I’ve always been on the lookout for family-friendly destinations that cater not only to the parents’ interests but also to the curiosity and energy of children. Canberra, Australia’s capital city, is a perfect destination for families, offering a delightful mix of outdoor activities, educational experiences, and natural beauty. With its welcoming atmosphere and abundant attractions, it’s easy to fall in love with this city—and more importantly, to inspire children to develop a passion for travel and exploration.
I’ll be sharing my personal experiences of three activities I’ve thoroughly enjoyed with my children in Canberra, as well as four additional attractions that I highly recommend. I’ll provide you with all the important details, including service, location, pricing, and how best to get there, along with my honest opinions and tips. Whether you’re looking to explore the great outdoors, engage with local wildlife, or introduce your children to Australia’s history and culture, I’m sure you’ll find something exciting to do in Canberra.
My Top Three Family Activities in Canberra
- Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre
Location: King Edward Terrace, Parkes ACT 2600
How to Get There: Questacon is located on the edge of Lake Burley Griffin, near the Australian National University and the National Library of Australia. It’s easy to reach by public transport, with bus stops nearby, or by walking from the city center, which takes around 15 minutes. If you prefer driving, there’s a large parking lot available on-site, but it’s a good idea to arrive early as it can fill up quickly during peak hours.
Overview: Questacon is a hands-on science and technology museum that’s perfect for kids of all ages. As someone who has visited numerous science centers worldwide, I can confidently say that Questacon is among the best I’ve experienced, especially for young learners. The museum is packed with interactive exhibits that engage children’s imaginations while teaching them about science in a fun and exciting way.
What I Loved: The exhibits at Questacon cover a range of scientific fields—from space exploration to robotics and environmental science. The Excite@Q zone, in particular, is ideal for children to interact with different exhibits and experiments. There’s a section that simulates a mini earthquake, which kids absolutely love, as well as a series of mechanical challenges that encourage problem-solving and creativity. The Q Lab offers a chance to get involved in science experiments, perfect for children who enjoy getting their hands dirty and learning through play.
One of the highlights for us was the Body and Brain exhibit, where we tested our reflexes and learned about the human body’s amazing capabilities. My children were thoroughly entertained and amazed by how much they could learn through direct interaction.
Pros:
• Ideal for children of all ages, with a variety of exhibits that cater to different interests.
• Hands-on learning experience that is both fun and educational.
• The staff is incredibly helpful and friendly, with staff-led demonstrations that add another layer to the experience.
• Facilities are top-notch, with clean restrooms, a café, and a gift shop offering educational toys.
Cons:
• Can get crowded, especially during school holidays, so I recommend visiting on weekdays or early in the morning.
• While there are plenty of exhibits, some can be a bit overwhelming for younger children due to the number of activities available.
Pricing and Discounts: The entry price for adults is $25, and children aged 4-16 pay $17. However, there are often discounts available for families, particularly if you book online in advance. You can also purchase a Questacon Annual Pass if you’re planning multiple visits throughout the year. It’s a great value for families who love exploring science in an interactive setting.
Personal Tips: I highly recommend purchasing tickets online to avoid the long lines, especially during peak tourist season. Also, make sure to leave enough time to explore all of the exhibits—at least 2-3 hours—so that your children can experience everything without feeling rushed.
- Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
Location: Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, Paddys River ACT 2620
How to Get There: Tidbinbilla is about a 45-minute drive from Canberra’s city center. The best way to get there is by car, as it’s located in a beautiful rural area, making public transport options limited. The road to Tidbinbilla is well-paved, and there are ample parking spaces near the entrance.
Overview: For families who love the outdoors and wildlife, Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is an absolute must-see. This sprawling nature reserve is a wildlife haven, home to kangaroos, koalas, emus, and more. The moment we stepped into Tidbinbilla, my kids were beyond excited to see the animals in their natural habitat, and the reserve offered us ample opportunities to hike, learn, and observe.
What I Loved: The Koala Path was a standout for us. It’s a short and easy walk that led us straight to the koalas, which were happily lounging in the eucalyptus trees. We spent quite a bit of time observing these adorable creatures, and the kids loved seeing them so close.
Another highlight was the Booroomba Rocks Walk, which is a bit more challenging but rewards you with stunning views of the reserve and the surrounding mountains. My children enjoyed the adventure and were excited to spot various birds and wildlife along the way.
Pros:
• A great location for families who enjoy hiking and nature-based activities.
