Darwin June July School holidays 2023

Darwin June July School holidays 2023 break is almost here! School holidays will start on Monday 26th June (for Darwin public schools, private and Independent school holidays may be slightly different – please check with your school). Students will return to school for Term 3 on Tuesday 18th July.

Darwin Family Life has rounded up some of the fantastic options that are free (or affordable) activities to do with your kids these Darwin December June July School holidays 2023.

Darwin June July School Holidays 2023

Casuarina Square

Get ready to go banana’s at Casuarina Square these school holidays and take a walk on the wild side with fun activities for the whole family. With a host of activities over three weeks, Casuarina Square is where all the action starts. From Wild Ones putt putt, face painting, cheeky monkey craft, the Amazing drumming monkeys, Wild Ones Lego Brick it and more! Check out the full program here

Top End Multi Sports – June July School holidays program

TEMS have their popular sports holiday program back for the June July holidays break. For the best holiday fun, book your kids into their holiday program where they have a variety of sports and activities to keep your kids entertained! Whether your kid is a beginner or expert player, their school holiday program provides for all levels of ability. They can expect lots of fun, learn a skill and much more.

Program consists of: Soccer, tennis, volleyball, swimming, movie time and more. Daily activities have flexibility to suit children. For ages 5+ 8am to 4pm (half days and earlier starts available on request)

Three week program:

Monday 26th to Friday 30th June (week 1), Monday 3rd to Friday 7th July (week 2), Monday 10th July to Friday 14th July (week 3). Cost is $300 for 5 days or $75 per day

Enrolments are now open and filling up fast! For more information and to enrol, click here.

Bees Creek Horse Riding – School Holidays program

Happening on Sat 1/7, Mon 3/7, Tues 11/7 and Fri 14/7 from 8am to 1pm each day. All horse riding instruction with Pony Club and Equestrian Australia accredited and insured coach.

What is included: Horses, helmets and all equipment to ride the horses.

Minimum 4 Staff members from Bees Creek Horse Riding, – all are experienced with horses and have ochre cards.

Activities: Safety around horses, learn about feeds horses eat, how to saddle up, learn about gear and equipment/saddlery, grooming, horsemanship on the ground, Horse Riding, Craft activities, Stable management. Absolute Beginners welcome. Minimum age 7yrs. Cost is $160 per day. Places are limited, to book online here Program will be held at 180 Lovelock road Bees Creek.

Darwin Languages Centre – Various Cooking Classes

From Cake decorating, cooking various country cuisines, Kids cook dinner, DIY lunchboxes and sweet and savory baking. Places are filling fast! For more information and to book your child’s spot online here.

Darwin Skate School – Rollarama School Holiday Sessions – Fridays

No frills, no structured lessons, just a cool place to skate your heart out to great skating tunes! Rollarama’s are not a coached session, they are a roller disco, perfect for all ages and skill levels. We have safe zones if the main floor is a bit too much for you. Held at Marrara Indoor Stadium on Friday Nights 6-8pm (23rd June, 30th June and 7th July). Book your tickets online here

Kindness Festival – Saturday 24th June

The Kindness Festival is back for its third year with another FREE, inclusive and creative event designed for everyone in the NT who wants to learn and embrace diversity and the importance of international students and multicultural communities in Australia.

Join in to celebrate the Northern Territory as a melting pot of cultural diversity. There is a day full of activities & showcases, cultural performances, family-friendly activities, international food stalls and a few more surprises. By international students. For EVERYONE. On at the Darwin Waterfront, Saturday 24th June – 4pm to 9pm

Top End Pride – Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th June

On Saturday 24th, the Pre-pride March gathering will take place from 12pm to 2pm at Civic Park Darwin, to create banners while a host of performers warm up the crowd in anticipation of our Pride March through Darwin CBD. Feat. ZUMBA with Sila and Rix Kix, Bella Maree, Kalin Klein, Dammit Janet, the Tiwi Sistagirls and Edwin Fejo.

From 2pm Pride March will take place through Darwin City, starting at Civic Park. While a celebration of progress and difference, the Pride March will first and foremost be a protest. LGBTQIA+ rights are still being questioned, challenged and denied here in the NT, across Australia and the globe and they march to advocate for our community.

