There’s a lot to see and do in Canberra for a family-friendly weekend. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
As the days of summer roll by, the house inevitably gets messier and everyone starts to get just a little bit restless. A short break close to home is the antidote to shake things up and hit refresh for everyone.
Last-minute summer flights are not cheap, so a destination closer to home will keep costs down. If you want to avoid the coast packed with families on holiday, why not take a look around Canberra? Here are some ideas for a perfect short break.
Day one
A good holiday starts with a place to relax. Luckily, families are spoilt for choice when it comes to Canberra accommodation.
Located on one of Canberra’s main thoroughfares, Pavilion on Northbourne has two-bedroom apartments with kitchens, a living area and space for multiple guests, making it a perfect option for family trips.
Pavilion is located within walking distance of some of Canberra’s best dining and the light rail heading to the centre of town is right across the road. For the first night, simply settle into your room and then head down to the Pavilion’s own Atrium Restaurant for dinner.
For families looking to save money or celebrate an occasion, Atrium has a daily buffet breakfast, happy hour, a monthly Sunday buffet lunch and monthly high tea.
Day two
Head to Questacon or the National Zoo, perfect for energetic kids buzzing for some action.
Questacon is high on every kid’s list of things to do in Canberra. The capital icon offers heaps of hands-on activities, cultural events, workshops, experiments and games to keep kids entertained.
Its current exhibition, excitingly named “ZAP! CLANK! POW!”, will spark children’s curiosity with 17 interactive exhibits which teach them about everything from electricity to the laws of motion and the basics of machinery.
For something on the wild side, no trip to Canberra is complete without a visit to the National Zoo and Aquarium. It boasts a menagerie of animals, including outback dingoes, tree kangaroos, green and golden bell frogs, lace monitors, lemurs, hyenas, peacocks and Tasmanian devils, as well as plenty of sea life such as moray eels and blacktip reef sharks.
For families who want to go the extra mile, the zoo offers a range of unique animal experiences, such as cheetah encounters where visitors can get up close with a trio of friendly felines. There’s a great diversity of encounters, from lion hand-feeding to rhino patting and close contact with meerkats, monkeys and owls.
Now feeling hungry? Let’s find something to eat.
Canberra has fabulous cafes and restaurants in the city and suburbs. Canberra clubs often offer designated kids’ zones, such as those at the Southern Cross Clubs.
Meanwhile, places including Snapper & Co, The Jetty, The Dock, and Capital Brewing have open spaces for kids to play within view.
Day three and beyond
You’re spoilt for choice for your next day or days. For a family looking to take advantage of the great outdoors, the National Arboretum is a great place to visit, with its broad open spaces, rolling hills and plenty of fresh air. Young adventurers can check out the POD Playground, which invites kids to flex their climbing muscles with nest swings, high acorn-shaped cubbies, ladders, slippery dips and great views.
Yarralumla Play Station has plenty to keep the kids entertained; a petting zoo features friendly animals such as ponies, sheep, mini pigs, goats, chickens and a tiny Galloway cow. It also offers a mini golf course to foster some friendly competition and a mini railway to tour the grounds.
Quizzic Alley is an unmissable attraction for little witches and wizards obsessed with Harry Potter. The Potterheads at Quizzic Alley have the largest range of Harry Potter merchandise in the country, as well as frequent potion crafting, wand making, divination events and screenings of the beloved films.
For an artistic, laid-back experience, the National Film and Sound Archive (NFSA) has a constantly stacked schedule of films and special events. Until 9 March 2026, the NFSA hosts a unique video exhibition Heaven’s Gate, which explores the excess of the modern world through a dazzling, disarming cinematic journey.
For those staying longer, take in one of the national institutions. Pop the National Portrait Gallery, the Museum of Democracy at Old Parliament House and the National Library on the list too.
