The ultimate guide to Canberra with teens in tow

Taylah Darnell Taylah Darnell
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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, ACT
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.

Bike riding around Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra, ACT
There are plenty of bike paths around Lake Burley Griffin. (Image: VisitCanberra)

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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.

Getty Images of ten pin bowling
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.

Questacon in Canberra, ACT
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.

A giraffe at the National Zoo & Aquarium in Canberra
Make new friends with the friendly locals. (Image: Tourism Australia)

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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.

Treetops Adventure in Majura Pines, Canberra
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.

wall climbing at BlocHaus, Fyshwick
Challenge yourself at this indoor rock climbing gym. (Image: Izzy Huang)
Taylah Darnell
Taylah Darnell is Australian Traveller's Writer & Producer. She has been passionate about writing since she learnt to read, spending many hours either lost in the pages of books or attempting to write her own. This life-long love of words inspired her to study a Bachelor of Communication majoring in Creative Writing at the University of Technology Sydney, where she completed two editorial internships. She began her full-time career in publishing at Ocean Media before scoring her dream job with Australian Traveller. Now as Writer & Producer, Taylah passionately works across both digital platforms and print titles. When she's not wielding a red pen over magazine proofs, you can find Taylah among the aisles of a second-hand bookshop, following a good nature trail or cheering on her EPL team at 3am. While she's keen to visit places like Norway and New Zealand, her favourite place to explore will forever be her homeland.
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The top 10 events you don’t want to miss in Victoria in 2026

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    From cycling and comedy to boating and begonia appreciation, there’s an event in regional Victoria that’s sure to have you circling dates on your calendar.

    1. Festival of Sails

    the Melbourne to Geelong passage race, Festival of Sails 2025
    The Melbourne to Geelong passage race will be held for its 183rd year. (Image: Salty Dingo)

    When: 24–26 January
    Where: Melbourne and Geelong

    This five-day regatta of sailing and onshore entertainment at Geelong’s waterfront includes Australia’s oldest sporting event, the Melbourne to Geelong passage race which, in 2026, will be held for its 183rd year. But you don’t have to be a yachtie, sailor or boat-enthusiast to enjoy the nautical excitement; there’s also a three-day line-up of entertainment, food and live music, including the anchoring of tall ships – ever a firm family favourite.

    2. Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race

    cyclists during the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race
    Catch the best cyclists as they wind through Victoria’s coastal towns. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    When: 31 January – 1 February
    Where: The Bellarine Peninsula

    Meandering (at pace) along the Bellarine Peninsula and the Surf Coast is this annual cycling event that welcomes everyone from families to serious athletes. Since its beginnings in 2015, the race has become a huge hit with spectators flocking along to cheer on Lycra-clad competitors. Starting and finishing in Geelong’s Velo Village, this is the hub of the non-race activity with food and drink, roaming performers, lawn games and face painting.

    3. Riverboats Music Festival

    the performers at Riverboats Music Festival, Murray River
    The annual music festival is staged under majestic red gums by the Murray River.

    When: 13–15 February
    Where: Echuca–Moama

    Get along to bop and sway under the canopy of red gums at this annual music festival. Hosted by the twin towns of Echuca–Moama, the stage is set for Murray River-adjacent revelling as historic paddlesteamers peacefully chug alongside the event. As well as music, there’s dancing, food trucks and plenty of atmosphere to absorb.

    4. Neerim ArtsFest

    the Neerim ArtsFest south sculptures
    Admire stunning works at Neerim ArtsFest. (Image: Nicky Cawood)

    When: 28 February – 15 March
    Where: Gippsland

    This biennial Gippsland festival celebrates sculptural artists with an esteemed award in two categories, large outdoor and small indoor. The public is invited to enjoy the works over the exhibition period as they’re placed throughout Neerim South and surrounding venues. For 2026, the theme ‘The Spirit Soars’ leads artists to create stunning pieces that explore the expression of freedom in a thrilling visual capacity.

    5. ChillOut Festival

    a street parade during the LGBTQIA+ ChillOut Festival
    Think colourful street parades and burlesque performances.

    When: 5–9 March
    Where: Daylesford

    Pride in the country has been cheered on every March in Daylesford since 1997 with the riotous annual LGBTQIA+ ChillOut Festival. This colourful regional spectacle is an inclusive celebration of diversity that plays out across a vibrant parade, burlesque performances, a bush dance and a carnival. Get bedazzled, find a wig and stick on the false eyelashes for this fun party.

    6. Port Fairy Folk Festival

    Missy Higgins at the Port Fairy Folk Festival
    Celebrate folk music at the Port Fairy Folk Festival. (Image: Lucinda Goodwin)

    When: 6–9 March
    Where: Port Fairy

    In 2026, this beloved festival will be one year shy of its 50th anniversary. From folk fans to festival-lovers, this long-running event brings plenty of good vibes to guarantee an incredible experience. While music is at the heart of the festival, there’s also a range of workshops, exhibitions and family entertainment across dance, film and folk art. For its 49th year, the line-up so far includes Blair Dunlop, Elephant Sessions, and the musical duo Felicity Urquhart and Josh Cunningham.

    7. The Ballarat Begonia Festival

    a woman admiring flowers at The Ballarat Begonia Festival
    Gasp at delicate blooms at The Ballarat Begonia Festival.

    When: 7–9 March
    Where: Ballarat

    In bloom since 1953, this horticultural event places a collection of rare begonias at the centre of festivities, honouring the flower’s presence in Ballarat since the 1800s. During its history, the event has been visited by Queen Elizabeth II and, in 2015, it featured the launch of the largest outdoor Lego flower. Apart from a display of around 500 species of the flower of the moment, there’s also a begonia parade, entertainment, live music, food and presentations.

    8. The Bendigo Easter Festival

    Chinese dragon Dai Gum Loong dance at The Bendigo Easter Festival
    The majestic Chinese dragon Dai Gum Loong dance is an annual tradition at The Bendigo Easter Festival.

    When: 3–6 April
    Where: Bendigo

    Held in the city’s Rosalind Park, the annual Easter Festival has been a highlight of Bendigo’s calendar of events since 1871. A carnival of colourful activity, the festival welcomes everyone and rolls out the good times with everything from a Good Friday Easter egg hunt to live music and performances, a Rotary market and Gala Parade. Don’t miss the world’s longest imperial dragon rhythmically roaming the historic streets as part of the Easter Sunday festivities.

    9. Grape Escape

    a glass of wine at the Grampians Grape Escape
    Enjoy a wine tasting experience. (Image: Anthony Evans Photography)

    When: 1–3 May
    Where: The Grampians

    Backdropped by gorgeous Grampians/Gariwerd National Park, this much-loved bacchanalian-inspired festival of food, wine and music is a high-priority for gourmands. Held at Halls Gap Reserve, a Tasting Ticket includes a tumbler that unlocks free wine, beer and cider tastings and, if you are partaking, there’s a shuttle bus to get you back to your digs afterwards. Be sure to book your accommodation early for this one – its popularity is undisputed.

    10. Comedy in the Vines

    Comedy in the Vines at Cherryhill Orchards
    Get the good times rolling at Cherryhill Orchards. (Image: Saige Prime)

    When: 24–26 October
    Where: Yarra Valley

    The premise of Yarra Valley’s Comedy in the Vines, held at Cherryhill Orchards, is that wine and laughs pair well. Few arguments can be made, so get along this month (or next year), to have a giggle and a gamay. This year, taking the stage is the likes of Merrick Watts, Tommy Little, Ray O’Leary and Takashi Wakasugi. There are also masterclasses, a riesling and oyster shot bar, and plenty of food and music between gigs.