So, here they are, in no particular order...

1. Questacon - The National Science and Technology Centre
We loved it here so much we went twice! Heaps of hands-on fun. We liked making shadows...

2. Pod Playground at The National Arboretum
We found our way here somehow straight from the airport and it was the best place to have found! The kids got to run, jump, climb and swing their way through this incredible playground before we had lunch at the cafe which has a beautiful view toward the city and Lake Burley Griffin. The bonsai display was beautiful too. And I had a lot of fun in the gift shop!

3. Parliament House
The ultimate stop for homeschoolers! We joined the free tour and got to explore this beautiful building...
4. The National War Memorial
I wondered how the kids would cope with a visit here. I worried it'd be a bit overwhelming or even boring for them. It does house a really, really large collection of memorabilia and information about all of the conflicts Australia has been involved in - and you'd probably need two full days to see it all fully.
The sections we chose to visit were meaningful enough to respectfully engage the children and incredibly well presented. The tomb of the unknown soldier and the poppy walls were incredibly moving.
5. Cockington Green Gardens
Miniature English villages, incredibly detailed replicas of famous buildings from around the world and stunning gardens. We had a fun morning exploring.
6. The National Dinosaur Museum
Just down the road from Cockington Green is the National Dinosaur Museum - at must for any family with as many dino fans as ours.
The garden full of sculptures had us excited on arrival. Especially Spinosaurus...
7. The Australian Institute of Sport
The boys headed out here for a tour one morning while this exhausted, pregnant lady had a much needed rest.
They were super impressed by the facilities - especially the incredible pool, though the boys would have loved to have spent more time playing with the interactive exhibits.

8. Patissez
I'd heard about the freak shakes at Patissez (pronounced Pat-i-say) before we left home, so a visit here was definitely on our must do list. We had to wait half an hour for a table at the Manuka store at lunch time but it was worth it!
While the collection of cakes - including gluten-free choices - looked incredible we could not go past the shakes and ordered a Cookies and Cream, Golden Gaytime and Nutella version. OMG!
The burger (on a gf bun), the chilli dog and the pancakes were also incredible.
The kids and I ended up paying a second to visit to the city store before we left too.

9.The Carillion/Kings Park/Commonwealth Park
We were in Canberra for Australia Day and popped down to Kings Park to watch the fireworks.

10. Sky Zone
You may already have a trampoline park in your home town but this was our first ever visit to one and we loved it!

There are so many other things that could've made the list but these were our favourites. Have you been to Canberra? What's your must-see?