In brief:

• Canberra has plenty of activities and experiences for families.
• This story lists accessible activities and spaces for families to visit.

Canberra is packed with family-friendly activities and experiences. Many of these attractions and spaces are inclusive for people with physical and sensory disability and access needs.

From events and galleries to gardens and playgrounds, there are lots of accessible activities to choose from.

Nature and outdoors

The National Arboretum Canberra is one of the world’s largest collections of rare, endangered and significant trees. This popular spot is also home to POD playground. You’ll also find the National Bonsai and Penjing Collection. There are disabled car parking spaces available across the Arboretum. You can also book to hire a free wheelchair.

Smooth, wide pathways connect key attractions such as the playground and café. There are also All Access paths and Grade 1 sealed paths with no steps to help you explore.

A visit to the fully accessible Boundless Playground is a must for kids’ fun. This all-abilities play space is next to Lake Burley Griffin. It is fully enclosed, has easy car parking and great toilet facilities.

Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is a great place to see wildlife in a natural setting. It’s just a 40-minute drive from the city. Mobility-impaired visitors can hire an all-terrain wheelchair, known as a TrailRider.

Tidbinbilla also offers mobility access to many popular locations. These include The Sanctuary and the Eucalypt Forest. Both have:

• accessible toilets
• designated parking areas
• paved footpaths for independent wheelchair access.

The Nature Discovery Playground has a bird’s nest swing suitable for very young children and people with limited mobility.

Get wild at the National Zoo & Aquarium and meet lions and tigers and bears (oh my)!

You can use the accessible pathways and ramps to get around the zoo.  There are some sloped and gravel paths, though. The Adventure Land playground includes a wheelchair-accessible playhouse and two fully harnessed swings.

The Australian National Botanic Gardens is an amazing place to explore. It is home to an array of native plants. Visitors can hire a free wheelchair or electric mobility scooter. You can also book a seat on the wheelchair-friendly bus tour.

Little explorers love the Paperbark Treehouse. This has a ramp-accessible platform at the main level.

Looking for a place to cool off? Dickson Pool has something for the whole family to enjoy. The outdoor pool includes:

• a splash park
• a toddler pool
• a learn-to-swim pool
• a heated 50m pool with ramp access.

Galleries, attractions and museums

Questacon is known for its family-friendly experiences. It also has great options to make it an inclusive space.

All of Questacon's galleries are accessible by ramp or a lift. Wheelchairs and prams are available for hire from the ticket desk.

Seating is available in each gallery. The Japan Theatre is wheelchair accessible and has a hearing loop in the first two rows.

A visit to Questacon can be a very stimulating experience. You can find noise cancelling headphones at the Information Desk and in each gallery.

Questacon also runs Access days. these offer a quieter environment for sensory sensitive visitors.

The National Museum of Australia is a fantastic option for families.

The museum has lift access to each of the three levels. There are also bookable wheelchairs and motorised scooters. There are large-print maps and tactile guides for vision-impaired visitors. You’ll find a hearing induction loop at the Information Desk.

The Tim and Gina Fairfax Discovery Centre is a fun playground for young children of all abilities. Quiet hours are run with reduced noise and sensory experiences. These are held from 3.30–4.45pm on the first Tuesday of the month.

The National Gallery of Australia has a range of free programs for people with disability and access needs. These include tours and workshops. There is an audio induction loop system in:

• the main entrance
• Gandel Hall
• James Fairfax Theatre
• Tim Fairfax Learning Gallery.

There are two braille brochures with tactile maps. These are the Gallery and for the Sculpture Garden. The Gallery also runs Sensory Sunday. This free monthly program is ideal for individuals who identify as neurodivergent.

The miniatures village Cockington Green Gardens is an iconic Canberra experience. It is also a wheelchair and walker accessible display.

It has granite paths and walkways. These accommodate a range of equipment. Wheelchairs and mobility scooters are available for hire.

Parliament House is a member of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program. This helps people with a disability or condition that may not be immediately apparent, to voluntarily share their needs for:

• assistance
• understanding
• a helping hand.

Visitors can borrow Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyards and pins to wear during their visit.

All public areas of Parliament House are wheelchair accessible.

There is also an accessible toilet and change facility that caters for users with high support needs and their carers.

Events

The Canberra Theatre Centre provides a range of services for different abilities. Its inclusive performances help everyone experience the magic of theatre.

Contact the theatre directly to book tickets if you need assistance with your seating. This can include audio description, mobility or hearing assistance.

The theatre has FM radio assisted hearing units for patrons who need hearing assistance.

Selected performances are professionally signed by Auslan interpreters. Some Relaxed Performances are offered. These have been adapted for a range of audience members, including people with:

• autism
• sensory sensitivities
• communication conditions
• learning disabilities.

Heading to an event at Exhibition Park in Canberra? EPIC has accessible car parking spaces across the precinct and near all major buildings.

Extra parking areas may also be reserved depending on the nature and location of the event.  All EPIC venues have accessible facilities, including toilets and showers.

Cheer on your favourite sports teams at Manuka Oval and Canberra Stadium. Wheelchair-accessible seating and lift access can help make your visit more comfortable. For guests who have sensory sensitivity, the Brumbies have introduced a Sensory Zone at Canberra Stadium during Super Rugby games.

Read more like this

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