Canberra ACT, long thought of solely as a place full of parliamentary visits, has become Australia’s hot travel destination for families, offering a plethora of activity, accommodation and dining options to suit every budget.
There’s a bevy of things to do in Canberra with Kids that you will enjoy too! Every time we visit our capital city, we are amazed to find so many attractions geared towards families and realise time and time again that we have underestimated how much time we need to see it all.
What to See and Do in Canberra with Kids
Table of Contents
Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre
Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre will take you and the kids on a hands-on science journey. This is one attraction we don’t think you should miss when you head to Canberra with kids.
I could easily head back for a day just to visit again. It is so much fun – Canberra wouldn’t be the same without a trip here.
If you’re kids are unsure of Science then Questacon is the place where they will fall in love with it. At Questacon the kids can engage with science in extraordinary ways through the numerous interactive exhibits throughout the galleries, as well as the foyer and outdoor Science Garden experiences.
Location: King Edward Terrace, Parkes ACT
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 9.00 am – 5.00 pm
Current Ticket Price: Family (up to 2 adults and 3 children) $73.40. Prebooking is essential.
Website: www.questacon.edu.au
Royal Australian Mint
If you’re keen to teach the kids about where money comes from and even have them mint their own coin then the Royal Australian Mint is a destination that you might like to visit.
Don’t forget to pick up a copy of the My Visit to the Mint Activity Book from the front desk which will take the kids on a Mint Treasure Hunt around the attraction.
Make sure you have some $2.00 coins handy so they kids can mint their own coins.
CLICK to read about our adventures at the Royal Australian Mint.
Location: Denison Street, Deakin ACT
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 5.00 pm | Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays
10.00 am to 4.00 pm | Closed Good Friday and Christmas Day
Current Ticket Price: Free
Website: www.ramint.gov.au
National Gallery of Australia
We love art galleries as they lend themselves to stepping inside the minds of artists and help to expand our own imagination. When travelling to Canberra with Kids, you may like to consider a stop at the National Gallery of Australia.
The National Gallery of Australia seems to regularly host amazing programs for kids where they can try their hand at art and learn a little about the current exhibits from a kid level.
Click here to read why Running Around Art Galleries Might Help Your Kids To Learn
Location: Parkes Place, Parkes ACT
Opening Hours: The National Gallery is open from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm daily | closed Christmas Day
Current Ticket Price: Free general admission. Special exhibitions entry costs may apply
Website: nga.gov.au
Australian Institute of Sport
I’ll put it out there and admit that I am not very sporty nor do I know the names of many Australian Olympians. However, the rest of the family are passionate about sport and Striker had it at the top of his Canberra Bucket List. A tour is well worth the visit, I found it quite fascinating. See if you can fit it into your itinerary as it is quite amazing. A sure fit for Canberra with kids.
The AIS Tours and access to Sportex for the general public remain suspended.
Location: Leverrier St, Bruce ACT 2617
Opening Hours: The AIS Tours are currently suspended until further notice
Current Ticket Price: TBC when tours recommence
Website: Visit the Australian Institute of Sports
Yarralumla Play Station
The Yarralumla Play Station is the home of the Weston Park Miniature Railway, Lake Walter Mini Golf and Petite Park Petting Zoo. Whilst we are yet to visit, we’re told that it is an iconic Canberra attraction that has been a favourite of locals since 1973.
Location: 9 Prescott Lane, Yarralumla ACT
Opening Hours: Open 7 days a week | 9.30 am – 3.00 pm Monday to Friday | 8.00 am to 5.30 pm weekends | The Weston Park Railway departs every half hour from 10.00 am
Current Ticket Price: $5.00 pp for the train; starting at $40.00 per family for mini golf
Website: yarraps.com.au
National Zoo and Aquarium
Opening back in 1990. the National Zoo and Aquarium is one of the largest privately-owned zoos in Australia and has a dedicated conservation and education commitment.
The National Zoo and Aquarium in Canberra boasts a wide variety of both native and exotic animals, as well as the largest inland saltwater tank in Australia. They also offer an array of animal experiences including cheetah experiences.
