National Film and Sound Archive of Australia (NFSA) (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is National Film and Sound Archive of Australia (NFSA)?
What makes it 70% Kids-Friendly: School-age children can try family film sessions and hunt retro gadgets in the Library, yet most displays are static and some installations may scare under-12s, so appeal is moderate.
Positives:
- Free entry: Building access and most exhibits are free, ideal for budget-conscious families
- Stroller-friendly: Prams allowed throughout and a 15 min drop-off zone at the McCoy Circuit entrance
- Interactive displays: Colourful artefacts engage kids and make exploring fun
- Onsite café: Dom’s Deli offers coffee, hot water and snacks for breaks
Challenges:
- Limited seating: Mediatheque pods fill up quickly at peak times
- Low-light displays: Some installations use strobes or dark spaces that may spook young children
- Screening capacity: Family show tickets sell out fast—advance booking required
- No play area: No dedicated play space for very young children between films
What is National Film and Sound Archive of Australia (NFSA)?
- A national audiovisual archive preserving Australia’s moving-image and sound heritage
- A collection encompassing over 3 million items, including film reels, television broadcasts, radio recordings, photographs and oral histories
- An Art Deco–style heritage complex in Acton, Canberra, featuring contemporary exhibition and research facilities
What is so special about National Film and Sound Archive of Australia (NFSA) for with kids?
- Free entry to explore historic audiovisual archives
- Family-friendly cinema screenings and sing-alongs
- Hands-on artefact hunt in the colourful Library gallery
- Cozy Mediatheque pods for shared viewing experiences
- Stroller access and onsite café for family breaks
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Allows time for exhibits, a short screening and a relaxed visit with kids
Kids-Friendly Activities in National Film and Sound Archive of Australia (NFSA)
Family-Friendly Screenings:
Kid-focused films and sing-alongs in the Arc Cinema.
Tip: Book tickets online early and choose age-appropriate shows
The Library Artefact Hunt:
Spot vintage toys, cameras and game consoles in the Library gallery.
Tip: Give kids a simple item list to tick off as they explore
Mediatheque Play:
Private pods showing curated film and sound clips.
Tip: Arrive when the NFSA opens to grab family-sized pods
Drop-In Docos:
Free 30–60 min Australian documentaries on weekends.
Tip: Check the weekend schedule and pick titles suited to your kids
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to National Film and Sound Archive of Australia (NFSA)
- Pre-book screenings: Reserve cinema tickets online to secure seats
- Use drop-off zone: Take advantage of the free 15 min zone at the McCoy Circuit entrance
- Check doco schedule: Plan around weekend Drop-In Docos for short, kid-friendly films
- Early arrival: Get here at opening time for the best choice of Mediatheque pods
Reviews of National Film and Sound Archive of Australia (NFSA)
Graeme Forbes
An amazing place for the student of the arts There are all kinds of historical posters, books, art installations and there are theatres showing different films and documentaries and it’s all free
Jacqui Owen
Dropped in to see the Inferno exhibition yesterday. What a beautiful building, amazing atmosphere. I could have spent a lot more time just examining the details in the building and its history from its' former life. The current displays are super fun, the library room in particular. As for Inferno - a provactive, beautiful, experience. I am still processing and will go back again. I recommend im...
john mitchell
We were glad it was free but sadly we had to pay $9 parking but interesting for about 30 minutes. Sadly a school was using the theatre, maybe that is where the history of motion and sound in Australia would’ve been explained to us otherwise there wasn’t anything . The art deco Building is the highlight.
Giovanni
The NFSA is located in a beautiful building that shows off the history of Australian film and television. Despite the size and beauty of the NFSA there isn't actually a huge amount to see or do. The best part is you can spend probably 5-10 minutes in the archive (pictured) looking at some really interesting artefacts and read their history. Otherwise there's the old and new theatres that play vari...
Warren Baird
obviously a very important place holding the history of Australian Television and movies and of course music ...some great history on the display and certainly a bit of a trip down memory lane .. archive is free to visit
When is the best time to visit National Film and Sound Archive of Australia (NFSA) (Canberra, Australia)?
Summer: catch Hot Summer Nights courtyard screenings with live music—bring insect repellent and a picnic blanket. Winter: visit on weekday mornings for quieter Mediatheque pods.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Entry to NFSA | AUD 0 |
| Family screening tickets | AUD 60 |
| Snacks and drinks at café | AUD 20 |
| Total Estimated | AUD 80 |
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 National Film and Sound Archive of Australia (NFSA)
Address: 1 McCoy Cct, Acton ACT 2601, Australia
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About National Film and Sound Archive of Australia (NFSA)
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
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