A free day out in Canberra with kids
This is a free day in Canberra with kids. The National Museum of Australia is 1.6 km from the centre and Lennox Gardens 2.1 km. The Royal Australian Mint (5.4 km) and the National Arboretum Canberra (5.6 km) are a short drive out. Entry is free at every stop.
The stops are in different directions, so treat this as a menu and pick three. Start with the Mint's free tours, then the museum, then the gardens and arboretum for picnics and play. The Mint closes at 5pm on weekdays and 4pm on weekends. Pack a hat, water and a picnic, as only entry is free. The National Museum's play space costs extra.
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: Royal Australian Mint
- Late morning: National Museum of Australia
- Afternoon: Lennox Gardens
- Late afternoon: National Arboretum Canberra
Morning
Start at the Royal Australian Mint
Royal Australian Mint, Deakin · Museum · Ages 5-17 · Free · 4.5 stars (5886 reviews)
A working coin factory and museum in Deakin with free entry, free daily tours and kids coin-design activities. It is listed for ages 5 to 17 and sits 5.4 km from the centre. It is a good indoor start for school-age kids.
Tip: Open 8:30am to 5pm on weekdays and 10am to 4pm on weekends.
Late morning
Visit the National Museum
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. It is 1.6 km from the centre. Entry is free, so you can add the play space only if you want it.
Tip: The Discovery Centre session is $10 per child, $5 per adult.
Afternoon
Picnic at Lennox Gardens
Lennox Gardens, Yarralumla · Nature & Outdoors · Ages 2-12 · Free · 4.6 stars (695 reviews)
A free lakeside park in Yarralumla with Chinese and Japanese gardens, picnic areas, barbecues and toilets. There is no playground listed, so it works better for a picnic and a walk than for play. It is 2.1 km from the centre.
Tip: Barbecues and toilets are on site. No playground is listed.
Late afternoon
Play at the National Arboretum
National Arboretum Canberra · Playgrounds & Parks · Ages 2-12 · Free · 4.7 stars (7790 reviews)
A free-entry national arboretum in Molonglo Valley with the POD Playground for children, trails and a cafe. It is 5.6 km from the centre and listed for ages 2 to 12. Kids can play at the POD Playground and then walk a trail.
Tip: The cafe is on site. Check the listing for hours.
Before you go
- The Royal Australian Mint is open 8:30am to 5pm on weekdays and 10am to 4pm on weekends.
- The National Museum of Australia is free and open daily 9am to 5pm. Its Discovery Centre session is $10 per child.
- Lennox Gardens has barbecues and toilets but no playground listed.
- The Mint and the museum list opening hours every day.
Questions parents ask
What free things can you do in Canberra with kids?
The Royal Australian Mint has free entry and daily tours, the National Museum of Australia is free, and Lennox Gardens and the National Arboretum Canberra are free outdoor spaces.
Is the Royal Australian Mint free for kids?
Entry is free, with free daily tours and kids coin-design activities. It is in Deakin, 5.4 km from the centre, and open 8:30am to 5pm on weekdays and 10am to 4pm on weekends. It is listed for ages 5 to 17.
Is there a free playground in Canberra?
The National Arboretum Canberra is free to enter and has the POD Playground for children. Commonwealth Park also has a kids' playground and is free. Lennox Gardens has no playground listed.
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- A rainy day in Canberra with kids - Indoor stops close together, so a wet day still works.
- 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.
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