On the first Saturday of every month, join Canberra outside for National Play Outside Day. While there are no scheduled activities for the day, it’s the perfect incentive to get outdoors and utilise Canberra’s many playgrounds, parks and nature reserves.
POD Playground – Molonglo Valley
Designed for children of all ages, the award-winning POD Playground in the National Arboretum, was created based on the idea of seeds as the beginning of life in the forest. Encouraging children to climb, explore, learn and have fun, the playground features giant acorn cubbies, nest swings, banksia pods, music-making instruments and more. Open daily, also wonder along the walking tracks of the Arboretum.
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John Night Memorial Park – Belconnen
Located on the foreshores of Lake Ginninderra, the large 12-hectare, John Knight Memorial Park has a range of facilities and playgrounds for families to enjoy. The playground includes a tree house, flying fox and play sculpture. There is also picnic areas, BBQ facilities, fitness equipment, disc golf course, a fixed orienteering course and walking and cycling trails.
Boundless Playground – Parks
Boundless, The Centenary of Canberra National Playground is Canberra’s first all abilities playground, located on Lake Burley Griffin at Kings Park. Catering to all ages and abilities, the park is a free state-of-the-art play space for families.
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Glebe Park – Civic
Enjoy the canopy of tall trees, green grass and playgrounds at Glebe Park in the city. Perfect for kids of all sizes with three different playground spots and for picnics with table and grass areas. There is also a gazebo available for bookings.
Commonwealth Park – Parks
Running from the city centre to the edge of Lake Burley Griffin is Commonwealth Park. Perfect for a stroll, run, ride, play and picnic with its wide-open grass areas and sculptured gardens, ponds and artworks. For kids there is also a large outdoor stage, amphitheatre and playground.
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Weston Park – Yarralumla
There are plenty activities for families at Weston Park. In the warmer months head to the beach and swimming area on the eastern shore or ride your bikes on the cycle track. There are also picnic tables, BBQ facilities and an adventure playground with a wading pool.
The Australian Botanic Gardens – Acton
Connecting and informing people with the Australian flora, The Australian Botanic Gardens has a beautiful selection of native plants to explore. They also cultivate plants threatened in the wild to protect them against extinction. From a rainforest gully to a red centre garden there are many walks and plants to explore.
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Cotter Reserve
Set on the banks of the Cotter River, the Cotter Reserve has easy access to walking trails, wildlife, fishing, swimming, canoeing and picnics. It’s also only a short walk to explore the Cotter Dam and playground.
Namadgi National Park – Tharwa
The beautiful Namadgi National Park has wide open space for you to explore and enjoy the outdoors. From bushwalking and mountain biking to horse riding, it offers the perfect wilderness experience.
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