The ultimate guide to Canberra with teens in tow

Teenagers are in for a treat in Canberra, from zooming around the lake on two wheels to bouldering, glassblowing and everything in between.

Canberra is often seen as a city as a quiet destination popular among the politically inclined, as well as business travellers, history buffs and those keen to visit its historical and cultural sites. But Canberra’s burgeoning arts and foodie scene, as well as its stunning natural landscape, make it the perfect place for a family holiday. Trust us, the kids will love it, especially after ticking everything off this list.

1. Canberra Glassworks

If you’re visiting Canberra with teens in tow, you simply must pop in to Canberra Glassworks. The company’s Teen Glass Blowing class will not only keep your kids entertained, but engaged in the art of glassmaking. The sessions will have them feeling like a fully formed glass artist, where kids aged between 14 and 19 can learn how to make bubbles, bowls and cups.

For parents: Take your own glassmaking class or tour the onsite. state-of-the-art studios and exhibition space.

Canberra Glassworks holds workshops for teens. (Image: VisitCanberra)

2. Share a Bike

Canberra is a bike rider’s paradise, and it’s super easy to get in the saddle and set off on a freedom ride. There are various bike hire options in the city, but one of the best is the self-serve Share a Bike, set up at various hotels in the heart of the city. Once you’ve got your bike (and helmet – safety first) head to Lake Burley Griffin, which has plenty of dedicated bike paths along the foreshore.

For parents: Not too keen on cycling? If you’re teens are old enough to explore on their own, hit up one of Canberra’s best spots for brunch nearby.

There are plenty of bike paths around Lake Burley Griffin. (Image: VisitCanberra)

3. Canberra Centre

If only there was some place that offered everything… What if we told you there is (cue surprise face)? The sprawling Canberra Centre on Bunda Street has everything from ten-pin bowling and arcade games to mini golf and escape rooms. And did we mention the pizza and doughnuts? We can sense you Googling right now.

For parents: Canberra Centre also has plenty of shops and restaurants, which is like the adult version of escape rooms and doughnuts.

Strike out at the Canberra Centre. (Image: Mihailo Milovanović)

4. Questacon

Put aside the day to visit Questacon and you’re sure to win best parents of the year. Also known as the National Science and Technology Centre, it’s all about science, technology and innovation here, but made engaging, immersive and so much fun. There are interactive experiments, hands-on workshops, games, live shows, interesting exhibitions and so much more, it’s seriously one of the best things to do in Canberra.

For parents: We’ll be honest, this is definitely one mum and dad will enjoy just as much as the kids.

There are more than more than 200 interactive exhibits at Questacon. (Image: VisitCanberra)

5. National Zoo and Aquarium

Animal lovers will forever remember their trip to the National Zoo and Aquarium. With a huge selection of close-encounter experiences, teens can become a zookeeper for the day and meet the friendly locals. From an African Savannah Safari to see rhinos, giraffes and cheetahs to an epic lion encounter for the particularly brave, there’s something for everyone.

For parents: The National Arboretum is a five-minute drive from the zoo and has beautiful gardens to wander, a bonsai collection to admire and a cafe to relax in.

Make new friends with the friendly locals. (Image: Tourism Australia)

6. Treetops Adventure

If you’ve got cheeky monkeys in tow, let them swing from the branches at Treetops Adventure, just a short drive from the CBD. In the heart of Majura Pines, teens will love jumping and zooming through the air on over 90 aerial obstacles and 16 ziplines up to 15 metres above the ground. With trained instructors onsite as well as plenty of safety equipment, it’s a safe and fun way to do Canberra with kids.

For parents: If you’d rather stay on the ground, Majura Pines is perfect for a leisurely nature walk.

Zip through the pine trees at Treetops. (Image: Nathan Darma/Treetops Adventure)

7. BlocHaus Bouldering

You’ve heard of indoor rock climbing, but bouldering at BlocHaus takes the concept one step further. With a dedicated location for younger climbers in the happening suburb of Fyshwick (known as FamilyHaus), its the perfect place for kids to expel their energy. There are shorter walls, ropes, harnesses and big padded mats to catch kids if they fall. Book a family day pass and get going!

For parents: Afterwards, head across the road to Capital Brewing Co. for a family feed, where you can sample some epic craft brews, too.

Challenge yourself at this indoor rock climbing gym. (Image: Izzy Huang)