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A kid's guide to Canberra

Hey kids! Are you ready for an exciting journey to the capital city of Australia?

Canberra is not only a place where important decisions are made but also a city filled with fun, learning, and adventure. In this article, we discover all the best things to do in Canberra including feeling the force of an earthquake at Questacon, climbing through giant acorns at the POD Playground, and seeing native wildlife in their natural habitat. 

During school holidays, many of Canberra's national attractions go above and beyond to create special programs just for kids. Get ready for an unforgettable journey filled with excitement, learning, and endless fun.

The best things to do in Canberra

A boy looking at two giraffes.
1

Meet a furry friend at the National Zoo and Aquarium

Meet animals big and small at the National Zoo & Aquarium. You can get up close and personal with a variety of animals through special encounters and tours like the Awesome Roarsome tour. A trip to the zoo is a great way to learn about wildlife conservation and the importance of protecting our planet. 

Mum and daughter looking at portrait of Hugh Jackman.
2

See iconic Australians at the National Portrait Gallery

Attention, young art enthusiasts - the National Portrait Gallery  is home to incredible portraits that tell stories of extraordinary people from Australia and beyond. You'll encounter portraits of famous athletes, talented musicians, courageous leaders, and even beloved animals. You might even spot a portrait of someone you admire or recognise. 

Two people wearing rainbow coloured tie dye lab coats, standing behind a liquid nitrogen science experiment.
3

See live science experiments at Questacon

Prepare to have your mind blown at Questacon – the National Science and Technology Centre. This amazing place is all about interactive science exhibits and hands-on learning.

You can discover the wonders of physics, play with cool gadgets, and even feel the force of an earthquake in the simulator. It's a perfect place to have fun while learning about the world around us.

4

Roam with T-Rex at the National Dinosaur Museum

Did you know the National Dinosaur Museum is home to the largest permanent display of dinosaur fossils in Australia?

This museum is found in Gold Creek Village which has many fun activities where you can meet reptiles at the Canberra Reptile Zoo, feel like a giant next to the miniature buildings at Cockington Green Gardens, and feed unique birds at the Canberra Walk-In Aviary

Kid taking a photo on a phone at Mulligans Flat
5

Spot animals in the wild at Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary

The Twilight Tour at Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary is one of the coolest ways to see animals in their natural habitat. You can join a tour with an expert guide to see nocturnal Australian animals awaken hungrily and look for food. When you visit, see if you can find an echidna snuffling through the woodland.

Aerial image of the Pod Playground at the National Arboretum Canberra with the arboretum and Black Mountain Tower in the background. | © Wunderman Thompson
6

Climb through giant acorns at the POD Playground 

Climb, slide, and swing your way through giant acorns and towering nets. This unique playground at the National Arboretum Canberra is designed to ignite your imagination and let your creativity soar. It's the perfect place to enjoy the fresh air, challenge yourself, and make new friends.

Embark on the ultimate treasure hunt

So, are you ready for an adventure in Canberra? Embark on the ultimate treasure hunt as you explore the capital and discover all its hidden treasures.

Download the treasure hunt

More fun things for kids

Aussie green tree pythons

Canberra Reptile Zoo

2 Guests and 2 zookeepers partaking in a Cheetah Encounter at the National Zoo and Aquarium

National Zoo & Aquarium

Gallery building at night

National Portrait Gallery

An aerial view of the National Museum of Australia, Canberra.

National Museum of Australia

NFSA building facade, McCoy Circuit entrance

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia

20 metre long T-rex

National Dinosaur Museum

Aerial Shot Village Centre

National Arboretum Canberra

Child at waterpark with arms in the air

Canberra Aqua Park

Deep Space Station 34 Deep space communication antennas

Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex

Hotshop

Canberra Glassworks

Watercolor painting of a bush camp with tents and a small shack

Canberra Museum and Gallery

The museum main entrance

Canberra Railway Museum

View inside the Canberra Walk in Aviary

Canberra Walk In Aviary

A group of six smiling young people aged 12–18 sit on bean-bags and chairs, facing the viewer.

Canberra Youth Theatre

Family walks in front of a Tudor style architecture buidling

Cockington Green Gardens

family of 4 walk up the Questacon ramp by the ticket desk

Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre