Well my plans are scuppered – Rain, rain go away!! I suspect you have found my article because it’s a rainy day and you are looking for the best rainy day activities in Canberra, ACT to help you pass the time. Well, here at Get Out with Kids, we love… well… getting out with kids…. So, we won’t let the rain stop us, with some awesome rainy day activities for you to get stuck into!
While I absolutely LOVE the sunny lazy days on the beach and the clear nights watching the sunset while watching the kids busy themselves on the sand or in the park waiting for the BBQ to fire up, there are times when equally the odd rainy day forces me to think outside the box and enjoy some rainy day activities. Canberra on a rainy day may not be your idea of fun, BUT…..
Having the knowledge and ideas up my sleeve at a moment’s notice, no matter where I am, makes the job of transitioning to a rainy day so much easier to contend with and while other members of my family may not be so enthusiastic to start with, I can assure you that being prepared and having a few alternative plans and experiences to draw from, can actually make the day more enjoyable and memorable than you would first believe.
Indoor activities in Canberra for kids
Rainy day activities for children can be super fun but that said, it is also much much easier when someone else has already put the ideas in a handy list so I have the best list of things to do in Canberra on a rainy day broken down by age to help you find the perfect rainy day activities for families.
Rainy day activities for toddlers
I wake up and hear the sound of water hitting the windows and glare out to find all my best laid plans are no longer useful – a visit to the beach to make sandcastles or go to a park to let my toddler run around and blow off steam….. panic sets in about what am I actually going to do to get out of the house and entertain my ‘full of gusto’ toddler/s. Well – grab a cuppa and peruse the list below to plan your ‘alternative’ day of fun with a group of places that are great rainy day activities for toddlers.
1. Mini-Q | Canberra
Canberra rainy season can cause issues however situated within the National and Technology Centre, is a great place for toddlers and kids up to 6 to explore. Mini Q has a range of zones for your littlies to explore. There is a separate baby zone especially for the really tiny members of the family and water play is also on the menu. Yours kids are sure to be wowed. Please note this is currently closed due to COVID but check back in to see if they are operational during your stay.
Check out the Mini Q website for more details.
Address: King Edward Terrace, Canberra
2. National Gallery of Australia | Parkes
Rainy day activities for kids don’t get much better than here. The art gallery really tries to get the whole family involved. Unfortunately some of the tours and events have been suspended but when up and running on all cylinders, this place is a great place to hang out whether it be with babies or toddlers with specific programmes and monthly catch ups available together with toddler activities. There are even tips and tricks of various art and projects that you can do from the comfort of your own home!
Website: NGA
Address: Parkes Place, Parkes Australian Capital Territory
3. Let’s Play! | Nicholls
Brightly coloured, soft toys and surfaces, slides, climbing frames and everything you really need and expect from an indoor playground for the younger folk! A great rainy day activity for toddlers (and rainy day activities for 2, 3 and 4 year olds)
For more information, visit the Let’s Play! website.
Address: 50 Curran Drive, Nicholls
4. Lollypop’s Playland, Majura Park Shopping Centre | Spitfire Ave
Situated 8km east of Canberra CBD, this is a huge indoor play centre with soft play for toddlers, slides, café on site, and a huge inflatable area. Kids will LOVE this location and it is situated within the shopping centre so you can tire them out first, and then hit the shops!
Head to the Lollipop’s Playland & Cafe website.
Address: Majura Shopping Centre, Spitfire Ave
5. Funland | Mitchell
To avoid the rain during Canberra wet season this is a lovely and fun indoor play area for kids of various ages. Soft play, slides and climbing areas scattered throughout and a café on site for those much needed coffees (and snacks!).
Website: Funland Canberra
Address: 1/181 Flemington Road, Mitchell
6. Merry Go Round | Canberra
This is 100 years old!! Found in the middle of the CBD, it is a fabulous vintage icon within the city and the children will LOVE this and only for $3 – definitely worth a stop on your visit and a great rainy day activity for toddlers (and adults!)
