Calling all parents! This early childhood gallery will become your newest summer obsession

Posted on 30 October, 2025

Already dreading summer and wondering how you can keep the kids entertained when the days get hot? This early childhood gallery will become your newest obsession.

To be honest, they had us at the water play zone.

Ticking all the boxes – indoors, fun and educational – Mini Q – Where Little Scientists Set Sail has officially opened at Questacon for children aged zero to six years old and their families.

Seeing the old Mini Q space refreshed and revitalised after many years of blending immersive play with scientific exploration, the space brings new activities that offer the perfect opportunity for families to nurture early learning and spark wonder in their young children.

The refreshed Mini Q space has been developed in collaboration with STEM education experts and First Nations knowledge holders, and takes children on a voyage from Ngunnawal Country to Sea Country all around Australia, supporting early learning and cultural connection through hands-on experiences, storytelling, and sensory engagement.

Is now a good time to mention that they also have a mini-indoor playground?

According to Questacon Executive Director Jo White, the hope is for the new Mini Q to build the skills that underpin lifelong engagement with science and technology.

“The research is showing us that the earlier you start, the greater the foundation you build for STEM later,” says Jo. “In the first few years, your brain development is the most important it will ever be.”

“Mini Q is more than an exhibition, it is a world-class learning environment where children begin to see themselves as scientists, explorers and storytellers.”

From the giant Octopus Zone that takes children under the sea and supports sensory exploration and early developmental milestones through to the Story Cave – a clam, reflective space for connecting with First Nations stories and knowledge –there’s something for little ones of all abilities.

To help build confidence (and for the more adventurous at heart), the Coral Active Play Zone includes a Coral Climber – a multi-level structure themed as a coral reef – while the Mangroves Water Play Zone is all about sensory play.

And to encourage any little future scientists out there, the Research Vessel InQuestigator is a storytelling and roleplay hub where children take on STEM roles aboard a scientific research vessel – from captaining the ship, to studying specimens.

Need a moment to calm down or have some quiet time? The Calm Space has been designed with neurodivergent visitors in mind and includes a quiet, cosy areas for rest and gentle play.

But while it’s been designed with kids in mind, Jo says that parents will enjoy the space just as much.

“It’s a really inviting space for parents to role play with their children and we really encourage that. All the evidence is showing that you have a vital role in those early stages and enjoy the fun,” she explains.

“What I love about this is you’re actually immersed in it, you’re playing, you’re having fun, and you’re learning about STEM without realising it.”

Designed and built by Questacon staff – and with something new to discover on each visit – one thing is for sure: your little one’s curious mind is sure to be satisfied this summer.

Images supplied.