🎉 NT Winter School Holiday Activities 2025: Top Picks for Families
Discover the best NT school holiday activities for winter 2025—zoo keeper adventures, drumming monkeys, epic shows, circus crafts, and hands-on fun from Darwin to Berry Springs. Your Top End family guide is here.
🦘 The Keeper Kids Program at Territory Wildlife Park
An unforgettable immersive day where children aged 8–12 get "behind-the-scenes" with real zoo keepers—helping care for wildlife, preparing food, and exploring habitat zones across the park.
Location: Territory Wildlife Park, Cox Peninsula Road, Berry Springs NT
Dates & Times: Weekdays during school holidays | Typically 9 AM–2:30 PM
Ticket Information: AUD 150 per child (includes park entry, all activities, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, water bottle, hat & certificate)
Highlights:
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- Hands-on experience across five different park exhibits—food prep, animal husbandry basics, behind-the-scenes tours, wildlife first aid.
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Meet and learn from zoo keepers and guides in a structured, small-group environment.
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Take home a certificate, water bottle, and Territory Wildlife Park hat.
Plan Your Visit:
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- Arrive by 9 AM, check in at the park entrance.
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Program runs until around 2:30 PM—collect child afterward.
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Park is 45 min from Darwin—plenty of visitor facilities, accessible paths & shaded picnic areas.
Insider Tips:
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- Children do not need parental supervision; fully guided by staff with safety clearances.
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Wear closed shoes, sun-safe clothing; pack a refillable water bottle and sunscreen.
- Ideal for animal lovers, those curious about conservation, or budding wildlife carers.
Don’t miss this wild, educational experience—it’s all about exploring wildlife careers, animal care, and nature conservation in a spectacular Top End setting!
🏛️ Museum and Art Gallery of the NT
A flagship cultural destination on Larrakia Country, MAGNT brings together art, history, natural science, maritime archaeology, Indigenous culture, and more under one scenic rooftop overlooking Fannie Bay.
Location: Darwin, NT – 19 Conacher St, The Gardens
Dates & Times: Daily 10 AM–4 PM
Ticket Information: Free admission
Highlights:
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- Sweetheart: the iconic 5 m saltwater crocodile taxidermy—once a local legend in Darwin Harbour.
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Maritime & natural science galleries—displays from sea vessels to tropical ecosystems.
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Gallery of Indigenous Art and regular touring exhibitions tied to NT’s rich cultural heritage.
Plan Your Visit:
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- Getting there: Free on-site parking; accessible via Darwin bus routes 4 & 6; 4 km walk from city centre.
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Facilities include cafe, gift shop, lockers, parents’ room, toilets, free Wi‑Fi.
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Wheelchair and mobility-aid accessible, with gentle ramps and staff support.
Insider Tips:
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- Combine your visit with nearby Botanic Gardens or a walk along the Esplanade to enjoy the full Fannie Bay setting.
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Dive deeper into Indigenous culture during NATSIAA exhibition seasons—guided insights available.
Don’t miss this vibrant cultural hub—it’s all about exploring the vibrant natural history, Indigenous art, historic events, and “Sweetheart” crocodile that define Darwin’s story under one tropical roof!
🎡 Royal Darwin Show 2025
The Royal Darwin Show is the NT’s biggest annual celebration of agriculture, art, community, and culture—blending country fair charm with big-city thrills. From livestock displays and cooking contests to wild rides, Indigenous arts, fireworks, and food galore, there’s something for every age. It's the ultimate family event, packed with competitions, live entertainment, showbags, and heartwarming Territory spirit.
Location: Darwin Showgrounds & Exhibition Centre
Dates & Times: 24 July – 26 July 2025 | 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Ticket Information: Adults: $30; Kids (under 17): $15; Family: $60.
Highlights:
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- Agricultural showcases: livestock, horticulture, tropical flowers theme.
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Thousands of competitions: cooking, crafts, gardening, animals, art, spear‑throwing & fishing‑lure making.
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Live entertainment: music, cultural performances, fireworks.
Plan Your Visit:
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- Arrive early to beat queues—rambles begin at 9 AM.
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On-site ATMs in Foskey Pavilion, plus food stalls, kiosks, bars, parents’ room & gift shop.
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Accessible venue: ample parking, bus access, wheelchairs, family facilities.
Insider Tips:
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- Buy early-bird tickets online to avoid gate queues and save on price.
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Grand Parade is a highlight—best viewed from the Main Arena from ~1:45 PM Friday.
- Friday is a public holiday—expect bigger crowds and extra holiday programming.
Don’t miss this iconic Territory tradition—it’s all about agriculture, community, colourful carnival thrills, and showcasing the vibrant heart of Darwin!
🎪 Circus Spectacular at Casuarina Square
Step right up for three weeks of circus thrills and crafting fun at Darwn’s Casuarina Square! This vibrant school-holiday event blends high-energy performances with hands-on creativity—it’s a delightful mix of laughter, wonder, and family-friendly entertainment.
Location: Casuarina Square, 247 Trower Road, Casuarina NT
Dates: June 23 – July 13, 2025
Ticket Information: Comedy Circus Show: Tickets required, priced ~$5; children under 2 enter free
Highlights:
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- Joel Fenton’s Comedy Circus Show: a mix of high-energy stunts, magic, juggling, and laugh-out-loud clown fun.
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Circus Craft Club: kids can make clown puppets, party hats, llama balloons, and more.
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Two performances per day during the week 23–29 June, followed by hands-on play and creation zones.
Plan Your Visit:
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- Arrive 15 minutes early for the shows; seating is first-come, first-served.
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Free parking at Casuarina Square; cafés, shuttle buses, and family amenities on-site.
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Suitable for all ages—especially families with kids aged 3–10.
Insider Tips:
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- Book comedy show tickets early—sessions are small and popular.
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Craft Club is free and drop-in; no booking required.
- Combine with shopping or dining—Casuarina Square has easy, all-under-one-roof convenience.
Don’t miss this dazzling fusion of silly stunts and crafty creations—it’s all about unforgettable holiday fun, creativity, and circus spectacle in Darwin’s vibrant Casuarina precinct!
🐵 Amazing Drumming Monkeys
This high-energy puppet show blends African drumming, comedy, and positive messages into one seriously fun experience. The Amazing Drumming Monkeys are a hit with little ones and grown-ups alike—expect dancing, giggles, and plenty of monkey business!
Location: Karama Library, Karama Shopping Centre, 31 Kalymnos Drive, Karama NT
Dates: Saturday, 12 July 2025, 10:00 am – 10:30 am
Ticket Information: Free entry, suitable for all ages.
Highlights:
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- Live African–style drumming led by puppet monkeys, inviting children to dance along.
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Adorable monkey puppets with comedic flair—kids love Bongo & Congo-style antics.
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Educational messages infused: nature, environment and community in a playful setting.
Plan Your Visit:
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- Aim to arrive by 9:45 am to grab a front-row spot.
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Easy to reach within Karama Shopping Centre; free parking and close to bus routes.
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Library venue is wheelchair and pram–friendly, with toilets and seating.
Insider Tips:
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- Bring small drums or shakers—your child could jam along with the performance!
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This event is perfect for kids aged 2–8, but enjoyable for older siblings and adults too.
Don’t miss this joyous drumming experience at Karama Library—where puppets, percussion, laughter, and eco-joy converge in 30 minutes of family fun and rhythmic wonder!
📖 Family Story Time
Bring the kids along for a relaxed and welcoming story time, packed with picture books, songs, and rhymes. Ideal for toddlers and preschoolers, it’s a lovely way to wind down and build early literacy skills in a cosy community space.
