When you think of Canberra, you might think of a range of different things. You may think of the politics, the many roundabouts, or how boring it is perceived to be as the nations capital. Canberra however, does actually have many things to offer that isn’t surrounding what happens at Parliament House or how many public servants exist in Canberra. The Australian Capital Territory is actually blessed with great open spaces to explore and enjoy that you don’t naturally see in just any capital city. It is a great place to raise a family with everywhere within Canberra only taking an absolute maximum of thirty five minutes to get from one end to the other. Meaning that you don’t spend hours upon hours sitting and waiting in traffic like some of the other bigger cities in Australia and you have more time to spend with those important around you. Canberra is one of those cities that on the surface, it doesn’t seem like a very happening place if you’re unfamiliar with the city and all it’s quirks but once you delve into what there actually is in Canberra, you will be pleasantly surprised and will hopefully want to come back for more options.
So what kinds of options does Canberra have to offer for families? We are glad you asked. Canberra has a variety of different options to serve everyone’s needs and wants on a day out. From educational to sports and picnic spots, Canberra is known for some of it’s famous attractions that appeal to tourists and locals alike but there is also a few options that are less known to even locals that may peak your interest. Keep reading on to find out things to do in Canberra for families that we have tried and tested ourselves.
Educational
The Australian War Memorial
If you’re born and bred in Canberra, you’re probably not going to be happy with this choice of going to the Australian War Memorial. We’ve all been on those school excursions to the War Memorial with our class as kids though the memorial is very different now than what it was as a kid. The Australian War Memorial is a walk through of Australia’s history in war and is free for everyone to visit. It is a place that shares moments that would otherwise be lost in time such as letters from soldiers that fell in the line of duty and historical pieces of art as well as interactive scenes (some with even costumes for kids to try on) that emulate what it was like during these times of war. Though this is a place where you can have a family day out it is also where you should pay your respects to those who fought for what we have today.
The National Dinosaur Museum
The National Dinosaur Museum in Gold Creek Village has been making learning about our prehistoric history an interactive and fun way to understand for all ages. It is one of Australia’s largest permanent displays of dinosaurs and other prehistoric fossils and is located right here in Canberra. The National Dinosaur Museum is the home to many life-like dinosaur models, skeletons and skulls of real life dinosaurs that existed on this earth for millions of years. With tickets from $20 there are dinosaurs to explore inside and outside. This Canberra museum has many activities to offer from guided tours to kids birthday parties. Everyone will enjoy the National Dinosaur Museum and everything it has to offer.
Questacon – National Science and Technology Centre
Arguably one of Canberra’s main attractions for kids and families, Questacon is one of the most popular museums in Canberra to visit according to locals and tourists. With more than 200 interactive exhibits to explore that showcase science and technology to all ages, this museum hopes to inspire children to have a love for science and technology. Questacon is all about making science fun and enjoyable for families but mainly to inspire the younger generations to take up a career in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). You could spend a whole day at Questacon with many floors to explore and science shows to watch and then to finish up with a snack break at the café. Tickets start from $18.90 and is suitable for ages from babies to adults.
National Zoo & Aquarium
Canberra’s National Zoo & Aquarium is the only combined zoo and aquarium within Australia, making it two attractions in one to explore. There are 55 different types of animals to view just within the zoo and a few are available for close encounter exhibits where you can feed, pat and look after a particular type of animal such as a cheetah. This outing could very easily be an all day outing for the whole family with an awesome playground nearby and cafés nearby as well as picnic benches if you wanted to bring your own lunch instead. Encounters are age restricted depending on the type of animal and may not suit everyone. Tickets start from $28 and they do also offer Wild Night ZooVenture tours and overnight stays at Jamala Wildlife Lodge within the zoo and aquarium.
Entertainment
Cockington Green Gardens
Discover a world just at your feet at Cockington Green with beautifully detailed and handcrafted miniature buildings from destinations all around the world. Some of these miniature buildings are interactive for kids to enjoy but this is a mostly “look, don’t touch” space. Though the experience does not end with the miniature buildings, there is also a large variety of gardens encompassing these gems and they have become an attraction in their own right over the years. Tourists and locals alike can see the 35,000 flowers that are planted each year to add colour to the displays around. Take a ride on the miniature steam train railway that is believed to be one of a kind style of railway train. Sessions operate every 45 minutes with entry into Cockington Green starting at $14 and train rides at an extra $3 per person. We recommend you book the train ride in advance as it is super popular amongst families. After you have finished exploring the gardens and train, head to the café for a bite to eat. There are three cubby houses that kids can play in while you enjoy your coffee or tea.
