Canberra’s Ultimate Treasure Hunt
Updated 21 Mar 2024
The best things to do in Canberra these school holidays
From roaming with dinosaurs to an adventure around Lake Burley Griffin, kids will have endless fun in Canberra. Download Canberra’s Ultimate Treasure Hunt and challenge your family to find all the hidden treasures during your adventure around the capital.
Take in the views around Lake Burley Griffin
Have fun in the sun while taking a scenic walk around the large and lovely Lake Burley Griffin. Cyclists and walkers are well catered for along the 40km of shoreline, with the vistas of many of Canberra’s iconic national attractions to witness the way. There’s plenty for everyone to see and explore and nothing beats a picnic in its numerous parks and gardens.
Can you find…?
GoBoats on Lake Burley Griffin
the Captain James Cook Memorial Jet in Lake Burley Griffin
Australia’s largest musical instrument, The National Carillon
Telstra Tower atop Black Mountain
Take a torch-lit tour
Roam with T-Rex at the National Dinosaur Museum. The National Dinosaur Museum is home to the largest permanent display of dinosaur fossils in Australia, perfect for a fact-filled dino adventure. Ages 8+ can participate in the popular Dinosaurs at Night Tours, where guides lead you on a torch-lit journey of discovery through dimly lit galleries. The museum is located in Gold Creek Village which bursts with kids' activities from meeting reptiles at the Canberra Reptile Zoo to feeding unique birds in the Canberra Walk-In Aviary.
Can you find…?
- ten long-necked turtles at the Canberra Reptile Zoo
- a T-Rex at the National Dinosaur Museum
- a prehistoric poo at the National Dinosaur Museum
- people feeding birds at the Walk-In Aviary
- mandarin ice cream at Stripey Sundae
Join a hands-on class
Ignite the mind of a creative child with a visit to Canberra Glassworks. Canberra Glassworks offers unique hands-on experiences for ages 14 and over (and even special programs during the school holidays). Begin with a tour and then take to the hot shop floor as artists. Educational and fun, you also make a memento to keep – choose between a paperweight, bird, or vase. Afterwards, you can grab a feed from the popular neighbour Brodburger for an easy picnic nearby Lake Burley Griffin.
Can you find…?
- glass artists in the hot shop
Enjoy a 'zoocation'
Meet the animals at the National Zoo & Aquarium and learn what life as a zookeeper is like. During the Zoocation Holiday Program kids will get up close and personal with many of the zoo’s animals, play games, make toys for the animals, and even learn something along the way.
Can you find…?
- little penguins swimming
Inspire minds
Questacon is just as great as you remember it. It’s an interactive wonderland for the kid with a curious mind. Kids can spend hours here, exploring the world of science and technology in the best way possible – through play!
Can you find…?
- a bolt of lightning
- a mechanical humanoid
See endangered animals
The Twilight Tour at Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary is a beloved local secret in Canberra. This unique experience will allow you to step back in time and experience the Australian bush as it was 100 years ago, complete with native animals brought back from the brink of extinction. Join a tour to see where things really come to life at night with an expert guide as nocturnal Australian animals awaken hungrily and looking for food.
Can you find…?
- an echidna snuffling through the woodland
Live like a giant
You will create big memories of the miniature gardens at Cockington Green Gardens located in Gold Creek Village. The gardens host an array of meticulous, hand-crafted tiny buildings from around the world. Little kids will love feeling like giants in this enchanted, minuscule wonderland. A classic for kids and families, make time to ride the miniature steam train, have a picnic, and explore the playground.
Can you find…?
- a miniature steam train
- a dragon hiding atop a building
Play and learn
Enjoy giant lawn games, build an empire with blocks, or kick back and read one of the many books at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House. Offering family activity spaces like PlayUP, kids can have fun while learning about democracy in action while parents will chuckle at the collection of political cartoons.
Can you find…?
- red high heels
- funny political cartoons
UNCOVER MORE FAMILY FUN
No matter what age your kids are, this guide has all the info you need for a family holiday to remember. Find toddler-friendly activities and things teens will actually love, plus eateries that'll easily feed the troops through and great indoor fun.
More fun for the family...
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