• The reserve has well-marked trails, some of which are suitable for younger children.
• Perfect for wildlife enthusiasts; it’s a great place for kids to learn about Australia’s unique fauna.
• The staff is friendly, and there are informative signs along the trails to educate visitors about the local flora and fauna.
Cons:
• Some trails can be a bit challenging for younger children, so be prepared with appropriate footwear and plenty of water.
• As the reserve is quite large, it can take a long time to explore everything, so plan ahead and choose the trails that best suit your time and energy.
Pricing and Discounts: The entry fee is $12 per car, which allows access to the entire reserve. For families, this is great value, especially if you plan to spend a whole day exploring the trails and wildlife. Tidbinbilla also offers family passes at a discount if you book in advance.
Personal Tips: I recommend wearing comfortable hiking shoes, bringing sunscreen, and packing a picnic for when you need a break. There are also BBQ facilities on-site, which are great for a family lunch. We took advantage of the scenic picnic spots near the Eucalypt Forest, where we enjoyed lunch with a view of the natural surroundings.
- National Zoo & Aquarium
Location: 999 Lady Denman Drive, Weston Creek ACT 2611
How to Get There: The National Zoo & Aquarium is located about 20 minutes from the city center by car. Public transport is available, but it’s best to drive if you have young children, as the zoo is more easily explored by car.
Overview: The National Zoo & Aquarium is the only combined zoo and aquarium in Australia, making it an ideal family-friendly destination. It offers an incredible opportunity to see both Australian and exotic animals up close. For families with children, this is an unforgettable experience, as it allows kids to engage with animals they might not see elsewhere.
What I Loved: The Australian Wildlife Experience was an absolute hit with my children. We were able to get up close to iconic Aussie animals like kangaroos, koalas, and wombats. The interactive experiences allowed the kids to feed kangaroos and even hold a snake (much to their excitement and, admittedly, my nervousness!).
Additionally, the Aquarium section was also fascinating, especially for those interested in marine life. My children were enthralled by the sharks and stingrays, and we all enjoyed walking through the tunnel where the fish swam around us.
Pros:
• Perfect for animal lovers, with opportunities for hands-on interactions.
• The zoo is relatively small, so it’s easy to navigate with children.
• It offers a unique experience of both land and aquatic animals in one location.
• The zoo also hosts animal feeding sessions, which are both educational and entertaining.
Cons:
• The zoo can get crowded during weekends and school holidays, so it’s best to visit during quieter times.
• Some of the animals are in more enclosed areas, so photo opportunities can sometimes be limited.
Pricing and Discounts: Tickets are priced at $38 for adults and $18 for children aged 3-15. However, you can often find discounted family passes if you book online. There’s also the option to buy special experience packages, such as the Behind-the-Scenes Zoo Tour, which allows you to get closer to the animals and learn more about their care.
Personal Tips: I highly recommend booking a special animal encounter in advance if you want a more personalized experience. The kids loved meeting the koalas and feeding the kangaroos, so it was worth the extra cost.
Four More Recommended Family Attractions in Canberra
- Australian National Botanic Gardens
A fantastic spot for families, especially those who love nature. The gardens are full of indigenous plants, and the walking trails are not too strenuous for younger children. The Rainforest Gully is particularly magical, with lush vegetation and interactive displays. - Lake Burley Griffin and the National Carillon
For a relaxing day out, consider a visit to Lake Burley Griffin. You
can hire a paddle boat or take a family bike ride around the lake. The National Carillon, which sits on an island in the middle of the lake, is another must-see. It’s a stunning location for a family photo. - National Dinosaur Museum
Perfect for dinosaur-obsessed kids, this museum features life-sized models and interactive exhibits about prehistoric life. Located just outside the city center, it’s easy to access by car and is a great way to combine education and fun. - Australian War Memorial
While this may not sound like a typical family attraction, the Australian War Memorial is a profound and moving experience. It offers educational programs and interactive displays for children, helping them understand the importance of history and remembrance.
Canberra is an incredible city for families looking to introduce their children to the joys of travel. From hands-on science exhibits to breathtaking nature reserves, there’s no shortage of activities that will captivate both young and old. With these recommendations, I hope your family will find as much joy and learning in this beautiful city as mine did. Whether you’re exploring the wonders of science, learning about wildlife, or relaxing by the lake, Canberra offers an abundance of experiences that will make your family’s trip unforgettable.