The Jamala Wildlife Lodge (the zoo’s very own accommodation) is on our Bucket List for our next trip to Canberra. I imagine it is a destination that almost all visitors to Canberra hope to stay. The African inspired luxury suites sleep you right next to the animal enclosures making for a very unique experience.
Click here to find an Australian Zoo or Wildlife park near you
Location: 999 Lady Denman Dr, Yarralumla ACT
Opening Hours: Open daily between 9.30 am – 5.00 pm | Closed Christmas Day.
Current Ticket Price: Family 2 Adults and up to 3 Children $135.oo | Discounts if booking online.
Website: www.nationalzoo.com.au
Cockington Green
Imagine a teeny tiny world of miniature cities, towns and farms where little people care for their vehicles and animals. The twist, you get to explore it in your current form – a real Gulliver like experience! Cockington Green is exactly this, a miniature world that is certain to fascinate the kids.
Location: 11 Gold Creek Road, Nicholls ACT 2913
Opening Hours: Open 7 days a week | Open 7 Days 9:30 am – 5.00 pm | Closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Current Ticket Price: Family ticket $67.00
Website: cockingtongreen.com.au
Old Parliament House – MOAD – Museum of Democracy
Situated in the old Parliament House, the Museum of Democracy is recognised as a living museum that takes the visitor on a fascinating journey through Australia’s political history.
Whilst this may not seem particularly engaging for kids, the museum curators have set about developing interactive exhibits, historical dress ups and beautiful, safe courtyards which might just tick all the boxes for an interesting afternoon out with the kids.
Entry is free, but bookings are essential – we booked online with sessions restricted.
Location: 18 King George Terrace, Parkes ACT
Opening Hours: Open daily between 9.00 am – 5.00 pm. Closed Christmas Day.
Current Ticket Price: Entry is free, but bookings are essential
Website: moadoph.gov.au
Australian War Memorial
The Australian War Memorial in Canberra is a combined shrine, world-class museum, and extensive archive. It was created to commemorate the sacrifice of those Australians who have died in war or on operational service and those who have served our nation in times of conflict.
For us visiting Canberra with kids, we saw a visit to the Australian War Memorial as an educational opportunity. The exhibits within the museum provided a glimpse into the lived experience of the Australian service people and also featured some of the large planes, vehicles and other items that the kids could touch.
We have visited the Australian War Memorial with the kids twice. The first time, Stiker found the exhibits very overwhelming and we left quicker than anticipated. On our most recent trip, we decided to be a little more strategic about the visit and spent our time on the outer perimeter. You know your kids and what best suits them. Do your research before going so you can skip the exhibits that the kids are likely to find confronting.
Read our full coverage here.
Location: Treloar Crescent (top of Anzac Parade), Campbell ACT 2612
Opening Hours: Galleries open 10.00 am – 4.00 pm with two hour visitor sessions (Closed Christmas Day) | Last Post Ceremony from 4.20 pm until approximately 5.15 pm.
Current Ticket: Currently, all visitors (including minors) will require a free timed ticket to enter the Memorial galleries.
Website: www.awm.gov.au
Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
Tidbinbilla offers a range of outside activities from wildlife viewing to bushwalking in the Sanctuary wetlands or along with one of our many tracks. The resource has a number of barbecue spots and a Discovery Playground for kids.
Location: off Paddy’s River Road, via Cotter Road (Weston Creek) or Point Hut Crossing (Gordon)
Opening Hours: 7:30 am to 6:00 pm (Non-Daylight Savings Time/Winter) every day (except Christmas Day) | The Reserve may be closed on days of a total fire ban, severe weather events or for management requirements.
Current Ticket Price: Day Pass – $14.00 for a private vehicle with up to 8 seats.
Website: www.tidbinbilla.act.gov.au
The National Arboretum
The National Arboretum in Canberra boasts over 44,000 rare and endangered trees across a 250-hectare site. It features breathtaking views, unique experiences, and a world-class entertainment and events hub including the award-winning Margaret Whitlam Pavilion and the popular Village Centre.
