In brief:

• Whether it's school holidays or a slow weekend, there are plenty of ways to keep the kids busy.
• This story includes a list of free and affordable options for family-friendly activities in Canberra.

Kids climbing the walls and not sure what to do with them? Or just looking for some family friendly entertainment ideas that won’t cost an arm and a leg?

Look no further than these cheap and cheerful activities. They're sure to keep your kids entertained for at least a couple of hours.

Please be sure to plan your trip by visiting the website or calling the venue beforehand to double check pricing and availability.

Visit Canberra’s museums and galleries

Canberra’s museums, galleries and national institutions have plenty on offer for families and kids of all ages.  Check out the list below and plan a day out with the family that is sure to go down in history.

• Canberra Museum and Gallery (CMAG) – be inspired by the artistic talents of local artists or why not check out the 'Hop In!' exhibition for kids aged 3–12?
• Canberra Glassworks – sit in the public gallery and watch some incredible glass artists at work.
• Libraries – from Story Time to Giggle and Wiggle, there’s always something to do at one of the Libraries ACT branches.
• Australian War Memorial – entry is free; visit the website to find out what’s on.
• Parliament House – learn about the flag, discover the architecture, explore the gardens and tour the building (free except for some special exhibitions).
• Drill Hall Gallery – there’s music, exhibitions, and events aplenty. Check out the website to find out what’s on.
• National Gallery of Australia – admission is free, but select major exhibitions are ticketed.
• National Portrait Gallery – got a budding young artist in the family? There’s so much to see at the Portrait Gallery to inspire their creativity.
• Royal Australian Mint – check out where every Australian coin is made, and why not make your own while you’re there.
• National Arboretum Canberra – whether it’s the Pod Playground or kite flying, bonsais or enjoying a bite to eat, there’s plenty to explore at the National Arboretum.
• National Library of Australia – with exhibitions and workshops, and even school holiday activities, check out their website to find out what’s on.
• National Film and Sound Archive – explore which events and exhibitions are on.
• High Court of Australia – check out the incredible architecture (including the 40m high ceilings), the Great Hall and three courtrooms.
• Geoscience Australia – why not visit the public displays, extensive library, or take a stroll through the gardens to learn about Earth’s 4600 million year history?

Experience the great outdoors

If nature is more your calling, Canberrans are spoilt for choice when it comes to the great outdoors. Whether it’s our national parks or incredible playgrounds, there’s plenty to do for kids both big and small. The Parks ACT website is your destination to discover Canberra’s parks and reserves.

• Cotter
• Namadgi
• Tidbinbilla
• Jerrabomberra Wetlands
• Wildbark and Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary
• Mt Stromlo Observatory
• The Beijing Garden in Lennox Gardens
• Australian National Botanic Gardens – stroll through the rainforest or enjoy a meal in some truly breathtaking surroundings.

Check out the Parks ACT summer fun activity guide for more ideas.

^{Hike up to Gibraltar Peak within Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. Credit: Richard Poulton for VisitCanberra}

Go on a bush walk

You can also check out some of Canberra’s beautiful bushwalks, tracks and trails. Make sure you’re prepared by knowing your route, wearing comfortable and appropriate clothing, and packing plenty to drink and eat.

• Booroomba Rocks
• One Tree Hill Lookout Walk
• Shepherds Lookout
• Mount Pleasant Lookout
• Mount Taylor
• Mount Ainslie
• Centenary Trail
• Mountain biking at Stromlo, Kowen or Sparrow Hill.

Read the Great Canberra walks to tick off your list article for more ideas and information.

Ready, set, play!

With Canberra boasting play spaces and playgrounds aplenty, consider these suggestions for your next play date.

• Weston Park at Yarralumla – it has excellent shared bike paths and water play.
• Yarralumla Play Station – across the road from Weston Park, there is a small petting zoo, mini train, and café (ticketed entry with fee).
• PlayUP at the Museum of Australian Democracy (Old Parliament House) – great for quiet indoor play with lots of books, craft, kids play café and a discovery centre. Entry to PlayUP is via a gold coin donation.

There are more than 500 playgrounds across the ACT. Visit one near you, or set out on an adventure to find a new favourite.

Read a list of Canberra's favourite playgrounds.

^{Pod Playground at the National Arboretum. Credit: Tourism Australia.}

What to do when the weather isn't playing nice

Too hot, cold or wet?

Consider your Libraries ACT card your ticket to free online fun.

Here's how it can keep your kids entertained at home for free.

Don’t forget to eat!

Canberra's markets make for a lovely day out. Choose from a range of local and fresh produce, plus support our local growers and makers.

Read the ultimate Canberra markets guide.

On the lookout for places with kids' menus? We've rounded up some of Canberra's best.

Pack a picnic or enjoy a BBQ at your local park – why not take lunch to go? Fill up the picnic basket, grab a soccer ball, and head out the door for an afternoon of fun.

See the tops spots for your next picnic.

Get reading!

Beyond Story Time at ACT Libraries, there are plenty of ways to have fun while inspiring a love of reading in kids.

The Book Cow runs a free story time session twice a week in Green Square, Kingston. It's on at 11 am every Tuesday and Thursday and recommended for kids aged under five. No need to book – simply turn up.

Visit the National Museum to enjoy free 15-minute story time sessions in the workshop (next to the Discovery Centre) It's run on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10.30 am during ACT school term. Drop in, places are limited.

The Australian National Botanic Gardens hosts story time on the first Friday of the month. Stories, songs, rhymes and creative activities are brought to life in the Gardens’ beautiful natural surroundings. Bookings required. It's $5 per child aged 12 months and over.

You can head to a free Murrulangalang story time session at 10:15 am every Wednesday at the National Archives of Australia (excluding school holidays). There are sensory toys and playful activities, making it a great experience for babies and children of all abilities.

Read more like this:

• Ten free or low-cost ways to get active in Canberra
• Activities for toddlers in Canberra
• Five great Canberra bike rides

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