72 things to do in Canberra with kids

15. Cycle around Lake Burley Griffin

Sometimes the best days spent together as a family are the simplest. A day spent riding bikes around iconic Lake Burley Griffin is guaranteed to be a hit. Peddle past the Captain Cook Memorial Jet and perhaps finish up with a play on the fantastic ‘Castle Playground’ (complete with stone towers and tunnels) in Commonwealth Park.

Bike hire is available from Cycle Canberra, based at the Australian National University. Alternatively, look for one of the Share A Bike stations spread across the city and south of Lake Burley Griffin. There’s a good mix of bikes available, including child bikes and even a couple of bike trailers.

16. Canberra Glassworks

Filled with rich history, Canberra Glassworks offers a peek inside the exquisitely colourful world of glass art, craft and design. Offering a dynamic exhibition program and a workshop space, kids will be awestruck by artists’ handiwork as they wander through one of the largest open-access glassmaking facilities in the Southern Hemisphere.

17. National Gallery of Australia

The National Gallery of Australia is another family favourite that never seems to tire of thanks to its ever-evolving collection of art. Including the world’s largest collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, and fun programs for kids, making it one of the most family-friendly things to do in Canberra.

Since its official opening in 1982, the National Gallery of Australia has become an integral part of Australian cultural life and the international art world. It initiates and hosts major exhibitions sourced internationally on a regular basis and lends works of art to exhibitions both in Australia and around the world. The permanent collection spans some 5,000 years of international art and more than 30,000 years of indigenous Australian culture.

The Children’s Gallery is called the Tim Fairfax Learning Gallery. It has regular programs for children of all ages; there is a Mobile Studio that pops up all over the gallery and free collectible drawing sheets, designed by guest artists. Make sure you check out the outdoor lakeside sculpture gardens.

Read: Why Canberra is cool for teens

18. Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex 

The Canberra Space Centre is your gateway to the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex. One of only three stations in NASA’s Deep Space Network (with a huge antenna dish spanning 70 metres in diameter and weighing 7.5 million kilograms), it is responsible for providing two-way radio communication with dozens of robotic spacecraft exploring the Solar System and beyond. The fantastic view, fun interactive and static displays and wide range of archive and new video footage create a visit that you won’t forget.

19. National Library of Australia

Overlooking picturesque Lake Burley Griffin, the National Library of Australia is one of Canberra’s great landmarks. With over seven million items, the classical building houses a diverse collection accessible to the public. The library also hosts exhibitions.

20. Corin Forest

Located 45 minutes from the heart of Canberra in the Tidbinbilla Mountain Range is Corin Forest – Canberra’s only winter snow recreation area. For families that don’t have much experience with snow, this is the perfect spot to learn the basics with a ski lesson, or build snowmen, go tobogganing and have snowball fights. Afterwards, warm up with the cafe’s selection of gourmet burgers and woodfired pizzas. During summer visit the forest for cycling, camping and a 1.2 km Alpine Slide that winds through the forest.

Read: A dad’s guide to Canberra with kids

21. Power Kart Raceway

Budding rev-heads will love darting through obstacles and zipping around corners on Power Kart Raceways’ indoor track on an electric go-kart. One race includes 14 rip-roaring laps. Kids six-12 years and over 124cm are allowed to race the Junior Karts. If you’re over 12 years old and over 148cm, you can race in an Adult Kart.

Also at the Power Kart Raceway is Jungle Golf – Canberra’s first indoor glow in the dark mini golf course. The jungle-themed 18-hole course is illuminated by special UV lighting and is suitable for all ages. The air conditioned course is perfect for groups, families and individuals. If you’re looking for things to do in Canberra that will get the kids’ hearts racing, this is definitely the spot for you.

22. Bike Riding for Kids

Argus Park in Canberra’s suburb of Wright hosts a 600-metre walk track. This flat area is perfect for small children who are wanting to ride their bikes about but are too small for the trails of Stromlo Forest Park across the road.

