Things to do with kids in Canberra

Things to do with kids in Canberra

1. DrinkNorth Canberra

   Ainslie Football & Social Club

   This expansive community and sporting club has been a landmark of the inner north since 1927. Highly popular with local families and sporting fans, it features a massive main lounge, a busy sports bar with giant television screens, and a relaxed, spacious outdoor courtyard. The main bar pours very affordable draft beers and local wines, while the on-site "Limestone" restaurant serves up a great range of club favorites, wood-fired pizzas, and gourmet schnitzels.

   Sun–Wed 10AM–midnight, Thu–Sat 10AM–2AM

2. SeeActon

   Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies

   AIATSIS

   A government institute where you can learn more about the culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. There's a strong emphasis on the Stolen Generation (a time where European settlers displaced Indigenous children from their families) along with National Sorry Day, but they only make up a part of the institute's 1 million items dedicated to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.

   Mon–Fri

3. DoBelconnen

   Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Guided Tours

   Guided public tours depart daily at 10AM, 11:30AM, 1PM, and 2:30PM. A 90-minute tour of Australia's premier elite athlete training precinct, led by competitive domestic athletes. The experience grants access to high-performance gymnastics halls, indoor athletic tracks, and testing labs. Every ticket includes admission to Sportex, an interactive sports exhibit featuring virtual reality simulators and memorabilia collections.

   Adults $21.50, children $14

4. SeeBelconnen

   Australian Institute of Sport (Precinct & Visitor Centre)

   AIS

   The sprawling elite sports training campus where many of Australia’s Olympic and national champions are forged. Visitors can explore the public areas of the leafy precinct, browse the official AIS Shop, and grab a bite at the onsite cafe. The complex features 'Sportex', one of the country's leading interactive sports exhibits packed with elite athletic memorabilia and virtual simulators.

   Visitor Centre & Sportex: Mon–Fri 8AM–5PM, Sat Sun 9:30AM–4PM·Precinct entry free; Sportex & guided tours: adults $21.50, children $14

5. SeeActon

   Australian National Botanic Gardens

   Located at the base of Black Mountain in Acton, the ANBG has the largest collection of Australian native flora in the country. It also has some interesting water dragons that live in the water features around the gardens. A delightful place for a picnic, try to grab some food from the city centre first to take with you for lunch. If you are there during summer, call and ask about the jazz evenings. These are held on the weekend and many families attend with evening picnic and champagne in tow, to chill out to the sounds of jazz in the balmy evening temperatures.

   Daily·Free entry, parking $1.40/hr or $7 all day

6. EatAirport and East

   Baker's Cut

   Focusing entirely on the enduring appeal of a classic Australian sandwich, this fast-casual outlet leans into simple, transparent ingredients and fresh regional produce. They assemble a premium range of classic deli combinations utilizing artisanal breads, accompanied by gourmet yogurt cups, mixed fruit salads, seasonal frappes, and fresh cold-pressed juices. They are also highly favored by families for their unique, premium hot chocolate menu lines.

   Mon-Fri & Sun 5AM-7:30PM, Sat 5AM-3PM·Sandwiches from $12

7. EatBelconnen

   Bella Vista Restaurant

   An upscale, white-linen fixture on the Lake Ginninderra foreshore that has been serving Canberra since 1987. Owned and helmed by long-time Executive Chef Sebastiano Reggente, the restaurant pairs beautiful panoramic waterfront views with a polished menu that bridges traditional Southern Italian heritage and modern elegance. Notable menu standouts include their slow-simmered homemade lasagne, honey-pancetta wrapped scallops (capesante), generous seafood spaghetti marinara, and a classic Marsala-soaked tiramisu. Outfitted with an intimate dining room featuring a large mural of Florence’s Ponte Vecchio, it is a highly popular venue for romantic date nights and special family celebrations. Fully licensed.