Location: Darwin City Library, Civic Centre, 17 Harry Chan Avenue, Darwin NT
Dates: Saturday, 12 July 2025, 10:00 am – 10:30 am
Ticket Information: Free, drop-in—no booking required.
Highlights:
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- Enjoy a fun mix of songs, rhymes, and stories—designed to promote early literacy and family bonding.
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Casual, welcoming environment—no age limits and totally free.
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Small take-home surprises or simple library-themed props may be used to engage kids.
Plan Your Visit:
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- Aim to arrive by 9:45 am for best seating and pre-session calm.
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Located in the Civic Centre—limited free parking and public transit nearby.
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Stay around afterward to explore the children’s section or check out more library resources.
Insider Tips:
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- Mornings are typically quiet—perfect for those who prefer a calmer setting.
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Arrive early if your toddler loves front-row spots—it can fill up fast.
Don’t miss this charming weekend ritual at Darwin City Library—Family Story Time offers 30 minutes of reading, singing, and connection in a cozy library atmosphere. It’s a peaceful, enriching way to begin your Saturday morning with loved ones!
🎨 Fun in the Parks School Holiday Program
Kids can peel, sprinkle, and stick their way through a colourful sand art session—part of Darwin’s free "Fun in the Parks" program. It’s outdoors, hands-on, and designed to keep little fingers busy and big imaginations buzzing.
Location: Water Gardens, 91 Freshwater Road, Jingili NT
Dates: Friday, 11 July 2025, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Ticket Information: Free, no booking required.
Highlights:
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- Fun sand‑art “peel & sprinkle” crafts—design selection and bright sand at your fingertips.
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Additional arts and park exploration activities to keep kids engaged.
Plan Your Visit:
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- Arrive by 9:45 am to get a spot and set up.
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Event held outdoors—wear sun-safe clothing and bring a refillable water bottle.
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Convenient parking and public transport access; parent/carer attendance welcome.
Insider Tips:
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- Bring an old towel or sheet to protect clothes from stray sand.
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Ideal for 5–12 year‑olds—great range of difficulty in designs.
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Use extra time to explore the Water Gardens and meet new friends.
Don’t miss this colourful creative chance at Water Gardens NT—Peel & Create offers two hours of laid‑back, vibrant sand art fun in the park, paired with laughs, mess‑free creativity, and summer holiday joy!
🧱 LEGO Club
The ultimate drop-in session for mini master builders! Kids can get creative with a huge selection of LEGO while they collaborate, compete, and bring their blocky visions to life. No bookings needed—just bring your imagination.
Location: Casuarina Library, 17 Bradshaw Terrace, Casuarina NT
Dates: Friday, 11 July 2025, 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Ticket Information: Free, no booking required.
Highlights:
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- Hands-on building with a large library collection of LEGO bricks.
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Opportunity to display your creation in the library.
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Encourages teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving in a social setting.
Plan Your Visit:
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- Arrive by 3:20 pm to grab a seat and start early.
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Located in a spacious, air-conditioned library zone; parking and bus routes are nearby.
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Event duration fits well after school; stay longer to browse books or enjoy other activities.
Insider Tips:
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- Younger children (8 and under) should bring a parent or carer for support.
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Come early if you're hoping to display your build—spaces fill fast.
- No prior Lego experience needed—just curiosity and imagination!
Don’t miss this fun, friendly, screen-free creative hour at Casuarina Library—LEGO Club is the place to meet fellow builders, spark imagination, and craft something awesome in community!
☀️ Quick Links
- The Keeper Kids program at Territory Wildlife Park
- Museum and Art Gallery of the NT
- Royal Darwin Show 2025
- Circus Spectacular at Casuarina Square
- Amazing Drumming Monkeys
- Family Story Time
- Fun in the Parks School Holiday Program
- LEGO Club
💡 Pro Parent Tip: Bookmark this page, screenshot your faves, and get in early—these events sell out fast!
Need the perfect gift for the day out or the car ride home? 🛍️ Shop Young Bondi’s top picks