Wrights Playground is a five minute drive away that offers similar features. Wrights Children’s Playground is just across from here too and boasts a jungle-gym for kids who don’t want to ride.

John Knight Memorial Playground has great flat paths for kids on bikes too. Wide paths wrap around a giant red play structure with two large slides and a miniature rock-climbing wall. The paths cross small bridges over man-made ponds.

If the kids are still a little unsteady on wheels, check out one of the Learning To Ride centres. These centres offer basic to advanced training for little ones. There are tracks with footpaths, roundabouts, pedestrian crossings, line markings and road signs, just like the real thing. Aimed at kids in pre-school to year four, the company is a great opportunity to teach your kids about the fun and safe aspects of bike riding.

23. Yarralumla Play Station at Weston Park

The Yarralumla Play Station is an adventure hub home to one of the largest mini golf courses in Australia. Yarralumla boasts a 36-hole course sprinkled with some of Canberra’s most quintessential landmarks. A 25-metre wide replica of Lake Burley Griffin and the Parliamentary Triangle are amongst others.

Take a ride on the Weston Park Miniature Railway. The authentic miniature train coasts in a figure-eight around the park, or check out Yarralumla’s furry farm friends. There are ponies, lamb, chickens, sheep, goats, alpacas and pigs – just to name a few – that roam around their enclosures freely. The cafe on site is perfect for lunch with the kids and sells coffee for parents.

24. Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve

Home to koalas, kangaroos, emus, platypuses and echidnas, Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is a must on your next Canberra holiday. It is located 45 minutes from the Canberra CBD. Starting at the Visitor Centre, the one-hour Congwarra Trail takes you to the Nature Discovery Playground and down to the Tidbinbilla River and a number of picnic areas. It’s one of 24 marked trails at Tidbinbilla that range from 15 minutes to full-day hikes.

A place of historical and ongoing significance to the Ngunnawal people, the Traditional Custodians of the Canberra region, you can get a unique perspective on traditional culture on a Didgeridoo Dreaming Sunset Tour or Bush Tucker Walk with a local Indigenous guide. Families can join a ranger-guided tour through the sanctuary wetlands. The rangers are also pros at spotting the koalas that blend into the trees.

25. Tidbinbilla Nature Discovery Playground at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve

Set within a picturesque nature reserve, play at Tidbinbilla Nature Discovery Playground can be either active or calming. Families can bring their bikes and cycle around the reserve on the sealed road and fire trails, or simply sit back and relax with the local wildlife. The playground has a flying fox, nest swing, slide and climbing rope frame.

26. Patissez

Home of the Freakshake, Patissez has taken the world by storm. Don’t just take our word for it – ask its 37,000 Instagram followers. Patissez Cafe’s sugar-high-inducing snacks are the stuff of local legend, piled high with brownies, cookies, pretzels and slabs of cake. Haven’t got a sweet tooth? Opt for the chicken burger, which comes complete with crunchy Mi Goreng noodles. Patissez is definitely one of our guilty pleasures on our list of things to do in Canberra.

27. The National Arboretum

Canberra’s National Arboretum is a botanical garden dedicated to conservation, scientific research and educational purposes. It features 94 forests and over 44,000 saplings of rare, endangered and symbolic trees across a 250-hectare site. It is a botanical garden dedicated to conservation, scientific research and educational purposes. The forests are an ever-developing showcase of trees from around the world. Join a guided tour before dropping the kids off at the magical Pod Playground for a clamber.

28. The POD playground at the National Arboretum

Let the kids run wild at POD Playground. Based on the idea of seeds as the beginning of forest life, POD features giant acorn cubbies, a nest swing, banksia pods and music-making instruments to encourage kids to have fun while they learn, climb and explore. There are also walks, tours and cultural workshops on offer. The surrounding 250-hectare parkland is a stunning natural wonderland of forests of rare, endangered and symbolic trees, with a side of stunning views.

Read: Is this Canberra’s coolest playground?

