The top 10 kid friendly bushwalks near Canberra (2023)

1. Australian National Botanic Gardens. Shortest walk: 500m return. This beautiful garden in the heart of Canberra offers a variety of walking trails, as well as opportunities to learn about plants and their uses. Helpful tip: Bring a map or use a trail guide to navigate the area, and be sure to pack plenty of water and snacks. Wear comfortable walking shoes and watch out for seasonal changes in the garden.
2. Mount Ainslie - 4.5km return. This popular walk takes you to the summit of Mount Ainslie, offering stunning views of Canberra and the surrounding area. Helpful tip: Wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water and sunscreen. Be sure to watch out for steep terrain.
3. Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve - Distance varies.Shortest walk: 300m return. This reserve offers a variety of walking trails, as well as opportunities to see native wildlife and plant species. Helpful tip: Bring a map or use a trail guide to navigate the area, and be sure to pack plenty of water and snacks. Wear sturdy shoes and watch out for uneven terrain.
4. National Arboretum Canberra - Distance varies. Shortest walk: 400m loop. This beautiful arboretum offers a variety of walking trails, as well as opportunities to learn about trees and their uses. Helpful tip: Bring a map or use a trail guide to navigate the area, and be sure to pack plenty of water and snacks. Wear comfortable walking shoes and watch out for seasonal changes in the arboretum.
5. Lake Burley Griffin - Varies. This lake offers a variety of walking trails, as well as opportunities to see local landmarks and wildlife. Helpful tip: Bring a map or use a trail guide to navigate the area, and be sure to pack plenty of water and snacks. Wear comfortable walking shoes and watch out for seasonal changes in the weather. Shortest walk: Varies.
6. Black Mountain - Distance varies. Shortest walk: 800m return. This mountain offers a variety of walking trails, as well as stunning views of Canberra and the surrounding area. Helpful tip: Bring a map or use a trail guide to navigate the area, and be sure to pack plenty of water and snacks. Wear sturdy shoes and watch out for uneven terrain. 

7. Namadgi National Park - Varies. Shortest walk: 1.4km return. This park offers a variety of walking trails, as well as opportunities to see native wildlife and plant species. Helpful tip: Bring a map or use a trail guide to navigate the area, and be sure to pack plenty of water and snacks. Wear sturdy shoes and watch out for uneven terrain.

8. National Zoo and Aquarium - Varies. This zoo offers a variety of walking trails, as well as opportunities to see a wide variety of animals. Helpful tip: Bring a map or use a trail guide to navigate the area, and be sure to pack plenty of water and snacks. Wear comfortable walking shoes and watch out for seasonal changes in the zoo. 

9. Gibraltar Falls - 800m return. This short walk takes you to the base of the falls and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. Helpful tip: Wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water and sunscreen. Be sure to watch out for uneven terrain.

10. Red Hill Nature Reserve - Varies. This reserve offers a variety of walking trails, as well as stunning views of Canberra and the surrounding area. Helpful tip: Bring a map or use a trail guide to navigate the area, and be sure to pack plenty of water and snacks. Wear sturdy shoes and watch out for uneven terrain.

Note that these distances may vary depending on the specific trails chosen and any detours or extensions taken. It's always best to check with the park or trail website for more detailed information on the walks available. 

We hope these bushwalks near Canberra give you and your family the chance to explore the beautiful natural surroundings of the area. Don't forget to take plenty of photos of the amazing views along the way and tag @minnowdesigns!