The National Arboretum was one of the highlights of our most recent trips to Canberra. The kids fell in love with the pod playground where we spent most of our time before a trip to see the Bonsai and a roll down the sweeping hills alongside the pod.
With an amazing cafe and restaurant, amazing bathroom facilities and free entry, a visit to the National Arboretum MUST be on your itinerary.
Location: Forest Drive, off Tuggeranong Parkway, Weston Creek ACT
Opening Hours: Pod Playground Open daily | 7.00 am – 5.30 pm (Eastern Standard Time) | 6.00 am – 8.30 pm (Daylight Saving Time)
Current Ticket Price: free
Website: www.nationalarboretum.act.gov.au
Canberra Glassworks
The Canberra Glassworks site is a dynamic, professional artist’s facility, dedicated to contemporary glass art, craft and design. The kids can watch glass being blown by glass arts, something I remember fondly from my childhood when every arcade seemed to have someone doing this. It’s a great time filler.
Don’t miss a burger from Brodburger which you will find at the entrance.
Location: 11 Wentworth Ave, Kingston ACT
Opening Hours: Open Wednesday to Sunday between 10.00 am to 4.00 pm | Closes over the Christmas/New Year period | Check the website for dates.
Current Ticket Price: free entry. Group tours start at $12.00 per person.
Website: www.canberraglassworks.com
Mount Ainslie Lookout
At breakfast one morning, a coach driver told us about Mount Ainslie and suggested we visit rather than pay for our view over at Telstra Tower. We drove up the windy road to the top and were amazed by the view. Wear a jacket – it can be windy.
Location: Mount Ainslie Drive, Ainslie, ACT
Opening Hours: Accessible at all times
Current Ticket Price: Free
Website: no dedicated website. Head to the ACT Government site for details.
National Museum of Australia
Museums can be an amazing play space for kids and the National Museum of Australia doesn’t fail to impress. Kspace is the Museum’s new interactive adventure game for kids. Build your own time-travelling robot then blast off to explore a mystery location in Australia’s past.
Location: Lawson Crescent, Acton Peninsula, Canberra ACT
Opening Hours: Open daily between 9.00 am to 5.00 pm | Closed Christmas Day.
Current Ticket Price: Whilst FREE general admission, the museum is encouraging a $5 donation | Special exhibitions entry costs may apply
Website: www.nma.gov.au
Old Bus Depot Markets
The Old Bus Depot Markets are open every Sunday. A fun spot to head with the family, the market offers an opportunity to source local fine handcrafted wares, clothing, food and jewellery.
Perhaps not a lot of fun for kids at a first glance, but the atmosphere and children’s products get it over the line.
The Old Bus Depot Markets are currently on hiatus.
Location: 21 Wentworth Ave, Kingston ACT
Opening Hours: 9.00 am – 5.00 pm every Sunday
Current Ticket Price: Free entry
Website: obdm.com.au
Floriade
This year, Floriade will be celebrated from Saturday 17 September to Sunday 16 October 2022.
Offering an eclectic mix of activities and entertainment, this festival is more than just a floral reveal despite its million bulbs and annuals planted across 8,000 square metres. If you can make it to Canberra in September/October make sure you head to the event.
2022 is really exciting with Floriade Community returning for the third time, expanding Floriade’s signature blooms beyond Commonwealth Park and into Canberra’s suburbs.
Location: Regatta Point, Barrine Drive, Parkes ACT
Current Ticket Price: Free entry. Fees apply for some activities and purchases.
Website: Floriade Australia
Parliament House
There’s no missing the Parliament House of Australia when you are in Canberra. The city has been designed this architectural marvel and its only fitting that a visit to the city includes a tour of this building. Be careful, you will need to keep the kids close with security tight. Parliament is often in session too so a game of minister spotting might be fun (hands up whose kids can identify more than one!)
Read our coverage of Parliament House here.
Location: Parliament House, Parliament Dr, Canberra ACT
Opening Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (non-sitting days) | 9:00 am to 6:00 pm (sitting days) | Closed Christmas day
Current Ticket Price: Entry is free | Free WIFI | You may have to buy tickets for special exhibitions and events.
