The region offers plenty of options to bring smiles to children’s faces.
25 March 2025
In brief:
- The Woden, Weston Creek and Molonglo region has a lot to offer families.
- This story lists playgrounds, activities and places families can enjoy.
Woden Valley, Weston Creek and Molonglo is a huge region. And unsurprisingly, it has a huge amount to offer families.
Whether you’re after some rainy-day entertainment or a spot of active outdoor fun, you’re sure to find a new favourite in this neck of the woods.
Playgrounds and parks
Locals are spoilt for choice in this part of Canberra. There are playgrounds and parks of all sizes, with everything from water play to half courts.
Kids of all ages can play the day away at a destination playground.
Here are some of the top family-friendly spots in the region:
- Ridgeline Park and Playground, Denman Prospect
- Ruth Park Playground, Coombs
- Eddison Park, Phillip
- Whitlam Playground, Whitlam
- Blue Poles Playground, Whitlam
- Chapman Oval Playground, Chapman
Prefer your playgrounds with a side of caffeine (and a babycino)? Here are some playgrounds and nearby cafes that make perfect pairings.
Libraries
Woden Library
Like all libraries, Woden Library is a haven for kids.
It’s located within the Westfield shopping centre precinct and offers fun children’s activities including:
You can also find extra programs during school holidays.
Bikes, scooters and skateboards
Ample paths and trails set the scene for a perfect family bike ride.
Whatever your kids’ abilities, there are plenty of places for them to roll around.
BMX bandits will love the dirt bike tracks at:
- Mount Stromlo High School
- Duffy Primary School.
These are open to the community outside school hours.
Cooleman Ridge and Weston Ponds both offer kid-friendly, scenic rides. Keep an eye out for bush and water birds on your way.
Cravens Crossing Park in Denman Prospect has a learn-to-ride scooter track for little ones.
There are two skate parks in the region:
There are also mini skate ramps in Rivett and Stirling.
University of Canberra Stromlo Forest Park
For the ultimate cycling experience, head to Stromlo. Here you’ll find the ACT’s best network of bike trails, loops and paths.
There’s a track to suit all riding abilities:
- a purpose-built pump track
- designated kids’ learn-to-ride area
- the Playground, complete with obstacles, see-saws and jumps
- and more.
There are also walking and running trails.
Just visiting and don’t have a bike? You can hire one nearby.
Depending on the day you can even catch a shuttle bus and save your energy for the trails.
Activities
The National Arboretum
The National Arboretum is a must for locals and visitors alike.
There’s so much to do and learn, from guided forest walks to kite-flying on windy days.
Kids love running up and down the manicured hills and checking out the bonsai collection.
There’s a twice-weekly nature playgroup for kids aged between 18 months and five years.
School holidays are also covered with plenty of workshops and activities.
You’ll also find:
- a café
- Forest Sculpture Gallery
- tracks and trails
- lookouts
- picnic spots
- and more.
Stromlo Leisure Centre
One word: waterslides. The splash park at Stromlo Leisure Centre is a year-round favourite.
As well as two slides, it features water sprays, geysers and waterfalls.
There’s a leisure pool, program pool and 50m pool too. Plus, a café for that important after-swim ice-cream.
Southside Farmers Market
This smaller market is held at Canberra College in Phillip.
There’s a strong community feel, with smiling stallholders eager to have a chat.
Don’t forget to pick up a coffee and something delicious to eat.
It’s on every Sunday from 7am until 11am.
National Zoo and Aquarium
Who can pass up a zoo visit? With a wide variety of native and exotic animals, there’s something for everyone at the National Zoo and Aquarium.
As well as lions, tigers and bears, there’s also an epic playground with something for all ages.
Mount Stromlo Observatory
Treat yourselves to spectacular views over Canberra and the Brindabellas.
You can take an interactive heritage walk, have a picnic or even a bbq.
If you have a budding astronomer in the family, why not book a private stargazing session?
Forest Park Riding School
Horse-mad kiddos can turn dreams to reality at Forest Park.
Depending on their age, kids can book in for a one-off pony ride or trail ride.
Helmets and boots are available to borrow.
Weston Creek Tennis Club
What could be more wholesome than a hit of tennis with the family?
This popular club hires out its synthetic grass courts.
It also often runs ‘come and try’ days complete with jumping castle, face painting and a bbq.
Read more like this:
Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:
