Things to do in Canberra with kids

One of the most popular activities for families in Canberra is a visit to Questacon. The National Science and Technology Centre, Questacon has over 200 interactive exhibits to get science enthusiasts of all ages engaged and interested in learning more.

See and interact with native Australian animals and animals from all over the world at the National Zoo & Aquarium—a must for families with animal lovers. You can even try a close encounter or stay overnight if you and the kids just can’t get enough of the zoo or the aquarium!

Sure, living animals and fish might entertain some kids, but others love the long-lost giants that used to roam the Earth. 23 complete skeletons, over 300 displays of individual fossils, and an ever-growing and expanding collection makes the National Dinosaur Museum a heaven on earth for any dino-lover. Be sure to visit the Dinosaur Garden, with replica dinosaurs and interactive zones for younger children. And if loud noises are uncomfortable for your family, the Quiet Afternoon (during which the sounds of the animatronic dinosaurs are not triggered) runs from 3pm-5pm each Tuesday.   

For the family that loves art, a visit to the National Gallery is a great Canberra activity with kids. The ever-evolving collection comprises over 155,000 words of art to mesmerise and engage the whole family. And then the Sculpture Garden is perfect for when young ones need to run off some energy on the grass, while you can enjoy looking at the 30 impressive sculptures.

For those who have never been to one before, an arboretum is a botanical garden that is devoted to growing trees for conservation, for scientific research, or for general educational purposes. The National Arboretum Canberra spans over 250 hectares and is one of the world’s largest living collections of rare, endangered, and significant trees. Plant lovers will thrive in this unique space, as will any young ones who love to climb up and down the play equipment.

The POD playground features giant acorns, nest swings, banksia pods, and plenty more—all surrounded by spectacular views. Plus, it’s right next to the Arboretum’s Village Centre and café, so you can enjoy a warm coffee while the kiddos play.

If your little ones are the type to have plenty of energy to burn at the end of the day, the POD Playground is open until 8:30pm in the summer, making it one of the best family activities in Canberra at night.

Canberra's iconic telecommunication tower, Telstra Tower rises almost 200 metres above the summit of Black Mountain and overlooks the city of Canberra and its surroundings. Typically open until 10pm each evening, the Telstra Tower is a great way to enjoy 360-degree views together. When it comes to things to do in Canberra with kids at night, a visit to Telstra Tower is something that you can all enjoy together.

Note: As of writing, Telstra Tower is currently closed for repairs. Check the Telstra Tower website for more information when you visit Canberra.

On the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, BreakFree Capital Tower Canberra gives you great views, easy access to the Canberra CBD, and spacious living so there's plenty of room for the whole family. With space for everyone, BreakFree offers serviced apartments with one, two, or three bedrooms and even has a three-bedroom penthouse. You'll have your own fully equipped kitchen, living room, and bedrooms plus access to the hotel facilities like the pool, tennis courts, gym, and sauna.

Simple and contemporary with everything you need for a family getaway, the Mantra MacArthur Canberra hotel makes for a great home base. Just a short walk from the city's shopping district and with public transportation options just steps away from the front door, you're never far away from the Canberra attractions you want to visit.

Located in the heart of the city, the Novotel Canberra helps keep you close to some of the best family-friendly activities of the ACT. Spacious rooms help keep the little ones from getting underfoot, and the indoor heated pool will help them swim off that excess energy before dinner. Pop into the Novotel's restaurant, First Edition Canberra, and enjoy fresh and local produce to taste the best of Canberra.

Whatever Canberra accommodation you choose for your ACT getaway, you'll have plenty of fun things to do with the whole family in Australia's capital city.