Top Family-Friendly Attractions in Canberra

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Canberra might not spring to mind when it comes to a family-friendly place to spend the weekend, day trip or school holidays, however, you will be pleasantly surprised with the array of things to do with the family, and most of them are free!

The list below showcases most of the major attractions for kids and families to enjoy.

1. The National Museum of Australia

The Museum is home to stories of Australia's social history, land, nation and people. There are displays, exhibitions, collections, and more.

Cost: Free - donations are welcome.

Click here for the website.



2. Old Parliament House & Museum of Australian Democracy

This national icon tells a story of Australian democracy as well as showcases a wide range of innovative exhibitions, activities, and tours.

Cost: Free

Click here for the website.



3. Parliament House

There are many things to do and see at the Parliament House, including watching Question Time, taking a guided tour, admiring some of Australia's finest historical treasures and contemporary art on display throughout the building as well as permanent and temporary exhibitions.

Cost: Free

Click here for the website.

4. Australian War Memorial & Museum

The memorial & museum combines a shrine, a world-class museum, and an extensive archive. The memorial commemorates the sacrifice of Australians who have died in the war or an operational service.

Cost: Free

Click here for the website.



5. Questacon

This fun interactive science centre is home to over 200 hands-on exhibits, eight interactive galleries, and a foyer and outdoor science garden.

Cost: Family Pass: $70 per family.

Click here for the website.

6. Telstra Tower

This iconic attraction in Canberra stands at 195.2 metres above the summit of Black Mountain and offers spectacular breathtaking views of Canberra and beyond.

Cost: Family Pass (2 adults 2 kids): $17 per family

Click here for the website.



7. National Dinosaur Museum

The museum houses the largest collection of Dinosaurs in Canberra and features skeletons, permanent displays, prehistoric specimens, exhibitions, and more.

Cost: Family Pass (2 adults & 2 kids or 1 adult 3 kids): $45 per family & $5 Extra Child.

Click here for the website.



8. Royal Australian Mint

This attraction offers unique experiences, including factory viewing (see where the coins are made), interactive touchscreens, galleries featuring rare and significant coins, a short film on the Mint's history, and mint your own $1 coin (cost $3).

Cost: Free

Click here for the website.

9. National Zoo & Aquarium

See two attractions in one! The National Zoo & Aquarium is home to 19 hectares, open ranges exhibits, activities, demonstrations, animal encounters, tours and animal talks. The Aquarium features a massive 1.5 million litre aquarium with an underwater viewing tunnel, exhibits, outdoor ponds and streams for trout fishing, and more.

Cost: Family Pass (2 adults up to 3 kids): $130 per family

Click here for the website.



10. Australian Institute of Sport

There are behind-the-scene tours, attractions, exhibits, Olympic displays, Sportex- a leading interactive sports exhibit, Australian sporting memorabilia, and more.

Cost: See website

Click here for the website.

11. Canberra Walk-in Aviary

There are nearly 500 beautiful birds in this walk-in aviary. You can feed the adorable free-flying birds. Entry fee includes a small plate of bird food.

Cost: Family Pass (2 adults 2 kids or 1 adult 3 kids): $45 per family & Extra Child: $5.50pp

Click here for the website.



12. Mount Stromlo Observatory

You can experience a night under stars with free public stargazing nights and lectures. There are also public education programs, guided walking tour of Mount Stromlo Observatory, and a Heritage Trail which includes 12 interpretive signs. There is also a private behind-the-scenes tour.

Cost: Public Stargazing- Free & Guided Walking Tour: $6.15pp

Click here for the website.

13. National Library of Australia

The library houses an extensive range of reference books, including history, collections, Australian and General, Asian collections, manuscripts, pictures, reading rooms, and services. There are also exhibitions, talks & lectures.

Cost: Free

Click here for the website.



14. Mount Ainslie Lookout

This lookout offers breathtaking picture-perfect views of Canberra, impressive scenery, walking & cycle trails, and paved observation deck with panoramic vistas and information plaques detailing distant landmarks.

Cost: Free

Click here for the website.



15. National Gallery of Australia

The gallery collects, preserves, promotes and shares a national collection of art. It houses exhibits, art from a national collection, permanent and temporary exhibits, and displays.

For families and kids, the Tim Fairfax Learning Gallery is an exhibit designed for younger audiences, and Super Sunday event is a free monthly program of art chats, storytelling, music, dance and art.

Cost: Free

Click here for the website.

16. Australian National Botanic Gardens

This spectacular Botanic Garden is home to approx. 75,500 plants from over 6, 000 species, walking trails, many exhibits, open green spaces, plants, trees, shrubs & flowers, exotic and rare flora, tours, animal spotting & birdwatching, glasshouse, nursery, garden themes, and more.

Cost: Free

Click here for the website.



17. Canberra Reptile Park

There are over 50 species of reptiles and frogs on display, exhibits, animal talks, demonstrations, displays, and more.

Cost: Family Pass: $45 per family

Click here for the website.

18. Lennox Gardens

Set on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, this Garden offers beautiful views, open lawns, landscaped gifts from Japan and China, towering trees, picnic areas, BBQ areas, and more.

Cost: Free

Click here for the website.



19. Cockington Green Gardens

Explore the world with the fascinating display of meticulously crafted miniature buildings. The gardens feature exhibits, monuments and landmarks from more than 30 different countries, including Scotland, Peru, Australia, England, India, and more. There are also a miniature train rides, a 34 room doll house, picnic area, BBQ area, playground, and more.

Cost: Family Pass for 5 $59 per family & Extra Child: $5pp

Click here for the website.



20. Jerrabomberra Wetlands

This wetland is one of the most valuable wetland habitats in the ACT and is of national and international importance. It is a refuge for migrating birds from the northern hemisphere and inland Australia. You will find many walking & cycling trails, boardwalk, wetland and terrestrial habitats, pathways, wildlife spotting, birdwatching opportunities, picnic areas, and more.

Cost: Free

Click here for the website.



21. Black Mountain Nature Park
This nature park is 434 hectares and is a prominent hill (812 metres above sea level). It is home to awe-inspiring views, towering trees, 100 species of birds, 500 species of plants, and 5000 species of insects, wildflowers, reptiles, wildlife, walking trails, rare and threatened plant species, traces of Aboriginal stone artefacts, campsites, and scarred trees, dry open forest, and more.

Cost: Free

Click here for the website.



22. SIRO Discovery Centre
The centre showcases an interactive journey of Australian science history. There are exhibits, displays, national research collections, hands-on displays, and more.

Cost: Family Pass (2 adults up to 3 kids): $30 per family

Click here for the website.

23. Canberra Museum & Gallery

Located in the heart of the city, this attraction celebrates Canberra's social history and visual arts with dynamic exhibitions and unique programs. There are permanent collections, Stories Gallery, five gallery spaces, and changing exhibitions.

Cost: Free

Click here for the website.

24. Lake Burley Griffin
The lake is a popular attraction and offers a wide range of activities, including boating, picnics, walking trails, cycling paths, paddle boarding, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, sailing, rowing, and more.

Cost: Free

Click here for the website.



25. Big Splash Waterpark

There are 9 slides, kiddies pool, splash island, pool inflatables, play pool, and a 50-metre pool.

Cost: See website

Click here for the website.

26. Animal Farm Visit

Babylon Farm is home to adorable animals including alpacas, goats, and chickens, tours, feed the animals, animal talks, and more.

Cost: Adults: $25pp, Children (14-18yrs): $15pp & Children under 14yrs: Free

Click here for the website.

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