Your first day in Canberra with kids
This first day in Canberra mixes a market, a lakeside park, two national museums and a lookout. All five stops sit within 4 km of the centre: Commonwealth Park at 1.1 km, the National Museum of Australia at 1.6 km, the Australian War Memorial at 1.7 km, Mount Ainslie Lookout at 2.8 km and Old Bus Depot Markets at 3.8 km. The park, the lookout and both museums are free to enter, and the market costs whatever you buy. It suits kids from toddlers to teens.
The Old Bus Depot Markets only run on Sundays, 9:30am to 2:30pm, so this plan works on a Sunday. On another day, drop the market and start in the park. Pack a hat and water for the park and lookout, and wear shoes you can walk in. The lookout is reached by car or a 4.5 km return walk, which is long for little legs.
Every stop is a listing on Funtivities, checked against the place's own website. Last reviewed 24 October 2026. Prices and hours can change, so check the listing before you go.
The day at a glance
- Morning: Old Bus Depot Markets
- Late morning: Commonwealth Park
- Afternoon: National Museum of Australia
- Late afternoon: Australian War Memorial
- Evening: Mount Ainslie Lookout
Morning
Start at the Old Bus Depot Markets
Old Bus Depot Markets, Kingston · Markets & Family Outings · Ages 0-17 · 4.2 stars (2983 reviews)
An indoor Sunday market in a 1927 bus depot at Kingston with more than 200 handmade, food and produce stalls. It is open 9:30am to 2:30pm and sits 3.8 km from the centre. It is an easy way to start the day and pick up a snack.
Tip: Open Sundays only, 9:30am to 2:30pm.
Late morning
Play at Commonwealth Park
Commonwealth Park, Parkes · Playgrounds & Parks · Ages 2-12 · Free · 4.6 stars (1279 reviews)
A large lakeside park in Parkes with a kids' playground, gardens, ponds, Stage 88 and the National Capital Exhibition. It is free and 1.1 km from the centre. Listed ages are 2 to 12, so it suits younger kids best.
Tip: The playground is the main draw for little kids.
Afternoon
Visit the National Museum of Australia
National Museum of Australia · Museums & Science Centres · Ages 0-17 · Free · 4.5 stars (8473 reviews)
A free national history museum on Acton Peninsula, open daily 9am to 5pm. It has a play space for children from birth to 6, which costs $10 per child, or $30 for a family ticket. It is 1.6 km from the centre and works for ages 0 to 17.
Tip: The Discovery Centre play space is $10 per child and $5 per adult.
Late afternoon
Spend time at the War Memorial
Australian War Memorial, Campbell · Museum · Ages 6-17 · Free · 4.8 stars (14502 reviews)
The national war memorial and museum in Campbell, with free entry, free guided tours and free parking. It is open daily 10am to 5pm and listed for ages 6 to 17. It is a serious place, so choose it for older children.
Tip: A highlights audio tour is $10 per person.
Evening
Finish at Mount Ainslie Lookout
Mount Ainslie Lookout · Nature & Outdoors · Ages 3-17 · Free · 4.7 stars (5403 reviews)
A summit lookout over Canberra on Mount Ainslie. You can drive up via Mount Ainslie Drive or walk a 4.5 km return track from behind the War Memorial. It is free and 2.8 km from the centre. Listed ages are 3 to 17.
Tip: Drive up if you have young kids, as the walk is 4.5 km return.
Where to eat
Ainslie Football Club. Ainslie Football Club, 2.3 km from the centre, has Kids Eat Free on Monday nights, 5:30pm to 8:30pm, with every adult meal (children 12 and under). It is a Monday deal, so it suits a stay that runs past the Sunday plan.
Kids Eat Free deals change. See every current deal in Canberra.
Before you go
- Old Bus Depot Markets are open Sundays only, 9:30am to 2:30pm, so this plan works on a Sunday.
- The National Museum of Australia is free and open daily 9am to 5pm. Its Discovery Centre play space is $10 per child.
- The Australian War Memorial is free and open daily 10am to 5pm, with free parking and free guided tours.
- The Mount Ainslie walk is 4.5 km return, so drive up if you have little kids.
- Kids Eat Free at Ainslie Football Club is on Mondays, 5:30pm to 8:30pm.
Questions parents ask
What should we do on a first day in Canberra with kids?
Start at Commonwealth Park for the playground, then visit the National Museum of Australia and the Australian War Memorial, both free. If it is Sunday, begin at the Old Bus Depot Markets. Finish at Mount Ainslie Lookout for the view over the city.
Is Canberra good for kids on Sunday?
Yes. Old Bus Depot Markets in Kingston runs on Sundays, 9:30am to 2:30pm, with more than 200 stalls. The National Museum of Australia, the Australian War Memorial and Commonwealth Park are all open too.
Is the Australian War Memorial suitable for kids?
The listing shows ages 6 to 17. Entry, guided tours and parking are free, and it is open daily 10am to 5pm. A highlights audio tour is $10 per person. It is a serious place, so use your judgment for younger children.
More days in Canberra with kids
- A rainy day in Canberra with kids - Indoor stops close together, so a wet day still works.
- A free day out in Canberra with kids - A full day where every stop has free entry.
- Canberra with toddlers and under-5s - Short distances, space to run and places built for under-5s.
- Canberra with teenagers - Things teenagers choose for themselves, not just tolerate.
- Visiting Canberra with kids: all guides