Commonwealth Park (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Commonwealth Park?
What makes it 88% Kids-Friendly: Castle playground, scavenger sheets and boat hire keep 3-12s active and engaged; flat paths, toilets and picnic lawns help parents supervise easily for a low-cost half-day.
Positives:
- Free entry and playground: Most park areas and the Castle Playground are free for families.
- Family-friendly paths: Wide paved paths suit strollers, bikes and scooters for all ages.
- Restroom facilities: Public toilets include baby-change tables near Regatta Point and playground areas.
Challenges:
- Crowds on weekends: Playgrounds and lawns fill up quickly on weekends and school holidays.
- Limited shade: Open lawns have few trees; sun protection is essential at midday.
- Boat hire availability: Paddle-boat slots fill fast during peak times; book in advance online.
What is Commonwealth Park?
- An urban park covering 120 hectares along the northern shore of Lake Burley Griffin in central Canberra
- Home to formal gardens, native eucalypt groves, ornamental flower beds, and meandering paved pathways
- Integral component of Walter Burley Griffin’s National Triangle, punctuated by civic sculptures, memorials, and lakeside vistas
What is so special about Commonwealth Park for with kids?
- Explore the Castle Playground with tunnels and slides
- Spot sculptures via free art activity sheets
- Steer paddle boats on Lake Burley Griffin
- Enjoy a shaded lakefront picnic under mature trees
- Walk or cycle on wide, stroller-friendly paths
Recommended visit duration: 3-4 hours
Why 3-4 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Allows time for playground fun, lakeside activities, and a relaxed picnic without rushing.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Commonwealth Park
Castle Playground:
Explore the stone fort with tunnels, slides and a giant chessboard.
Tip: Visit early to avoid crowds and supervise kids near the shallow stream valley.
Paddle-boat hire:
Steer a Love Boats paddle boat on Lake Burley Griffin under a sun canopy.
Tip: Book 30-minute sessions (A$30) online and bring sunscreen for lake reflections.
Art in the Park activity trail:
Follow free 'Art in the Park' and 'Tweet Trail' sheets to spot sculptures and plants.
Tip: Download sheets in advance and pack clipboards and pencils for little explorers.
Picnic by the lake:
Set up on grassy lawns under mature trees for a family picnic.
Tip: Bring a blanket and pre-cut snacks; shade is limited near central lawns at midday.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Commonwealth Park
- Early arrival: Arrive before 10am to secure picnic spots and dodge playground queues.
- Online bookings: Reserve paddle-boat sessions online to guarantee family slots.
- Pack essentials: Bring water bottles, sunscreen and hats to stay comfortable all day.
Reviews of Commonwealth Park
Tim Veyret
Commonwealth Park is such a wonderful location in Canberra. It is particularly nice at the moment due to Floriade and everything being so nicely arranged. There are many other events and there is a nice balance between nature, flowers and room to explore. Floriade is always a joy, as there are so many nice flowers, plenty of food trucks and nature to soak up. Thank you to the ACT Government in en...
Kaz C
Visited Floriade. Flowers beautiful, many different activities and performances. Popular free event. They only downside I will note is there seemed to be a smell of petrol or something in quite a few areas. Not sure if it's because of power generators or the mini train doing its loops. Felt a bit nauseous as to me it was quite strong.
J _of_Oceania
Great location with plenty to see and do in the surrounding area all year round. Extra special when Floriade is on, with great flower displays, entertainment, food and stalls. Florida is free entry and the only thing I had to pay for was parking. Event has plenty of food options, stalls and entertainment. Highly recommend attending in the morning getting a coffee, a pastry or crape, the. Sit an...
Helen Thomas
Visited the Floriade that's being hosted in the Commonwealth Park. Had a great day at the park. The flower beds were in full bloom and it was a pleasure to watch the tulips. Entertainment, food and shopping for memorabilia goes well with the visit to Floriade. Highly recommended for all age groups! There's something for everyone.
Salman Momin
We recently visited Commonwealth Park in Canberra during October spring, and it was an absolutely delightful experience. The park was bursting with colorful, blooming flowers, creating a vibrant and picturesque setting that felt like walking through a living painting. The floral arrangements were beautifully designed, showcasing a wide variety of flowers in full bloom. The combination of colors, p...
When is the best time to visit Commonwealth Park (Canberra, Australia)?
In spring (mid-Sep to mid-Oct), explore free Floriade flower displays and book NightFest after-dark. In summer, visit early or late for cooler lake breezes and pack hats.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Paddle-boat hire (30 min) | AUD 30 |
| Picnic snacks | AUD 20 |
| Ice creams or coffee | AUD 10 |
| Total Estimated | AUD 60 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Commonwealth Park
Address: Commonwealth Ave, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
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About Commonwealth Park
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
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