   Mon–Fri noon–2PM & 5:30–9PM, Sat 5:30–9PM (closed Sun)·Pasta/risotto $28–34, mains $35–44

8. DoBelconnen

   Big Splash Waterpark

   Closed since 2024. Canberra's only waterpark that opened in 1969 as a simple public pool. At one point in time, it only contained a kids pool and a simple 50-metre pool, but the venue has since expanded and features five pools and nine waterslides (sure, it's not a lot when you compare it to the Gold Coast, but it's Canberra, a small, inland capital city, not a party beachside city).

   Daily 11AM–5PM (summer only)

9. SeeNorth Canberra

   Blundells Cottage

   A well-preserved cottage from the 1860s used by several families and tenants until 1960. Though it's now in the midst of an urban area when this cottage was first built, it was in the heart of rural New South Wales, but ever since the surroundings have changed, and today, it is a remnant of Canberra's rural past.

   Sat Sun 10AM–2PM (closed Christmas Day and New Year's Day)

10. BuyBelconnen

    Book Passion

    Operating since 2000, this fiercely independent, privately owned bookshop is a sanctuary for local readers. Helmed by a former early childhood educator, the store places a massive specialty focus on children's literature, young adult fiction, and unique dyslexia-friendly titles. Alongside mainstream new releases, the shop prides itself on an eclectic, highly curated mix of remaindered bargains, local Canberra authors, and indie graphic novels. The staff are incredibly passionate and offer excellent tailored recommendations.

    Wed–Sat 9AM–5:30PM, Sun 9AM–5PM (closed Mon Tue)

11. EatCivic

    Briscola Italian

    Discover some "old fashioned" as dubbed by the restaurant themselves with some good classic Southern Italian cuisine. It won Canberra’s Best Italian Restaurant award in 2015, and it's always been family-owned by traditional Italians.

    Lunch: Tue–Sun (closed Mondays); dinner: Sun–Thu 5:30–8:30PM, Fri Sat 5:30–9PM

12. DrinkTuggeranong and Country ACT

    By Chance Bar & Bistro

    formerly Calwell Tavern

    This welcoming neighbourhood bar has been fully rebranded and revitalised from the old Calwell Tavern. It features a relaxed, family-friendly bistro alongside an energetic main bar serving up craft beers and mixed cocktails. Regular local events like karaoke nights, social pool competitions, and live musical performances draw a warm crowd.

    Open daily from noon; closing hours vary based on patronage·Mains $15–28

13. SeeSouth Canberra

    Calthorpe's House

    Historic house picturing life in Canberra in the early days of the territory.

    Sat Sun 1-4PM·$7 adult, $5 concession, $15 family. A three-site pass covers here, Lanyon (near Tharwa), and Mugga Mugga in Symanston

14. BuyCivic

    Canberra Centre

    Canberra's second largest shopping mall covering a large section of Canberra's shopping district. It includes the usual range of stores you'd find in major Australian malls. These include department stores (large branches of both David Jones and Myer), a food hall and eateries, and specialty shops for adults and kids fashion both upmarket and basic. There are also electronics, books, souvenirs and Australian-made products.

15. SeeGungahlin

    Canberra Reptile Zoo

    A whole range of Australian reptiles on display, with thematic exhibits related to various climatic conditions. Be sure to check out the "Snake Tales" program to get up close and personal with some of the reptiles.

    Daily 10AM–5PM·Adults $7.50, children $6, concession $7, family tickets (2 adults & 3 or more children) $29, discounts available for group bookings

16. SeeGungahlin

    Canberra Walk-in Aviary

    A small family-friendly walk-in with plenty of our feathery friends – birds! The walk-in contains over 500 birds from over 60 species, and if you've ever felt like feeding birds, but didn't want to in the wild, you can do just that here. But be aware, the birds are known to take the mealworms off from you (before you feed it to them), but if you're lucky enough from that, they may land on you.

    Sep–Apr: 10AM–5PM; May–Aug: 10AM–4PM

17. Drink

    Capital Brewing

    Expansive grounds, with lots of outdoor seating and areas for kids to play on a summer afternoon or evening. In winter, they have a large central fireplace. World class micro-brews, and a taste burgers from a burger food truck that's always indoors.

