Looking for school holiday activities that are creative, meaningful and genuinely memorable? This summer, the Museum of Australian Democracy (MoAD) at Old Parliament House in Canberra is bursting with hands-on experiences designed to spark imagination, encourage self-expression and inspire young minds. From colourful craft tables and captivating author storytimes to comic-making workshops and vision board creation, these school holiday sessions invite children to explore storytelling in all its forms — written, spoken and visual — while having plenty of fun along the way. It’s the perfect blend of creativity, learning and play in one of Australia’s most iconic cultural spaces.
Tip for families: Many of the workshops have limited spaces and require bookings, so plan ahead and mix a booked session with the free drop-in craft activities to create a relaxed, full day out at MoAD without feeling rushed.
Free Drop-In Craft: Creating Community Together
When: 5 January – 25 January
Time: 10am – 4pm
Where: Learning Space (enter through the main doors)
Age: All ages
Cost: Free
Bookings: Not required
This welcoming, hands-on craft space invites children to explore the idea of community through collaborative art. With tables covered in coloured paper, feathers, scissors, glue and string, young creators can decorate puzzle pieces, make paper chains, write appreciation cards and build together using Lego Duplo.
The open, drop-in format makes this activity perfect for families looking for flexible holiday fun while nurturing creativity, fine motor skills and early writing confidence.
Author Storytime: Listening, Learning and Literacy
When: 13 January & 20 January
Time: 10am – 11am
Where: Learning Space
Age: 4 – 10
Cost: $10 (accompanying adult free)
Bookings: Essential
Author storytime is a powerful gateway to literacy. Children will enjoy listening to Rhian Williams read from her books Emergency! Emergency! Vehicles to the Rescue and One Little Dung Beetle.
These engaging sessions connect spoken storytelling with the written word — a cornerstone of WLWD’s belief that storytelling builds empathy, imagination and communication skills from an early age.
Non-Fiction Comic-Making Workshop
When: 15 January
Time: 10am – 2pm (includes a 30-minute break)
Where: Senate Committee Room
Age: 12 – 16
Cost: $55
Bookings: Essential
Led by cartoonist, journalist and editor Eleri Harris, this half-day workshop introduces teenagers to the art of non-fiction comics. Participants will learn how to combine research, writing and illustration to tell real-world stories through graphic narratives.
The ticket includes a copy of Eleri’s book Making Nonfiction Comics: A Guide for Graphic Narrative, with all materials supplied — an ideal experience for young people interested in storytelling, journalism or creative writing.
Vision Board Creative Workshop
When: 16 January
Time: 10am – 11am
Where: Learning Space
Age: 5 – 12
Cost: $10
Bookings: Essential
Join proud Gamilaroi woman Kylie Captain, storyteller and educator, for a meaningful yarn and hands-on creative session. Children will be guided to turn their goals and ideas for the coming year into vision boards, creating visual stories that reflect their hopes, values and aspirations.
This workshop encourages children to think creatively about storytelling beyond words alone — an important part of developing confident communicators.
Sensory-Supportive Non-Fiction Comic-Making Workshop
When: 22 January
Time: 10am – 2pm (includes a 30-minute break)
Where: Senate Committee Room
Age: 12 – 16
Cost: $55
Bookings: Essential
Designed to support neurodivergent young people and those with sensory sensitivities, this workshop offers a calm, inclusive environment where participants can express themselves creatively at their own pace. Guided by Eleri Harris, the session focuses on empowerment, creativity and self-expression.
Why WLWD Celebrates These Programs
From craft and storytime to comics and vision boards, MoAD’s school holiday activities reflect the values we hold dear at World Letter Writing Day — celebrating expression, encouraging young voices and nurturing a lifelong love of storytelling.
If you’re visiting Canberra these school holidays, the Museum of Australian Democracy offers families a meaningful way to combine creativity, learning and fun — all within one of Australia’s most significant cultural spaces.
👉 Bookings and further information are available via the Museum of Australian Democracy website.
