Canberra, the vibrant capital of Australia, is home to an exciting array of kid-friendly museums and galleries to inspire inquisitive young minds. From art to science and history, these attractions help little ones learn about the world around them – with plenty of fun along with way!
From interactive science exhibits to captivating stories of Australia’s history, these iconic museums and galleries offer the perfect balance of education and entertainment. Whether you’re an ACT local or visiting Canberra with the kids, this guide will share the top 10 educational attractions that are worth seeing.
Don’t miss these ten Canberra museums and art galleries for an inspiring family day out.
1. Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre
Feel the force of an earthquake, see lightning illuminate the room and peek inside a beehive at Questacon science and technology museum in Parkes. Younger kids will love Mini Q — a custom-built play space for children up to six-years-old, including role play, space play and water play areas.
2. National Dinosaur Museum
Roooooaaaaarrrrr! See T-Rex and his friends at the National Dinosaur Museum at Gold Creek Village in Nicholls, which boasts the largest permanent display of dinosaur paraphernalia in the country. As well as colourful exhibits and interactive areas, it has a gift shop with an impressive array of souvenirs. If your kids are really brave, you can also book to explore the museum by torchlight on a night tour.
DISCOVER MORE: 8 best dinosaur museums and fossil sites around Australia
3. Museum of Australian Democracy
The Museum of Australian Democracy is located in the heritage-listed Old Parliament House building in Parkes. It’s home to the fantastic PlayUP exhibition, in which kids can explore the United Nations Convention on the Rights of a Child in a playful way. Expect everything from listening pods and a roleplay Kindness Café to a fuzzy felt wall and craft activities.
4. Australian War Memorial
Military uniforms, guns, medals, war diaries, letters, bombers, helicopters and rare army vehicles are among the historic artefacts on display at the Australian War Memorial, which charts the nation’s involvement in conflicts such as World War I and II and the Vietnam War. Make sure you stick around for the Last Post Ceremony in the courtyard at 4.45pm. It’s best to book your free tickets in advance to guarantee entry.
5. National Museum of Australia
Captain Cook’s navigational instruments, penny farthing bicycles and bark canoes carved by Indigenous Australians are among more than 200,000 objects representing Australia’s history and cultural heritage on display at the National Museum of Australia. There are also collections on The Olympics, bushranger Ned Kelly and explorers Burke and Wills, including a water bottle which belonged to Robert Burke.
6. National Gallery of Australia
The National Gallery of Australia has more than 150,000 works of art, including the world’s largest collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art. Head straight to the Family Desk on level one to find out what’s on display, collect your copy of the Sculpture Garden Art Trail and take part in creative artist-led activities.
7. National Portrait Gallery
Portraits of famous Australians, including Captain Cook, HRH Crown Princess Mary of Denmark and AFL player Adam Goodes don the walls of the National Portrait Gallery, located next to the National Gallery of Australia. Check out the website for special exhibitions, events such as dance performances, and school holiday workshops, including storytelling sessions and art classes.
8. Canberra Railway Museum
Train-loving youngsters will love exploring the locomotives and carriages on display at the Canberra Railway Museum in Kingston, which is one of Canberra’s oldest suburbs and was once its industrial heart. You can even step inside a carriage that’s hauled politicians to Parliament, wounded soldiers to hospitals, and skiers to the Snowy Mountains.
9. St John’s Schoolhouse Museum
Step back to the days of slate boards, chalk and inkwells in Canberra’s first schoolhouse, next to St John’s Church at Reid. It was built of rubble and locally-quarried bluestone in the first half of the 19th century to educate workers’ children. The St John’s Schoolhouse Museum is staffed by volunteers and is open on Wednesdays from 10am to 12pm and on weekends from 2pm to 4pm.
10. Royal Australian Mint
This is when you show the kids that money really doesn’t grow on trees! As they watch from an elevated observation window they can see Royal Australian Mint staff and one of the world’s strongest robots making coins. Have fun with the whole family minting their own souvenir $1 coin on the public coining presses.
Where to stay in Canberra with kids
Get 10 per cent off the best available rate if you mention Out & About with Kids when booking a room at East Hotel Canberra.
Located between the buzzing shopping and restaurant hubs of Kingston and Manuka, the family-owned and operated hotel has special family rooms. The two-bedroom apartments have bunk beds, Xbox One consoles, games, bean bags and dress-up clothes. There are also free lollies in the lobby and kids’ mini bars. Its Italian restaurant, Agostinis, has a kids’ menu including pizza or pasta, gelato and a soft drink for $20. It also offers free bike hire to explore the area.
Keep exploring Canberra with your family
Opening image: The Australian War Memorial (VisitCanberra)
In partnership with East Hotel Canberra
