A young child in a striped sweater pushing a bright red stroller, looking curiously at something in the distance, with a green, lush background and a wooden fence

large_A young child in a striped sweater pushing a bright red stroller, looking curiously at something in the distance, with a green, lush background and a wooden fence.jpg

medium_A young child in a striped sweater pushing a bright red stroller, looking curiously at something in the distance, with a green, lush background and a wooden fence.jpg

small_A young child in a striped sweater pushing a bright red stroller, looking curiously at something in the distance, with a green, lush background and a wooden fence.jpg

thumbnail_A young child in a striped sweater pushing a bright red stroller, looking curiously at something in the distance, with a green, lush background and a wooden fence.jpg

A young child in a striped sweater pushing a bright red stroller, looking curiously at something in the distance, with a green, lush background and a wooden fence.jpg

Looking for a fun-filled **family day out** and searching for the best things to do in Canberra with kids? You’re in the right place. While the city might be known for its politics, there’s so much more to discover here — especially when it comes to keeping the kids entertained. From interactive museums loaded with hands-on science and technology exhibits to sprawling outdoor spaces perfect for a game of tag or a relaxed picnic, Canberra has something for every type of family.

To make planning your adventure easier, here's a list of the **best family-friendly activities** in Canberra.  So pack your bags, check into your hotel, and get ready to explore some of the top activities that Canberra has to offer for kids!

## Outdoor Activities
Canberra is perfect for families who love to be outside, offering plenty of parks, trails, and green spaces to explore. Whether you’re looking for a spot to enjoy a picnic, go for a bike ride, or let the _kids run and play_, the city has endless options. From gentle walks to adventurous hikes, outdoor activities in Canberra are all about fresh air, fun, and family time.

### Lake Burley Griffin
[Lake Burley Griffin](https://www.nca.gov.au/attractions/lake-burley-griffin) is much more than another scenic spot — it's a giant playground perfect for families. You can hire paddle boats or kayaks and mess about on the water or grab the bikes and ride the flat kid-friendly paths around the lake. _Got a picnic basket?_ Perfect. There are plenty of grassy areas where you can throw down a rug and relax while the kids run wild in one of the many playgrounds. 
- Address: Lake Burley Griffin, Acton, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
- Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
- Price: Free to explore; boat rentals start at about $20 per hour

![A scenic nighttime view of a curved pathway along the edge of a calm lake, illuminated by lights, with trees and a tower in the distance under a twilight sky](https://res.cloudinary.com/dbk0rhysz/image/upload/v1727247489/A_scenic_nighttime_view_of_a_curved_pathway_along_the_edge_of_a_calm_lake_illuminated_by_lights_with_trees_and_a_tower_in_the_distance_under_a_twilight_sky_e9249bdcd9.jpg)

### National Zoo and Aquarium
If you’re looking for kids activities in Canberra, a visit to the [National Zoo and Aquarium](https://nationalzoo.com.au/) is in order. It's not every day you find a **zoo and an aquarium** rolled into one, but that’s exactly what you get here. Wander past enclosures with everything from big cats to bears, then head over to see the sharks and fish. If you want to make the visit extra special there are “up close and personal” animal encounters where kids can feed a giraffe, pet a cheetah, or even hang out with meerkats. There’s also a cool playground area where they can blow off some steam.
- Address: Scrivener Dam, Yarralumla, Canberra, ACT 2611
- Opening Hours: Daily, 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Price: Kids from $30, Adults $52, Family 2 Adults and up to 3 Children   $144

### Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
For a bit of fresh air and Aussie wildlife, head to [Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve](https://www.tidbinbilla.act.gov.au/visit). It’s only a short drive from the city, but feels like a world away. There are heaps of easy trails where you can spot _kangaroos_ lounging about, emus wandering around, and maybe even catch a glimpse of a platypus if you’re lucky. Perfect for a family walk, a picnic or just letting the kids run free in nature. It’s a fantastic way to spend a day exploring the bush without getting too far from the city's comforts.
- Address: Paddys River Rd, Paddys River ACT 2620
- Opening Hours: Daily, 7:30 am - 6:00 pm
- Price: $15.53 per vehicle

![A small kangaroo, known as a wallaby, sits on the forest floor surrounded by dry leaves, fallen branches, and tall trees in a natural, wooded environment](https://res.cloudinary.com/dbk0rhysz/image/upload/v1727247489/A_small_kangaroo_known_as_a_wallaby_sits_on_the_forest_floor_surrounded_by_dry_leaves_fallen_branches_and_tall_trees_in_a_natural_wooded_environment_2443edb980.jpg)

### Yarralumla Play Station
Looking for something a bit different that caters to things to do in Canberra for families? Try [Yarralumla Play Station](https://www.yarraps.com.au/). It’s got a bit of everything — a miniature train ride that winds through the park, a mini golf course that’s perfect for a bit of **friendly family competition** and a petting zoo where kids can meet farm animals up close. It’s low-key and fun with a café on site for when everyone needs a breather and a bite to eat.
- Address: 9 Pescott Ln, Yarralumla ACT 2600
- Opening Hours: Daily, 9:30 am - 4:00 pm
- Price: Activities start from $6

## Indoor Activities
Rainy days don’t have to mean a boring day stuck inside — in Canberra, there are plenty of indoor adventures to keep the whole family entertained. Whether your kids are into science, dinosaurs, reptiles, or just need a place to climb and burn off some energy, there’s something for everyone.

