Fun things to do in Queanbeyan and Canberra these summer holidays

The Q

The Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre has a number of performances playing over the summer break and beyond. Check out their website http://www.theq.net.au/category/whats-on/.

Art Society Gallery

The Queanbeyan Art Society is a non-profit organisation that holds art exhibitions, competitions and classes at O’Neil’s Cottage by the Queanbeyan River. Visit http://www.qarts.com.au/

Summer Music Camp at Radford College

You don't need any previous experience to enroll in the Young Music Society holiday program January 9-20. Monday to Friday 9am-3.30pm. $570 a child with discounts for siblings.

Bellydance classes

Beginner classes, drumming workshops, social costume sewing and the extravagant art of silk fan veils are all topics available in a list of summer sessions January 9-21. Pick and chose online at www.ghawazeemoon.com.au/holidaydance.html

Warehouse Circus

Want to try juggling, trapeze, tumbling or the unicycle? Warehouse circus are hosting four-week holiday programs for 5-7 year olds or children aged 8 plus. January 3-27. Cost: $190 - $350 a week. Details at warehousecircus.org.au

Versailles-themed fun at the NGA

Every Wednesday in January join a storyteller at NGA Play. Enjoy the dedicated children's gallery and interactive elements for play.

Dance camps at Vieira Dance School

All levels are invited to take part in two workshops. From January 10 to 13 enjoy musical theatre, funk and contemporary, or January 17-20 learn ballet, lyrical stretch and more. For children 4 years plus. Cost $95 per day. Book at vieriradanceschool.com.

Summer at Canberra Academy of Dramatic Arts

Sign up for storytelling, drama games, script work and performance. CADA has a range of age specific programs to ignite imagination and get children's creativity flowing. Enrol at www.cada.net.au.

Dance, sport or arts programs at Kids Biz

Kids Biz has a variety of sports dance and art programs to choose from this summer. From December 19 to 23 or January 3 to 27. Find out more at kidsbizholidays.com.au.

Lavender Art Studio Workshops in Phillip

Drawing, painting, sculpting and print making on offer at 9am-noon sessions or afternoons 1-4pm. Cost: $60. January 16-20. Book at lavenderartstudios.com.au.

Poke-Art and Manga styles at StudioMap in Griffith

Introduce and develop skills in Pokemon art illustration. Week one - January 9-13 or Week two January 16-20. From 3.30pm to 5.30pm. Costs: $180 a week (includes all materials and tuition). Book at studiomap.com.au/poke.html.

Pottery and Puppetry

Guided by Marianne Mettes learn how to make a puppet, prepare scripts and perform. Get hands-on with a pottery project at Canberra Potters in Watson. From January 9 to 25. Costs $96 a week. Enrolments 6241 7800 or classes@canberrapotters.com.au.

Peter Pan the Musical

Check out Ickle Pickle production's Peter Pan at the Belconnen Theatre from January 6 until 21. Evening and matinee sessions available. Adults: $30, children: $25 and family:  $100. Book at canberraticketing.com.au.

LEARNING

LEGO lovers

Bricks 4 Kidz will put on "Xmas Bricktacular" from December 19 to 20 at Palmerston Community Centre. In January get involved in Mining and Crafting or Bat League - Heroes and Villains from 9am-4pm. Cost $180. Book at bricks4kidz.com.au.

Summer in French

Alliance Francaise is putting on a series of intensive language camps January 9-20. Try pre kindy craft, teen immersion or the children’s holiday camp. Bookings at afcanberra.com.au.

RSPCA Kids n' Kritters

RSPCA ACT will be running a series of two-hour education sessions over the school holiday period for youngsters keen to learn more about animals. For information head to rspca-act.org.au.

Attend drop in craft at the Australian War Memorial

Make paper slouch hats, gum leaf bookmarks, etchings and poppies to take home. January 12 and 13, 19 and 20 and 27.

SWISH Education Workshops

Extend your thinking and find out more about forensics, robotics, biology, chemistry, anthropology, physics, geography and more. January 4-25 From 8.30am to 5.30pm at Campbell Primary School. Cost $98 a workshop. Book at www.swisheducation.edu.au.

School Holiday Family Corner at the National Archives

Enjoy puzzles, play a board game and read a book from our selection of Australian stories. Suitable for ages 8-12.