18. DrinkSouth Canberra

    Capital Brewing Co.

    Located in the industrial-cool enclave of Fyshwick at the Dairy Road precinct, this massive, world-class microbrewery features expansive grounds with tons of outdoor seating and dedicated areas for kids to play on a summer afternoon, while a large central fireplace keeps things warm in the winter. They pour an exceptional lineup of locally brewed beers alongside gourmet burgers from a permanent Brodburger food truck situated inside the taproom.

    Mon–Thu, Sun 11:30AM–9PM, Fri–Sat 11:30AM–10PM·Pints from $11

19. SeeGungahlin

    Cockington Green Gardens

    One of Canberra's most well-known attractions, a miniature display village featuring a traditional English village and international display. Train rides and tea room also available.

    Daily 9:30AM-5PM·Adults $17.50, children $9.50, family $49, seniors $12.50

20. EatBelconnen

    Dumpling Inn Restaurant

    An old-school, spacious neighbourhood institution hidden just outside the main Jamison shopping block. Highly celebrated by locals for its traditional Chinese comfort food and lively weekend push-cart Yum Cha service. The regular menu features extensive Cantonese and Szechuan-style staples, with standout dishes including crispy shredded Peking beef, three-cup chicken, and honey king prawns. Outfitted with large round tables and traditional lazy Susans, the dining room is a major hub for multi-generational family gatherings. Bookings are highly recommended on weekends.

    Tue–Sun noon–2PM, 4:30–9PM, Weekend Yum Cha: Sat Sun noon–2PM (closed Mon)·Mains $22–38, Yum Cha plates from $8

21. BuyBelconnen

    Dymocks Belconnen

    A massive, well-organised branch of Australia's oldest family-owned commercial bookseller. This store is locally franchised and boasts an incredibly comprehensive inventory spanning all major genres, including massive contemporary fiction walls, biography aisles, history texts, and an extensive travel and stationery pavilion. Features a very active local book club program and frequently hosts weekend book-signing events for domestic Australian authors.

    Mon–Thu 9AM–5:30PM, Fri 9AM–9PM, Sat 9AM–5PM, Sun 10AM–4PM

22. DoWeston Creek, Molonglo Valley and Woden

    Eddison Park

    This premier community park is loaded with unique recreational facilities. It features a highly rated, championship-level 18-hole disc golf course that is completely free to play (just bring your own discs). The park is also home to a world-class, floodlit concrete skatepark and a massive nature playground complete with a wobbly rope bridge, climbing tunnels, water play features, walking tracks, duck ponds, and shaded electric barbecue pavilions.

    24 hours daily·Free

23. DoBelconnen

    Evatt Wetlands & Ginninderra Creek Trail

    An expansive, eco-restored urban nature reserve stretching along the western arm of Ginninderra Creek immediately below the Lake Ginninderra spillway. It incorporates the tranquil Croke Place Wetlands—a series of man-made sediment ponds and reed beds designed to filter urban stormwater and provide a sanctuary for local frogs and waterbirds. Hardened dirt and gravel walking tracks wind through open native grasslands, ivy-covered tree glades, and hidden stepping-stone creek crossings. Highly popular for off-leash dog walking, rugged birdwatching, and quiet family walks away from the main lake loops. No public toilets on-site.

    Free

24. DrinkGungahlin

    Frankies at Forde

    This warm, charming local hub seamlessly blends a cozy suburban cafe with a vibrant, modern restaurant and bar. Highly popular among local families and small groups, the venue offers a fantastic, relaxed outdoor dining area perfect for evening drinks. The bar list is highly impressive, featuring a great range of craft beers, Australian wines, and beautifully prepared seasonal cocktails, while the kitchen specializes in gourmet sharing plates and hearty classic meals.

