Canberra - Fun for families

There are so many things for families to do in Canberra , from enjoying the outdoors and letting the kids burn off some energy, to fun and interactive educational experiences that will engage the whole family.

Get active and hire some bikes to ride around Lake Burley Griffin, where most of the national attractions are located. If you've still got energy when you return, cool off on the water in a paddleboat, canoe or windsurfer.

A must-see for any family visiting Canberra is Questacon – the National Science and Technology Centre where you can experience an earthquake, free fall six metres down a vertical slide and take your chances in the simulated guillotine. A visit to the visually striking National Museum of Australia will keep the whole family enthralled. Begin your visit in a revolving theatre and continue on to enjoy the countless hands-on exhibitions that tell the story of a nation. The kids will love creating their own future house or vehicle in the K Space exhibition and watching their creation come to life in the 3D theatre.

Take advantage of Canberra's sunny weather with a visit to the National Zoo and Aquarium, where you can take the kids on a specially designed kids' tour to see tigons, cheetahs, bears, monkeys, “Hummer” the giraffe and the shark tank.

Not far away is the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) where the whole family can put their sporting abilities to the test in the interactive Sportex exhibition. Challenge each other to a simulated rowing competition, see how fast you can throw a ball, test your reflexes and compare your height, hands and feet to those of some of our famous athletes. Top it all off with a tour through the complex with an athlete as your guide.

Not far from the AIS is Cockington Green Gardens, where the miniature buildings and figurines will make even the smallest child feel like a giant. Within walking distance is the National Dinosaur Museum, the Reptile Centre, a walk through bird house and some great boutique shopping.