Selfie Museum
Located in Belconnen, the Selfie Museum is one of a kind here in the ACT and is one of newest attractions in town. There are over 35 photo opportunities for you to upload selfies to social media as each set is designed to be a striking backdrop for the perfect selfie with a side of fun. There are ball pits, butterfly and neon walls and many more to look at throughout this museum. Entry is $35 for a general visit though you can hire out the whole place with private access for $280 per session. It is available for all ages but children under the age of 14 do need to be accompanied by an adult. This museum adventure will satisfy even a photographer and make your social media look influencer worthy.
Flip Out
Another one of Canberra’s newer attractions, Flip Out at Majura is Canberra’s own trampoline park. Offering two arenas of trampolines, two ninja warrior courses, a soft play area for the little ones, and a clip and climb wall, kids and adults can join in on the fun together here. If you have little kids, there is a separated area where they can play safely away from bigger kids and parents can supervise closely. There is cool and colourful décor that’ll really make you want to jump your way around the place. If trampolines aren’t your jam, there are also a series of arcade games to play as well. Flip Out is also available for party hire with prices of general admission starting from $18 per person with an additional price of $3.50 to purchase their grippy socks.
Power Kart Raceway
With 320 metres worth of smooth manicured concrete to play with, Power Kart Raceway located in Griffith has been carefully designed to create an exciting and safe experience with F1 style track barriers around the perimeter. Using electric power karts as opposed to the tradition petrol karts means that it eliminates exhaust fumes and is quieter for not only the drivers but the spectators as well. This experience is suitable for adults and kids from 6+. There are plenty of opportunities to pass other drivers on the course and you can get personalised statistics of your racing at the end of the track. Power Kart Raceway also offers an arcade area, jungle golf (glow in the dark mini golf) and Australia’s first synthetic ice rink called iSkate Park for those who are not too keen on the power karts or if you’re wanting to extend your visit here.
Sports
Vertikal Indoor Snow Sports
Are your kids begging you to take them to the snow to go skiing or snowboarding?? This alpine experience at Vertikal Indoor Snow Sports allows the whole family to indulge in snow sports without the cold, long car trip or the price tag that you get in a traditional snow sport setting. Located just 12 minutes from the Canberra city centre in the new Dairy Road Precinct in Fyshwick, Vertikal is taking snow sports to new heights by bringing the snow sport experience to Canberra, all year round. Their slopes simulate what a real terrain is like and can change speed and angulation if you’re up for the challenge before heading out to the mountains when you can next. Unlike real snow slopes, at Vertikal you can’t slide down to the bottom making it less daunting for some to give it a go! If snow sports aren’t you thing though, they have a pizzeria and bar available for you to snack on while the rest of your group takes to the slopes. Pricing starts from $67 for one off classes.
Bridge to Bridge walk
If you want to get out and about in nature, the bridge to bridge walk loop around Lake Burley Griffin near Commonwealth Park is a popular walk amongst locals and tourists. It’s a 5.1km loop between Commonwealth Avenue Bridge and Kings Avenue Bridge. From this walk, you will be able to see many notable Canberra buildings such as the National Carillon, Parliament House, Old Parliament House, the Australian War Memorial, the National Library, the National Museum, the National Gallery, Mount Ainslie, Telstra Tower (now known as Black Mountain Tower) and many more. You don’t have to just walk this loop if that’s not your pace, you can bike ride, skate and rollerblade to your hearts content. Hopefully you’ll come across a few cute dogs on your travels as well. There are coffee shops and vans around the edges of the lake for your caffeine and snack hit as well as bathrooms to get you through until the end of this loop.
Phillip Swimming and Ice Skating Centre
Canberra’s one and only ice skating rink is located in Phillip, Woden on the south side of Canberra ACT. It is an Olympic sized skating rink which equates to 1500 square metres of ice and can host up to 250 skaters per session. It is home to the Canberra ice hockey team, CBR Brave where you can watch them play home games or learn how to carve up on skates either in a public session or lessons. They also offer a Friday Night Disco where a disco ball lights up the ice and some fresh, cool tunes get played while you skate. If ice skating isn’t for you, there is also the swimming pool within the same venue. It’s an eight lane heated 50 metre swimming pool with a 20 metre learner’s pool and toddler pool located nearby. There are barbecue facilities to use as well as a kiosk with hot and cold food available to purchase. Tickets for ice skating are $20 plus skate hire ($5) and swimming tickets are priced from $5 upwards.
Picnic spots
Boundless Playground
In Kings Park on the shore of Lake Burley Griffin Boundless Playground can be found. It has been voted as Canberra’s number one playground and was initiated as a project to celebrate the centenary of Canberra. It is Canberra’s first all abilities playground and caters for all different levels of ability for children and families to play and have fun. With wide access ramps available for those with mobility aides and prams and strollers, this playground has slides, swings, climbing equipment and sensory and water play available. There are a few shaded spots where kids and families can sit and observe with site amenities including barbecues. It’s fully fenced around the boundary of the playground, making it easy to keep an eye on kids. This state of the art play space is free for everyone to use and is the perfect spot for a picnic while the kids are entertained by the playground.