On Sunday 25th join in the Pride Family Fun day, 10am to 3pm at Civic Park. Bring the whole family along to Civic Park and enjoy a range of family-friendly activities as well as food and market stalls. Free for all, and all welcome. Feat. Zesty Productions, Storytime, The Camp Dog Show (with $1,000 in prizes donated by Edward Fiszer and Garry Nutt), Drag Race, Hyper the Clown, Victoria Mami, Darwin Divine Dancers, True Colours, The K-Pop Mob plus special guests. Registrations regquired to participate in the Camp Dog Show here

Geek Up – Digital Art workshop – Sunday 25th June

Geek Up is an FREE afternoon filled with enjoyable, geeky activities for young people aged 15-25 who want to meet new people, connect with friends and play new geek games. This month’s artist Ifa will guide you through creating a Darwin-themed, seamless, repeat pattern, then wrap up the session with a fun game of Gartic Phone! Procreate is the recommended software application for this workshop. Alternative software options are okay too, use whatever works best for you! Geek UP is held at Casuarina Library from 1pm to 4pm.

Why not check out our Top 10 FREE things to do with kids in Darwin here

Sanderson Family Fun Day – Sunday 25th June

The Sanderson Family Fun Day is back! Hosted by your local Member Kate Worden MLA, this fun-filled event is perfect for the whole family. There will be FREE barista coffee and sausage sizzle, petting zoo, jumping castle, Tip Top Circus entertainment, face painting, Hyper the Clown and so much more! Don’t miss out on the fun!

Surf and Sail – Monday 26th June

Come and Try Nipper Surf Sports and Junior Sailing these holidays for free. This activity is best suited for kids 6 years and up. On at Lake Alexander 1:30-3:30pm

Kututu ~ Art from the Heart – Contemporary Indigenous Art – Tuesday 27th June

FREE Workshop by the Flourish Collective. Recommended for ages 7+. Please use your judgement as to whether your child is likely to need your support and stay if you think they would require this. Parents and carers are very welcome to join in the activity too! From 3pm to 6pm held at The Flourish Collective – 7 Stockwhip Drive Marlow Lagoon. Book your free ticket here

Darwin Trailer Boat Club – Family Movie Night – on every Tuesday

DTBC will be screening the DESPICABLE SEASON these school holidays:

* Tuesday, 27th June – Despicable Me
* Tuesday, 4th July – Despicable Me 2
*Tuesday, 11th July – Despicable Me 3

From 6:30pm, don’t forget to bring your rug/cushions/chairs.

Places to explore with your family in Northern Territory

If you’re planning a camping trip or want to escape Darwin for the holidays, check out this amazing blog of places to see and explore in the NT with your family here

Oasis Shopping Centre Palmerston

Tuesday 27th – Thursday 29th June – 10am -12pm

Upcycled Utopia – a cardboard box megacity, born from your kids’ wildest dreams. Together, let’s create an ideal, eco-friendly suburban realm with houses, cafes, shops, and more. Get ready for games, crafts, cardboard box building, and exciting activities led by our clever, crafty Eco-Retreat Rangers.

Tuesday 4th – Thursday 6th July – 10am – 12pm

Planet Organic, a place where magic and nature come together in a plant-lovers paradise. Explore a forest of trees and winding creek beds, all crafted from repurposed materials and natural objects. Kids will dive into the soil, plants, and enchanted leaf litters, while our expert Eco-Retreat Rangers need their help to bring the majestic King of the Galactic Grass Beasts to life!

Tuesday 11th – Thursday 13th July – 10am-12pm

Recycle Reef, an underwater universe crafted from an amazing assortment of recycled materials. Dive into this imaginative realm, teeming with a myriad of sea creatures brought to life by your creative minds. Get ready for games, crafts, and an exciting Giant Fish group project led by our conservation conscious Eco-Retreat Rangers.

Pool Party at Nightclifff – Wednesday 28th June

A fun-filled day with games, water sports, carnival-style pool inflatables, pumping music and a good-ol BBQ! Food will be provided. For all ages at Nightcliff swimming pool, 3pm – 6pm.

