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

From educational tours to funky art classes, CityNews lists some of the best places to keep children – big and small – entertained and having fun these summer school holidays.

Aviary offers a great time away with the birds

Parrots, finches, doves and quail are among the birds ready to interact at the Canberra Walk-in Aviary, says owner and manager Mick Logan.

The aviary is great fun for all ages.

Now is the best time to get up close and personal with a range of friendly, free-flying birds, he says.

“While not all birds will interact with you, visitors get the chance to observe, up close, species of birds that otherwise would be hard to see in the wild,” Mick says.

“We provide a small plate of food and a tub of mealworms and you can wander around and feed the birds.

“Provided the weather is fine, you can have a great time feeding the birds, taking photos or just observing our feathered friends.”

The aviary is a 1000sqm planted walk-in enclosure that has more than 500 birds from about 65 different species from Australia and the world, Mick says.

“We accept student and senior concession cards,” he says.

The aviary is open every day, 10am-5pm, with last admissions at 4.30pm.

Canberra Walk-in Aviary, unit 13, Federation Square, O’Hanlon Place, Nicholls. Call 6230 2044 or visit canberrawalkinaviary.com.au

Art studio celebrates 25 years of creativity

Lavender Art Studios in Canberra is celebrating 25 years of art classes and workshops.

“For a quarter of a century, the studio has been a creative cornerstone in the community, thriving as a hub where artistry blossoms,” says owner Elita Mackay.

“It’s a pleasure to see familiar faces still gracing our space while welcoming new students into our ever-growing Lavender circle.

“Our principles remain unchanged: offering genuine service, fostering every artist’s growth with dedication and cultivating a spirit of artistic kindness throughout.”

Whether it’s a child exploring paint for the first time, a teenager finding their creative voice or an adult reigniting their artistic passion, Elita says her studio is committed to providing a nurturing and inspiring environment.

“This month we welcome the festive season with special workshops for young artists,” she says.

“In January, we’re introducing an exciting line-up of teenage art workshops, featuring the engaging Octopus Sea Garden series to inspire and refine artistic talents.”

With professional guidance, high-quality materials and a warm atmosphere, Elita says every artist can feel at home at the studio.

“As we reflect on 25 years of creative memories, our gratitude goes out to all who have supported Lavender Art Studios,” she says.

“Together, let’s continue this remarkable journey, one brushstroke at a time.”

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

Free school holiday program and activities

Finding activities to keep children engaged and having fun can be difficult, which is where Northside Community Services can help.

“Northside is a profit-for-purpose community organisation supporting children, young people, families, older people and communities in Canberra since 1976,” says youth engagement officer, Kimberley Duignan.

“During the school holidays, Northside provides diverse programs and activities, from skill building programs like first aid and pre-learner license courses, to sports competitions, movies and more.”

Kimberley says all of these programs are free, but require registration, which can be done on the Northside Community Services website.

“Families and young people can expect high-quality programs and facilitators,” she says.

“We often collaborate with other youth services in Canberra, so you will be sure to meet new people and make new friends.

“Those attending our school holiday activities will be met with fun and engaging activities that cater to a range of interests.

“Our activities and events are a combination of qualification-building, skill-building and good old-fashioned fun!”

Limited spots are available to each activity and Kimberley urges anyone interested to register as soon as possible.

Northside Community Service, Dickson, Turner and Harrison. Call 6171 8000, email engagement@northside.asn.au or visit northside.asn.au

A ‘fun stop’ for a sweet adventure

Lolly Swagman owner Ian Richardson reckons Berrima is such a “fun stop for passersby to stretch their legs and grab a few lollies for the next leg of your roadtrip”.

The business has been exploring new tastes for nearly three decades and

Ian has been the owner for the past 11 years, saying they always appreciate their Canberra customers.

Located in the heart of the Southern Highlands, the lolly shop stocks all-time favourite treats and the latest-trending tastes from around the world.

“We lost count at 1300 different treats and we know it’s more than that,” he says.

“With Christmas coming up, we’ve got lots of Christmas lollies and chocolate in store, perfect for stocking stuffers.”

According to Ian, the store is a common stop on people’s trips to Berrima.

“It’s a happy place with kids excitedly exploring new tastes, older people reminiscing and sharing in the thrill of finding a favourite and the great stories that go with them,” he says.

