If you’re visiting Canberra for a week, a long weekend or even a couple of days, you’ll be spoilt for choice for what to see and do with your preschooler. Here we’ve rounded up 4 of the best things to do with your 4 year old, with input from our own little Miss 4.
1. Get Quizzical at Questacon
Questacon will blow your 4 year old’s mind, quite literally. From MiniQ (an imaginative playground for preschoolers), to the Science lab, interactive displays, fake lightening and beyond.
There is so much to see and do you could spend an entire day here. But maybe keep it to 3 hours max. to prevent the ultimate over-stimulated toddler brain meltdown.
There is plenty here to keep children of all ages engaged in the world of science, from tots right up to school age. Adults will also be astounded by the interactive displays, fast facts, the giant moon and more.
2. Explore the miniature model village at Cockington Green Gardens
There is something wonderful about being a pint-sized toddler running through a miniature village, complete with replica buildings, trains, a fairyland and tiny people to spot.
There is plenty for children and adults alike to marvel at, here at Cockington Green Gardens, where you will find the greenest most well-manicured miniature tiny squares of lawn in Canberra. You can even step around the world in the international section and see some of the great wonders of the world.
Cockington Green Gardens is located at Gold Creek Village which is a great little area to explore if you are on holiday. There’s plenty of cafes and shops, a pub and various tourist attractions, all within walking distance.
3. Enjoy scenic views from Black Mountain Tower (Telstra Tower)
No visit to Canberra can be complete without a trip up the Tower at the top of Black Mountain. Known by some as Black Mountain Tower and by others as the Telstra Tower.
The views of the city and surrounds from the top are spectacular. There is an indoor and outdoor (not for the feint-hearted) viewing deck. Along with a small cafe for drinks and snacks, and a small souvenir shop.
There is also Canberra’s tallest postbox – so make sure you come prepared with some pre-stamped postcards so you can post them from the top of the tower. This area also has some lovely walking trails.
4. Play at Canberra’s Giant Mushroom in Belconnen
Belconnen’s Giant Mushroom playground has a certain charm to it, which no 4 year old will tire of.
The playground is all under the shade of the mushroom, so perfect for sheltering from the sun. Toddlers and preschoolers delight in playing in this quirky play area.
Great news for parents too – there are plenty of good cafes nearby you can pick up a take-away coffee. Or have a wander through the markets with your little one and encourage them to try the many tasty samples of local fruit on offer.
These are just 4 of the sights in Canberra that your 4 year old will delight in visiting, but there are plenty more. Including Canberra’s many playgrounds, Playup at Old Parliament House, Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve and more.