Midday Fossil Dig at the National Dinosaur Museum

During the school holidays join the museum's education team and learn the techniques palaeontologist use. Free with normal entry.

Check out Mathamazing at Questacon

Count like a computer using binary switches, roll on triangular wheels and figure out how science uses knitting to answer big questions about the universe. Visitors have a chance to win one of 65 Samsung Series 9 SUHD televisions worth $6299. Child $17.50, adult $23 and family pass $ 70.

Questacon daily demonstrations

Want to know how your tastebuds work? Or figure out how to blast a rocket? Each day throughout the school holidays Questacon will host events for all ages on a range of seriously fun science topics. Check out the full list: https://www.questacon.edu.au/visiting/whats-on

OUTDOOR

Molonglo Gorge Walk

The 3 kilometre walking trail links the Molonglo Gorge to the Blue Tiles Picnic Area. The trail starts at the Molonglo Picnic Area and follows the river to a peak with picturesque views. More information http://www.visitqueanbeyan.com.au/molonglo-gorge-walk.

Bungendore Steam Train

Take a trip on the heritage steam train to Bungendore with the classic vintage locomotive. Check out the timetable here http://canberrarailwaymuseum.org/.

Yarralumla Play Station

Enjoy mini golf, drawing, jumping castles, train rides and more at Yarralumla Play Station's summer holiday program. From 9am-5pm January 9-27. Children 5-12 years. Costs: $70 a day or $325 a week. Book by calling 6282 2714.

Horse around at Gooromon Park Riding Centre

Get involved in one day or four day horse riding programs at north of Canberra. Book now for January 3, 9, 16 or 23 at the centre near Wallaroo. Cost: One day: $165. Four day: $400. Book at gooromonpark.com.au.

Gungahlin Youth Adventure Camp

January 17-20 enjoy archery, flying fox, canoeing, horse riding and more at Attunga Country Campsite. For Year 6-12 students. Cost: $280. Visit gyg.org.au or call 0438 429 243. Bookings close on January 3.

Have your own teddy bears picnic in the Duntroon Maze

It is one of Canberra's lesser advertised public spots. Part of the Duntroon House gardens, the maze dates back to 1871 and is thought to have been copied from a maze at Hampton Court in England. On Plant Road in Campbell.

Check out upgrades at Queen Elizabeth II Park in Queanbeyan

This park beside Queanbeyan River has been transformed and will soon include a wet play area and architectural fountain ready for summertime fun.

Koalas in the canopy at Tidbinbilla

Take a stroll around the Eucalypt Forest Enclosure and try to spot koalas yourself. Meet at the Eucalypt Forest Car Park. Every Saturday in December from 2.30-3pm.

Platypus pursuits at Tidbinbilla

Try platypus spotting in the Sanctuary and learn more about these amazing animals with a Tidbinbilla Ranger. 4-4.45pm

Corroboree Frogs at Tidbinbilla

Hear the story of the critically endangered corroboree frog and the Tidbinbilla captive breeding program that is helping to save this iconic species from extinction. From 11am to 11.30am every school holiday day.

Pelican Feed at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve

Join a wildlife officer as they feed the pelicans. Learn about pelicans and other remarkable wetland inhabitants. Meet at Pond 4 Boardwalk in the Sanctuary at 1.30pm every day in December and January.

SPORT

AIS holiday programs

Choose from soccer, tennis and swim intensive camps or a general sports vacation program at AIS. https://www.experienceais.com/sports-camps/holiday-program

Active Leisure Centre Sports Camp in Wanniassa

Boys and girls aged 5-12 can register for full day programs. Try soccer, basketball, tennis, squash, badminton, netball, volleyball, cricket, swimming, touch football, hockey or other team games. From 8am- 6pm, Monday to Friday January 3-2. Costs: $65- 55 a day.

Fun Fit Sports

Try AFL, cricket, T-ball, flag footy, mini-olympics and more at St Edmund's College in Griffith. 8am-6pm January 3 to 27. For ages 5-13 years. Cost: $50 a day. Bookings at www.funfitsports.com.

