14 Things to do in Canberra with Children
With a vibrant culture, rich history, and welcoming family-friendly atmosphere, Canberra is a choice destination for families all over the world.
To help you make the most out of your trip, we’ve put together a definitive (and kid-approved) list of the 14 best things to do in Canberra for your next family holiday!
Discover the wonders of Mulligans Flat
There aren’t many places on earth where you can spot a striped legless lizard, hooded robin and other rare, endangered species all in one place. Mulligans Flat is truly a one-of-a-kind sanctuary that’s protecting many native and endangered flora and fauna from predators and threat of urbanisation.
Kids will love spotting the Eastern Bettong, Bush Stone Curlew, and the Eastern Quoll, all of which were once close to extinction but now call this box-gum grassland their home. With clearly marked walking tracks and informative brochures, it’s easy to go on a self-guided wildlife with the whole family.
The Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary is in the North-East of Canberra.
Parking is available at Wildbark, 25 Rosenberg Street, Throsby.
Open all day, every day.
Cost: Free entry
Ice Skating at Phillip Ice Skating Centre
Got a budding ice hockey player or Olympic figure skater in your midst? Get your skates on and take the whole family to the Phillip Ice Skating Centre, a Canberran institution welcoming you all year round for some ice skating fun.
Whether you are a semi-pro on the ice or an absolute beginner, you are sure to have fun, get exercise and pick up some skills. On Fridays, join in on Disco Night with some pumping tunes and disco lights.
Located at Irving Street, Phillip ACT
Daily sessions from 10am, Evenings Sessions Wednesday to Saturday (except Friday) from 8pm to 10pm, and Friday Night Disco from 8.30pm to 10:30pm.
Cost: $20.00 and $5.00 skate hire.
Mount Stromlo Observatory
If you have a mini-astronomer, head up to the Mount Stromlo Observatory to experience a night marvelling at the wonders of the universe. Tag along on a walking tour of Mount Stromlo Observatory to get insight about its history, science and the future of space.
The short tour takes you through the labs displaying fascinating equipment, a visit to the space simulation chamber and a walk through the site of semi-restored facades from the 2003 bushfires. It's interesting, exciting, insightful, and a hit for any science lover!
Located at Mount Stromlo Road, off Cotter Road, Weston Creek, ACT
Open daily from 7 am - 6 pm
Cost: Free entry! Guided site tours is $6.15
Questacon – The National Science and Technology
This list topper is a family favourite for its awesome line up of interactive science exhibits and colourful displays designed to excite, entertain and encourage young minds. So if you’re looking for something to keep them off their phones, a visit to Questacon will surely spark their imagination and pique their scientific curiosity.
Kids can experience an earthquake, meet a robot, or free fall down a six-metre slide. And for little tots aged 0 to 6 years, Mini Q is a safe and colourful playspace where they can play, learn, and tinker around.
Located at King Edward Terrace, Parkes, ACT
Open every day from 9 am - 5pm
Cost: Between $17.50 and $23.00. Free entry for children under the age of 4 years. Family rates from $70.
Pod Playground at the National Arboretum
If you’re looking for an activity that won’t break the bank, the Pod Playground is a one-of-a-kind outdoor play space for kids (and kids at heart). Its awe-inspiring design encourages kids to clamber across the climbing nets, slip down the tube slides and run around the acorn-shaped cubbies, all the while making new friends.
Located at the National Arboretum, Molonglo Valley ACT
Open every day from 7 am - 5.30 pm (Eastern Standard Time) / 6 am - 8:30 pm (Daylight Saving Time)
Cost: Free entry
Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
Get up close and personal with some of Australia’s native flora and fauna at the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. Spot some koalas, wombats, and a range of bird species while strolling through the easy and pram-accessible walking trails.
And for a quintessentially Aussie day out, cook up a BBQ while keeping the kids entertained in the Nature Discovery Playground.
Located off Paddy's River Road, via Cotter Road (Weston Creek) or Point Hut Crossing (Gordon)
Open at 7.30 am - 6 pm during winter; and 7.30 am - 8 pm in summer
Cost: Between $9.32 to $15.53 per vehicle. For more information, click here.
National Zoo and Aquarium
The National Zoo and Aquarium will be a delight for mini zookeepers and zoologists-to-be. For a truly unique and memorable trip highlight, kids can hand feed white lions and encounter tree kangaroos up close!
