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Things to do in Canberra in winter in the school holidays

Canberra is a great place to visit any time of the year, but there are some enjoyable things to do during this winter's school holidays!

These include Winter in the City (ice skating and tobogganing), Xmas in July Festival, and Mid-Winter Nights (hosted by Questacon).

But first things first, secure your family-friendly, luxury short-term rental from Accommodate Canberra, Canberra’s trusted supplier of short-term accommodation (see below for several options).

Now, here is more detail about these significant Canberra winter events in the July school holidays:

WINTER IN THE CITY
Where: Canberra City Centre
When: Friday 30 June to Sunday 16 July
*Bookings and costs involved*


SNOW PLAY
With your ticket, you can slide down an exhilarating 8m tobogganing slide, build magnificent snow sculptures or make snow angels.


ICE SKATING
Step onto an outdoor ice-skating rink in Civic Square. Whether you're a seasoned skater or a beginner, this fun winter activity offers a unique blend of excitement for young and old.


WINTER VILLAGE
Ainslie Place in the City will host an outdoor winter village where you can toast marshmallows over an open fire or warm up with a cup of hot chocolate or apple cider.


(Image from City Renewal Authority)


XMAS IN JULY
Where: Parkes Place Lawns, Canberra
When: Thursday 29 June to Sunday 2 July


(Image from Christmas In July)

What better way than to celebrate Christmas in July in a chilly Canberra winter with a French-inspired food, wine and winter market?

The festival is on day and night, and you can enjoy authentic wood huts, Christmas lights, snow falling, mulled wine bars, melted Raclette cheese stations, private igloos, live concerts and much more.

Two giant nutcrackers will welcome you, along with real Christmas trees and dazzling lights await as you stroll through our snow lane, with flakes drizzling from above.


MID-WINTER NIGHTS
Where: Questacon, Canberra
When: Monday 10 – Thursday 13 July, starting at 5:50 pm

Questacon’s Mid-Winter Nights is a family-friendly activity these July school holidays. Questacon’s eight action-packed galleries will be open, and the Centre will burst with glowing moon and space-themed activities.

You will watch Spectacular Science Shows, be amazed by glowing circus performers, enjoy flashing fairy floss and dine in a glowing food court.

The outdoor food court will warm visitors during the wintery celebration with tasty food and drink options from local Canberra vendors.


(Image from Questacon)

Also, if your kids are interested in dinosaurs, sports, soldiers, art or science, you could check out these other Canberra-based activities during the 2023 July school holidays.


DINOSAURS (MEGAFAUNA)
MEGAfauna: a walk-through time!
Where: Australian National Botanic Gardens
When: 1 – 30 July 2023, 8:30 am – 5 pm


(Image from Parks Australia)


SPORT
Behind-the-scenes tour at the Australian Institute of Sport
Where: Australian Institute of Sport Visitors Centre
When: daily at 10 am, 11:30 am, 1 pm and 2:30 pm


(Image from Australian Sports Commission)


SOLDIERS
Australian War Memorial (AWM)

Where: Australian War Memorial
When: 10 am – 4 pm (Last Post Ceremony from 4:20 pm)


(Image from Australian War Memorial)


ART
Australian National Gallery (NGA)
When: Daily 10 am – 5 pm

The National Gallery of Australia is Australia’s national visual arts institution dedicated to collecting, sharing and celebrating art from Australia and the world.

School Holiday Activity: Art Steps for Haegue Yang
When: Daily Saturday 1 July - Sunday 16 July (60-minute sessions 11 am and 12:30 pm)


Haegue Yang, Sonic Intermediates – Three Differential Equations, 2020, National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/Canberra, purchased 2023 © the artist


SCIENCE
Questacon (Australia’s National Science and Technology Centre)
Where: Questacon
When: 9 am – 5 pm every day


(Image from Questacon)


As you can see, a lot is happening in Canberra to entertain the family in the 2023 July school holidays, so why not book your home away from home accommodation in Canberra with Accommodate Canberra? Below are a couple of options:

Holiday House – Griffith 159 Kingston ACT
From $307 nightly

This three-bedroom unit in trendy Kingston sleeps five and has two bathrooms and two bathrooms.

It is fully furnished, set up for home cooking, and has a washing machine, dryer, and free wireless internet.

It is a great location to base your family for daily trips to the nearby, like the National Gallery of Australia, Questacon, National Library of Australia, Lake Burley Griffin and other national institutions.


Holiday House – Greenwich 110
From $513 nightly

Holiday House – Greenwich 110

This tremendously spacious three-bedroom sleeps five and has one bathroom.

Based centrally in Canberra, Campbell is near the City Centre and just across the lake from most of the national institutions such as the National Gallery of Australia and Questacon – close to ANZAC Parade and the Australian War Memoria light l and down the road to the National Museum of Australia.

The apartment has excellent light and is fully equipped as a home away from home for your family holiday to Canberra.