A visit to one of Canberra’s playgrounds is a hit with toddlers.
22 August 2024
In brief:
- Toddlers have specific needs when it comes to activities.
- There are lots of venues and activities in Canberra that are ideal for toddlers.
- Here is a list of fun experiences in Canberra for you and your toddler.
When it comes to keeping toddlers busy, not just any activity will do.
They have moved beyond entertainment for babies but aren’t quite ready for school-aged fun.
Luckily, Canberra has plenty of facilities and activities for kids of all ages, including toddlers.
Here are some toddler-friendly activities loved by Canberra families:
The Discovery Centre at the National Museum of Australia
The Tim and Gina Fairfax Discovery Centre is a play space for children from birth to 6 years. It is jam-packed with different activities, including:
- a quiet reading area with books
- a maze
- a wheelchair-accessible rocking deck
- platforms, ropes, ramps and stairs to climb
- a slide
- light projections
- and plenty more.
There are also activity sessions during the school term, including:
- pyramid making sessions on Wednesdays
- story time on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Little Griffins Play & Learn
Join a free event for babies and toddlers aged 0 to 4 on the last Friday of every month at the National Capital Exhibition. Each month has a different theme and includes activities like arts and craft and music.
When you’re finished, pop next door to the Canberra and Region Visitor Information Centre at Regatta Point. There is colouring in and some fun activities from Questacon. There is also a playground next door to the Centre.
Curious Corner at the National Gallery of Australia
On the first Thursday of the month, the National Gallery of Australia hosts a program designed for children aged 3-5 and their caregivers.
The sessions encourage curiosity and creativity. They build on ideas from the Gallery through creative making in the Tim Fairfax Learning studio.
The event is free, and bookings are essential.
Little Faces at the National Portrait Gallery
The National Portrait Gallery hosts a range of family-friendly activities. Little Faces is a way for babies and toddlers to explore portraits through play, music and fun.
Bookings are essential.
PlayUP at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House
PlayUP is a playful way for young families to explore the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. The exhibition includes play spaces, roleplay, craft activities, story time, and more.
PlayUP is open from 9am to 4:30pm daily.
National Arboretum Canberra
The National Arboretum Canberra’s outdoor educators host weekly nature-based playgroups for children aged between 18 months and 5 years.Sessions run from 10am to 2pm on Mondays and Fridays during the school term.
The Playgroup is designed for children to build physical and emotional confidence and unleash their creativity. It also helps them to become environmentally conscious individuals.
Playgrounds
Regardless of what side of Canberra you live in, you’re never far from an excellent playground.
Some popular Canberra playgrounds include:
- Ruth Park Playground in Coombs
- Farrer Nature Play & Adventure Trail
- Boundless Canberra
- Pod Playground at the National Arboretum Canberra
- Point Hut Pond Gordon District Playground
- Moncrieff Community Recreation Park.
Yarralumla Play Station
The Yarralumla Play Station in Weston Park includes:
- the Weston Park Miniature Railway
- Lake Walter Mini Golf
- Mini Farm Friends.
Catch the mini train for a farm visit for an exciting day out. Afterwards, grab a babycino and some lunch from the Station Stop Café. There’s also a playground across the road.
National Dinosaur Museum
Dinosaurs are a source of fascination for toddlers. The National Dinosaur Museum is a fun, interactive way to learn about the earth’s ancient history. Explore the indoor exhibitions and then venture outside to the landscaped dinosaur garden.
Giggle & Wiggle
Giggle and Wiggle is a free program held at Libraries ACT for babies and toddlers up to two and their carers.
The program focuses on language development. Sessions include singing, dancing and sharing rhymes.
Families are encouraged to spend time in the library afterwards to build connections and make friends.
Questacon
Questacon is always a hit with kids, but Mini Q is built specifically for curious toddlers.
There are a range of activities and spaces for children aged up to 6. Each area is designed to help children learn about the world around them.
There is a play café, vet office and mechanic. You’ll also find water play, a space-themed area, and much more.
Mini Q is included with general admission. There may be session times in place during peak periods like school holidays and long weekends.
The Australian National Botanic Gardens
The Botanic Gardens are the perfect place for toddlers to spend some time outdoors. There’s plenty of space to run, wander and explore.
Head to the Visitors Centre to get a guide and map. The staff can also tell you about the family-friendly activities available at the Gardens.
The ‘Who Lives Here?’ children’s discovery walk takes 30 minutes and is designed for children up to 8. It’s fun and teaches children about their environment.
There is also Bush magic: storytime in the Gardens on the first Friday of the month from 10am-11am.
Canberra Zoo and Aquarium
A visit to Canberra Zoo and Aquarium is about so much more than just seeing animals and sea creatures.
There are 2.6km of walking trails, complete with an Adventure Trail with interactive activities for kids.
When it comes to playing, AdventureLand is the star of the show. It’s the Zoo’s playground space for children aged 2-12.
There are 55 activities available for children, including:
- cubby houses
- a tree house
- slides
- tunnels
- climbers
- swings
- animal sculptures and structures.
There’s even a toddler-specific area that’s close to the toilet block and baby change room.
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