10+ things to do with kids for $10 and under
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Stumped for ideas when it comes to keeping the kids entertained?
With the cost of — well, everything — steadily rising, you’d be forgiven for thinking $10 probably won’t get you far when organising a day out with the little ones. Well, we’re determined to prove you wrong. Here are 10 activities (besides playgrounds) that can keep kids of all ages busy for $10 or under.
Mini Minties
The Royal Australian Mint holds Mini Minties sessions each month for children aged between 4-6, with activities including story time, dancing and arts and crafts. Keep your eyes peeled to the What’s on section of their website for the upcoming December session!
Cost: $10 plus booking fee | ramint.gov.au/whats-on
PlayUP at the Museum of Australian Democracy
With free entry, you’ll get plenty of bang for your buck at this gorgeous play space. With a special “Kindness Café” for kids, listening pods, story time and facilitated craft sessions, PlayUP encourages thoughtful, imaginative play and will keep little ones busy for hours.
Cost: Free | moadoph.gov.au
Giggle and Wiggle
Ideal for younger kids, Giggle and Wiggle (0-2 years) and Story Time (3-5 years) are held in various public libraries across Canberra. The best bit? They’re free! Giggle and Wiggle includes songs, dancing and rhymes, while Story Time is a chance to connect over a good book. Registration is essential for each event.
Cost: Free | Libraries ACT
Guided walks at the National Arboretum
Ideal for older kids, this is a chance to venture into the forest with a volunteer guide to see and hear more about the trees and features of the National Arboretum. Walking location and topic depends on weather and season.
Cost: Free for children 12 – 16 years (suitable for children over 12 years.) Bookings are essential. | nationalarboretum.act.gov.au
Check out a movie on a Tuesday
Head to Dendy at Canberra Centre on a Tuesday for $10 tickets for standard sessions, so you can check out a fun family flick for less.
Cost: $10 | dendy.com.au/cinemas/canberra
Canberra Miniature Railway
Who doesn’t love a miniature train? The Canberra Society of Model and Experimental Engineers provide train rides for the public on the second and last Sunday of each month from 10am to 2:30pm at Kingston’s Canberra Miniature railway. There are also special night events under lights in the warmer months, including Halloween, Christmas and Easter events.
Cost: Single ride tickets can be purchased at the gate for $4 per person per ride. Children 2 years of age and under ride free when accompanied by a paying adult | facebook.com/CanberraMiniatureRailway/
Paint and Play
Paint and Play Playgroups provide a variety of activities that cater from ages 0-5, including painting easels, playdough, puzzles, art and craft, books and gross motor play. Held in various locations, each session concludes with group songs. Too cute!
Cost: Free | playgroupact.org.au
Storytime at The National Botanic Gardens
Held on the first Friday of every month, these themed sessions are packed with stories, songs and crafts. Taking place on the Crosbie Morrison Lawns, you can bring a picnic rug and make a day out of it!
Cost: $5 per child or $10 per family | parksaustralia.gov.au
Civic Merry Go Round
Visit one of Canberra’s icons and take a spin or two (and indulge in an ice cream if there’s change to spare!)
Cost: $3 per ride | 73 Petrie Plaza, City
Canberra Olympic Pool
If it’s a hot day, cool off with a dip at the Canberra Olympic Pool for $8 per person.
Cost: $8 | canberraolympicpool.com.au
Notable mentions: Inflatable World Kambah ($10 entry for kids 4 years and under) and Kidzplore Dairy Road ($8 entry on school days from 3.30pm.)
Know any other activities for under $10? Let us know!
