The best family-friendly sporting events happening in Canberra in 2026
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Finding activities that genuinely engage the whole family isn’t always easy. But live sport? That’s where the magic happens.
And Canberra’s 2026 sporting calendar is brimming with family-friendly events that go beyond just watching the game.
From fan zones with inflatables to post-match field access, from the Viking Clap at GIO Stadium to elite women’s basketball, this year offers countless opportunities to experience world-class sport right here in the capital. We’ve rounded up the events that tick all the family-friendly boxes.
Catch the UC Capitals in action
If you’re looking for high-energy family entertainment that showcases sporting excellence right here in our city, the UC Capitals have three home games coming up that deserve a spot on your calendar. Canberra’s elite women’s basketball team – and our most successful sporting franchise with nine WNBL championships – hits the court on January 25, February 3, and February 7.
Whether you’re die-hard basketball enthusiasts or simply looking for an exciting family outing, it’s a chance to watch women competing at the highest level of the game.
Sunday January 25, Tuesday February 3, and Saturday February 7 | AIS Arena, 26 Leverrier Street, Bruce | Get tickets here.
Experience the Women’s T20I at Manuka Oval
International cricket doesn’t come to Canberra every day, so when the Australian women’s team squares off against India at Manuka Oval on February 19, it’s worth clearing your calendar. The second T20I of the series promises all the intensity and skill that makes this format so captivating – think lightning-fast boundaries, strategic bowling changes, and those heart-stopping final overs.
T20 matches move quickly and pack plenty of drama into a few hours, making them ideal for families or anyone who wants exciting sport without committing their entire day. Plus, there’s something rather lovely about a summer evening spent at the cricket, watching world-class athletes represent their countries on Canberra soil.
Thursday February 19 | Manuka Oval, Manuka Circle, Griffith | Get tickets here.
Prepare for two hours of pure FMX Chaos
Hold onto your hats, Canberrans – the Freestyle Kings World Tour is rolling into town on February 21, and it’s bringing two solid hours of jaw-dropping FMX and BMX action that’ll have the whole family on the edge of their seats.
Legendary Robbie Maddison leads a star-studded lineup including his sons Kruz and Jagger, FMX World Champions Clinton Moore and Pat Bowden, X Games Gold Medalist Robbie Adelberg, New Zealand’s Ellie Chew, and triple backflip specialist Harley Allen. We’re talking double backflips, front flips, never-before-seen tricks, fireballs lighting up the night, and music that you’ll feel in your chest.
This isn’t a polished arena show – it’s pure adrenaline-fueled chaos featuring Guinness World Record breakers and riders who’ve made careers out of defying gravity. The atmosphere is family-friendly but the stunts are anything but tame, creating those “did-you-just-see-that?!” moments you’ll be recounting for months.
Saturday 21 February | GIO Stadium, Battye Street, Bruce | Get tickets here.
Lace up for The Canberra Times Marathon Festival
Whether you’re chasing a personal best or lacing up your runners for the first time, The Canberra Times Marathon Festival has a race for you. Presented by TCS and running across April 10, 11 and 12, this year’s festival features a new two-day race format that’s designed to create an even better experience for participants and spectators alike.
Day one brings the Runner’s World 10-kilometre, 5-kilometre, and Kids Dash – perfect for families and those wanting a more accessible challenge in a vibrant, encouraging atmosphere. Day two showcases the main events: the TCS Marathon (42.2 kilometres) and Half Marathon (21.1 kilometres), giving long-distance runners their moment on Canberra’s iconic closed roads.
Bringing together runners and spectators for an unforgettable celebration of endurance and community, it’s filled with gear, giveaways, and inspiration for runners of all levels.
Friday 10, Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 April | John Dunmore Lang Place, King George Terrace, Parkes | Register here.
Watch the GIANTS take on the Kangaroos for ANZAC Weekend
ANZAC weekend brings top-tier AFL action to the Capital when the GIANTS face the North Melbourne Kangaroos at Corroboree Group Oval, Manuka on April 26. It’s a Sunday afternoon fixture that combines thrilling footy with that special community atmosphere we love about live sport in Canberra.
