a close-up look at one-of-a-kind skeletons and fossils.

Carole says the National Dinosaur Museum features a landscaped dinosaur garden, with lifelike fibreglass models, while the upper gallery is home to skulls, interactive replica models, animatronics and fossils that cannot be seen anywhere else in the world.

These school holidays the museum is also partnering with Westfield Belconnen to do a scavenger hunt from October 7 to October 13 at the mall.

But, they do more than just dinosaurs, says Carole, with exhibitions examining the Triassic period through to the Ice Age, complete with 700-million-year-old marine fauna fossils.

“The Dinosaur Museum is escapism,” she says. 

“There are children who can relate to Land Before Time or relate to other dinosaur movies. And you know, of course, the Jurassic Parks.

“It’s always an ongoing topic. It never dies.”

Carole says there are new discoveries made about dinosaurs every day, so they are always modernising and updating their exhibits. 

“I’ve got members, children who come in day in and day out, but they discover something new every day,” she says.

People are welcome to bring food and sit on the museum deck while they eat, or Carole encourages them to explore the food options nearby.

The National Dinosaur Museum, 6 Gold Creek Road, Nicholls. Call 6109 8160 or visit nationaldinosaurmuseum.com.au

History of Australia through correctional eyes

Opened in 2005, the Cooma Correctional Museum offers the history of Australia through correctional eyes, says statewide museum manager Andrew Weglarz.

“We show the history of corrections in Australia starting from the First Fleet, up until today,” he says.

“On November 1 2023, we celebrated our 150th anniversary, we’re the oldest working jail in Australia.”

Andrew says people should think of them as a big-city museum in a rural setting.

“We have a working gallows, people can use a real trap-door, but we also have fire trucks and tractors from history,” he says.

Andrew says they have serving minimum-security prisoners working as guides.

“We have done risk assessments with them, and they are coming to the end of serving their time,” he says.

“In 1957, a minister put all offenders who identified as homosexual into Cooma Jail, until reforms in 1984, so we have that history, too.

“We also have a show of Aboriginal history.”

He says the museum has been named the TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Award Winner for 2024, and has previously received a Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor, alongside some fantastic reviews.

Andrew has been doing this work for eight years, having previously worked as a senior prison officer in the UK and in Canberra.

“My passion is the privilege I have been given to tell Australia’s history,” he says.

“I also set up displays in the reception areas of some other correctional facilities, too.”

Cooma Correctional Museum, 2 Vagg Street, Cooma. Open seven days, 8.30am-3.15pm. Call 6452 5974 or visit correctiveservices.dcj.nsw.gov.au

A journey into nature’s fantasy art worlds

These September/October school holidays will feature a two-week fantasy art adventure at Lavender Art Studios, crafted especially for young dreamers aged 5-13, says owner Elita Mackay.

“Our enchanted workshops are bursting with the vibrancy of nature and creativity, as children immerse themselves in magical worlds where springtime blooms, mythical creatures roam, and fairy tales come to life.”

Through acrylic painting, printmaking and sculpting, Elita says young artists will capture the essence of dragons soaring over blossoming meadows, castles rising amidst lush forests, and enchanted gardens where fairies dance in the morning dew.

“Each day unfolds like a new chapter in a living storybook, with art bars bringing to life the beauty of nature and imagination, while our special Posca pen workshop lets children create vivid realms filled with the colours of spring and the wonders of the natural world,” she says. 

Adding to the enchantment, live harp music played by Lavender Art Studios in-residence harpist will fill the air, says Elita, with melodies perfectly tuned to each magical theme, creating an immersive atmosphere that inspires creativity.

With more than 25 years of hands-on experience, Elita says the skilled staff will guide young artists every step of the way, supported by a professionally fitted-out art studio equipped with the finest art supplies. 

She says all materials are provided, and the cost includes morning and afternoon tea, making this the ultimate creative escape for little artists.

Lavender Art Studios, First Floor, 42 Townsend Street, Phillip. Call 0412 649770, or visit lavenderartstudios.com.au