FREEZE skate – Wednesday 28th June

Beat the heat at Darwin’s only ice rink! Grab your warmest winter gear and chill out in the coolest spot in Darwin during the January school holidays. This FREE skating session is exclusively for young people aged 12-20. Bring your friends and don’t forget your socks! Wednesday 28th June 5:30pm to 7pm at Darwin Ice Skating Centre Osgood Drive Eaton. Bookings essential here *** Note session is now fully booked but a waitlist is available

Howl’s Moving Castle Movie at Deckchair Cinema – Thursday 29th June

Howl’s Moving Castle explores themes of youth, love, ageing, technology and war with all the animated magic you would expect from Ghibli. Screened in Japanese with English subtitles. Rated PG. Tickets are free for ages 12-25. Don’t worry if you’re outside that age range, you can still purchase a ticket! Movie from 7pm. Book your tickets here

Gaming After Dark – Friday 30th June

Hang out and play casual setups, compete in small Esports competitions, socialise and be around friendly like-minded people! FREE event, For ages 12-17 at Casuarina Library, 6:30pm to 8:30pm.

Deadly Cup Carnival – Sunday 2nd July

Join in the free NAIDOC event, the Deadly Cup Carnival! Celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, enjoy Rugby League matches between Indigenous All Stars and NT All Stars teams, and embrace a family-friendly atmosphere that is smoke, drug, and alcohol-free. Held at Territory Rugby League Stadium Marrara Sporting Complex 11:30am to 8:30pm

Clubhouse Territory – FREE Community Fun Day – Thursday 6th July

Clubhouse Territory are proud to present the Be-Inclusive Games – Community Day!

A FREE Community Fun Day for all ages! Come and be part of an activity-loaded day on Thursday 6th July from 9am to 2pm. There will be come-n-try sessions, games & clinics, food & drink, & plenty of children’s entertainment. So, come and join in at the Darwin Waterfront for our biggest event EVER! Register for FREE here

Palmerston Youth Festival – Friday 8th – Friday 14th July

Palmerston Youth Festival is returning for the July school holidays and is set to be even bigger and better than last year! They will be bringing back your favourites, with Geekfest Top End kicking of the week of events. The festival will be jam packed full of arts, culture, sports and finish with a live music concert. Check out all the event details and more info here

Civic Park Roller Disco – Friday 14th July

Grab your skates for a roll under the lights in Civic Park for our special roller disco with a live dj and games on Opening night of the Darwin Fringe Festival! Hosted by Darwin Skate School.

6:30-7:30pm is for kids and parents
7:30-9:00pm is for ages 12+ and adults

There is no roller skate hire for this event. This event is free to attend.

Office of Youth Affairs

The Office of Youth affairs have complied calendars including programs and activities during school holidays for young people (most aged 12-25yrs). Check out their calendars here

Darwin Waterfront – various dates/events

There is heaps happening at the Darwin Waterfront these school holidays, from Come and Try Basketball, Fairy disco, sensory day with rainbow monkeys, movies on the lawn and more! Check out their full program and event details here.

City of Palmerston Library

Need help keeping the kids entertained this school holidays? Visit the Palmerston Library these June July holidays from Movies, nail board art, amazing drumming monkeys, origami and more! All activities start at 10am and are for 6-12 year olds. Some bookings required. Check out all the dates/details and book here.

City of Darwin Libraries/Fun in the Parks

City of Darwin libraries located at Darwin City, Karama, Nightcliff and Casuarina will host a variety of activities to keep the kids busy these Darwin June July School holidays 2023. From Lego clubs, STEAM zones, first aid workshops, road safety session, amazing drumming monkeys and more. Check out the full program here. There are also Fun the Parks activities listed on this program.

Taminmin Community Library

Taminimin Community Library located at 70 Challoner Cct Humpty Doo. Check out their Facebook page for more information about school holiday activities.

Leanyer Recreation Park

Another great option to keep the kids busy and cool these Darwin June July School holidays 2023 is to visit Leanyer Recreation park. It is a FREE water recreation park located at 215 Vanderlin Drive Leanyer. The Park consists of dry and wet recreational areas. The wet area includes a swimming lagoon (shallow in many areas – great for toddlers and young children), three massive water slides for the older kids. There are large, grassed areas for play, BBQ’s, a dry playground, skate park and basketball courts. The Park has lots of shaded areas including over the pool, the wet play area, the skate park and the grassed areas. There are toilets and change room facilities.

