Hide clues around the house that can only be unlocked by solving a maths problem. Each answer points to the next hiding spot.
Canberra School Holidays
ACT students are on spring school holidays until Monday 12 October 2026, returning Tuesday 13 October 2026. As the national capital, Canberra has an unusual number of national institutions within a few kilometres of each other. Schools follow the ACT public school calendar.
ACT school terms & holidays 2026
| Period | Starts | Ends | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Mon 2 Feb 2026 | Thu 2 Apr 2026 | 9 weeks |
| Autumn school holidaysBetween Term 1 and Term 2 | Fri 3 Apr 2026 | Mon 20 Apr 2026 | 18 days |
| Term 2 | Tue 21 Apr 2026 | Fri 3 July 2026 | 11 weeks |
| Winter school holidaysBetween Term 2 and Term 3 | Mon 6 July 2026 | Mon 20 July 2026 | 15 days |
| Term 3 | Tue 21 July 2026 | Fri 25 Sept 2026 | 10 weeks |
| Spring school holidaysBetween Term 3 and Term 4 | Mon 28 Sept 2026 | Mon 12 Oct 2026 | 15 days |
| Term 4 | Tue 13 Oct 2026 | Fri 18 Dec 2026 | 10 weeks |
| Summer school holidaysEnd of 2026 → start of 2027 | Mon 21 Dec 2026 | Mon 1 Feb 2027 | 43 days |
- Term 1 dates shown are for continuing students (Monday 2 February). New students start on Friday 30 January.
- New students are those starting at a school for the first time or moving to the next school type: all Kindergarten, Year 7 and Year 11 students, and anyone new to the school.
- College exam periods are set and communicated by individual schools.
- Applies to
- ACT public schools
- Source
- ACT Government – public holidays, school terms and daylight saving
- Status
- Confirmed by official source
- Last checked
- Saturday 10 October 2026
- Updated
- Saturday 10 October 2026
All Australian Capital Territory dates and countdown
Looking for an organised holiday program in Canberra?
See What's OnFree and low-cost things to do in Canberra
Ideas, not endorsements. Opening hours, prices and holiday programs change, so check each place's official website before you go.
Questacon – The National Science and Technology CentreHands-on science exhibits.
National Museum of AustraliaAustralian history and stories on the lake shore.
Australian War MemorialMuseum and memorial with galleries suited to older children.
National Gallery of AustraliaThe national art collection.
Australian National Botanic GardensNative plant gardens and bushwalks.
National Library of AustraliaExhibitions and treasures from the national collection.
Local tips for Canberra families
- Weather: Hot, dry summers and cold, frosty winters. Dress warmly for winter outings, especially mornings.
- ACT dates are similar to NSW but not identical, so check the ACT calendar rather than relying on NSW dates.
- Your local library is one of the best free school holiday resources: most run craft, reading and STEM sessions during the break.
Free things to do these school holidays
Keep Canberra kids busy, happy and learning with free activities you can start today — no bookings needed.
A printable bingo card of reading challenges — read in a cubby, read to a pet, read a comic — to keep books fun all holidays.
Using only paper and tape, design a bridge between two books that holds as many coins as possible.