Five exhibitions the whole family will enjoy
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There’s plenty happening for all ages at Canberra’s national institutions, especially with some amazing family-friendly exhibitions calling them home.
Offering a great starting point to explore arts and culture with the whole family, from interactive offerings to portraits of pop culture icons, here are five exhibitions in Canberra you should visit.
The Whole is Greater than the Sum of Her Parts (National Gallery of Australia)
A dedicated interactive space created by artist Sanné Mestrom, this family-friendly exhibition runs alongside the blockbuster Cézanne to Giacometti – and it’s the perfect conclusion to the amazing artworks featured.
Inviting visitors of all ages to touch, play with and inhabit sculptures that respond to works by Picasso, Matisse, Cézanne, Klee, and Giacometti, kids’ entry is free for this interactive installation which is the perfect balance of fun and education.
Until Sunday 21 September | National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place East, Parkes | nga.gov.au
Mr Squiggle and Friends: The Creative World of Norman Hetherington (National Museum of Australia)
Taking families on a warm-hearted, nostalgic journey that all ages will enjoy, this is one Canberra exhibition you shouldn’t miss! Featuring nearly 300 objects from the Norman Hetherington collection, this playful exploration of puppetry, cartooning and art showcases everything from artworks to more than 90 of his iconic puppets.
Go along to see Mr Squiggle with his friends Blackboard, Gus the Snail and Bill Steamshovel and show your children what made your own childhood magical. We promise it won’t be boringgg!
Until Monday 13 October | National Museum of Australia, Lawson Crescent, Acton | nma.gov.au
ZAP! CLANK! POW! (Questacon)
Featuring a new take on some old favourites from the past three decades, this exhibition might have been designed with little scientists in mind, but trust us when we say everyone will enjoy a visit to ZAP! CLANK! POW! at Questacon.
Featuring 17 highly interactive exhibits, you’ll get hands-on as you explore the exciting world of electricity, machines, and motion. And with a comic book theme running throughout, it will keep all ages entertained.
Until Sunday 1 February 2026 | Questacon, King Edward Terrace, Parkes | questacon.edu.au
DressUP: Change the World (Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House)
MoAD is full of amazing and family-friendly exhibitions, but this one is pure fun. From Adam Goodes’ jersey to Beyonce’s crown, in DressUP, you can try on the iconic outfits of eight inspiring people. The only question is, who will you pick first? Make sure to stop at the listening stations to hear their stories and discover how they overcome struggles to make a difference in the world.
Open daily | MoAD, 18 King George Terrace, Parkes | moadoph.gov.au
Super Kaylene Whiskey (National Portrait Gallery)
Celebrating one of Australia’s leading contemporary artists – proud Yankunytjatjara woman Kaylene Whiskey – this major survey brings together works from across her career. Playfully combining everyday life, Aṉangu culture and beloved pop culture icons in her work, Dolly Parton, Cher and Wonder Woman share centre stage with the artist and other strong kungkas (women) as together they hunt and collect bush tucker. Empowering, captivating and enduring, this is one to pop into your diary.
Saturday 15 November until Monday 9 March 2026 | National Portrait Gallery, King Edward Terrace, Parkes | portrait.gov.au
Feature image: Blackboard, Mr Squiggle and Rocket reunited at the Museum. Credit: National Museum of Australia.