“We often see people who’d come as children now bringing in their own children and sharing their experiences, which is lovely to be allowed to join in on. It’s nice to have that history.”

Lolly Swagman, 11 Old Hume Highway, Berrima. Call 4877 1137, or visit lollyswagman.com.au

A fresh take on aviation history

Located on what used to be Australia’s largest World War II aviation training school, the Temora Aviation Museum provides invaluable insight on the men and women who once called the base home.

“We’re not a static museum,” says CEO Peter Harper.

“We have a selection of informative and interactive displays in addition to our guided tours and audiovisual tours.”

Two thousand six hundred pilots graduated on the site and, although there isn’t much left in relation to buildings or structures, Peter says their self-guided audiovisual tours provide a special look at the historical significance of the site.

“We’re breathing new life into the story,” he says.

“It’s about telling that story and showing our aviation history.

“Our self-guided audio tours are complimentary after paying for entry.”

Recently opening an in-house cafe, Peter says it’s the perfect place to have a bite to eat or a coffee, making a day out of visiting the museum.

Visitors can also experience motion aircraft simulators, seeing what it would have felt like to sit in a Spitfire, Mustang or Kittyhawk for their choice of a 30-minute or 60-minute session.

“It’s very popular for kids and… bigger kids alike,” says Peter.

“I’d recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment.”

Temora Aviation Museum, 1 Tom Moon Avenue, Temora. Visit aviationmuseum.com.au or call 6977 1088.

Any time’s a good time to visit the botanic gardens

Home to a collection of 83,000 Australian plants from more than 4300 species, communication and events co-ordinator Candy Yan says the Australian National Botanic Gardens are worth a visit any time of the year.

“Highlights include the Red Centre Garden, the Rainforest Gully, the Rock Garden and the Paperbark Treehouse,” she says.

Candy recommends visitors bring a picnic to enjoy the Eucalypt Lawn or join the gardens’ free daily guided walks.

“We also do a 45-minute guided Flora Exploror tour of the gardens in the electric bus,” she says.

“There’s always something new and exciting to see and do.”

Candy says the gardens are home to the world’s most diverse collection of Australian plants.

“We’ve got more than 4300 different species growing in a stunning bushland setting,” says Candy.

“It’s a place where locals and visitors to our nation’s capital can come to explore, learn, relax and enjoy time with friends or family in a tranquil and natural environment.

“Our calendar of events is changing all the time. Be sure to check out our list of current and upcoming events on our website.”

The Australian National Botanic Gardens are open from 8.30am to 5pm every day, except Christmas Day.

Australian National Botanic Gardens, Clunies Ross Street, Acton. Call 6250 9540 or visit Anbg.gov.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 every day, 8.30am-3.15pm. Call 6452 5974 or visit correctiveservices.dcj.nsw.gov.au

Fostering a love of theatre and performance

Running three drama theatre production programs in 2025, Child Players ACT is busy preparing for its upcoming production of Doctor Dolittle – an Original Musical.

“Child Players ACT is a family-run, children’s community theatre company in Canberra, dedicated to providing positive and inclusive theatre experiences for young people,” says production manager Angela Fewtrell.

Founded in 2005 by mother-and-daughter team Kathy Thomas and BJ Anyos the organisation will celebrate its 20th anniversary next year.

“Child Players ACT was created to provide an opportunity for young people to grow creatively in a positive, nurturing, inclusive and supportive environment,” says Angela.

“[It’s] a place where children feel supported, safe, confident and comfortable to express themselves and develop a life-long enjoyment and appreciation of theatre.”

Audition-free, Angela says they are committed to providing safe, fun and inclusive programs for their participants.

Although spots are full to join their drama school holiday program in January, tickets are available for Doctor Dolittle, with other theatre productions available later in the year.

“All of our theatre educators share a philosophy of equity and access to theatre and the arts for all children,” says Angela.

“We believe the most important thing for a child is to have a positive educational and performance experience.

“We believe the process should be given as much value as the final performance itself and are dedicated to giving all children, no matter their age, level of experience or ability, the opportunity to develop their theatre skills, build their confidence and create theatre together.”

Child Players ACT. Visit childplayersact.net or email contact@childplayersact.net