29. Boundless Canberra at Kings Park

Boundless is an exciting initiative allowing children of all abilities to play together. The innovative playground incorporates ideas from around the world to promote inclusive play, with equipment that can be easily accessed by all without being readily identifiable as ‘disabled access’ equipment, and zoned spaces for different ages and abilities. Boundless is certain to become one of your kids’ favourite things to do in Canberra.

30. Red Hill

Soak up the scintillating views at Red Hill, a lookout located to the south of the city centre. In autumn and winter, the brilliant red and orange hues of the treetops are especially breathtaking. Explore the enticing eucalypt hollows before stopping to enjoy the delicious treats on offer at the resident eateries.

31. Stripey Sundae

Head to Stripey Sundae for a unique treat; these homemade ice-creams are not only delicious, but surprising. The flavours change regularly, so one day you may have a salted caramel sundae, and the next, wattle seed.

32. Secret wizard’s business at Quizzic Alley

Quizzic Alley is Harry Potter heaven and like Platform 9¾ itself, it’s almost as tricky to find among the car yards and warehouses of Fyshwick. But wave your wand and mutter something that starts with “expecto” and this fanciful shop appears.

Quizzic Alley is home to Australia’s largest range of Harry Potter merchandise but it is an experience as much as a store. Come face-to-face with a dragon, pile into a replica of the Weasley’s flying Ford Anglia, sip on a creamy butterscotchy QBrew (a delicious take on Butterbeer), pop on the sorting hat and talk all things magical and muggley with owner ‘Nearly Legless Mick’. It’s the perfect nickname and you’ll find out why when you meet him. If you’re a Harry Potter lover, losing yourself in Quizzic Alley is one of the best things to do in Canberra.

Don’t miss the magical potions workshop that runs during the school holidays.

33. Jet Flight Simulator

Based on the Boeing 737-800NG flown by professional pilots, and perfect for ages six and up, this unforgettable jet flight simulator is one of a kind. The kids can become a virtual jet captain as an experienced instructor guides them from take-off to landing, on a flight that doesn’t feel virtual at all.

Also at the jet flight simulator venue is ICAROS, a VR fitness and entertainment experience. You can dive, fly and drive through virtual worlds, all whilst exercising your mind and body. Choose to swim in underwater worlds, fly through the Swiss Alps, fight shooting drones or race others. To experience ICAROS, participants must weight 110-kilograms or below and be at least 150-centimetres in height.

34. Indoor Bouldering at BlocHaus

Got a couple of cheeky monkeys to entertain? Let them climb high at BlocHaus, the perfect place for them to burn off some energy. This is an indoor climbing gym specialising in fitness, fun and social bouldering. The space has been designed for kids and families to enjoy bouldering together. It also runs school holiday programs for kids aged six to 14. There are several bouldering walls with colour-coded holds. No ropes. No harnesses. All you need to bring is yourself and an open mind.

35. Mulligans Flat Woodlands Sanctuary

See Eastern Bettong’s at Mulligans Flat Woodlands Sanctuary. There are hundreds of these endangered marsupials bouncing around. The 485-hectare fenced sanctuary keeps the bettongs protected from predators. The bettong is nocturnal, so a twilight tour offers the best chance to see them. Expect lots of whispered “ooohs” and “ahhs” on this tour and keep a lookout for the bettong’s roomies: eastern quolls, bandicoots, sugar gliders and night birds such as the bush stone-curlew. With every tiny bounce of the Eastern Bettong, your heart will leap to see this cute marsupial back on home ground after previously being hunted to extinction on mainland Australia.

37. See nature’s Lego blocks

Just say Legoland and you’ll have the kids in the car. But ‘Legoland’ Namadgi National Park has no coloured plastic blocks – it’s even better! Massive granite boulders, in nature’s primary colours, have tumbled over each other in beautiful bushland and are so much fun to explore. From Canberra, it’s a 45-minute drive to Tharwa, where you must stop at Namadgi Visitors Centre to get a map of the bush track to the site – don’t try to find it alone, people do get lost. It’s a short 15-minute walk and easy enough for most kids to manage though you may need to toss in an occasional piggy back for little ones.