Website: www.aph.gov.au
Seg Glide Ride
Whilst you do need to be over 12 to ride the seaways in Canberra, it is a tour that you should consider with older kids. A short safety lesson will get you stable on wheels before you head off on a 15, 30 or 60 minute tour of some of Canberra’s most iconic settings.
Location: West Kiosk, Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes ACT
Opening Hours: Tours start at 9.30 am daily. Bookings recommended.
Current Ticket Price: Hire starts from $28.00. Please note: All riders must be 12 years and older.
Website: www.segglideride.com.au
The National Dinosaur Museum
If you have a kid or two who is obsessed with dinosaurs or just show an interest in these prehistoric animals, a visit to the dinosaur museum might just be for you.
The National Dinosaur Museum currently offers 23 complete skeletons and over 300 displays of individual fossils.
Location: 6 Gold Creek Road, Nicholls ACT
Opening Hours: Open 7 days a week between 10.00 am –5.00 pm | last admissions at 4.00 pm | Closed Christmas Day
Current Ticket Price: Priority entry will be given to those with pre-booked tickets | $55.00 family ticket
Website: nationaldinosaurmuseum.com.au
Mount Stromlo Observatory
Fancy visiting the ANU Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics? Mount Stromlo Observatory with the visitors centre offering something for everyone with science exhibits, a kids zone and info about Mount Stromlo’s rich history of tragedies and triumphs.
Location: Cotter Rd, Weston Creek ACT
Opening Hours: The Mount Stromlo Observatory site is open to the public daily from 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM. | The Director’s Residence is open daily from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | The Café and Visitor Centre are currently closed
Current Ticket Price: free.
Website: rsaa.anu.edu.au/observatories/mount-stromlo-observatory
Lake Burley Griffin
Lake Burley Griffin was created back in 1963 when the Molonglo River was dammed and is nwo one of the central landmarks in Canberra.
The lake offers a range of different recreational activities to enjoy, with the majority free!
Swimming at Lake Burley Griffin
There are three main areas to swim in Lake Burley Griffin: Yarralumla Beach (West Lake), Weston Park East (Tarcoola Reach) and Black Mountain Beach (Tarcoola Reach). The water in these swimming spots are monitored throughout summer (mid October to mid April) which is important to guarantee you are aware of the water quality.
Walking and Cycling Lake Burley Griffin
Lake Burley Griffin boasts a number of walking and cycling tracks. Make sure you download the Lake Burley Griffin Walking Tour.
Dragon Boat Racing
Dragon Boat Racing was introduced to Canberra in 1990 and has become a popular sport in Australia’s capital city. Dragon Boat ACT offers Enter the Dragon events throughout the year where you can try Dragon Boat Racing for FREE. Find out about Dragon Boat racing in Canberra here. It’s the perfect activity to try with your older kids when visiting Canberra
Sailing
If you would like to try sailing on Lake Burley Griffin when visiting with Canberra with kids, you have a number of options to choose from BUT make sure you plan as on the weekends and school holidays, this activity books out really quickly.
GoBoat Canberra
Holding up to 8 people, GoBoat Canberra boats are a great way to explore the lake. Pack a picnic and enjoy. Just beware – they don’t have shade which leans me towards booking for an early morning or late afternoon time slot. Head to the GoBoat Canberra site for more details.
Canberra Yacht Club Boat Hire
Hire a boat or stand up paddle board and enjoy a sail on the beautiful waterway of Lake Burley Griffin. Full details here.
Canberra Southern Cross Cruises
All sightseeing tours, as well as weekly lunches and dinners on the boat, have temporarily ceased. We will update details once restrictions change.
National Carillon
The National Carillon is a musical bell tower in Canberra on Aspen Island, Lake Burley Griffin. Gifted by the British Government on the 50th anniversary of the national capital, the National Carillon boasts 57 bronze bells making it one of the largest in the world.
Unfortunately, the site is currently closed for renovations. Full details here.
