The Pod playground at the National Arboretum
There is a secret that residents of Australia’s Capital Territory have been keeping from the rest of Australia for some time. Canberra is a great place to visit with kids. Seriously, I had NO idea until a couple of years ago when I dragged my two sons there on a work trip. Located between Sydney and Melbourne, Canberra makes a manageable road trip destination from both cities. There are so many activities that engage the entire family and plenty of them free. Back in January our mob ventured out on a road trip incorporating Sydney, the NSW Central Coast and Canberra. I thought it time to do a round up of just some of the attractions in Canberra that are great to visit with young kids. This is by no means an exhaustive list – I hope to get back to Canberra sometime in the next twelve months to discover even more gems. For those of you that are thinking of a trip to Canberra, if you do get the chance, schedule it in spring to coincide with Floriade, Canberra’s premier festival of floral blooms that incorporates extra activities for children.
Questacon.
My own approach to marriage and child bearing included finding the best looking nerd I could and breeding nerd children. Okay, that’s not exactly true but my eldest just asked me today what a nerd was and as a result of my explanation now keeps telling me how proud he is to be a nerd. If we are a nerd family then Questacon is our nerd heaven. It is a massive science museum packed to the rafters with interactive exhibitions designed to engage and stimulate young minds. Questacon includes a Mini-Q Zone, an exhibit especially for 0-6 year olds that was fantastic.
The Mini Q area at Questacon
The National War Memorial.
We took the plunge on our last visit to Canberra and visited the National War Memorial as a family. If you decide to visit the National War Memorial with kids expect the visit to be moving, poignant and challenging all at once. You may want to read my post on visiting the National War Memorial with youngsters so as to make the most of your visit.
The National War Memorial
National Arboretum
The National Arboretum emphasizes the conservation, display and study of rare, endangered and significant trees from Australia and around the world. It provides visitors with the opportunity to learn about trees via walks (self-guided and unguided) a visit to the Village Centre and school holiday programs. Our own family loved the Bonsai and Penjing collection at the Arboretum.
Canberra is also officially home to Australia’s coolest playground – the Pod playground at the National Arboretum. The Arboretum’s Village Centre is a stunning building incorporating a shop and café, with some of the best views in Canberra. I recommend dedicating a half day to visiting the National Arboretum with your family.
Bonsai at the National Arboretum
Cockington Green and Gardens
Cockingnton Green and Gardens a private attraction consisting of miniature buildings. It is, I will be frank, a bit of a tourist trap however it was a tourist trap my sons loved when we visited. There is an element of interactivity with the display – buttons for kids to press that turn windmills and start trains. There is also a small ride on train, for a fee additional to the entrance cost and playground. I surprised even myself by enjoying the international miniature village that is funded by a variety of international embassies and other donors for the insight it provided into contrasting architectures around the world.
Botanic Gardens
A visit to the Botanic Gardens of any town is usually a winner with our kids. Canberra’s Botanic Gardens didn’t disappoint. The visit was augmented by an activity book and pencils that we picked up at the visitors centre that they filled in on a discovery walk.
The Deep Space Communications Centre
Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex
Hooley Dooley if my inner nerd didn’t rejoice at the discovery of this marvel a half an hours drive outside of Canberra. In the Tidbinbilla farming district the SDSCC is integral to NASAs communication with deep space vessels . A number of gorgeous (yes I think radio telescopes are gorgeous) dot the landscape. There is a small space museum at the visitor centre which, although modest was interesting, especially for young kids.
The Deep Space Communications Centre
Where to stay
On our recent trip we stayed at the Novotel Canberra which seamlessly combined family friendly features with chic modern design.
Want to discover more about Canberra from someone that lives there? Check out Xpatriate Games blog.
Bubs on the Move provides tips and advice for parents traveling with small children including attraction and accommodation reviews. I’d love for ya’ll to join us on our adventures by either signing up for the newsletter, joining us on Facebook, Twitter,Pinterest and Instagram to receive updates.
Gotta love Canberra. Always underrated but packed full of kid adventures. How cute is that pic of the spacesuit. I can see him as an astronaut!
Xo
Yes! So under-rated! really think there should be more articles in the travel mags about how much fun Canberra is with kids.
Seems you had a memorable trip with kids. You have shared a perfect locations which not to be missed with children. I think now parents must not get worried about where to take kids for their holidays. They will surely choose Canberra!!