38. Take a picture at Commonwealth Place

Commonwealth Place is a great place to visit in Canberra with kids. It is on the southern shore of Lake Burley Griffin in the Parliamentary Zone. Walk along the waterfront, make use of the ample public space and snap a photo of the kids rolling down the walkway to remember your holiday.

39. Ride a GoBoat on Lake Burley Griffin

There’s no better way to explore Canberra’s iconic man-made lake than on a motorised boat. Gather your crew of up to eight people to hire a GoBoat, with no licence or previous experience required. Starting from the Kingston Foreshore, cruise under Kings Avenue Bridge and up past the National Gallery of Australia, all the way to the Captain Cook Memorial Jet, blasting water high into the sky. Bring your own picnic to make use of the boat’s onboard picnic table, or order a pre-prepared one to take with you.

40. Canberra Theatre Centre

Despite its transparent façade, you’re venturing into the exciting unknown when entering the capital’s wonderful theatre centre. Located in the heart of the city, it’s a hub for all things that little ones love and school holidays are filled with entertaining shows and activities.

Attend a concert by much-loved children’s bands the Teeny Tiny Stevies or The Wiggles. There are numerous events aimed directly at children. For something more family inclusive, try something like Shrek The Musical. A trip to Canberra Theatre Centre is definitely one of our favourite things to do in Canberra.

41. Stromlo Forest Park

This vast recreational park is a sports hub for families. It’s a place where the kids can run, cycle, gallop, scooter and mountain bike. There is a 1.2-kilometre cycling circuit, a 2.5-kilometre grass cross-country running track, equestrian trails and more than 50 kilometres of mountain bike trails with options for all abilities. A large portion of this park is dedicated to recreational and professional sports. However, it’s a great spot for families to spend the day too. You’ll all enjoy the impressive vistas and waterways.

The six mountain bike tracks range from beginner to advanced. The beginner’s track takes between 20 and 40 minutes to finish. Trailing along the base of Mt Stromlo and around the Holden creek area. The kids will find it gentle and easy to navigate. There are two intermediate, two intermediate/advanced, and one advanced track. These are probably less suitable for children but might appeal to teens or parents. Keep your eye out for horse riders though, as they always have right of way. For walkers, the Centenary Trail and Bicentennial National Trail that weave through the park are lovely.

42. Kayak along Canberra’s waterways

Admire Canberra from the water with a day of kayaking with your family. There are a few different spots to launch your boat from that’ll get you up-close-and-personal with some of Canberra’s beautiful scenery. Molonglo Reach is a small stretch of sand next to the Burley Griffin canoe club. It’s a safe and quiet spot to launch into the Molonglo river, where you can paddle right to view the stunning Jerrabomberra Wetlands Nature Reserve up close.

Henry Rolland Park is a great spot to begin, due to its various family-friendly facilities. There is a wet dock for canoe and kayak launches alongside two jetties and a 150-metre long boardwalk. For those who want to stay on shore, there’s BBQ picnic areas, flat biking paths for kids, outdoor fitness equipment and lots of grass for running or relaxation.

If you need to hire kayaks, try Yarralumla Bay. There are plenty of kayaks, canoes and other watercraft to be hired from the YMCA Paddle Hub. It is also a popular swimming spot for families with little ones as there are no waves and a cordoned-off section of water for safety. There are public toilets, free parking and picnic areas with BBQ’s.

Keep reading:

• Canberra family-friendly travel guide
  
• Canberra for teenagers
• 11 incredible waterparks at holiday parks
• 11 of the best go karting tracks in Sydney

43. Explore Lennox Gardens

Lennox Gardens and its serene Peace Park are a hit with families, making it one of the premier things to do in Canberra. Lennox Gardens unfold across the shores of Lake Burley Griffin and boast cultural experiences, vast grassy areas with picnic and BBQ areas and gorgeous Canberra views. The kids have lots of space to roam and can learn a little bit about Asian heritage as they go.