Location: Aspen Island, Parkes ACT 2600
Opening Hours: Usually from 10.00 am. Closed for renovations
Current Ticket Price: FREE
Website: National Carillon Website
Reconciliation Place
Reconciliation Place has been established on the traditional land of the Ngunnawal people and acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land the Capital is built on, paying respect to elders both past and present. Experience a self-guided walking tour exploring the Reconciliation Place, a lasting symbol of our shared journey.
Location: Head to the Parliamentary Triangle Canberra,
Opening Hours: Always open
Current Ticket Price: FREE
Website: You can learn about Reconciliation Place walk here
Telstra Tower
Rising 195.2 meters above the summit of Black Mountain in Canberra, Telstra Tower was one of the first places I visited in Canberra back when I was a kid (yes, it’s that old!). Whilst it is a communications tower, it also offers 360-degree panoramic views of Canberra making it a popular destination to see the city.
When visiting Telstra Tower you can also walk through the Telstra Heritage Exhibition which traces the history of Australian telecommunications.
Location: 100 Black Mountain Dr, Acton ACT
Opening Hours: TELSTRA TOWER IS CURRENTLY CLOSED
Current Ticket Price: To be advised when reopened
Website: www.telstratower.com.au
National Portrait Gallery
The National Portrait Gallery focuses on…..portraits. Yes, it is an entire art gallery where visitors and explore portraits created with a range of media of prominent artists, musicians, entertainers, politicians, athletes and royalty.
Location: King Edward Terrace, Parkes
Opening Hours:The Gallery is open every day (except Christmas) from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Current Ticket Price: FREE | Some events and exhibits may incur a fee.
Website: www.portrait.gov.au
Walk-in Aviary
We found the Walk-in Aviary by accident and decided to go in. The kids had an absolute ball. The Walk-in Aviary is a 1000 square metre, planted, privately owned walk-in aviary that features a mix of Australian native and exotic birds (approximately 500 birds representing over 60 different species). The kids were given mealworms and apples to feed the birds and had an amazing tie.
Location: 18 O’Hanlon Pl, Nicholls ACT
Opening Hours: Open 7 days a week | Closed Christmas Day | (September – April) 10.00 am to 5.00 pm | (May – August) 10.00 am to 3:30 pm
Current Ticket Price: $50.00 for a family of 2 adults + 3 children
Website: www.canberrawalkinaviary.com.au
Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex
Around 35 kms southwest of the city of Canberra, you will find the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex which offers visitors an opportunity to learn about the role that Australia plays in the exploration of space.
Location: Paddy’s River, Tidbinbilla, 421 Discovery Dr, Paddys River ACT
Opening Hours: Currently closed
Current Ticket Price: FREE
Website: www.cdscc.nasa.gov
National Library of Australia
Libraries have always been a really important part of my life. When I was a kid, my mum would take me to the library every single week and I would fill a bag with books which I would devour over the next 7 days before taking them back and repeating the cycle.
Those of you who know libraries well know that they are not just a place for reading books. They are so much more.
Make sure you check the What’s On listing for the National Library of Australia to discover the latest exhibitions and activities you can do with kids in Canberra, all boasting a literary theme!
Location: Parkes Pl W, Canberra
Opening Hours: The National Library of Australia building opens at 8.30 am on weekdays and 9.00 am on weekends | The building closes at 8.00 pm Monday to Thursday and at 5.00 pm on Fridays, weekends and public holidays | The Library is closed on Good Friday and Christmas Day.
Current Ticket Price: FREE
Website: www.nla.gov.au
Corin Forest Mountain Resort
Corin Forest is renowned as the perfect spot for families wishing to experience the snow without the bother of lift passes, ski hire and all the rest.
Around 45 minutes from Canberra, it is a great day trip for families staying in Canberra and offers a variety of activities to keep you and your family entertained all year. This includes snow play, snowsports school, and an alpine slide.
For most of the winter season, Corin Forest is accessible to all vehicles without the need for special equipment such as snow chains.
