Canberra Family Weekend Getaway
Are you looking for a family getaway in Australia? Look no further than the country’s capital city, Canberra. This is a great place to explore with kids of all ages with plenty of educational and fun attractions. Here are some of our top things to do during your family getaway in Canberra.
Questacon
Image via ABC Canberra
Questacon, the National Science and Technology Centre, is a must-visit attraction for families in Canberra. It is an interactive science museum with over 200 exhibits, where all ages can learn about physics to biology and even innovation across Australia. The museum is designed so kids can be hands-on to touch, play and experiment with all types of exciting concepts. Including an earthquake simulator and the free-fall slide.
National Zoo and Aquarium
Image via National Zoo and Aquarium Canberra
If the sun is shining we recommend visiting The National Zoo and Aquarium, another great place to visit with the family in Canberra. Upon entering the zoo and aquarium you will be transported into a world of wonder and adventure. The zoo is home to a wide variety of animals from all over the world including, lions, tigers, giraffes, zebras and rhinos. There are also a number of Australian animals such as kangaroos, wallabies and koalas to discover. Be sure to take part in an animal encounter, where you can get up close and personal with some of the zoo’s animals and learn about their behaviours and habitats.
In addition to the animal exhibits, the Canberra National Zoo and Aquarium also offers a range of activities for all ages of visitors. There is a playground for the children, a picnic area for the families as well as a range of restaurants and cafes to enjoy your day.
Cockington Green Gardens
Image via Cockington Green Gardens
If you are looking for a more relaxed, unique Canberra attraction, Cockington Green Gardens is a must-visit. This is a miniature and incredibly detailed outdoor village with over 30,000 handcrafted figurines. There are miniature buildings, gardens and even a working miniature railway. This is a fun and quirky attraction for kids of all ages. Be sure to stop by the garden cafe and picnic area whilst taking in some of the lovely scenery.
Royal Australian Mint
Image via Visit Canberra
If you are more interested in history and currencies, the Royal Australian Mint is a fantastic destination. The mind has a wide variety of exhibits and activities that will keep the family entertained. Take a guided tour to see the coin-making process with a view of the factory floor where coins are stamped, sorted and packaged. The kids can also mint their own coin in the newly created Kid’s Corner where they can have hands-on experience pressing their own coin and receive a particular coin that they can keep as a souvenir. The main attraction is the Gold Coins exhibition which will make the family feel like they are in a pirate treasure room.
Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
Image via Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
Located just outside of Canberra, experience the natural beauty by exploring the many outdoor activities at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. Visitors can spot a range of animals throughout the reserve, including kangaroos, wallabies, emus and various bird species. Families can also take a guided tour to learn about the animal's habitats or visit the Tidbinbilla Nature Discovery Playground where the kids can play on the equipment designed as native animals.
Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve also offers a variety of picnic areas, BBQ facilities and campgrounds for families who want to spend the entire day at the reserve.
National Dinosaur Museum
Image via The National Dinosaur Museum
The National Dinosaur Museum, is an exciting museum that has over 23 complete skeletons and more than 300 fossils on display, making it one of the largest dinosaur museums in the southern hemisphere. Showcasing many of different dinosaur species, their behaviours and the world they lived in from the fearsome T-Rex to the giant Diplodocus, there is something for everyone to see.
You will also find interactive displays that will engage both the kids and adults with 3D movies about dinosaurs and explore life-sized models of nests and even try out fossil hunting.
If you are looking accommodation in Canberra, be sure to view our wide range of hotel rooms to best accommodate for your family getaway.