Canberra Archery Club courses

Beginner course will run in Lyneham behind the hockey centre January 9-13 and 16-20. Sessions run from 9-10.30am or 11am-12.30pm. Costs: $15 a day or $75 a week. Discounts for additional children. Book by calling 6241 3856

Fun Holiday Golf Clinics

Try golf at Belconnen Golf Club this summer. Clinics run from January 9, 10, 12 from 9am-4pm. Sausage sizzle, games and prizes included. For 10 to 16 year olds. Cost: $199. Book by calling 6254 6740.

Gymnastics at Woden Valley

Book in for all day or part day programs. All day $100, sessions $22.50. Bring your own water bottle and food for the day. Book at www.wodenvalley.gymnastics.org

Learn to sail

Canberra Yacht Club is hosting teens and tackers sailing programs from January 5- 25. Tackers, 7-12 yrs, and teens, 13-17, can book in for three-, four- and five-day courses. Prices range from $330-390. Book at www.canberrayc.com.

Capital Football clinics

Kick around this summer and improve your soccer game From 9am to 12pm January 16-19. Ages 4-11. Cost $140. Register at http://capitalfootball.com.au/holiday-clinics.

Tennis Camp

Canberra Tennis Academy is hosting camps at O'Connor Tennis Club. Running December 19-22, January 16-20 and January 23-25. Little Smash, for 4-7 year olds, runs from 9am-10am. All day for 7 and older. Costs: Pre Christmas Little Smash $60, all day $180, Week 2 Little Smash $75 and all day $225, Week 3 Little Smash $45 and all day $135.

SPECIAL EVENTS

DECEMBER

Ring the Bells for Christmas

Visit St Andrews Church State Circle in Forrest between December 15 and 24 and between 7.30pm and 10pm see the lights, nativity scene and ring the bells.

Inflatable World Grand Opening

Try Canberra's new indoor play attraction, Inflatable World. Open 9am-4pm until December 23. After Christmas the facility will open its doors again on January 3. More at www.facebook.com/Inflatable-World-Kambah-ACT-606013536253351/

JANUARY

Pixar-Palooza takes over the Arc Cinema

Discover (or rediscover) a selection of classics from Pixar Animation Studios. Wednesday, January 11-Friday, January 20. Tickets $8. See www.nfsa.gov.au.

NGA underground tour: Fountains and Fanfare

Go deep below and explore the pumps and tunnels that keep the institution's water features going. Costs $12. From 11am-noon or 2-3pm Tuesday, January 17. (Seven years or older).

Art explorer: Grandeur in the garden at the NGA

Sculpt using clay and other materials from 10.30am to 4pm on Thursday January 19. Costs $60. (Seven years or older)

Mr Tim's Mini Musical Holiday Program

Get involved in music through a five-day workshop from Monday, January 16 to Friday, January 20. Join Mr Tim to write and develop an original musical, culminating in a public performance. Cost: $125 a student, subsidised places available on a needs basis. Register at info@tuggeranongarts.com or call 6293 1443.

Making a grand design at The National Gallery of Australia

Build your own 3D palace on Thursday January 12. From 10.30am-4pm. Costs $60.

Sky School at Sky Zone Belconnen

Learn the basics of trampolining and have a week of fun learning tricks, trampoline soccer, synchronised routines and more. Book in for five days January 9-13 or the second week January 16-20. Cost $100 a week.

Find and cook archival recipes with Kids Pantry

Kids Pantry is Canberra's only cooking school and kitchen garden that's just for kids. Designed for children aged between 8-12, it offers an introduction to gardening, cooking and healthy eating in a fun and supportive environment. From 10am to noon January 16. Cost $20. Book at naa-archival-recipes.eventbrite.com.au/

Learn Calligraphy at the National Archives.

Join Metka Design Studio in learning the art of calligraphy. Learn how to hold a pen/nib, write different strokes and use these strokes to build a letter and write your name. From 10am to noon on January 17. Suitable for ages 8-12. Cost: $20. Book via naa-metka-design.eventbrite.com.au/

Make a Gingerbread House

Don't leave Christmas Food behind in January, learn how to make it. Head to the National Archives for a short tour of Iconic Houses and be inspired to make your own gingerbread house. All materials provided. From 10am to noon on January 18. Suitable for ages 8-12. Cost: $20. Book at www.eventbrite.com.au/e/make-your-own-gingerbread-house-tickets-29392977186