Embrace the thrill of winter and celebrate a season full of contrasts in Canberra these winter school holidays. From fun snowball fights on crisp sunny days to glowing fire-filled festivals and the return of Mr Squiggle, you'll discover winter magic in every corner with our curated list of things to do with the family in the nation's capital this winter.

The man from the moon lands at National Museum of Australia 
From 4 July to 13 October 2025
Free entry with a ticket to NMA

Take a step back in time and get a behind-the-scenes look at one of Australia's most iconic children's TV shows, Mr Squiggle & Friends in this world-first exhibition that celebrates the creativity of the show's creator, Norman Hetherington.

Reuniting the show's popular characters, including Mr Squiggle, Blackboard, Bill Steamshovel and Gus the Snail, this playful exhibition explores the unique world of puppetry, cartooning and art with more than 300 objects on display including artwork, scripts, puppets, costumes and sets. The kids will love the interactive 'squiggle' drawing stations and the special program of workshops and events available.

Family snow fun awaits at Corin Forest
Open Friday to Monday
Snowplay tickets start from $25. Bookings essential

Take advantage of Canberra's very own winter wonderland and experience a day of snow play at Corin Forest without the chaos of a larger ski resort. An easy 45 minute drive from the city, Corin Forest offers a fun and affordable snow experience for first timers and families looking for a hassle-free snow day. Kids will love the gentle beginners slopes which are perfect for learning to ski or snowboard while the little ones can build a snowman, have a snowball fight or go tobogganing.

Warm up with Winter in the City
From 5 July - 19 July 2025
Free entry 

Canberra's much-loved Winter in the City festival delivers a fun program of free daily events for the whole family to enjoy. Transforming the city into a magical open-air theatre, witness awe-inspiring performances from Circus Oz, acrobatics antics from Circus Firemen and musical mayhem from Lucky Jim's Messy Room as well as nightly pyrotechnic stunt shows set to light up the winter sky. Plus, Canberra's popular street food festival, The Forage returns on Saturday 19 July in a celebration of street food, fine tunes and entertainment!

MegaFauna at the Australian National Botanic Gardens
From 1 to 31 July 2025 
Free entry

Embark on a hands-on adventure into the fascinating world of ancient megafauna at the Australian National Botanic Gardens with a unique blend of science, art and storytelling. Learn all about the larger-than-life creatures that roamed Australia during the last Ice Age, enjoy interactive MEGAfauna Fun sessions with children's author Bronwyn Saunders and sculpt your own megafauna artwork with artist Tom Buckland.

Hug the (Warm) Trees at the National Arboretum
From 1 July - 10 August 2025
Free entry

Brave the winter chill and explore the National Arboretum this winter as it transforms into a kaleidoscope of colour as part of the annual Warm Trees installation. This heartwarming, community driven yarn-bombing project brings the forest to life in a wonderland of colours with the trunks of more than 200 trees adorned in a whimsical display of knitted scarves.

Let the kids explore their creative side with these hands-on school holiday workshops:

Get crafty at Canberra Glassworks
School holiday workshops run Wednesday to Sunday

Kids of all ages will love creating a unique glass work souvenir with a workshop at Canberra Glassworks, the largest art facility dedicated to studio glass in the southern hemisphere. Learn from some of Australia's most celebrated glass artists who are hosting a range of workshops where kids can create everything from fun and  expressive glass bowls, engraved glass pendants and holiday-themed glass tiles.

Make your own wand at Quizzic Alley
$45 per person. Bookings essential

Harry Potter fans will love this magical workshop where they can craft their very own wand, brew potions and immerse themselves in the magical world of witches and wizards.

For more information on family-friendly activities in Canberra these winter school holidays, please visit: https://visitcanberra.com.au

For media information, please contact:

Christina Atherton
Eight Communications
Tel: +61 418 428 177
christina@eightcommunications.com.au