Address: Merry Go Round, Canberra CBD
7. National Zoo & Aquarium | Yarralumla
With animals aplenty and an aquarium, although not a rainy day activity indoors, this is a great place to visit no matter the weather!. Your kids (and adults), will love seeing all that is on offer here, from the big to the tiny and the fin-style animals – definitely worth a visit while in town!
Check out the National Zoo & Aquarium website to find out more.
Address: Scrivener Dam, Yarralumla
Rainy day activities in Canberra for kids aged 5 – 12
Rain has set in for the day and no hope of getting to that park for a catch up. Here is my go to list of indoor activities/places for you to visit where you can relax knowing that everyone will be entertained (and satisfyingly tired out!), with some ideas on what to do when its raining.
8. Questacon, The National Science and Technology Centre | Canberra
During your visit you will be able to take your kids to this fantastic interactive experience. With hands-on exhibits, this is a great rainy day activity for kids to enjoy. Q Lab has its microscopes making the ability to look at things differently available to kids with many other interactive and interesting exhibits to view, this is a great place to visit.
For more information, visit the Questacon website.
Address: King Edward Terrace, Canberra
9. Power Kart Raceway | Griffith
Love the thrill of the go-kart? This is a great indoor rainy day activity for kids and the entire family. There are other activities onsite to keep them engaged such as air hockey and arcade machines. Not only that but a synthetic ice-rink AND Jungle Golf (putt putt challenges for all). Various packages are available for purchase.
Check out the Power Kart Raceway website.
Address: 125 Canberra Avenue, Griffith
10. The National Dinosaur Museum | Nicholls
Visiting during Canberra rainy season then come explore this dinosaur extravaganza! Everything dinosaur – what kid doesn’t love dinosaurs. From exhibits, dinosaur gardens to explore and fossils that cannot be found anywhere else, this is a great place to explore with the younger kids. Entry is from $14.
Visit The National Dinosaur Museum website.
Address: 6 Gold Creek Road, Nicholls
RELATED: See all the best museums in Canberra for kids here!
11. Canberra Theatre Centre | Canberra
I have included this in this age group, however there are multiple shows and events that change throughout the year. Each year travelling shows visit which are great for kids of this age group. Why not check this out for a rainy day activity for the entire family.
Take a look at the Canberra Theatre Centre for more information.
Address: Civic Square, London Circuit, Canberra ACT
12. Inflatable World | Kambah
A rainy day in Canberra means …. Bouncing!! Everything (and I mean everything) is inflatable here. Obstacle courses, slides, climbing apparatus, jousting equipment, you name it you can play it here ‘inflatable’ style. Your kids will love this inflatable wonderland!
Website: Kambah
Address: 6 Jenke Circuit, Kambah
13. Zone 3 Laser Tag | Belconnen
A fabulous rainy day activity with friends why not tackle laser tag! Currently working at a reduced rate with arcade style machines available, but this is always changing. Laser tag, as you would expect involves lots of excited kids with laser equipment strapped to them, running and playing high tech hide n seek!. A great location for active kids to run off some steam.!
Address: 28 Weedon Close, Belconnen
14. Phillip Swimming & Ice Skating Centre | Phillip
With entry from $20 and skate hire available ($5), why not try something a little different. Ice skating can definitely be tricky, but once learnt this is a fabulous way to enjoy a rainy day. If not, fear not, there is a 50 metre pool to be enjoyed – on a wet day why not just get even wetter!
Skating Pricing and Times – Phillip Swimming & Ice Skating Centre (swimskate.com.au)
Address: 1 Irving Street, Phillip 2606
15. Cinema | Various Locations
Canberra wet season can be difficult to navigate through however there are any number of cinemas in and around the Canberra and these are great, particularly in school holidays when there is always a number of film options for children. Grab the popcorn and get the group together a movie extravaganza!
Visit the Event Cinemas website to find movie times and sessions.
