Top Family-Friendly Spots to Visit in Canberra, Australia

Canberra, the capital city of Australia, has long been known for its modern architecture, its buzzing food scene, its representation of Australian culture as well as its expansive outdoors. To put it succinctly, the city has something for all kinds of travellers. Therefore, it didn’t come as a surprise to the travelling community when Lonely Planet declared Canberra as ‘the third best city in the world to visit in 2018’.

Image Credits: Tomkapitany, Bidgee

If you, like thousand others, are considering a family vacation to the beautiful Canberra, our list of top family spots in the city might be of use to you:

Canberra Glassworks

One of the most intriguing places in the city, Canberra Glassworks has a lot to keep your family amused and interested. On the ground floor is the exhibition centre and art gallery that hosts glass items creatively designed by some of the best international, local and aspiring glass artists. As you walk up the stairs, you can see the glass artists in action, indulged in their art and giving shape to beautiful vases, bowls and other decorative items. Families looking for a more indulging experience can visit Saturday/Sunday when visitors are given chance to make their own glass paperweight of tumbler in the time span of 20 to 40 minutes respectively.

The National Dinosaur Museum

Located in Gold Creek, the National Dinosaur Museum not only boasts the city’s largest display of these prehistoric species but it is also the largest Dinosaur museum in the whole of Australia. Quite a hit among families with young children, the museum remains known for its educating exhibitions that cover the earth’s history through fossils and murals along with the history of dinosaurs. The museum also has a gift store where purchase of history books, dinosaur replicas, fossils and crystal minerals among other things can be made.

Big Splash Waterpark

Located in suburbs of Macquarie, a visit to the Big Splash water park is one of the most-visited family attractions in Canberra. The only water park in Canberra, the Big Splash is comprised by a total of eleven water slides. A great way to turn any dull day into an active and fun play day, a day at Big Splash is sure to leave you feeling thrilled and your kids excited.

Telstra Tower

If you would like nothing better than picturesque views of Canberra and the surrounding areas from the height of 195.2 metres, the glass communication Telstra Tower above the summit of Black Mountain is the place for you to go. The observation deck and two outdoor viewing platforms are designed to enhance the whole experience. Apart from being a tourist attraction, the Telstra Tower also has business, sales and radio communication facilities that serve the city of Canberra. The tower is also equipped with a souvenir shop and a coffee lounge.

Commonwealth Park

Spread over 34.25 hectares, the commonwealth park is an ideal place to spend a lazy family afternoon in Canberra. Boasting many small ponds, flower species, walking trails, bike paths and sculptures, the park is a favourite place in the city for picnics and leisurely walks. Sitting on the edge of Lake Burley Griffin, the park draws large number of crowds to its annual spring festival called Floriade, which is the largest of its kind in the country. Besides, the park is also the venue for several other outdoor concerts around the year including The Commons Street Feast scheduled towards the end of the year.