A priceless day out: 10 free national treasures to explore with kids
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Canberrans are spoilt for choice when it comes to national institutions. Here’s your guide for a fun and cultural family adventure exploring Canberra’s most iconic buildings – all without touching your wallet!
For a uniquely “Canberra” day out, you need look no further than the shores of Lake Burley Griffin. Bring the kids – but leave your wallet at home – for an engaging and (bonus!) educational day out exploring these prestigious yet family-friendly destinations.
The National Museum of Australia
With its ‘wow factor’ architecture and expansive gardens, this kooky museum is ideal for kids. Walk the concrete map of the Garden of Australian Dreams (where a single step = 100 kilometres) before heading into Gandel Atrium for eye-popping displays like the full-size replica Muttaburrasaurus.
Whenever you’re ready, hop onto a free host talk – they happen hourly between 10 am and 4 pm.
Bonus tip: Grab a free birdwatching booklet from the information desk for the eagle-eyed kiddos!
Lawson Crescent, Acton Peninsula | Open 9 am – 5 pm daily | More information here.
National Gallery of Australia
If they can keep their hands off the goods, a wander around the National Gallery of Australia (NGA) is perfect for creative kiddos. For a more hands-on experience, the artist-led ‘Art Together’ program encourages active participation to create art collaboratively – it’s free, but bookings are essential. Or simply meander through The National Sculpture Garden to give active kids a risk-free way to enjoy art.
Parliament Drive, Capital Hill | Open 10 am – 5 pm daily | More information here.
National Portrait Gallery
From James Cook to Nick Cave, this remarkable building houses over 3,000 portraits of people who have shaped Australia. For a bite-sized walkthrough of key portraits, daily tours run at 2 pm weekdays or 1 pm weekends. If attention spans are longer, ‘Art Break’ tours support “slow looking”, with 10 minutes of observation and 15 minutes of discussion with a facilitator.
Bonus tip: Sensory kits are available to borrow to keep little hands occupied and minds calm.
Parkes Place, Parkes | Open 10 am – 5 pm daily | More information here.
The National Library of Australia
Ready for some peace and quiet? The library is a great place to shush the kids’ guilt-free! The family area provides comfy couches and colouring in or enjoy the serene lake-views from onsite Bookplate Cafe (and caffeinate before continuing your quest).
Free tours depart daily at 11 am and take around 45 minutes.
Bonus tip: Visit on the last Sunday of the month for Story Dogs, where children can build confidence by reading to a patient pooch. – Bookings are essential.
Parkes Place West | Open seven days, hours vary | More information here.
High Court of Australia
For something a little different, visit the highest court in the Australian judicial system. Check the sitting calendar to experience a court sitting. Whilst not suitable for very young children (unless you have a magical toddler who sits still and quiet), it’s a great way for older kids to see justice in action.
Free tours are available by booking only for groups 10+, but you can easily self-guide with the help of Court Guides stationed in every open courtroom.
Parkes Place, Parkes | Open Monday to Friday, 9.45 am – 4.30 pm | More information here.
Parliament House
Get patriotic with a visit to the beating heart of our nation! Wander the forecourt and take in the flagpole, sloping grass roof and Indigenous murals. You’ll need to go through security screening to enter the building (check your pockets, kids!), where a variety of tour options are freer than democracy itself! Auslan and Sensory tours are also available.
Bonus tip: Mini-master builders will appreciate the LEGO Parliament on display in the Queen’s Terrace Gallery (Level 1), made from 152,690 bricks and 740 hours of work.
Parliament Drive, Capital Hill | Open 9 am – 5 pm daily (longer on sitting days) | More information here.
Old Parliament House
Skip the security drama at The Museum of Australian Democracy, where you can walk right into the House of Representatives and Senate chambers, or peep into the office where Gough Whitlam, Malcolm Fraser and Bob Hawke once sat.
Take your chances with a Midday Mystery Tour daily at 12 pm, where you can literally learn a new thing every day – from notable visiting dignitaries to World War II air-raid tunnels.
For littler learners, PlayUP is a public exhibition space which celebrates the rights of children, and sparks their imagination through craft, story-telling and roleplay.
18 King George Terrance, Parkes | Open 9 am – 5 pm daily | More information here.
Australian War Memorial
The War Memorial offers a meaningful journey of discovery for all ages, with around 7,000 objects to explore. Aircraft Hall is a favourite, with its awe-inspiring displays of classic aircraft and military technology. Currently closed, this popular gallery reopens early 2026 with the addition of “G for George” – an iconic bomber that flew a whopping 90 missions!
Free 80-minute tours with experienced volunteer guides are offered daily. The Last Post Ceremony takes place daily at 4.30 pm, sharing a story behind one of the names on the Roll of Honour.
Fairbairn Avenue, Campbell | Open 10 am – 4 pm daily | More information here.
National Botanic Gardens
For a breath of fresh air, wander boardwalks and bush tracks among the world’s most diverse collection of Australian plants. Grab a map from the Visitors Centre, and pick your pace: laze on sprawling lawns under the eucalypts or embark on an energetic expedition from rainforests to deserts.
Daily guided walks depart at 11 am and 2 pm daily from the clock near the entry.
Clunies Ross Street, Acton | Open 8.30 am – 5 pm daily | More information here.
National Carillion
Canberra’s most photographed landmark and one of Australia’s largest musical instruments (what a flex!), this iconic belltower houses 57 bells – some weighing literally tonnes. Bring a picnic rug and pop over the walking bridge to this picturesque island to enjoy free concerts every Wednesday and Sunday – where you’ll hear everything from Ave Maria to Bohemian Rhapsody.
Note: If you absolutely must get inside and have a little go, tours led by a professional carillonist (yep, that’s a thing) are available for $17.50 per person.
Queen Elizabeth II Island, Lake Burley Griffin | More information here.
Feature image supplied via Visit Canberra.