16. Quizzic Alley | Fyschwick
This awesome shop will be a great place to visit if you are a Harry Potter fan. Love the potions and spells or even the weird and wonderful food (jelly beans for example). This place is a great place to pop in and take a look at when dodging those raindrops and definitely should be on your radar for rainy day activities with tweens.
Website: Quizzic Alley
Address: 5 Pirie Street, Fyshwick
Things to do in Canberra when it rains with teens
Rainy day activities for teens anyone?! I struggle to sometimes interact with my teenager who would much prefer to spend time on devices, or catching up with friends online. However, I do try connecting outside of this world and I enjoy seeing the look of enjoyment on my kids faces when they try something or visit somewhere a little different – even though it may well have been met with a little resistance to start with. Some of the places that may help when in Canberra include ….
17. Parliament House | Canberra
Rainy day activities for teenagers can be tricky however why not try this iconic location. Opened in 1988 during bicentennial celebrations, this building is a must see when visiting Canberra. Many schools make the pilgrimage to this famous building where many important events and decisions are made. It is free to enter and there is the opportunity to undertake a free tour of the building. Well worth exploring!
Head to the Parliament House Canberra website.
Address: Parliament Drive, Canberra
18. National Gallery of Australia – Teens Art | Parkes
Visiting Canberra during the rainy season? This wonderful location is great for exploring with the family. Part of the National Gallery of Australia, the Art Gallery houses many exhibits and experiences for the entire family. This particular aspect focuses on teenagers. With connections to artists aimed specifically at 13 to 25 year olds, this helps look at art in different ways and helps to inspire budding artists you may have. With Art Labs, interactive challenges and other like-minded individuals, this is a great experience for your teenage kids.
Visit the Teens Art IRL website for more details.
Address: Parkes Place, Parkes Australian Capital Territory
19. Canberra Glassworks | Kingston
This is a wonderful free activity where you get to watch these masters at work …. But wait!! You can also have a go to see if you have the skills required to create your very own piece of glass art. Learn about all the techniques involved in this unique artwork.
Website: Canberra Glassworks
Address: 11 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston
20. iPLAY | Belconnen
This has everything you are looking for under one roof. Arcade games, dodgems, bowling, laser tag, café, arcade games and pool tables!! A teenage heaven, but really one for the entire family.
Head on over to the iPlay website.
Address: Westfield Belconnen, Benjamin Way, Belconnen
Check out our list of amazing trampoline Parks In Canberra for Kids
21. Zone Bowling | Various Locations
A newly refurbished area, this is a wonderful location for the bowling fanatics in the family. If you are up to the challenge, this is a great activity to do with friends or with the family. Food and drink and plenty of laughs!
Check out the Zone Bowling website.
Address: 76 Cowlishaw Street Greenway or 1 Emu Bank Belconnen.
22. Canberra Indoor Rock Climbing | Mitchell
Even though this is a great activity for all ages, I have placed this in with the teenage activities as I think the skill set and some of the challenges are great for teenagers who sometimes struggle to find challenges that suit!. Why not give them an opportunity to try something different. There are two locations to choose from and activities also include boulder climbing!
Website: Canberra Indoor Rock Climbing
Address: 38-40 Essington Street, Mitchell
23. Australian Institute of Sport | Bruce
If you have a sport family or budding sport star this is a great location. From 25 and 50 metre swimming pools, tennis courts, and equipment that is used by the most elite sport stars, a visit is a MUST!. Blow off some steam, get a little fitter and use a space that is utilised by the best in the business!. You may even see them working out while you visit!.
Visit the Australian Institute of Sport website.
Address: Leverrier Street, Bruce
24. Mind Trap
A virtual reality centre – what more can the teenagers in your life need! Battling away, fighting dragons, or even escape rooms. Minimum age is suggested as 10, so this is definitely one for the older kids of the family but a great way to while away a rainy day. Unfortunately this is pending whether they will be reopening but they currently have online options available. Check out the website for more info.