Location: 268 Corin Dam Rd, Paddys River ACT
Current Ticket Price: Online bookings are essential
Website: www.corin.com.au
Aboriginal Tent Embassy
The original Aboriginal Tent Embassy came about on 26 January 1972, when four Aboriginal men (protesting the McMahon government’s approach to Indigenous land rights) set up an umbrella and called it the Aborignal Embassy. It has been at its current, permanent location, since 1992.
Today the Aboriginal Tent Embassy is an important symbol of Aboriginal protest against the Australian Governments (both past and present) approach to Aboriginal issues. Currently, the Embassy’s most prominent issue of protest is Aboriginal Sovereignty.
Location: In front of Old Parliament House
Website: Aboriginal Tent Embassy Information can be found here.
CLICK TO DOWNLOAD THE FREE CANBERRA BUCKET LIST FOR FAMILIES
PLACES TO EAT IN CANBERRA WITH KIDS
Canberra has developed quite a foodie culture with numerous cafes and restaurants to experience with kids. Over the last few years we have visited quite a number, developing a few favourites
Guild
Guild is a casual restaurant with a focus on woodfire pizza and schnitzel. Kids (and even you) can play a range of board games while you enjoy your meal.
Read about our dinner at Guild in Canberra with kids
Address: LG Baileys Corner, 150 London Cct, Canberra ACT
Website: guild.house
Terra
Terra Canberra is a laid back restaurant featuring smoked and charcoal meats. The focus is on share plates. It was a big winner for my kids.
Address: No Name Lane, g2/40 Marcus Clarke St, Canberra ACT
Website: www.terracanberra.com.au
Agostinis
Agostinis is an Italian family restaurant based in East Hotel. The menu focuses on authentic regional Italian cuisine which includes a range of yummy pizza and pasta. This is a good pick if you are staying in the hotel or nearby.
Address: East Hotel, 69 Canberra Ave, Griffith
Website: Agostinis Website
Brodburger
Brodburger is a low key spot to take your kids for flame-grilled burgers.
Address: Numerous locations around Canberra. See website for details
Website: brodburger.com.au
Morks Restaurant
We’ve heard great things about Morks Restaurant with friends repeatedly recommending it as one of the top places to eat in Canberra. It is a one hat restaurant offering modern Thai dishes.
Address: 18/19 Eastlake Parade, Kingston ACT
Website: www.morks.com.au
Grease Monkey
Grease Monkey serves mouth-watering burgers and fried chicken out of an old mechanic’s garage. For some liquid fuel in your tank, check the boards for beers, wines, cocktails and our famous milkshakes.
Address: 19 Lonsdale St, Braddon ACT
Website: greasys.com.au
Muse
How could we say no to a place where food and books collide?
Address: 69 Canberra Ave, Griffith ACT
Website: www.musecanberra.com.au
WHERE TO STAY IN CANBERRA WITH KIDS
When heading to Canberra you have a plethora of places to stay with the kids from five-star hotels through to caravan parks.
Airbnb
Canberra has a huge range of Airbnb properties to explore. Click here to see what is available right now.
We have our eye on a few including this Urban Chic Condo (two bedrooms).
East Hotel
We stayed at the East Hotel on our last stay. We booked a two-bedroom apartment/hotel room which was perfect for a few days. You can book here
Caravan Parks and Free Camps
If you are towing a van and looking for a place to stay, we have rounded up the best spots, Head to our Canberra Caravan Parks and Free Camps resource for full details.
PIN THIS
Cross the national zoo off the bucket list, or proceed with caution.
Moving from Sydney one year ago, we crossed many of these off this list in the first few weeks we arrived. They were good enough. Except for the zoo. I have never seen a bunch of more sad, more bored animals. The Tasmanian devil had run a track around it’s enclosure. In the 10 minutes I watched it all it did was run the same track. Around and around and around. The tiger (I believe passed this year but has been replaced) also walked a track around the perimeter of it’s enclosure. The moon or sun bear (I’ve tried to suppress the entire day so don’t remember which it was) paced the same horizontal tree branch. This names just a few. They were doing some upgrades to the cheetah enclosure when we were there so hopefully they have upped the game in terms of stimulation for the other animals.
