Things to do in Canberra with Kids

Round up the rug rats and check out Australia's family-friendly capital city.

A city designed for Australia's governmental grownups might not seem too appealing to young travellers, but Canberra is filled with adventures for families. Discover hands-on exhibits and educational experiences in Canberra's top-notch museums and galleries. Let the kids run wild on exciting playgrounds or explore some of the city's sprawling green spaces.

Questacon is the kid-sized component of the National Science and Technology Centre and takes visitors on an interactive journey through scientific discovery. Check out the National Gallery of Australia, which regularly hosts interpretive workshops for children. Go on a treasure hunt and find out where money comes from at the Royal Australian Mint.

The sports fanatic in the family will love a visit to the Australian Institute of Sport, which showcases legendary Australian athletes. Learn about natural history and the prehistoric world at the National Museum of Australia and the National Dinosaur Museum. Encounter Australia's wild and wonderful creatures at the National Zoo and Aquarium. For a green escape, follow the walking trails at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve or explore the miniature model village at Cockington Green.

Activities for little Aussie travellers

Whether it’s dinosaurs, war, modern art or sports, Canberra’s the place for igniting kids’ imaginations.

National Zoo & Aquarium Family Tour

By National Zoo & Aquarium

Discover a world of family fun on this interactive tour of the National Zoo and Aquarium that encompasses the best bits of the zoo in a safe and relaxed

Duration: 1h 30m

Australian Institute of Sport Tour

By Australian Institute of Sport

Recommended 96% by Travellers

Join this guided tour of the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), the precinct where many of the country's superstars have trained to become elite athletes.

Duration: 1h 30m

Questacon, Cockington Green & Australian Institute of Sport

By Australian Institute of Sport

Recommended 100% by Travellers

Discover all that Australia's capital has to offer with this money-saving 3-in-Fun Attractions Pass that includes entry to the Australian Institute of Sport,

Duration: 8h+

National Museum of Australia - Highlights Tour

By National Museum of Australia

Visit the National Museum of Australia and experience our Museum Highlight Tour. MUSEUM HIGHLIGHTS TOUR: This tour provides an overall impression of each of

Duration: 1h

National Museum of Australia First Australians Tour

By National Museum of Australia

Recommended 100% by Travellers

Visit the National Museum of Australia and experience the First of Australian living culture. FIRST AUSTRALIANS TOUR Tour time 3pm daily. 1 hour duration.

Duration: 1h

Cockington Green Gardens Tickets

By Cockington Green Gardens

Recommended 94% by Travellers

Discover the world from a magical, bird's-eye perspective in Cockington Green Gardens, Canberra's enchanting park devoted to miniatures. Wander among tiny,

Duration: 8h

Ultimate Museum Experience

By National Museum of Australia

Recommended 100% by Travellers

Discover where Australia's stories come alive at the National Museum of Australia. Enjoy a personalized introduction to the collections of the National Museum

Duration: 1h

Canberra Full-Day Tour from Sydney

By Colourful Trips

Recommended 92% by Travellers

Explore Canberra's best sites on a splendid day tour of Australia's capital city. Experience the charm of this peaceful and historical town by visiting its

Duration: 13h 35m

Canberra Discovery Tour - Australia's Capital

By Gray Line

Recommended 66% by Travellers

Discover Australia's capital city, Canberra, on this day-trip from Sydney. Offering a mix of city and country, Canberra boasts both an ultra modern exterior

Duration: 13h 20m

Canberra Sightseeing Day Trip from Sydney

By AAT Kings

Recommended 82% by Travellers

Explore the Capital of Australia! And no, it's not Sydney, it's Canberra! The city is home to Australia's national parliament and famous historic landmarks.

Duration: 13h

Don’t miss Canberra's top family attractions!

Questacon

Join the kids for a day of learning about the wonders of science and technology at Australia’s national science centre.

National Dinosaur Museum

Get to know the giants of prehistoric times at this interesting and educational museum, packed with displays about the unique history of the Australian continent.

National Museum of Australia

Explore the vast collection of Aboriginal art and artifacts, learn about the country’s colonial past, and see maps, vehicles, weapons and jewelry.

Mount Ainslie

See Canberra as its designer intended it to be seen, from the dramatic lookout point at the top of this picturesque mountain.

National Gallery of Australia

Australia’s national gallery has objects from across Asia and the Pacific, European and American works, and indigenous, colonial and contemporary Australian art.

Australian Parliament House

Admire the scale, architecture and artwork of the building where Australia’s politicians make the big decisions.

Royal Australian Mint

Visit the building where every single coin in the country is made, learn about the production process and browse through a huge collection of coins.

National Capital Exhibition

See the fascinating history of Canberra laid out for you through engaging and interactive exhibits in this modern, family-friendly museum.

First time in Canberra?

Here’s a few deets to help take the mystery out of Canberra.

Make it happen

You can’t just stare at pretty pictures of Canberra forever! When it’s time to fly - or drive! - you’ve come to the right place.

Canberra Car Hire

When we say you can 'zip' around Canberra, we mean it. For a major city, there isn't much traffic except during peak hours, and you'll find plenty of parking. Hire a car and we'll prove it to you.

Reserve your car now

Family-friendly hotels in Canberra

From modern and chic to boutique, you’ll find the perfect place for the kids to crash.

Novotel Canberra

65 Northbourne Avenue

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

Located in Canberra City Centre, this luxury hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Australian National University and Canberra Centre. National Convention Centre and Commonwealth Park are also within 15 minutes.

Pavilion on Northbourne

242 Northbourne Avenue

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in Dickson, this hotel is within 2 mi (3 km) of Chinatown, Mount Ainslie Nature Reserve, and Australian National University. O'Connor Ridge Nature Reserve and Canberra Museum and Gallery are also within 2 mi (3 km).

ibis Styles Canberra

203 Goyder Street

Rated 3.9 / 5 by Guests

Located in Narrabundah, this golf hotel is within 2 mi (3 km) of Mount Mugga Mugga Nature Reserve, Red Hill Nature Reserve, and Callum Brae Nature Reserve. Manuka Shopping Centre and Manuka Oval are also within 3 mi (5 km). Kingston Canberra Station is 29 minutes by foot.

QT Canberra

1 London Circuit

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in Canberra City Centre, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Lake Burley Griffin, National Film & Sound Archive, and Australian National University. City Hill and Canberra Museum and Gallery are also within 15 minutes.

Pacific Suites Canberra

100 Northbourne Avenue

Rated 4.5 / 5 by Guests

Located in Canberra City Centre, this aparthotel is within a 15-minute walk of Australian National University, Canberra Museum and Gallery, and City Hill. Canberra Centre and Civic Square are also within 15 minutes.

ibis Styles Canberra Tall Trees

21 Stephen Street

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

Located in Ainslie, this eco-friendly motel is 0.7 mi (1.2 km) from Mount Ainslie Nature Reserve and within 3 mi (5 km) of Mount Ainslie and Canberra Centre. Kamberra Function Centre and Australian War Memorial are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Crowne Plaza Canberra, an IHG Hotel

1 Binara Street

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in Canberra City Centre, this hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Glebe Park and National Convention Centre. Civic Square and Canberra Centre are also within 10 minutes.

Forrest Hotel and Apartments

30 National Circuit

Rated 4.0 / 5 by Guests

Located in Capital Hill, this motel is within 2 mi (3 km) of Parliament House, National Gallery of Australia, and Old Parliament House. Australian National University and Australian War Memorial are also within 6 mi (10 km). Kingston Canberra Station is 29 minutes by foot.

Canberra Rex Hotel & Serviced Apartments

150 Northbourne Avenue

Rated 4.0 / 5 by Guests

Located in Braddon, this luxury hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Australian National University, Canberra Museum and Gallery, and City Hill. Canberra Centre and Civic Square are also within 1 mi (2 km).