Head to the Mind Trap Canberra website for more details.
Rainy day activities for adults in Canberra
Whilst my kids are important to keep entertained (and for my ultimate sanity in getting through these unusual rainy days out), my world would definitely be missing something if I didn’t get to enjoy something that was solely for my adult world with friends or partner. There are plenty of things to do in Canberra when its raining. Here are some activities that can be enjoyed while in Canberra on those less than perfect sunny days or clear nights!
Maybe you just want to eat, here’s our list of places to go for the BEST buffets in Canberra, or perhaps the best high teas in Canberra for kids.
25. Flight Simulator | Lyneham
Why not become a pilot for a day by the power of a flight simulator. There are 22,000 airports to choose from, weather conditions and an instructor will help you with information on how to fly from take off to landing. Prices start from $125 per person.
Website: Jet Flight Simulator Canberra
Address: 4 Montford Cr, Lyneham, ACT 2609.
26. Mount Majura Vineyard | Majura
Wineries are a great place to spend some time while waiting for the rain to stop. This is located in Majura which is a beautiful country area, you can spend a few hours tasting wines and even venturing on a tour of the winery. They have their own Wine Club if you enjoy the tasting and obviously you can bring home some from the onsite shop.
For more information, visit the Mount Majura Vineyard website.
Address: 88 Lime Kiln Road, Majura
27. Australian War Memorial | Campbell
This is a wonderful place to pay your respects to those who have been involved in war. With information and exhibits surrounding some of the most catastrophic events such as wars, it really helps you to understand what the world has been through.
Website: Australian War Memorial
Address: Treloar Crescent, Campbell ACT
28. National Portrait Gallery | Parkes
If you love art and in particular art galleries, this is a wonderful place to wander the corridors and take in the spectacular art on view. Various forms of art are accessible from photography to more abstract collections.
Visit the National Portrait Gallery website.
Address: King Edward Terrace, Parkes Canberra
29. Brewery, Distillery and Winery Tour | Canberra
If you love beer, wine or other styles of alcohol and the whole process of how it is made and produced, this is one for you to try. Tasting sessions mingled with stories and trivia surrounding how this is made from the tour guide makes this much more than just a few drinks with friends.
Get your discount tickets here
30. Jamala Wildlife Lodge | Weston Creek
Stay at the Zoo, become one with nature and wildlife! From Giraffe Treehouses, to Jungle Bungalows and even a Safari Lodge, this is a wonderful way to spend some time. Various packages are available but ultimately this gives you the opportunity to stay in beautiful surroundings and watch these fascinating animals in their habitat.
Website: Jamala Wildlife Lodge
Address: 999 Lady Denman Drive, Weston Creek
31. Royal Australian Mint | Deakin
If you have a fascination about money (and let’s face it who doesn’t?), this is a great place to come and learn about the coin making process, and find out how money is made! From interactive screens, exhibits and videos, you can learn a lot (about how its made, not how to gain any extra!!)
Head to the Royal Australian Mint website for more information.
Address: Denison Street, Deakin
32. Markets | Kingston
If you are a lover of market places and all that is associated, then this is a great place to explore. Vibrant colours, delicious smells, jewellery of all styles are all here on display and held at the old Bus Depot. Open on Sundays, this is a great rainy Sunday activity!.
To find out more, visit the Old Bus Depot Market website.
Address: 21 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston
33. Majura Park Shopping Centre | Majura Park
And when in doubt, what better way for adults to spend a rainy day, then …. SHOPPING. With plenty of shops, experiences, cafés, restaurants (and even kids activities if they are coming along), you are sure to manage to enjoy a rainy day at the shops!.
Website: Canberra Shopping Centre
Address: 18/26 Spitfire Ave, Majura Park
Rainy day activities for home
OK, so you have read through all my rainy day ideas in Canberra and you still don’t want to venture out. Fret none, I have also got a great list of things to grab now for any future rainy days in Canberra. Just like the Scouts, you will always be prepared!