Inside the park, make sure you visit the Beijing Garden, with its traditional Chinese welcome gate, Chinese art sculptures and a beautiful Chinese pavilion. The Canberra Nara Peace Park is also within Lennox Gardens. The park is a tiny slice of Japan in the heart of Canberra, with cherry blossom trees and traditional Japanese-themed garden and gazebo.

44. The Nara candle festival

In October of each year at the Canberra Nara Peace Park in Lennox Gardens, the ground is lit up with thousands of candles to celebrate and commemorate the Canberra Nara sister relationship. Trees are littered with coloured lights and statues around the park are lit up. The festival highlights how interested and fond Canberra’s residents have become of the Japanese culture.

Some of the best aspects of the Nara candle festival include traditional cultural activities that the whole family can enjoy, such as origami, lantern-making and calligraphy. There is also entertainment that will fascinate the kids, such as Japanese martial arts demonstrations. Japanese food stalls are sprinkled throughout the festival for a yummy bite to eat whilst taking in the spectacular views.

45. Canberra Aqua Park

Open during the Summer of each year, the Canberra Aqua Park promises hours of fun on the water for kids aged five and older. Kids under 10 must be accompanied by an adult at all times, offering family fun for everyone. The Aqua Park is made up of inflatable obstacles such as tunnels, slides, bridges, ladders and a massive jumping pillow. These obstacles range in size for ability-types and there are flatter surfaces for the little ones. Commencing on the hour and running for 50-minutes total, each session at the Aqua Park gives kids enough time to explore the obstacles and cool off. The surrounding water is cordoned off in an enclosure for safety. Other safety measures include mandatory life-jackets, frequent water tests, lifeguards and a safety briefing at the beginning of every session.

46. Ride in a hot-air balloon

There’s nothing like an aerial view of beautiful Canberra. Rather than restricting your experience to a plane, try out an amazing hot-air balloon ride above Canberra. There’s no better way to start the day than watching the sunrise while you float above the city. Balloon Aloft Canberra meet its customers in the foyer of the Park Hyatt Hotel on Commonwealth Avenue, approximately half an hour before sunrise. The company also offer a full buffet breakfast upon return, which comes at an additional cost. Children as young as six can ride with the company, making for an amazing family experience that includes everyone.

Adrenaline also offer hot-air balloon rides above Canberra with kids six and older being able to attend. Depending on the direction of the wind, you’ll either sour over Canberra city or be blown towards the countryside. The flight goes for around an hour and includes complimentary champagne and juice for the kids at the end.

In March, the Canberra Balloon Spectacular, an annual two-week festival, sees around 50 balloons take to the skies from the lawns of the Old Parliament House. The festival is a fan favourite for families looking for things to do in Canberra.

47. Lake George Winery

About an hour’s drive north from Canberra sits the Lake George Winery, the oldest winery in the region. The scenic 54-kilometre drive here takes you through the stunning countryside of outer-Canberra and along to the tip of Lake George. The winery is the perfect opportunity for parents to relax a little and try some delectable and unique wines. You won’t have to worry about keeping the kids entertained either. There is a children’s play area, giant Connect Four, a flying-fox and colouring to be done. Harry the Sheep and the horses nearby are always hungry too, happy to have the children feed them.

48. Australian National Botanic Gardens

These gorgeous gardens in the heart of Canberra are great for a family day out. There are many walking paths littered throughout the park that are suitable for children. Keep your eye out for rare and endangered plant species and lots of colourful birds flying about. The paperbark treehouse and garden are popular with the kids. Climb up the three-storey treehouse to experience canopy views of the surrounding forest. There is wheelchair access via a ramp to the first platform. From there, a ladder will take you up to the crow’s nest at the top of the structure. There is also a ‘Who Did That?’ children’s trail that teaches kids about the importance of bio-diversity via fun activity stations. Other Botanic Garden highlights include: the Botanical bookshop, the Eucalypt lawn, the rock garden, rainforest gully, the Pollen cafe and the red centre garden.