    Tue 8:00AM–2:00PM, Wed–Sat 8:00AM–8:00PM, Sun 8:00AM–3:00PM; closed Mon·Cocktails from $16

25. DrinkGungahlin

    Gungahlin Lakes Club

    The Lakes

    Functioning as a giant social hub for the northern suburbs, it features a spacious main bar, a sprawling lounge, and a massive LED screen perfect for catching major sporting events. Guests can grab a drink on the outdoor terrace overlooking the lakes, shoot a round of pool, or head to the Lakes Bistro for classic pub favorites, specialty steaks, and fresh pizzas. Facilities also include an indoor playroom for kids, making it a favorite for family groups.

    Daily 10:00AM–2:00AM (stays open late on weekends)

26. DoWeston Creek, Molonglo Valley and Woden

    HOYTS Woden

    This modern multiplex features 8 digital cinema screens, including a massive, high-impact HOYTS Xtreme screen with Dolby Atmos surround sound. Every single auditorium is outfitted with premium stadium seating and comfortable high-back chairs to maximize comfort. They showcase everything from major Hollywood blockbusters and family movies to curated international art-house film releases.

    daily 10AM-late·Standard tickets approx. $18–$26

27. BuyHall

    Hartley Hall Markets

    The historic village hosts a monthly market that raises money for local charity Hartley Lifecare. There are hundreds of stalls selling gifts, art, craft, baked goods, plants, furniture, clothing, pottery, and children’s toys.

    First Sun of month (except Jan)·$2-5

28. DoBelconnen

    John Knight Memorial Park

    A sprawling 12-hectare lakeside park on the eastern foreshores of Lake Ginninderra. It features extensive open lawns, native forest ridges, a water garden with rapids, and a model boat jetty. The park is highly popular for families due to its large fitness trails and distinct playgrounds, including the iconic, newly refurbished "Snake House" climbing structure and a treehouse flying fox. Free public gas barbecues, picnic tables, and accessible toilets are available on-site.

    Free

29. DrinkSouth Canberra

    Kingston Hotel

    Located near Manuka Oval, this is one of Canberra's longest-running pubs. Once notorious for being rough, it has long since transformed into a safe, warm, and friendly neighborhood institution under the same family ownership as the Civic Pub in Braddon. It features several lively pool halls, a drive-through bottle shop, a comprehensive restaurant, and a unique 'cook-your-own' style open-grill steakhouse. On its upper levels, the pub still maintains bare-bones backpackers accommodation, though it is usually occupied by long-term tenants.

    daily 10AM–midnight

30. SeeBelconnen

    Lake Ginninderra

    A beautiful 105-hectare artificial reservoir constructed in 1974 to serve as the scenic and ecological centrepiece of the northern suburbs. Fed by Ginninderra Creek, the lake is entirely encircled by a highly popular, paved 7-kilometre multi-use path favored by local joggers and cyclists. Its sprawling, leafy foreshores connect several primary visitor destinations, including the family-friendly playgrounds of John Knight Memorial Park, the off-leash enclosures of the Belconnen Dog Park on the Diddams Close peninsula, and the bustling lakeside commercial boardwalk along Emu Bank. The protected waters provide a critical urban habitat for abundant native Australian wildlife, making it a fantastic spot to watch black swans, pelicans, moorhens, and the shy rakali (native water rat). Highly recommended for sunset strolls, kayaking, and picnics.

31. DoTuggeranong and Country ACT

    Lakeside Leisure Centre

    An indoor community aquatic and health club facility featuring a 50-metre Olympic swimming pool, leisure pool, indoor splash park, gym, and public lap lanes.

    Mon–Fri 5:30AM–9:30PM, Sat Sun 7AM–7:30PM·Casual swim: adult $9.20, child/concession $6.45, family $23.50

32. SeeTuggeranong and Country ACT

    Lanyon Homestead

    Historic homestead of early Canberra settlers, guided tours, walks and a maintained garden. Cafe for lunch, coffee and cake. A three-house pass for $15/10/30 covers Lanyon, Calthorpe's House and Mugga Mugga house in Symanston.