When you can’t get out and about, finding activities at home can be tricky on short notice. Because we know everyone is different, we have compiled a heap of entertaining and interesting activities, including art ideas for rainy day activities in Canberra you can do at home (or in a hotel room!).
34. How to draw cool things drawing guide
Have a budding artist in your midst? Then how about following a step by step instruction book – ‘How to draw cool things’ which will suit even those just starting out. Includes optical illusions, 3D letters, cartoons are just some of the things they can learn to draw.
35. Be a rubber band engineer
Maybe even a mechanic that loves fiddling and fixing things, this book will help create all sorts of gadgets. You will never believe what they can make with just a rubber band and the ideas between the pages.
36. Get procrastibaking
Baking is always a favourite in my house, so grab a recipe book and get them into the kitchen for a chance to be the next Masterchef!
37. Non boring board games
Why not invest in a different style of board game – definitely helpful in getting them away from those electronic devices! It even includes some team building games for teens.
Get playing with these board games.
38. Learn how to ride a hoverboard
Why not try a new skill – hoverboarding! Spend the time learning how to ride one and impress their friends!.
39. An escape room in a book
Escape rooms are definitely a favourite but if getting to one is a problem then why not try one from the comfort of your own home with this unique book. With just 60 minutes to escape from a labyrinth, you must take on the challenges and solve mysteries to finish the book.
40. Put your time to good use
This selection of books assist in areas that we could all improve upon such as increasing level of happiness and even confidence building books like ‘What’s my super power’.
Check out this selection of books on highly effective teens.
41. Master a remote controlled car
Building and driving remote control cars is an activity that can start indoors and be taken out when the sun makes an appearance. 4WD’s, mini coopers and heavy machinery vehicles are just some of the vehicles you can control or why not try with Lego!
42. Fun things to do when stuck at home
Still can’t think of anything, then this book is jam-packed with alternative ideas – you are bound to find something here.
Read up on things for kids to do here.
43. Fly a drone
Kids will love learning how to fly a drone – varying models are available from the basic to something more sophisticated so why not give this activity a go.
Fyshwick, Canberra – indoor play centre | Permanently Closed
Rainy day activities for babies and toddlers includes this wonderful place to let your toddlers safely explore this indoor playground while you enjoy a coffee!! With plenty of soft play equipment to play on, your toddler will be exhausted after a few hours of play.
Website: Fyshwick
Address: Cnr Canberra Avenue & Newcastle Street, Fyshwick Australian Capital Territory 2609
Canberra Space Centre | Temporarily Closed
This is a unique experience and great way to learn more info if you are into intergalactic activity! The Space Centre is a free activity which makes it even better for those purse strings when looking for something indoors. It is located some 35km southwest of the city and is a fun and educational place to visit. You will have the opportunity to view the largest antenna in the Southern Hemisphere and even a piece of the moon dating back 3.8 million years ago!.
Website: Canberra Space Centre
Address: 421 Discovery Drive, Tidbinbilla
Address: Pop up only: check out their website.
Guild – Board Games | Permanently Closed
This board game restaurant is something a little different – temporarily offering take out at this difficult time but I hope they will be back soon – this will give your teenagers the change to engage away from the devices!! A great venue to hang out in and play old fashioned games and enjoy each other’s company!.
Website: Board Games Pizza Drinks Canberra
Address: 131 London Circuit, Canberra
Things to do in Canberra on a rainy day
Canberra rainy day activities are plentiful – but its easy when there is a place to start your research. Hopefully this has helped you identify something that you can all enjoy from rainy day activities kids-style to rainy day activities indoors or even rainy day activities couples-style (even outdoors activities if the weather doesn’t bother you!).
It doesn’t have to be expensive either, there are plenty of things to do when its raining to keep those kids from getting bored (and lets face it the kids rainy day activities really helps us to reconnect as a family). ENJOY!!
