As avid travellers ourselves, we understand the importance of finding the best activities and attractions that cater to the whole family, regardless of age and interests. If you’re planning a trip down under, Canberra is a great place to explore with your entire family. In this article, we will give 7 best suggestions to help you make the most out of your family vacation. In the video below, Joe and Neil give you a run down on the best family friendly places to visit in Canberra.
Questacon – The National Science And Technology Centre
When you think of where to bring your children in Canberra, from infants, toddlers and even teenagers, a top-of-mind suggestion will always be Questacon: the National Science and Technology Centre.
Questacon is an interactive museum that offers hands-on exhibits, workshops, and shows that are both educational and entertaining. With over 200 interactive exhibits, Questacon inspires visitors of all ages to explore the realms of science and technology. Your kids can experience the sensation of zero gravity on the Free Fall slide or explore the wonders of space at the Astronomy Gallery. They can also learn about earthquakes, electricity, and many other scientific topics in a fun and engaging way.
The Cockington Green Garden In Nicholls
Cockington Green in Canberra is a great place to bring your children if you have an entire day to spare. This award-winning miniature garden village has been operating for over 40 years, and it’s filled with safe and open spaces where you can explore different landscapes with your children, including an English countryside and an Australian outback. There are also lots of fun activities for the whole family, like mini golf and a playground. You can even take a ride in the miniature trains!
The Canberra Walk-in Aviary
The Canberra Walk-in Aviary is a must-visit for any family looking to explore Canberra’s diverse bird life. Located within Canberra’s National Botanic Gardens, the aviary is home to over 60 species of birds, from vibrant parrots, finches, doves, quails, and magpies.
Stroll around the aviary while marveling at the different birds. The aviary also features bird feeders, giving visitors an opportunity to hand-feed some of Canberra’s most beautiful species. Truly a fun and interactive experience for all ages.
The National Dinosaur Museum
The National Dinosaur Museum in Canberra is also a no brainer when it comes to families with younger children. This museum is dedicated to Australia’s rich history and is home to the nation’s largest collection of dinosaur fossils and other prehistoric artifacts.
The exhibits at the National Dinosaur Museum span over 100 million years of Earth’s history, making it one of the largest and most comprehensive collections of its kind in the world. With interactive displays, educational activities, and life-sized models of ancient creatures, the museum offers a captivating journey through time.
Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve and Tracking Station
Tidbinbilla is a protected area that is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, and more. The reserve offers guided walks, wildlife tours, and interactive exhibits, making it a perfect destination for families with their kids.
Close to the reserve is the Tidbinbilla Tracking Station, a location that played a key part in the first moon landing back in 1969 with outer space related displays and activities – a great place for families to visit!
Our highly rated Best Of Wildlife Tour offers a visit to both of these incredible destinations.
The Royal Australian Mint
The Royal Australian Mint in Canberra is a perfect place for families with slightly older kids (ages 10 and above) to visit. Kids can see how coins are made and learn about the history of currencies, and where our money comes from. It also doubles as a museum and boasts a wide display of historical artifacts.
However, Neil suggests that in order to experience The Mint in all its glory, it would be best to visit on a weekday, when it is in full operation and you can actually see the machines that pick up the coin boxes, a unique and fascinating experience for all ages.
The National Zoo and Aquarium
Last but definitely not least, The National Zoo and Aquarium in Canberra is an absolute must-see destination for any family looking to explore Canberra’s wildlife. This zoo is home to a wide array of animals, including mammals, reptiles, birds, and sea creatures.
The zoo offers a variety of interactive experiences that will engage the whole family, allowing them to interact with Australia’s wildlife in a safe and controlled environment.
Canberra and its surrounding areas offer a wide range of activities and attractions that cater to families with kids of all ages. From interactive museums to wildlife reserves to cultural experiences and outdoor adventures. There is something for everyone in and around the Australian capital. We hope that our guide has inspired you to plan a fun and memorable trip to Canberra with your family. We wish you a fun and memorable journey in Australia’s Capital City.
Got other ideas for family friendly places to visit in Canberra?
We’d love to hear from you! Let us know in the comments section of the YouTube video embedded above. Don’t forget to like and subscribe to the Canberra Guided Tours YouTube channel as well. To learn more about Canberra Guided Tours, visit our website and book one of our top-rated tours for your next visit.