The National Arboretum
The National Arboretum is Canberra’s beautifully maintained living forest and garden with plenty to explore on your day out. You can fly a kite, roll down the grassy hills, explore the POD playground, check out some of the tracks and trails you can walk or ride, peruse around the national bonsai and penjing collection and many more. Though the POD playground is a spot great for families. It is an award-winning playground that features giant, eye catching acorn cubbies, banksia pods, nest swings and instruments to make some music. It is located next to the Village Centre where you can grab a bite to eat or take a stroll to some of the picnic spots within this botanical garden. The National Arboretum is a great place for a picnic and is a dog friendly area except within the Village Centre. The National Arboretum is well worth a visit regardless if you’re a Canberra local or a tourist.
Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
Nestled within the Namadgi National Park, Tidbinbilla is located 40km away from the Canberra city centre. The nature reserve is a great place for short walks, day hikes and picnics with family and friends. For picnics, we recommend checking out the Nature Discovery Playground which has picnic spots, water sensory play for younger kids and a flying fox, slide and climbing rope frame for older kids to enjoy. With the rolling hills as your backdrop, you can observe eastern grey kangaroos while the kids play in an interactive environment for all ages. There is also accessible components to the playground as well for those with limited mobility. Within the nature reserve in the national park, there is also an eucalypt forest to explore where several animal species live including koalas, potoroos and wallabies. You can take a walk along the Koala Path (700m) or the Peppermint Trail (1.8km) to become one with nature with the sights and sounds of the all encompassing forest within Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve.
Weston Park
Located on a peninsula on the western side of Lake Burley Griffin, not far from Capital Hill – Weston Park offers a beach, miniature train and cycle track as well as a wading pool (in summer time only) alongside a playground, disc golf, putt putt, an adventure playground and an orienteering course. With many options available at Weston Park, packing a picnic lunch is a no brainer for here considering they have picnic tables, shelters, toilets and barbecues for your use. Weston Park has lovely views of Lake Burley Griffin and is the perfect picnic outing for your and the whole family to enjoy. You can take a football of your choice and have a kick around here while you picnic. Dogs are also welcome here on-leash but are prohibited within 10 metres of play spaces and barbecues that are being used.
Notable mentions
If none of the above mentioned options interest you or if you’ve already done everything off this list that you wanted to, check out some of our other options that are notable mentions for places for the family to enjoy. You might be pleasantly surprised by what you may find.
- Old Parliament House – sitting just in front of Parliament House, Old Parliament House which was the original Parliament House in the ACT is now known as the Museum of Australian Democracy. It’s a living museum of Australia’s political and social history and helps others understand our history by educating and interpreting the past, present and future of the importance of parliament in Australia. Entry is free though bookings are essential.
- National Gallery of Australia – as Australia’s national visual arts institution, the National Gallery of Australia (NGA) is dedicated to collecting, sharing and celebrating art from around Australia and the world. The collection of works of art is vast with over 155,000 pieces of art to explore. Art does not stop within the inside of this building though. The outside is just as interesting and captivating with a cool sculpture garden to explore with the kids.
- National Portrait Gallery – Though the newest establishment of our national cultural institutions in Australia, the National Portrait Gallery is still over a century old. There are approximately 3,000 portraits to explore within this gallery. If you are on a tour with one of the Access and Learning educators, kids are welcome to bring 2B or 4B pencils and paper to draw what they see within the gallery. Adults however, are welcome to use drawing pencils and paper without the need of a tour.
- Royal Australian Mint – ever wondered how your coins are made and how valuable they are? Then look no further than the Mint in Deakin. The Mint is much more than just a factory that produces your change. They also create valuable coins that can be kept and collected. With interactive screens to play with and robots to observe, you can discover stories of rare and significant coins and how they came about.
- Canberra Glassworks – located in the historic Kingston Power House next to the Kingston Foreshore, you can observe and admire the process of creating works of art made out of glass. You can watch or participate in workshops and short courses in glass blowing, casting, kiln forming, engraving, beading, flameworking and more here to inspire and develop your creativity. This exercise is best suited for kids aged 8+ and adults.
If you’ve made it this far into the article, congratulations! You should have a great understanding on what Canberra has to offer for activities for families now. With so many options available to try, you could even set this as a bucket list to complete with your family throughout the year. We dare you to try as many activities on this list as you can. There is something for everyone to enjoy whether it’s something educational, entertaining, sporty or relaxing – the whole family can enjoy an activity or two together. We can’t pick an activity that we love the most out of these (we consider it to choosing who your favourite child is) but if you have a favourite activity or spot, please let us know in the comments. Or if we have missed any iconic activities that make up Canberra and things to do for families, please let us know below as well. If walking trails is your thing, check out our article on the best walking trails in Canberra. Or if you’re on the lookout for a getaway from Canberra, check out our article on the best beaches near Canberra.