Canberra Winter Fun: Family Friendly Spots to Visit in 2024
Discover family-friendly Canberra this winter! From snowy adventures to educational exhibits, explore top places like Corin Forest, Questacon, and Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve for a fun-filled holiday.
Canberra is the perfect destination for families these winter school holidays. From snowy adventures to interactive science displays, there’s something for everyone. Here are the top places to explore in Canberra this winter.
Family friendly things to do in Canberra in the winter school holidays
1. Explore the Great Outdoors
Corin Forest
Just 45 minutes from the city centre, Corin Forest transforms into a snowy playground in winter. Enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and tobogganing, or take a ride on the 1.2-kilometre alpine slide. Warm up at the Alpine Café with hot drinks and woodfired pizza. Nearby, Namadgi National Park offers beautiful walks and picnic spots in a landscape preserved by the Ngunnawal People for thousands of years.
Treetops Adventure Canberra
Located in Majura Pines, 20 minutes from the city centre, Treetops Adventure features over 90 aerial obstacles and 16 ziplines. Suitable for all ages, it promises fun for the whole family.
2. See Spectacular Science Displays and Shows
Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre
Questacon offers captivating science shows and interactive exhibits. The Mini Q area is perfect for ages 0-6. Don’t miss the CURIOSITY exhibit, featuring a 7.5-metre-tall NASA Space Launch System made from 460,323 LEGO bricks.
3. Walk Alongside Prehistoric Life
This ticket grants access to Cockington Green Gardens, Canberra Walk-In Aviary, Canberra Reptile Zoo, and the National Dinosaur Museum. Enjoy everything this delightful village has to offer on a fun-filled day: here you’ll find giant dinosaurs, little worlds, reptiles and much more.
4. Encounter Animals Big and Small
National Zoo & Aquarium
Home to a variety of native and exotic animals, the National Zoo & Aquarium features Australia’s largest inland saltwater tank and the AdventureLand playground. With 2.6 kilometres of walking trails, following the numbered Adventure Trail map is a great way to explore the zoo. During school holidays, the zoo’s Zoocation program offers unique experiences for primary-aged children.
Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
Explore Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, where wallabies, emus, koalas, and the elusive platypus roam free. The reserve has a Nature Discovery Playground, picnic spots, BBQ areas, and stunning views, to keep the kids active.
5. See Stories Come Alive
National Museum of Australia
Discover Australia’s history with self-guided family trails designed for ages 2-5 and 5-8. Uncover the stories behind some of the incredible objects on show at the museum. The Tim and Gina Fairfax Discovery Centre offers interactive play areas for younger children. General entry to the museum is free.
6. Walk Through Time with MEGAfauna
Australian National Botanic Gardens
Experience the MEGAfauna exhibit, showcasing creatures that roamed Australia over 20,000 years ago. Join Storytime sessions, explore the gardens on the Flora Explorer bus, and wander through the Rainforest Gully, Red Centre Garden, and Paperbark Treehouse.
7. Try a Magical Workshop
Take your little wizard to Australia’s most magical store, Quizzic Alley with the largest range of official Harry Potter merchandise anywhere in the country – where the Potter-fans of the family can enjoy a wand-making workshop during the ACT school holiday period.
8. Spoil the fam with sweet treats
What kid doesn’t love a sweet treat? For inventive and insta-worthy desserts visit Space Kitchen in Woden. The creations not only look great but also taste divine. Think unicorn waffles made from all the colours of the rainbow and milkshakes with a twist.
There’s something for everyone to enjoy. Embrace the winter chill and make the most of your holidays in the nation’s capital.
For more detailed information on activities and attractions, check out the Visit Canberra website.
