What to do in Canberra with the kids these July 2021 school holidays

The holidays are a time for not just rest and relaxation, but also adventure. Why not take the kids to the National Zoo and Aquarium, where they can engage with all manner of cute and scary critters? Take them on a tour, where they can hand feed a tiger, a bear or a hyena. Let them become a miniature zookeeper for a day, during which they'll engage in fun activities like cleaning pens and making toys for the animals. Tickets from $28 at nationalzoo.com.au

At 888 metres above sea level, Mt Majura is the highest peak in the Canberra Nature Park - so why not take the kids out for a hike? Give them the chance to scale a mighty mountain. Let them embrace nature, get fit, and observe the many cute animals wandering the mountainside. The smell of fresh air will do them some good - especially when, during the holidays, most kids are affixed to their screens. For more information, go to environment.act.gov.au

Forty-five minutes away from Canberra, there's a perfect spot to take the kids - Corin Forest. Canberra's only snowy recreation area, the Corin Forest is the quintessential place where your kids can build snowmen, go tobogganing and engage in snowball fights. For the more adventurous tykes, there's even a purpose-built ski area where they can learn to master the icy slopes. For more information, go to corin.com.au

At the Museum of Australian Democracy, children can learn all about the many exciting things that have come to pass in Australia's political history. They can enjoy a diverse range of programs that help to challenge and inspire. They can join in a conversation about the media's role in shaping the way our country thinks and operates; and they can even partake in activities to help inspire and empower them to become Australia's next leaders. For more information, go to moadoph.gov.au

READ MORE:

If there's one thing the vast majority of children can say they love, it's definitely dinosaurs. Reportedly boasting Australia's largest permanent collection of dinosaurs, with about 25 skeletons, the National Dinosaur Museum is a must-see destination for the little ones on holiday. During the school holidays, the museum even runs exclusive guided night tours - something that the kids will be sure to remember for years to come! Tickets from $11 at nationaldinosaurmuseum.com.au

Book your children in for some of the Canberra Glassworks' holiday classes. Watch in awe as they craft their own transparent masterpieces. Under the tutelage of some of the country's most acclaimed glass artists, your children can learn to craft beautiful glass mosaics, tiles and etchings. And, for some more creative teens, they can even learn the art of glass blowing. Tickets from $10 at canberraglassworks.com

In the modern age, children have come to love robots in movies, TV shows and video games. So, why not let them build one in real life in this beginners workshop? Kids can come and learn about cool things like motor controllers and ultrasonic sensors, all whilst using the provided skills and resources to make their very own automaton. July 10, 2.30pm. Jaycar Fyshwick. Tickets from $95 from Eventbrite