Beyond the on-field action, there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained. Local food vendors will be serving up delicious offerings, while kids can burn off energy in the GIANTS Fan Zone with face painting, inflatables, and giveaways. After the final siren, stick around for Macca’s Kick 2 Kick – because nothing beats running onto the oval where the pros just played.
Sunday April 26 | Corroboree Group Oval, Manuka | Get tickets here.
Cheer on the NRLW Raiders at home
Women’s rugby league is thriving in Canberra, and the Raiders NRLW squad has two standalone home fixtures at GIO Stadium that showcase exactly why this competition has captured our city’s heart.
The season’s first home match kicks off on July 12 when the Raiders take on the New Zealand Warriors at midday. Then, the final home game arrives on September 6 when the Parramatta Eels visit for Round 10. It’s the Raiders’ last chance to play at home in 2026, making it a fixture that loyal fans won’t want to miss.
Both matches feature family-friendly activities around the ground, perfect for both die-hard supporters and families experiencing their first rugby league game.
Sunday 12 July and Sunday 6 September | GIO Stadium, Canberra, Battye Street, Bruce | Get tickets here.
Experience Super Rugby Pacific with the ACT Brumbies
Rugby fans, your calendar is about to get delightfully full. The ACT Brumbies are bringing Super Rugby Pacific back to Canberra, and this season promises all the high-octane entertainment we’ve come to love from our home team.
The excitement kicks off on February 1 with a free Fan Day and Season Launch at GIO Stadium from 4 pm to 7 pm. It’s the perfect family outing, with inflatables in the Family Zone, giveaways, and plenty of activities to get everyone pumped for the season ahead. Everyone’s welcome, and did we mention it’s completely free?
Then the real action begins. The Brumbies face their first home match on February 28 against the Blues – a team returning to Canberra for the first time since 2022. From there, it’s a packed schedule at GIO Stadium: the Queensland Reds on March 7, the Chiefs on March 20, and a classic rivalry match against the NSW Waratahs on March 27. That Waratahs clash is particularly special, featuring a double header where the Wallaroos open their international campaign against Fijiana from 5 pm.
School holidays bring the perfect excuse for an outing when the Fijian Drua visit on April 18. The season wraps up with Moana Pasifika on May 30 – a Saturday afternoon fixture at 2.15 pm that’s ideal for settling in with the family for some end-of-season excitement.
Various dates | GIO Stadium, Battye Street, Bruce | Get tickets here.
Join the Viking Clap at GIO Stadium
If you’re after that electric atmosphere that only live rugby league can deliver, the Canberra Raiders have a stellar home season lined up at GIO Stadium.
The action starts on March 19 when the Raiders take on the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs at 8 pm – a follow-up to last year’s sold-out thriller. The Cronulla Sharks arrive on March 29 for a Sunday afternoon clash, with the Raiders hungry for revenge after their 2025 Finals series meeting. Then on April 17, the Melbourne Storm make their first trip to Canberra in five years for a Friday night fixture that promises to be a cracker.
May brings the Panthers rematch on May 10 – last year’s last-second victory in Mudgee means the premiers will be out for redemption. The Dolphins visit on May 21, the Cowboys on May 31, and the Roosters on June 5, where the Raiders will be chasing their third straight win.
The season continues with the Dragons on June 28 as part of the NRL’s Beanie for Brain Cancer Round, supporting the Mark Hughes Foundation. Then come three spectacular double headers: on July 18, watch both the NRLW and NRL Raiders take the field for Women in League Round. July 25 brings another twin billing against the Tigers and Sharks, and August 9 features Indigenous Round celebrations with matches against the Knights and Broncos. The regular season wraps up on August 21 with the highly anticipated finals rematch against the Broncos.
Every match features the spine-tingling Viking Clap as GIO Stadium turns green, plus family-friendly activities around the venue. Whether you’re dedicated fans or first-timers, the Raiders deliver an experience that brings our community together.
Various dates | GIO Stadium, Canberra, Battye Street, Bruce | Get tickets here.