### Questacon
If you’ve never been to [Questacon](https://www.questacon.edu.au/) then you’re in for a real treat. Think giant playground disguised as a science museum, jam-packed with hands-on exhibits that let the kids (and grown-ups) learn by doing rather than seeing. Drop down a six-metre slide, create a mini-tornado or try out the earthquake simulator! There's even a special section for toddlers, so the littlest of little ones don’t miss out on the fun.
- Address: King Edward Terrace, Parkes ACT 2600
- Opening Hours: Daily, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Price: $18 for kids, $24 for adults

![A close-up view of a Tyrannosaurus rex (T. rex) fossil skeleton showing the head and upper torso with its large teeth and ribcage, displayed in a museum setting](https://res.cloudinary.com/dbk0rhysz/image/upload/v1727247489/A_close_up_view_of_a_Tyrannosaurus_rex_T_rex_fossil_skeleton_showing_the_head_and_upper_torso_with_its_large_teeth_and_ribcage_displayed_in_a_museum_setting_0a6b4334ed.jpg)

### National Dinosaur Museum
Got a kid who’s dino-obsessed? [The National Dinosaur Museum](https://nationaldinosaurmuseum.com.au/) is a must-see. With life-size dinosaur models that roar, interactive displays, and plenty of fossils to examine, it’s a hit with the young and the young at heart. Let them get their hands dirty in the fossil dig or try to pronounce some of the tongue-twisting dinosaur names on display.
- Address: 6 Gold Creek Rd, Nicholls ACT 2913
- Opening Hours: Daily, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Price: $12 for kids, $20 for adults

### Canberra Reptile Zoo
If you've got kids that are all about everything **scaly and slithery**, you'll definitely want to check out the [Canberra Reptile Zoo](https://reptilesinc.com.au/zoo.toy?cid=2656301). Get up close and personal with a huge variety of snakes, lizards, and even crocs. Plus, the zookeeper's are always ready to share some fun facts with inquisitive kids and there are plenty of opportunities to touch and hold some of the reptiles. It's a great day out for kids who love learning about nature's less cuddly yet equally as adorable creatures.
- Address: O'Hanlon Place, Nicholls ACT 2913  
- Opening Hours: Daily, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Price: $12 for kids, $20 for adults

![A young child in a green shirt holds a large, light-colored snake with assistance from an adult, standing next to a glass enclosure in a reptile exhibit](https://res.cloudinary.com/dbk0rhysz/image/upload/v1727247489/A_young_child_in_a_green_shirt_holds_a_large_light_colored_snake_with_assistance_from_an_adult_standing_next_to_a_glass_enclosure_in_a_reptile_exhibit_42ff8b0996.jpg)

### BlocHaus
If you have active kids who constantly seem to need to burn off energy, [BlocHaus](https://cbr.blochaus.com.au/) is an indoor climbing gym that’s perfect for them. It’s got walls for all skill levels from beginner to 'ninja warrior in training'. Staff are super friendly and helpful, making it a great spot to try something new and challenging together. And the best part? It’s a fun way to keep everyone moving, even on a rainy day.
- Address: Unit 2, building 2, 1 dairy road, Fyshwick ACT
- Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: 6:00 am - 9:00 pm, Saturday & Sunday: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
- Price: From $21 for kids and $25 for adults per session

![A young child in a grey shirt and white shorts is rock climbing on an indoor climbing wall with colorful holds in various shapes and sizes, demonstrating balance and concentration](https://res.cloudinary.com/dbk0rhysz/image/upload/v1727247489/A_young_child_in_a_gray_shirt_and_white_shorts_is_rock_climbing_on_an_indoor_climbing_wall_with_colorful_holds_in_various_shapes_and_sizes_demonstrating_balance_and_concentration_420913b0ac.jpg)

## Family-Friendly Accommodation in Canberra
Looking for a **family-friendly accommodation in Canberra** that feels more like a home than a hotel? [The Sebel Canberra Campbell](https://www.thesebel.com/australian-capital-territory/the-sebel-canberra-campbell/) offers spacious two-bedroom apartments perfect for spreading out, along with other room options to suit families of any size. With kitchenettes for quick meals, balconies to enjoy some fresh air, and cosy beds that everyone will love, it’s all about comfort and convenience. 

![Modern apartment buildings with a street view at sunset, featuring a long exposure that captures streaks of car lights, with a cloudy sky displaying warm tones](https://res.cloudinary.com/dbk0rhysz/image/upload/v1727247489/Modern_apartment_buildings_with_a_street_view_at_sunset_featuring_a_long_exposure_that_captures_streaks_of_car_lights_with_a_cloudy_sky_displaying_warm_tones_457ac83349.jpg)

Plus, you're just a short stroll from major attractions and the **best things to do in Canberra with kids**, making it easy to _explore Canberra's best spots_ and quickly return to relax. Whether you choose a roomy apartment or a well-appointed suite, The Sebel Canberra Campbell makes sure your family stay is anything but ordinary.

Book your next stay in Canberra, Today!


Book your next stay in Canberra, Today!

Discover the best things to do in Canberra with kids, from outdoor adventures to indoor fun, and find family-friendly accommodations for a memorable trip.

The Best Things to Do in Canberra with Kids

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