10+ places for kids to play inside this winter
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Too cold for the kids to play outside? This handy guide is here to help.
Picture this: the temperature has plummeted for the third time, rain is pelting the windows, and if you hear one more ‘I’m booooorrrrrrreeeed’ you might just consider jumping out the kitchen window. But worry not – there are plenty of places for the kids to play in Canberra when days at home just aren’t cutting it anymore.
With something for all ages, here’s where to take them to burn off that excess energy.
PlayUp (Museum of Australian Democracy)
Did you know that the Museum of Australian Democracy is home to a free, public exhibition that encourages your kid to play? Open from 9 am until 4.30 pm daily, PlayUP is based on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and celebrates the rights of children to express themselves, to play and to learn about the world.
Along with free daily craft activities (held from 10.30 am until 12.30 pm), it’s also home to story time, a fuzzy felt wall, a kindness café and listening pods – perfect for fostering imagination, inclusion, community and self-confidence.
18 King George Terrace, Parkes | moadoph.gov.au
Mini Q – Where Little Scientists Set Sail (Questacon)
Designed for children aged zero to six years old and their families, Mini Q – Where Little Scientists Set Sail ticks all the boxes: it’s fun, it’s educational, and it’s indoors.
Nurturing early learning and sparking wonder, the space 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?
King Edward Terrace, Parkes | questacon.edu.au
Tim and Gina Fairfax Discovery Centre (National Museum of Australia)
Another fun, immersive, and educational play space designed for zero to six, the Tim and Gina Fairfax Discovery Centre has areas designed for high activity, quiet contemplation and creativity for little ones.
Open daily with 75-minute sessions available, they’ll enjoy hands-on and immersive activities, virtual storytelling, animation and imaginative play.
National Museum of Australia, Lawson Crescent, Acton | nma.gov.au
Woden Gardenland (Woden)
Can’t go outdoors? This playground brings nature indoors – and it’s quintessentially Canberran.
Featuring artwork from local artist Bohie and bursting with Canberra icons (including magpies, hot air balloons, Telstra Tower and Floriade’s tulips), it’s a vibrant, sustainable space designed for children aged one to six, featuring dedicated zones for kids to climb, crawl and slide.
Level 1, David Jones Court (near Kidstuff), Westfield Woden | westfield.com.au
BOUNCE (Belconnen)
Take the kids to live out their live Ninja Warrior fantasies when the weather gets too wild. BOUNCE is a giant 1800sqm venue of adrenaline-fuelled activities and bouncy brilliance, home to a diverse range of activities centred around trampolining and adventure.
Ranging from free jump trampolines to dodgeball, wall climb, X-Park ninja course, cliff jump, and even a dedicated miniBOUNCE Zone for junior jumpers, the whole family can bounce, flip and hurl themselves into the air to their heart’s content.
MM3 Westfield Belconnen, 18 Benjamin Way, Belconnen | bounceinc.com.au
Let’s Play Indoor Playground & Café (Nicholls)
With a variety of play zones that cater to different age groups, you can make a trip to Let’s Play a whole family affair. Along with thrilling slides and climbing structures, they also have a dedicated baby and toddler play space, offering the perfect mix of high-energy and quiet activities.
Add in the gourmet café where in-house chefs prepare mouthwatering, healthy food for you and your little people, and you’ll easily be able to spend a whole day here.
7/50 Curran Drive, Nicholls | letsplaycanberra.com.au
Funland (Mitchell)
Offering a modern collection of safe, imaginative and engaging play equipment to suit children of all age groups, Funland will keep even the busiest of children happy.
From the giant jungle gym to the soft play areas and interactive toys, it’s safe, fun and exciting.
It’s open daily and no bookings are required. Plus, with the onsite café, parents can sit back and relax while the kids run wild.
1/181 Flemington Road, Mitchell | funlandcanberra.com.au
MarketQuest (Gungahlin)
MarketQuest is located in the heart of Marketplace Gungahlin, making it the perfect location to play when parents also have errands to run. Little kids will love the gentle 500mm slide while older kids will love the 2.5-metre slide.
If that’s not enough, there are also rubber ropes and platforms to test agility and develop their coordination skills. Standing at an impressive 5.5 metres near Espresso Room, you won’t be able to miss it.
Marketplace Gungahlin, Level 1, 30 & 33 Hibberson Street, Gungahlin | marketplacegungahlin.com.au
Flip Out (Majura)
Are the kids flipping out at home? There’s a solution for that: take that energy to Flip Out. At this indoor trampoline and adventure park, all ages are welcome (including parents – so stretch those hammies).
With options for everybody, age and skill level, go along to see how high they can fly.
Unit 1, 5/17 Mustang Avenue, Majura | flipout.com.au
Lollipop’s Playland and Cafe (Majura)
Lollipop’s is perfect for kids of all ages. Designed to keep kids active through play, they have a dedicated toddler area makes sure the young kids play safely (without the threat of being bowled over), and there are plenty of activities for older kids.
The best part? Parents can treat themselves to a great coffee and snack at the café, while the kids tire themselves out sliding, jumping and burning energy.
Majura Park Shopping Centre, Spitfire Avenue, Canberra Airport | canberra.lollipopsplayland.com.au
Little Amigos (Fyshwick)
With interactive play zones for all ages, Little Amigos offers some big fun. Here you’ll find slides, train rides, a ball pool and more – encouraging kids to explore their imaginations, develop social and motor skills, and have fun.
Why not combine a fun kids’ day out with a shopping trip around the outlet?
Shop 19/337 Canberra Outlet Centre, Canberra Avenue, Fyshwick | littleamigos.com
Ninja Parc (Fyshwick)
Ninja Parc is a great way to kill some time – a destination where all ages can test their strength, agility and endurance.
For those aged six and above, the Ninjas Parc obstacle course awaits, while The Playground soft play area is designed specifically for kids aged eight and under. If that’s not enough, there are also climbing walls, rope climbs, parkour soft play and the famous Warped Wall. Parents are also welcome to join the fun!
11 Whyalla Street, Fyshwick | ninjaparc.com.au
Sprouts Corner Indoor Playcentre and Café (Kambah)
Created by a local family who know firsthand that parenthood is “wild, messy, and magical”, Sprouts Corner is a nature-inspired play centre and café designed specifically for children aged zero to seven and their families.
From the beautifully designed pastel-toned indoor play space to the wholesome and indulgent café menu crafted by an experienced chef, every detail is designed to make families feel at ease.
8/46 Jenke Circuit, Kambah | sproutscorner.com.au
Inflatable World (Kambah)
Name something more fun than a completely inflatable playground? Another spot that’s ideal for all ages, Inflatable World will have them bouncing off the wall.
Sessions run for two hours per single entry fee, and you’ll have to make sure the kids have socks (because no socks equal no play). Try holding yourself back from getting on – trust us, it’s very tempting.
6 Jenke Circuit, Kambah | inflatableworldoz.com.au
COMING SOON
Area 51
A 4977-square-metre property in Fyshwick will soon be home to a major new family entertainment destination, with the opening of Area 51.
With the opening date yet to be announced, expect ropes courses, giant slides, climbing walls, sports zones, multi-storey soft play areas and interactive floor games, as well as dedicated toddler areas. Keep an eye out!
Feature image Mini Q. Supplied.
