Family Activities Canberra: Best Kids Things to Do 2026

Canberra Family Activities 2026 — Overview

Canberra is often underestimated as a family destination, but it has extraordinary free national institutions, the world-renowned Questacon science centre, Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve's guaranteed wildlife and the National Zoo and Aquarium. Most national institutions offer free entry. Here's a guide to the best family activities in Canberra.

Canberra's World-Class Museums (Mostly Free)

• Questacon — The National Science and Technology Centre — King Edward Terrace, Parkes. Canberra's outstanding interactive science museum — over 200 hands-on exhibits. The Tornado and Earthquake exhibits, the mini cinema and the giant slide are family favourites. Free entry for children under 4. Excellent holiday programs. questacon.edu.au
• National Museum of Australia — Lawson Crescent, Acton. Free entry. Australian cultural and social history. The Children's Gallery and rotating special exhibitions. Spectacular building on Lake Burley Griffin with garden and lake views.
• Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) — Leverrier Street, Bruce. Tours of Australia's elite sports training facility. See Olympic facilities, interactive sports experiences. ais.gov.au
• Australian War Memorial — Treloar Crescent, Campbell. Australia's most visited cultural institution. The Anzac Hall (giant aircraft from WWI and WWII), the Roll of Honour and Last Post ceremony at 4:55pm daily. Free entry. Appropriate for children aged 8+.

Zoos and Wildlife

• National Zoo and Aquarium — Lady Denman Drive, Yarralumla. Canberra's own zoo with big cats (cheetahs, lions, snow leopards), bears, wolves, sharks and meerkats. nationalzoo.com.au
• Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve — Paddy's River Road, Paddys River. Guaranteed wildlife sightings — koalas, platypuses, kangaroos, emus and endangered bettongs in a beautiful valley setting. Excellent for families. Entry fee applies weekends/holidays.

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