49. Kambah Adventure Park

This unique park includes a playground has been designed to accommodate kids of all ages, from toddlers to teenagers. For the little ones, there’s smaller playgrounds that are low to the ground and offer giant noughts-and-crosses, ramps, small bridges and gentle slides. For the bigger kids, giant swings, a space net and a tree-house provide hours of fun. There are also junior and senior flying foxes and a half-pipe for skaters and bikers.

But wait, there’s more. Kambah Adventure Park also includes sandpits, a rock-climbing section with numerous walls for ability-types and a wheelchair accessible swing. Both shaded and uncovered picnic and BBQ areas are dotted throughout the park.

50. Murrumbateman Chocolate Co

A 30 to 40 minute drive outside of Canberra, Murrumbateman Chocolate Co is a sweet-lover’s heaven. This is a great spot to bring the kids if you want to indulge a little and spoil them. The chocolates at Murrumbateman are all handcrafted using ingredients found in or around Canberra, including peppermint, ginger, caramel, vanilla and jasmine green tea – just to name a few. Kids can learn how the chocolate is made and then try it out for themselves. A lot of the chocolates come in bite-sized pieces, decorated according to their flavour. There are plenty of places to see and things to do in Canberra, but perhaps none that are as delicious. There’s also outdoor games like quoits, noughts-and-crosses and totem tennis for the kids to burn off all the energy from their sugar hit inside.

51. Canberra Reptile Zoo

There are over 50 species of reptiles and frogs on display at the reptile zoo, including bearded-dragons, lizards, snakes, turtles and geckos. Alongside the live-animal enclosures, there’s a ‘Reptiles in Space and Time’ that can teach children about the history and evolution of Australia’s coolest reptiles through fossil records. 

Kids can even opt to have a close-up encounter with a snake through the ‘Snakes Tales’ educational program. The program allows kids to handle friendly pythons, making a great photo opportunity. A shop on-site sells accessories for reptile pets and plush reptile animals to buy as souvenirs.

52. Murrumbateman Winery

Here’s another great kid-friendly winery, just 45-minutes from the Canberra CBD. The staff here are passionate about their unique range of wines and control the process from the start – from hand-picking in the vineyard to stomping on the grapes themselves. The winery offers tasting, cheese boards, coffee and baked goods.

For the kids, they’ll be in good company with the many dogs who call Murrumbateman Winery their home. They’re super friendly and love pats. There’s also a ping-pong table, chalkboard tables and colouring books that’ll keep the kids entertained while parents sip on delicious cool climate wines. With views of the stunning Canberra countryside, Murrumbateman makes for a great family day out with activities for the whole family to enjoy.

53. Ride the famous Merry-Go-Round

You will find this stunning, 100-year-old Merry-Go-Round in the heart of Canberra’s CBD, just a 10-minute walk from City Hill. Riding the Merry-Go-Round is like taking a step back in time; the ride has kept all of its old features whilst maintaining safety updates and regulations. For years, this Merry-Go-Round has been one of the essential things to do in Canberra with kids. The horses, which all have names, are beautifully coloured and decorated. Add in the magical music and the carousel becomes a whimsical ride for both children and adults. The admission fee is only $3 for all ages.

54. Phillip ice-skating centre

The ice-skating centre is the perfect place to escape the heat on a hot day in Canberra, or simply to take the kids for a day full of fun. All equipment can be hired on site, so all you need to bring is some warm clothes and a can-do attitude for those first few wobbly laps of the arena. On Friday nights, the centre hosts a disco, starting at 8:30pm. All ages are welcome to come down and skate along to some great tunes. There are also skating lessons for those who are a little more apprehensive to step onto the ice.

55. Big Splash Water Park

Another great way to cool off in Canberra is the Big Splash water park in Macquarie, which opens between November and March every year. There are nine slides that offer fun for everyone, from toddlers to teens.