    10AM-4PM (closed Mondays)·$7 adult, $5 concession, $15 family

33. DrinkTuggeranong and Country ACT

    Lanyon Vikings

    This modern community club is the perfect stop after exploring the historic Lanyon Homestead. The club features a spacious bar pouring cold beers and $14 cocktails, a TAB sports lounge with big screens, and a peaceful outdoor terrace looking directly over the local sports fields toward the picturesque Brindabella Ranges. The on-site bistro is renowned for highly affordable daily meal specials (such as $15 steak and schnitzel nights) and includes a dedicated indoor kids' play area.

    Sun Mon 11AM–10PM, Tue Wed 11AM–midnight, Thu–Sat 11AM–2AM·Pint of beer from $10; mains $18-35; $15 weekday lunches

34. DoTuggeranong and Country ACT

    Limelight Cinemas Tuggeranong

    A modern multi-screen cinema complex showing major blockbuster releases, family films, and select independent titles. Features stadium seating and premium screening formats.

    Daily·Adult $14, Gold Lounge $30, Tuesday specials $10

35. EatAirport and East

    Majura Park Food Court

    A massive 256-seat temperature-controlled indoor dining space. While predominantly anchored by popular national fast-casual franchises—including custom Mexican burritos and healthy bowls from Zambrero, fresh gourmet salads, sandwiches, and specialty barista coffee from Soul Origin, alongside various juice bars, sushi joints, and classic bakery lines—it serves as the ultimate budget-friendly and completely reliable refueling resource for long-distance drivers and families.

    Daily 9AM-5:30PM (Individual supermarket grab-and-go options trade significantly later)·Budget-friendly / Fast casual

36. BuyAirport and East

    Majura Park Shopping Centre

    A massive, exceptionally convenient single-storey sub-regional shopping plaza. It houses a large Big W department store, Toymate, a high-volume Chemist Warehouse, and over 30 specialty lifestyle, fashion, and electronic stores. Includes a 160-seat air-conditioned food court and Lollipop's Playland for families traveling with children. Ample free parking makes it an excellent supply pitstop.

    Mon–Fri 9AM–5:30PM, Sat 9AM–5PM, Sun 10AM–4PM (major anchors and supermarkets trade significantly longer)

37. BuyBelconnen

    Meet Gather Collect

    A beautifully curated boutique gift and lifestyle store showcasing independent Australian designers, artists, and regional makers. The bright, inviting interior is packed with handcrafted ceramics, boutique jewelry, indie fashion pieces, contemporary homewares, and custom furniture. It also features a fantastic children's corner with unique timber toys and Australian-themed books. A brilliant place to track down a high-quality, authentic souvenir or a piece of local art.

    Tue–Sat 9:30AM–4PM, Sun 9:30AM–2PM (closed Mon)

38. DoAirport and East

    Molonglo Gorge Nature Reserve

    Molonglo Gorge

    A beautiful, steep-sided river reserve protecting a rugged 15-kilometre stretch of the Molonglo River. The main recreation area is highly equipped with free public toilets, electric barbecues, picnic shelters, and a children's climbing playground. From the trailhead, hikers can tackle the Blue Tiles Walk—a scenic, moderately challenging 6.4-km return bushwalking track that hugs the crashing river rapids before terminating at a peaceful, grassy streamside picnic spot. Dogs are welcome on-leash. Drinking water is completely unavailable along the trail or at Blue Tiles, so you must carry your own supplies.

    Day-use only (Overnight stays and camping are strictly prohibited)·Free

39. EatCivic

    Ms Ba Cô

    Ms. Ba Cô

    Though it's only a budget restaurant, it's a Vietnamese favourite in Canberra. It's a family-owned restaurant, so there are some family recipes too; its name, Ba Cô, translates to "three girls" in English, symbolising the family's three daughters.

    Daly

40. SeeGungahlin

    National Dinosaur Museum

    The largest collection of dinosaur and prehistoric fossil material in Australia.

    Sat-Thu 10AM-5PM, closed Fri·Adults $16, children $9.90, concession $11, family $45.00 (2 adults 2 children or 1 adult 3 children, extra children $4.00)

Browse all 483 places in Canberra

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Canberra (CC BY-SA 4.0).