Family Fun in Canberra

National Arboretum

Deciding what activity to save for next time will be your biggest dilemma when it comes to a family visit in Australia's capital. From toddlers to teenagers, there's something that will appeal to every kid. With plenty of free or low admission options, it's a short break destination that won't break the bank.

Questacon — The National Science and Technology Centre

Wrap your mind around some intriguing questions at Questacon — The National Science and Technology Centre. Kids love the eight hands on interactive galleries, like Awesome Earth, which make science super-cool. Experience an earthquake, watch a lightning strike inside a large cage and be entertained inside the science theatre which allows you to sit back and watch crashes and explosions as you enjoy the fun and excitement of live science demonstrations. questacon.edu.au

Explore Lake Burley Griffin

Get out and enjoy some sunshine around Lake Burley Griffin. Choose from a range of recreational activities, such as kayaking and paddle boats on the lake, or bike riding around the inner basin of Lake Burley Griffin. Tandem and family bikes are available for hire. For something a little different, take your teenagers for a spin on a guided segway tour with SegGlideRide. segglideride.com.au

National Zoo & Aquarium

National Zoo & Aquarium

Get up close and personal with the animals at the National Zoo & Aquarium. Its Family Tour is a variation on the popular behind-the-scenes Zooventure tour and isspecially designed for families with littlies. Come face to face with creatures both great and small, pat a shark or look a big cat in the eye, you'll even get to feed some of the animals. nationalzoo.com.au

Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve

Get up close to native Australian wildlife at Tidbinbilla, a 45 minute drive from the city centre. You'll see kangaroos, rock wallabies, emus and more. Go hiking on the designated walking trails, see indigenous Australian rock art and glimpse the tiny Corroboree frog (the size of a finger nail) at the information centre. You can also stay overnight at the rustic Nil Desperandum hut and join guided night time tours, Tid by Torchlight. tidbinbilla.act.gov.au/

Cockington Green Gardens

Tower over tiny versions of famous buildings from around the world and ride the mini steam train at the delightful miniature village of Cockington Green Gardens at Gold Creek Village. Kids can bring the exhibits to life with interacting mechanical animation. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the grounds or a bite to eat from the Parsons Nose Garden Cafe. cockingtongreen.com.au

National Museum of Australia

National Museum of Australia

This Museum tells the stories of Australia's past through to present in an engaging way. Venture on the Museum Trail Blazer treasure hunt, an exciting self-guided journey of discovery through the National Museum of Australia galleries. There's also a trail designed for kids to follow and plenty of items to captivate them. Collect your free Museum Trailblazers sticker and activity trail booklet from the Information Desk in our Hall. nma.gov.au/engage-learn/families/museum_trailblazer

Australian Institute of Sport

Inspire your little sporting dynamo with an athlete-guided tour of the Australian Institute of Sport and learn what elite athletes undertake to make it in their sport. Test your sporting skills at Sportex, an interactive sports experience that will have you kicking footballs, playing wheelchair basketball and racing a friend in a simulated ski race. Or train like our champions at the AIS Aquatic & Fitness Centre. ausport.gov.au/visit

Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House

Play Up, the children's exhibition space at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, pokes its tongue out at the idea that museums are hands off and stuffy. Stand up, muck up, dress up and think creatively in this fun space. Don't miss the puppet theatre, board games, family action packs, dress ups and zine making. moadoph.gov.au/exhibitions/play-up

National Dinosaur Museum

Roar with the dinosaurs at the National Dinosaur Museum in the Gold Creek Village. You'll find lots of animatronic dinosaurs as well as models and skeletons on display. The team's passionate dinosaur experts are on hand to answer any questions. Touch a genuine 150 million-year-old dinosaur bone and view and purchase fossils, minerals and crystals. nationaldinosaurmuseum.com.au

Royal Australian Mint

At the Royal Australian Mint you can see one of the world's strongest robots make Australian. Count the 5 cent coins in the staircase and marvel at the giant colourful coins above your head. See fascinating coins from way back in history including tricky forgeries. You'll be inspired to start your own coin collection and you can even make your very own coin in the Mint Coin Shop. ramint.gov.au

Australian War Memorial

This popular Canberra tourist attraction – currently ranked Australia's number two landmark by TripAdvisor – tells the story of Australians who have served in all world wars. It has special areas and programs that communicate with children the stories of Australians involved in war and peacekeeping. awm.gov.au