Adina Serviced Apartments Canberra Dickson

45 Dooring Street

Rated 4.6 / 5 by Guests

Located in Dickson, this hotel is within 3 mi (5 km) of Australian National University, Mount Ainslie, and Australian War Memorial. Australian National Botanic Gardens and Canberra Stadium are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Garden City Hotel, Best Western Signature Collection

55 Jerrabomberra Avenue

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in Narrabundah, this luxury hotel is within 2 mi (3 km) of Mount Mugga Mugga Nature Reserve, Callum Brae Nature Reserve, and Red Hill Nature Reserve. Manuka Oval and Manuka Shopping Centre are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Mercure Canberra

39 Limestone Avenue

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

Located in Braddon, this eco-friendly hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Canberra Centre, Australian War Memorial, and Mount Ainslie Nature Reserve. Glebe Park and Australian Vietnam Forces National Memorial are also within 1 mi (2 km).

East Hotel

69 Canberra Avenue

Rated 4.7 / 5 by Guests

This family-friendly Canberra aparthotel is located in the historical district, within a 10-minute walk of Manuka Oval, Manuka Shopping Centre, and The Cusack Centre. Lake Burley Griffin and East Basin are also within 1 mi (2 km). Kingston Canberra Station is 16 minutes by foot.

ANU - University House Hotel

1 Balmain Crescent

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in Acton, this hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Australian National University and National Film & Sound Archive. Lake Burley Griffin and City Hill are also within 1 mi (2 km).

Adina Serviced Apartments Canberra James Court

74 Northbourne Avenue

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in Canberra City Centre, this aparthotel is within a 10-minute walk of Australian National University, Canberra Museum and Gallery, and City Hill. Civic Square and Canberra Theatre Centre are also within 10 minutes.

Mantra on Northbourne

84 Northbourne Avenue

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in Canberra City Centre, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Australian National University and Canberra Museum and Gallery. City Hill and Civic Square are also within 15 minutes.

Burbury Hotel & Apartments

1 Burbury CloseCanberra, Canberra

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in Capital Hill, this spa hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Manuka Oval, National Archives of Australia, and Manuka Shopping Centre. The Cusack Centre and Museum of Australian Democracy are also within 1 mi (2 km). Kingston Canberra Station is 24 minutes by foot.

Peppers Gallery Hotel

15 Edinburgh Avenue

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in Canberra City Centre, this luxury hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Australian National University and Lake Burley Griffin. National Film & Sound Archive and RG Menzies Walk Trailhead are also within 15 minutes.

Hotel Realm

18 National Circuit

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in Capital Hill, this luxury hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Manuka Oval, National Archives of Australia, and Manuka Shopping Centre. The Cusack Centre and Parliament House are also within 1 mi (2 km). Kingston Canberra Station is 26 minutes by foot.

Hyatt Hotel Canberra - a Park Hyatt

Commonwealth Avenue

Rated 4.7 / 5 by Guests

Located in Capital Hill, this luxury hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Albert Hall, British High Commission, and Embassy of China. Old Parliament House and Museum of Australian Democracy are also within 10 minutes.

Things to do in Canberra with Kids

Round up the rug rats and check out Australia's family-friendly capital city.

Activities for little Aussie travellers

Don’t miss Canberra's top family attractions!

First time in Canberra?

Make it happen

Canberra Car Hire

Family-friendly hotels in Canberra

Novotel Canberra

Pavilion on Northbourne

ibis Styles Canberra

QT Canberra

Pacific Suites Canberra

ibis Styles Canberra Tall Trees

Crowne Plaza Canberra, an IHG Hotel

Forrest Hotel and Apartments

Canberra Rex Hotel & Serviced Apartments

Adina Serviced Apartments Canberra Dickson

Garden City Hotel, Best Western Signature Collection

Mercure Canberra

East Hotel

ANU - University House Hotel

Adina Serviced Apartments Canberra James Court

Mantra on Northbourne

Burbury Hotel & Apartments

Peppers Gallery Hotel

Hotel Realm

Hyatt Hotel Canberra - a Park Hyatt

But wait, there’s more!

Canberra Museums

Canberra Parliament House Tours

Best things to do in Canberra