For the little ones, check out the kiddie pool, with lots of fun and interactive water-play objects. Other kid-friendly options are Splash Island and the play pool. There are nine slides on site; one for every ability and bravery level so nobody misses out. There are also pool inflatables, family slides and a 50-metre lap pool to relax in. Check out Canberra’s only water park cinema at Big Splash too, where you can float about on rubber tunes and watch a movie the whole family will enjoy. The kiosk sells food and refreshments and there are lifeguards on duty at all times.

56. Defy gravity at indoor rock climbing

Canberra Indoor Rock Climbing is perfect for climbers of all levels looking for things to do in Canberra, including kids six and under. There are walls for all ability levels. The rocks range from large and easy to grab for little hands to small and intricate for those with more experience. There is also an autism access night, a ladies-only night and a kids club, where parents can climb for free. There is a supervisor, but parents must watch their children at all times. Rubber mats are placed below the walls for safety. Harnesses, shoes and chalk bags can be hired on-site, just make sure you wear the appropriate clothing – most exercise gear works great.

57. Gooromon Park Riding School

30-minutes from the heart of Canberra, take the kids to an accredited Australian riding school where they can learn how to ride a horse. Lessons are catered for all ability types and offered in a safe, fully-supervised environment. Children as young as six can get involved, who will be accompanied by a trainer at all times. There are group training sessions as well, meaning the whole family can get involved without having to be separately trained. Boots and a helmet will be provided by the school, however bookings are essential. Afterwards, have a bite to eat together at the Homestead Cafe on site, open for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

58. Learn to ski at Vertikal Indoor Snow Sports

Get the heart pumping with indoor alpine thrills at Vertikal Indoor Snow Sports. This indoor ski centre has all types of lessons designed with skill level in mind, from first-timer through to advanced, so is suited to kids, novices and avid skiers alike. The indoor skiing and snowboarding centre operates all year round, so regardless of the weather you can practice your moves on rolling nylon fibre mats. Be sure to leave time after carving up the virtual slopes for a hot chocolate and pizza. It’s a great place to practice if you are travelling to the Snowy Mountains with kids.

59. Mind Trap Canberra

Mind Trap takes the escape room experience to another level. Just pop on a VR headset and be transported to another world as you attempt to escape in time. You can fight dragons, solve problems and battle each other in otherworldly locations. Your experience will most likely take place in a booth, a three-by-three square-metre area where you can move about freely while enjoying virtual reality. If you’re doing an escape room, the booth may be bigger. There are no food or beverage services, but visitors can bring their own water. Safety measures are in place to prevent people falling over or running into walls whilst wearing the headset. Mind Trap is held at pop-up locations around Canberra, and while kids seven and over can participate, the rooms are best for kids aged 10 plus.

60. Zone3 laser adventure

This is a fun, interactive space for families looking for challenging things to do in Canberra. Each participant, which includes children as young as six, dons a computerised vest and is armed with a handheld laser gun. You are then set free into the dark playing arena, which has obstacles, hiding spots, lights and music. Chase each other around and zap your opponents to win. However, if you have less than 15 people in your group, be ready to merge with another. The more the merrier though!

61. Inflatable World Oz

This has got to be one of the coolest kids venues ever. At Inflatable World, most of the room is made from jumping pillows. There are numerous different inflated vessels including jumping castles, a velcro wall, giant slides, basketball hoops, a battle ring and a rock-climbing wall – just to mention a few. There is a no socks – no play rule, however the centre do sell socks for $2.50 if you forget. Purchase food and drinks inside as well, or bring your own lunch if you wish.

62. Catch a film at Sunset Cinema Canberra

A once in a lifetime experience would be watching a movie surrounded by the gorgeous native plants of Australia, and now you can do just that, right in the heart of Canberra. Sunset Cinema is located within the Australian National Botanic Gardens and is the perfect spot for an evening family outing. There are films for everyone, with previous showings of family-favourites such as Frozen and Grease. Bring your own cushions and blankets, hire seating, or opt to watch the movie in style with the Lawn Lounge package, which provides a reserved bean lounger, seating in a prime viewing area and bottomless popcorn. Don’t forget the on-site bar and nightly food truck!