We also love the Rainforest Café where you can grab a quick bite while being entertained by a family of uber cute Capuchin Monkeys nearby.
Located at Scrivener Dam, Yarralumla, Canberra, ACT
Open every day from 9.30 am - 5pm
Cost: Children 3 to 15 years $30, Adults - $52, and kids under 4 years - $1, a gold coin donation!
PlayUP at the Museum of Modern Democracy (Old Parliament House)
PlayUp is an amazing addition to the iconic Museum of Modern Democracy (Old Parliament House) in Canberra. It’s an incredible indoor children’s play space designed specifically to inspire young minds to speak up, make up, play up and be future thought leaders. From the roleplay Kindness Café, to listening pods, fuzzy felt wall, and arts and crafts area, PlayUp has something for everyone to enjoy!
Located at 18 King George Terrace, Parkes, ACT
Open every day from 9 am - 4:30 pm
Cost: Between $1.00 and $2.00. Family rate from $5.
National Dinosaur Museum
Travel back to the prehistoric era at the National Dinosaur Museum, featuring lifelike dinosaur models from different periods gone by. Dino-fans of all ages will be especially thrilled about the moving, roaring, and breathing animatronic dinosaurs!
Located at 6 Gold Creek Road, Nicholls ACT
Open everyday from 10 am - 5pm
Cost: Children 4 to 16 - $12, Adults - $20. Family (2 adults, 2 children) - $55
Cockington Green Gardens
Step into the enchanting and fascinating miniature world of Cockington Green Gardens. This well-loved tourist attraction features a fantastic display of meticulously crafted miniature buildings and landmarks from Scotland, Greece, Columbia, the Philippines and all over the world!
The miniature steam train ride, which takes you on a scenic journey around the mini world and the beautiful garden landscape, is a definite crowd pleaser.
Located at 11 Gold Creek Road Nicholls ACT
Open everyday from 9.30 am – 5pm
Cost: Between $15.50 and $25.00. Free entry for children under 4 years.
Canberra Glassworks
Add something uniquely Canberran to your itinerary and visit the contemporary glass centre, located just a short drive from the Old Parliament House. Book a family tour for an informative and immersive experience or go at your own pace with a self-guided journey through the Canberra Glassworks.
For a one-of-a-kind holiday keepsake, kids aged 8 years and up can learn how to make and design their own coloured glass tile.
Located at 11 Wentworth Ave, Kingston ACT 2600
Open Wed to Sun from 10am – 4pm
Cost: Free entry. Prices apply for tours.
Yarralumla Play Station
The Yarralumla Play Station has an amazing collection of things to do for kids and adults alike. Hop on a leisurely miniature train ride along the iconic Weston Park Railway which takes you through the area’s historic sites and monuments. The whole family can also meet some furry pals at the mini farm, or enjoy a friendly game of mini golf.
Located at 9 Prescott Lane, Yarralumla ACT 2600
Open Mon to Fri from 9.30 am to 4.00pm; and Sat & Sun from 8.30am to 5.30pm
Cost: Free entry. Prices apply for the mini golf and train.
Sightseeing cruise along Lake Burley Griffin
For a relaxing maritime adventure, MV Southern Cross offers sightseeing cruises along the picturesque Lake Burley Griffin. Be inspired by the stunning views of Canberra’s many lakeside attractions and get some down time after a full itinerary of adventures. And really, what kid doesn’t love a boat ride?
Located at Mariner Place, Yarralumla ACT
Departure times vary. Click here for more info.
Cost: Between $12 to $24. Free for children under 3 years.
Power Kart Raceway
Got a future Formula One driver in your family? Live life inthe fast lane and take the whole family go-kart racing at the Power Kart Raceway!
Keen drivers can enjoy an adrenaline-packed race around Power Kart’s Formula One style indoor circuit. They also have a glow-in-the-dark mini golf, arcade machines, and a café stocked with treats for everyone.
Located at 125 Canberra Ave, Griffith, Canberra ACT
Open Mon to Fri from 10am – 10pm, Sun from 9am - 8pm, and Sat from 9am - 10pm
Cost: Junior rates from $35, and adults from $42. For more information, click here.
