Canberra’s Rainy Day Delights: Kid-Friendly Activities Indoors

When the clouds gather and rain starts to pour in Canberra, it might seem like outdoor adventures in the “Bush Capital” are off the table. However, Canberra is teeming with indoor activities that are perfect for kids. Whether it’s embracing art, diving into history, or letting out some energy, Canberra’s indoors has got families covered. Here are some top recommendations for a rainy day in Canberra with the little ones:

  1. Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre:
    At the forefront of Canberra’s indoor attractions, Questacon offers interactive science exhibits that captivate both kids and adults. With over 200 interactive displays, from the science behind earthquakes to the wonders of a lightning strike, children can learn while playing. Don’t miss the Free Fall slide, if you’re feeling brave!

  2. National Museum of Australia:
    History has never been this engaging! The museum’s Kspace offers kids a chance to design a time-travel adventure. While the main exhibits present a fantastic overview of Australia’s past, the interactive sections ensure children remain entertained.

  3. Play Up at the Museum of Australian Democracy:
    Located at Old Parliament House, Play Up is an engaging space dedicated to kids. It’s all about fun, interactive play that also teaches them about rights and responsibilities. They can role-play, engage in arts and crafts, and so much more.

  4. Canberra Glassworks:
    Nestled in Kingston, this is Australia’s only cultural centre wholly dedicated to contemporary glass art. The Glassworks offers children’s workshops, where kids can watch artists in action and sometimes even get hands-on, creating their own glass pieces.

  5. Indoor Play Centres:
    There are multiple indoor play centres around Canberra, such as Monkey Mania and Lollipops Playland. These centres provide kids with a chance to burn off energy with climbing structures, ball pits, and slides.

  6. Local Libraries:
    Canberra’s libraries aren’t just about books. They host regular events, from storytelling sessions to craft activities. Plus, there’s nothing quite like introducing your child to the joy of picking out a new book to dive into on a rainy day.

  7. National Gallery of Australia:
    While art galleries might seem a little ‘grown-up’, the National Gallery of Australia is surprisingly kid-friendly. There’s the dedicated NGA Play space, where kids can immerse themselves in interactive arts and crafts. Plus, wandering the gallery and talking about the artworks can be a great way to spark a child’s imagination.

  8. Watch a Movie:
    Canberra boasts several cinemas, including Dendy in the Canberra Centre. Grab some popcorn and enjoy the latest children’s movie. Or for something a little different, try the National Film and Sound Archive where they often show classic films and run special programs.

  9. Climb Up at Canberra Indoor Rock Climbing:
    Who said you can’t have an adventure indoors? Canberra’s indoor rock climbing venues, like BlocHaus and Canberra Indoor Rock Climbing in Mitchell or Hume, offer challenging climbs suitable for kids and beginners. They provide a fantastic opportunity for kids to challenge themselves and develop new skills.

  10. Creative Workshops:
    Look out for various art and craft workshops tailored for children in Canberra. Institutions like the Belconnen Arts Centre and the Ainslie and Gorman Arts Centres often host sessions where kids can explore their artistic sides.

Rainy days in Canberra don’t mean confining the kids to the house. With such a range of activities on offer, those gloomy days might just turn into your family’s most memorable moments. Enjoy the indoors, Canberra style!