A visit to one of Canberra’s many playgrounds is always a hit with toddlers.
30 March 2026
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 wheelchair-accessible rocking deck
- platforms, ropes, ramps and stairs to climb
- a slide
- light projections
- and plenty more.
Sessions are timed and bookings are essential.
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.
The National Gallery of Australia
The National Gallery of Australia hosts a range of programs for children and families.
Art Steps offers a series of creative making activities during the school holidays for children and their caregivers.
Babies in Arms is a free monthly program for parents and carers with babies in arms. Connect with other parents and carers through discussions with National Gallery curators about art and ideas.
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, role play, 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 twice monthly nature-based playgroups for children aged between 18 months and 5 years. Younger siblings are most welcome to join in.
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 a 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
- a maze
- 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 and Wiggle
Giggle and Wiggle is a free program held at Libraries ACT. It's for babies and toddlers aged up to three, along with their parents or 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 the recently renovated Mini Q is built specifically for curious toddlers.
There are a range of activities and spaces for children aged 0-6. Each area is designed to help children learn about the world around them.
A highlight of the new space is the research vessel InQuestigator. Children can climb aboard and, through play, explore Australia’s oceans and shorelines.
Mini Q access 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 did that?’ 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 storytime in the gardens on the first Friday of the month from 10am-11am.
National Zoo and Aquarium
A visit to the National 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 Playground is the star of the show.
There are over 100 activities available for children, including:
- cubby houses
- a tree house
- slides
- tunnels
- climbers
- swings.
There are also over 35 fibreglass animal sculptures, most life-size and designed to be played on.
There’s even a toddler-specific area that’s close to the toilet block and baby change room.
Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:
