Canberra with toddlers and under-5s
This is a gentle day in Canberra with toddlers and under-5s. The Tim and Gina Fairfax Discovery Centre (1.7 km from the centre) is a play space for children 0 to 6, and Canberra Olympic Pool (0.6 km) has toddler pools in the warmer months. The National Arboretum Canberra (5.6 km) has the POD Playground and is free to enter. The National Zoo & Aquarium (5.8 km) is the biggest ticket, with children under 3 at $2.
Pick two or three stops. The Discovery Centre is bookable in 75-minute sessions, so book first and build the day around it. Bring swimmers and a towel for the pool, and a hat for the arboretum. The listings do not mention pram access, shade or toilets, so check with each venue.
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: Tim and Gina Fairfax Discovery Centre
- Late morning: Canberra Olympic Pool
- Afternoon: National Zoo & Aquarium
- Late afternoon: National Arboretum Canberra
Morning
Start at the Fairfax Discovery Centre
Tim and Gina Fairfax Discovery Centre, Acton · Museums & Science Centres · Ages 0-17 · From $5 · 4.4 stars (52 reviews)
A bookable play-and-learn space for children 0 to 6 at the National Museum of Australia, Acton. Sessions run 75 minutes and cost $10 per child and $5 per adult. A family ticket is $30. It is 1.7 km from the centre and is indoors.
Tip: Book a session ahead. Check the listing for times.
Prices, hours and map for Tim and Gina Fairfax Discovery Centre
Late morning
Swim at Canberra Olympic Pool
Canberra Olympic Pool, Canberra · Swimming & Aquatics · Ages 0-17 · From $0 · 3.7 stars (214 reviews)
A city pool with an indoor 50m pool all year, plus outdoor toddler and dive pools in the warmer months. Children under 3 are free, and GOswim lessons start from 6 months. It is 0.6 km from the centre.
Tip: Child entry (3 to 15) is $6.46. A family entry is $23.53.
Afternoon
Visit the National Zoo & Aquarium
National Zoo & Aquarium, Weston · Zoos, Wildlife & Aquariums · Ages 2-12 · From $2 · 4.6 stars (5455 reviews)
A zoo and aquarium in Weston Creek, open daily 9:30am to 5pm. Children under 3 are $2. Child entry (3 to 15) is $39 online, and a family ticket is $182 online. It is 5.8 km from the centre.
Tip: Online is cheaper than the gate: child $39 online versus $41 at the gate.
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. It is a free alternative to the zoo for an outdoor afternoon.
Tip: A cafe is on site. Check the listing for hours.
Before you go
- The Fairfax Discovery Centre is for children 0 to 6 and is bookable.
- Canberra Olympic Pool is open daily, from 5:30am on weekdays and 7am on weekends.
- National Zoo & Aquarium is open daily 9:30am to 5pm, with children under 3 at $2.
- The outdoor toddler pools at Canberra Olympic Pool run in the warmer months.
- The listings do not cover pram access, so check with each venue.
Questions parents ask
What can you do in Canberra with a toddler?
Book the Tim and Gina Fairfax Discovery Centre for children 0 to 6, swim at Canberra Olympic Pool, visit the National Zoo & Aquarium, or play at the POD Playground at the National Arboretum Canberra.
Is the National Zoo & Aquarium cheap for toddlers?
Children under 3 are $2. Child entry (3 to 15) is $39 online or $41 at the gate, and a family ticket is $182 online. It is open daily 9:30am to 5pm in Weston Creek. Check the listing for current prices.
Where can toddlers swim in Canberra?
Canberra Olympic Pool has outdoor toddler pools in the warmer months and an indoor 50m pool all year. Children under 3 are free, and GOswim lessons start from 6 months. It is 0.6 km from the centre.
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