Opening hours during the school holidays are:

Park from 9am

Wet Play & Lagoon from 10am

Slides from 11am

Park closes at 6pm

There are also a number of FREE events and activities happening at Leanyer Recreation Park over the school holidays including:

Craft Workshops – Every Wednesday 10am to 1pm

Wet and wild Day – Dunk the lifeguard and inflatable obstacle course – Tuesday 4th July 10am – 1pm

Pop up Movie night – Rise of Gru from 6:30pm on Thursday 6th July (BYO rug/chairs)

Mermaids and Pirates – Tip Top Circus Entertainment will be in the park running a range of fun activities ranging from hula hooping, bubbles and a craft station for creating your own mermaid crowns and pirate hats. Monday 10th July 10am – 12pm

Inflatable Day – Giggling Geckos will be back with a number of inflatable jumping castles. Yenz Entertainment will be in the park with glitter tattoos. Friday 7th July 10am – 1pm

Bubble Pit fun – Tuesday 11th July 10am – 1pm. The Bubble Pit is returning to the park and this time a challenging inflatable obstacle course too! 10am – 12pm Plus the Glitter Me Tattoo station in the park for everyone to get temporary tattoos of their choice.
Pop up Movie night – Mummies from 6:30pm on Thursday 13th July (BYO rug/chairs)

Palmerston Water Park

Palmerston Water Park is the second water park in Darwin. It also FREE and open seven days a week. Located at Cnr University Ave and Roystonea Ave (access via Roystonea Ave). The water park includes a 14 metre high – 100 metre long – six-line racer water slide, a wet play area for families and toddlers featuring sprays, water curtains and a shallow wading pool. Another wet play area for teenagers featuring more active water cannons, buckets and high intensity interactive play, a café, toilets and change room facilities, open grassed play area with BBQs, shaded areas and a skate park. Closed Christmas Day.

Opening hours during the school holidays are:

Park from 9am

Wet Play from 10am

Slides from 11am

Park closes at 6pm

There are also a number of FREE events and activities happening at Palmerston Water Park over the school holidays including:

Bubble Pit fun – Tuesday 27th June 10am – 12pm. The Bubble Pit is returning to the park and this time a challenging inflatable obstacle course too! Plus the Glitter Me Tattoo station in the park for everyone to get temporary tattoos of their choice.

Pop up Movie night – Croods: The new age, from 6:30pm on Thursday 29th June (BYO rug/chairs)

The SHAK Youth Hub – at Sanderson Middle School

A drop in youth space for all young people with no registration required, a variety of activities, food and transportation home provided. Food and transport home provided. From 12pm most days of the school holidays till late. For 10-17yr olds.

Palmerston Recreation Centre/Palmerston Youth Centre/Yspace

Drop in space for youth. Variety of activities include basketball and fun. Food will be provided. Transportation will be provided by Larrakia Nation. More details on activities here under Palmerston tab.

Playshack Palmerston

Why not head into the Playshack located in the Hub complex Palmerston (Shop 7, 3 Maluka Drive). Let the kids run and burn their energy and you can enjoy a coffee or drink and a snacks available for purchase. Their hours during school holidays will be 8.30 am till 2 pm Monday – Friday, plus the usual weekend times of Saturday 9 am till 2pm and Sunday 10 am till 4 pm. Entry is only $9.90 per child and bubs under 1 are free with an older sibling (or $3). Please remember your socks!

Darwin Ice Skating Centre

Why not take the kids for a session at Darwin Ice skating these holidays? My kids always have a blast! Fun for the whole family, even the little ones can get on the ice and be pulled around on a sled or pushed on one of the tractors/penguins. Check the session times here and make sure you rug up in warm gear!

Museum and Art Gallery Northern Territory (MAGNT)

The Museum and Art Gallery NT (located at 19 Conacher St) is another great place to take the kids and keep them entertained for a few hours in air conditioning! Entry to the MAGNT is free and they are open Tuesday to Saturday 10am till 4pm and Sundays open 10am till 5pm. Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day.

Check out the Pig-nosed Turtle Feeding at MAGNT. Every Thursday at 10.30am, step inside the Monsoon Garden and get up close with these unique reptiles found only in Northern Australia and Papua New Guinea.

We hope you enjoyed reading this blog and have a great Darwin June July School holidays 2023.

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