As for the aquarium, well, I’ve had better setups in my lounge room. You could literally hold your breath as you make your way around it is so small.
I could not happily spend money there again, especially good money to stay overnight.
I enjoy zoos, I’m not a hardcore animal rights activist, but my experience there really put me off.
Wow Megan, that’s really disappointing to hear. As you would have noted, we are yet to visit but have the Jamala Wildlife Lodge on our Bucket List. It always gets such fabulous reviews by other visitors. I will need to research it a little more. I think the work behind the scenes of a zoo – the conservation work that they do away from the pubic eye, is really important. I’ll be reading up on the National Zoo & Aquariums commitment I think. Thank you for the heads up.
Oh no, we love the zoo! Much more than Taronga. You get to see everything close up, the grounds are lovely, it’s doesn’t get too crowded. The aquarium, while not as good as Sydney, is definitely the favourite part for my 4 boys. We can spend 45 minutes in there happily. Everyone I know has been to the zoo and I have never heard anyone speak negatively of it before. Anyway, everyone has their own experience, but others might enjoy it more.
It’s great to get another perspective. Thanks so much Liz
I agree with you, it was upsetting to see the animals in such small enclosures. Yes, you get to see the animals up close, but that’s at the expense of the animals livelihood. The aquarium was shocking, the tanks were tiny for such large animals, the poor sharks and grouper could harder swim in a circle. I was shocked to say the least.
The sun bear paces because of trauma that was inflicted on her as a cub before she was rescued. There is a sign in front of their enclosure detailing that. Many of the animals that are at the zoo are rescued from circuses or other horrific conditions, hence they display abnormal behaviour.
This makes perfect sense. As rescued animals they are likely to continuing the behaviour for some time, if not indefinitely. Thank you for sharing this information
I too have moved from Sydney and been to the Canberra zoo. I couldn’t disagree with Megan more. I was quite taken aback by how healthy the animals at Jamala looked – it actually had me questioning my zoo experiences growing up. Given the disparity, I would suggest people go and form their own views. For my part, I’ve been back a number of times with my (now 4 year old) son. We get a good couple of hours there, happily without having to walk the distance and deal with crowds that you have to put up with at Taronga. A tip – for obvious reasons the animals are far more active in the cooler months. We visit in early spring and mid/late autumn, or on a beautiful crisp winter’s day. Skip summer. The aquarium is not much to look at, but my son loves it.
Thank you for this feedback DG. I will try to visit this year so we can add our perspective on things too!
The obersvatory is on Mt Stromlo.
Damien
I just read the comment about the zoo above – so helpful to know. It’s so hard to know until you go somewhere or hear someone’s experiences like that on whether they’re legit and have animal welfare in mind or not.
Do you have any recommendations on where to stay in Canberra?
1 adult and 3 kids (aged 3,5,7). We will be driving from Sydney to Canberra so we will have a car.
Hi Shonelle, did you see our post on the Aria Hotel? You can find it at https://kidbucketlist.com.au/2016/10/20/aria-hotel-canberra-family-travel-stay-with-the-kids/ It is the only one we’ve stayed at so far and we were very impressed.
What do you suggest for a 4 year old? Is the dinosaur museum too scary?
It depends on whether your child likes dinosaurs already. If they do, it shouldnt be too scary. I think Questacon is at the top of my list for recommendations
I suggest that the local government give Kid City in Mitchell some decent funding & support to open up a Kids City that has indoor & outdoor spaces with much more activities to cater for older kids.
The current Kid City concept is great but please let’s give Canberra kids more adventure & visitors to Canberra some real memories.
I agree with everything Megan says. A very poor imitation of a zoo.
canberra is a awesome place to go
there is a awesome lake
cherz
bob
You should include the Boundless Playground in Parkes. It is right near the Carillon, a musical bell tower which is interesting and a lovely little walk along Lake Burley Griffith. Parking not so great nearby but playground is wheelchair accessible and playspace suits a large age range.