13 January 2022

Ten things to do in Canberra this week (14 - 20 January)

| James Coleman
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The Howling Moon

The Howling Moon, Canberra’s first rooftop bar, combines drinks and panoramic views. Photo: Facebook.

School is still a couple of weeks away, but fortunately, there’s plenty to keep the kids entertained this week in Canberra.

A pop-up nature playground and ocean-themed maze are coming to the city, while the National Arboretum is hosting kite classes and the National Dinosaur Museum has night tours.

Adults don’t miss out either. Sip tea and nibble muffins at Canberra’s highest bar, learn about the history of the circus with a new exhibition at the National Library and admire all manner of nature-inspired pottery at the Canberra Potters Gallery.

The UC Capitals are also back in action.

Due to the pandemic, make sure you check with organisers for the latest event information to avoid disappointment.

All week

Picture of sea animals in the ocean

The exhibition is on until 23 January. Image: Canberra Centre.

Our A-Maze-Ing Ocean at Canberra Centre

When: Friday 14 January to Sunday 23 January
Where: Ground Level City Walk, Canberra Centre
Cost: Free.

A new kid’s zone at the Canberra Centre offers the kids a chance to learn about our amazing ocean these school holidays.

Explore the Ocean Maze and make your way through the deep-sea adventure zone. There’s also an Ocean Virtual Reality Zone where you can learn about the many different mammals, sea coral and sea life that inhabit our oceans.

Circus poster

Explore the history of circuses in Australia at the NLA. Image: National Library of Australia.

Circus: Roll up, roll up!

When: 9 am to 5 pm, Friday 14 January to Sunday 19 June
Where: Treasures Gallery at the National Library of Australia, Parkes Place
Cost: Free.

For more than a century, the circus has been a feature of the Australian entertainment industry, particularly in rural and regional Australia. Take a look at how this sector has changed over time, from the early beginnings of travelling sideshows to the rise of the contemporary circus with a new exhibition at the National Library.

Child and adult playing outside

Playful Endeavour runs from Monday, 10 January to Sunday, 23 January, at Glebe Park. Photo: City Renewal Authority.

Playful Endeavour

When: 10 am to 4 pm, Friday 14 to Sunday 23 January
Where: Glebe Park, near the Nature Play traditional playgrounds
Cost: Free.

Let your child’s imagination run free at Playful Endeavour. With a wide range of materials such as hoops, poles, pipes, crates, ropes and tyres, children can join the fun in loose-parts play while developing interpersonal and cooperation skills.

Twisted Nature event poster

Twisted Nature is showing at Canberra Potters from 14 January to 6 February. Photo: Canberra Potters.

Twisted Nature Ceramics Exhibition

When: 14 January to 6 February, 10 am to 4 pm Tuesday to Saturday, and 11 am to 3 pm Sunday
Where: Canberra Potters Gallery, 1 Aspinall Street, Watson
Cost: Free.

A joint exhibition by Anna O’Neale and Mahala Hill, Twisted Nature encourages viewers to perceive nature through new eyes. Using multi-media sculpture through mixtures of ceramics with industrial materials, the works will show plants and animals in a different light.

All weekend

high tea at Howling Moon

High Tea at The Howling Moon is on this weekend. Photo: Howling Moon.

High Tea at The Howling Moon

When: 12 pm and 2 pm, Saturday 15 January and Sunday 16 January
Where:
The Howling Moon, 150 Northbourne Avenue
Cost: $50 per person; email howl@thehowlingmoon.com.au or call 0411 695 475 to book.

Indulge in petite treats as you look over Canberra’s beautiful skyline at this high tea. Tickets include a glass of sparkling on arrival, an array of sweet and savoury treats, and unlimited tea and coffee selections. Cocktails and additional beverages are available for purchase.

Friday

Tuscan lunch setting

A Tuscan Lunch is on every Friday, Saturday and Sunday until 30 January. Photo: National Gallery of Australia.

A Tuscan Lunch

When: 11:30 am and 1:30 pm, every Friday, Saturday and Sunday until 30 January
Where: National Gallery of Australia
Cost: Adult $55, member $49.50, child (up to 12 years) $25, member child $22.50; tickets available from NGA.

Treat yourself to a Tuscan-style lunch in the National Gallery’s dining room overlooking the Sculpture Garden. Adult tickets include a white or red glass; child tickets include a glass of juice or soft drink. A third course can be purchased on the day.

Women's basketball

The UC Capitals are facing the Perth Lynx this Friday at the National Convention Centre. Photo: UC Capitals.

UC Capitals Home Game

When: Friday 14 January, 7:30 pm
Where: Royal Theatre, National Convention Centre
Cost: $15 to $65 plus booking fee; tickets available at Ticketek.

After falling short with a semi-final loss in the Queensland Hub last year, the UC Caps will chase their 10th WNBL championship the only way they know how – in front of their loud and proud fans!

The Capitals boast some of the biggest names in the league, including former MVP Kelsey Griffin, WNBA defensive star Britt Sykes and exciting young prospect Jade Melbourne – it’ll be a ripper.

Saturday

Butterfly

The Bronze-Ant butterfly is one of Canberra’s many butterfly species. Photo: Chris Sanderson.

Guided nature walk: Butterflies of the ACT

When: 9 am, Saturday 15 January
Where: TBC
Cost: Free; register by contacting Sonja Lenz.

Canberra’s butterflies are abundant at the moment. Come along with Dr Suzi Bond, an expert on the ACT’s butterflies, to see and learn about some of these beautiful little creatures.

Suzi will lead a short walk over 1.5 to 2 hours in a Canberra nature reserve. The exact location and meet-up time and place will be decided over the next few days, based on the weather and other conditions favourable to butterfly encounters. Spots are strictly limited to 10 places so get in quick.

Monday

Kites

Make your own kite – and fly it too – at the National Arboretum in Canberra. Photo: Supplied.

Kite Making Workshop

When: 9 am to 12 pm, Monday 17 January
Where: The National Arboretum Canberra, Forest Drive, Molonglo Valley
Cost: $15 per person, parent/carer free; tickets available online.

Create and decorate your own kite to fly at one of Canberra’s most scenic locations these school holidays. After the workshop, children can take their creations home with them. Suitable for children over six. Parents/carers are free and required to stay with children for this workshop.

Meet at the Information Desk in the Village Centre.

Thursday

Dinosaur and car

See the dinosaur museum in a new light. Photo: Michelle Kroll.

Dinosaurs at Night Tours

When: 6:30 to 7:30 pm, Thursday 20 January
Where: National Dinosaur Museum, 6 Gold Creek Road, Nicholls
Cost: Children 8 to 16 years $15, concession $18, adult $20, family of four $60; tickets available from National Dinosaur Museum.

Explore the National Dinosaur Museum at night with an exciting night-time tour. Discover the dark side of prehistoric life as a guide leads you on a journey of discovery across an hour-long torchlit tour through dimly lit galleries.

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I’d add – any bunch of activities that are FREE instead of needing advertising!!!!!!!!!

Walk the dog, water or weed your garden, read a book, go online and argue with PC proponents.

Phone your grandchild – ren.

Your own kids.

Are people so RUN by pop-culture that they HAVE to spend money???

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