Adult admission is $20, $17 for concession and $14 for kids under the age of 12. Children under the age of three have free admission.

63. Space Kitchen

Space Kitchen in Woden was recently crowned Australia’s best patisserie and a visit to them is one of our favourite things to do in Canberra. This cafe serves Insta-worthy desserts that are wild, playful and experimental. In addition to dessert Space Kitchen also does a full menu for breakfast, burgers and salads and mains for lunch. It also hosts a Willy Wonka-inspired afternoon tea with popping candy-infused chocolate,  mini macarons, meringue-topped lemon tarts and chocolate tree trunks topped with bright blue fairy floss.

64. Kingpin Canberra

Visit Kingpin Canberra to enjoy escape rooms, state-of-the-art bowling lanes, arcade games, pool tables and more. Parents can hole up at the fully licensed bar and restaurant while the little ones play VR games. Belt your favourite tunes together in the karaoke rooms; playlists are updated monthly so you can sing along to all the latest hits.

65. Floriade

The Floriade Flower Festival is held annually in spring on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin. Your family will love walking among extensive displays of flowering bulbs and sculptures. Floriade 2023 is held from 16 September to 15 October.

66. Go truffle hunting

In Canberra, Bluefrog Truffles and L’Air du Wombat Truffles are our picks of the truffle farms.

Bluefrog Truffle hunts take place on Sundays during truffle season. For an hour truffle dogs will help you find these earthly delights.

L’Air du Wombat Truffles is a biodynamic and organic truffle farm 1.5 hours from Canberra. Kids can help dig up the truffles, pat the truffle dogs and you can purchase what they dig out of the ground. Then get a family photo by the giant wombat sculpture. There are also some friendly farm animals for the kids to meet.

Bluefrog Truffle hunts: Adults $100, Children $50, under 5’s are free.

L’Air du Wombat truffle hunts: Adults $99, Children $45, under 5’s are free.

Both tours include truffle snacks after the hunt.

67. Old Bus Depot Markets

Looking for things to do in Canberra and enjoy a truly sensory experience? Canberra’s fantastic Old Bus Depot Markets are open every Sunday from 10am to 4pm. Wander through the bustling crowd as you taste, smell, look, touch and listen to all the colourful creations that the clever local craftspeople have to offer.

68. Careys Cave

If your curious kids want to head underground, Careys Cave is located in the beautiful Wee Jasper valley, just over an hour’s drive from Canberra. Set in a spectacular limestone landscape, the cave network features beautiful, naturally sculpted rock and cave formations.

69. Tim & Gina Fairfax Discovery Centre

Little ones now have their own special space in the National Museum of Australia. The Tim & Gina Fairfax Discovery Centre is an interactive and immersive play space designed to foster play-based learning in children up to six years old. Here you’ll find climbing ropes, an interactive fish trap, bunyip dress-ups and a wheelchair-accessible rocking deck, plus an infant crawl space and cosy reading nooks. Bookings are essential.

70. Jungle Golf

Get your glow on at Canberra’s first indoor glow-in-the-dark mini-golf course. The 18-hole course at Jungle Golf is set inside Griffith’s Power Kart Raceway, illuminated by special UV lighting and suitable for all ages.

71. Tocumwal Lane street art

Canberra’s galleries aren’t all indoors and kids will love the superhero-inspired street art in the CBD’s Tocumwal Lane. This is certainly a hidden gem amongst our favourite things to do in Canberra.

72. The Young Ranger Program at Jerrabomberra Wetlands

The Young Ranger Program at Jerrabomberra Wetlands gives kids the opportunity to learn about the environment. Young nature enthusiasts between the ages of 8 and 15 can develop their knowledge and skills in the natural environment. The Club gets together on the third Sunday of each month from 10-12 to explore a variety of nature-based topics with local experts. The annual membership fee of $110 includes all monthly activities and a welcome pack to help you get started.

Keep reading:

Why you should head to Canberra ASAP
Canberra family holiday: where to play, where to stay
The best things to do with kids outdoors in Canberra

Family accommodation in Australia