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Canberra, with kids, Things to Do
Australia/Things to Do in Canberra, with kids

National Museum of Australia (with kids)

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How Kids-Friendly is National Museum of Australia?

86%Kids-Friendly
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Children up to 12 can play in ticketed Discovery Centre, join school-holiday workshops and handle interactives in galleries; parents find toilets, change rooms and free birdwatch booklet on site.

Google
Reviews4.4/ 5
(from 8,014 reviews)

Positives:

  • Family facilities: Parents rooms, pram parking and lockers ease your visit with young children
  • Free core galleries: Main galleries and outdoor garden areas have no entry fee and suit mixed-age groups

Challenges:

  • Indoor distance: Long gallery routes may tire young kids; plan breaks in the Discovery Centre or garden
  • Age limits on VR: VR requires a minimum age of 8; younger children may not be allowed
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What is National Museum of Australia?

  • A national museum in Canberra showcasing 50,000 years of Australian history and culture
  • A modern waterfront landmark renowned for its bold, contemporary architecture
  • Home to extensive galleries on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage alongside displays of Australia’s colonial and modern societal evolution

What is so special about National Museum of Australia for with kids?

  1. Interactive play zones at the Discovery Centre engage ages 3–12
  2. Multisensory First Australians Gallery brings Aboriginal culture to life
  3. Free hourly host talks highlight key museum stories
  4. VR adventure in the Great Kimberley offers immersive nature experiences
  5. Outdoor Garden of Australian Dreams provides a scenic break
  6. Family-friendly facilities include parents rooms, pram parking and lockers

Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours

Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Gives time to explore main galleries, Discovery Centre and garden without tiring kids

(View National Museum of Australia on Map)

Kids-Friendly Activities in National Museum of Australia

Tim & Gina Fairfax Discovery Centre:

Interactive play-and-learn zones with animatronic animals and soft-play areas

Tip: Book 75-minute sessions online and arrive 10 minutes early to store prams

First Australians Gallery:

Multisensory exhibits on Aboriginal culture with touch and audio interactives

Tip: Pick up a free kids’ guide at the Information Desk to follow fun activities

Free hourly host talks:

10-minute talks on the hour in core galleries

Tip: Check talk times on signs and gather in the main hall 5 minutes before start

Garden of Australian Dreams:

Outdoor art installations and water features by Lake Burley Griffin

Tip: Bring a small picnic and mix garden visits between indoor galleries

Great Kimberley Wilderness VR:

35-minute VR experience exploring the Kimberley region

Tip: Book the family slot and ensure each child meets the 8+ age requirement

When is the best time to visit National Museum of Australia (Canberra, Australia)?

In summer, use shady outdoor garden spots and carry water. In winter, enjoy quieter afternoons and shorter queues.

✈️ Ready to go? Check the latest flight deals to Canberra on Trip.com. New app users enjoy exclusive deals.

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Reviews of National Museum of Australia (Canberra)

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Nerine Cummins

Nerine Cummins

Aug 2025

Located at Lawson Crescent, Acton, ACT, Australia 🇦🇺 This museum is a MUST when visiting the ACT. It’s free entry and we also saw the Mr Squiggle and Friends exhibition which is also Free 🆓 entry. The Mr Squiggle exhibition was fantastic, brought back so many memories from watching the show when I was a child. The rest of the exhibits in the Gallery section was just as wonderful. The range of s...

Jordi I

Jordi I

Aug 2025

Our family had a very positive experience here. The displays were beautiful and the building is stunning and extravagant, no expense spared in any way. Very welcoming environment, we entered without booking and just walked straight in and wandered around admiring the displays. There are many interactive elements to the displays with educational snippets everywhere you look. Many fascinating things...

Sang Hyun Kim

Sang Hyun Kim

Jul 2025

While I didn't get to visit the museum during the day, I did attend a conference event here, and it seemed like a really great space to host it. There was plenty of room for guests to dine and move around. The views are also pretty spectacular, including the giant dinosaur fossil. The building looks beautiful from the outside, too. I've heard great things about some colleagues who did visit it, so...

Terhi Tapiainen

Terhi Tapiainen

Jul 2025

This is a nice place to visit and have a walk. I liked the cafe and the architecture of the place. The atmosphere was lovely - many familiws were visiting at the same time. I was not sure about the exhibition - it seems to be nationally important but is not clearly focused.

Yvonne Luk

Yvonne Luk

Jul 2025

I enjoyed my time at the museum, especially the “ Great Southern Land” gallery, which explains different regions' climate, environment, and diversity. It is super cool to include all the main areas, which makes me think that’s what a national museum should be. The museum is free to enter, but a special exhibition requires you to pay. I even visited the cafe shop, which is super crowded at noon but...

Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)

ItemCost (Approx.)
Main gallery entryAUD 0
Discovery Centre family sessionAUD 30
Great Kimberley VR family slotAUD 60
Museum café lunchAUD 40
Total EstimatedAUD 130

Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve

How to Maximize Your Visit to National Museum of Australia

  1. Early arrival: Arrive at opening (10 am) to avoid crowds and secure lockers
  2. Advance bookings: Book Discovery Centre and VR sessions online before your visit
  3. Mix indoor and outdoor: Alternate gallery visits with outdoor garden stops to keep kids engaged
🚗 Planning to explore multiple Canberra attractions? A rental car often costs less than daily taxi trips. Check Trip.com for deals. New users save up to 8% OFF and enjoy the freedom to travel on your schedule.

Map of National Museum of Australia

Address: Lawson Cres, Acton ACT 2601, Australia

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Looking for other Things to Do besides National Museum of Australia (Canberra)?

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About National Museum of Australia

Opening Hours

Monday:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Website

Official Website

Phone Number

+61 1800 026 132

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