We’ve been to Tim and Gina Fairfax Discovery Centre three or four times.
The facilities inside are more suitable for preschool children. After charging admission, older kids don’t come anymore; they probably go to indoor playgrounds because there are exciting trampolines and slides there. So now there are hardly any rowdy big kids.
It’s easier for parents because there are no large amusement facilities, so there’s no constant climbing up and down. Every time we take our kid to an indoor playground, we come home and collapse into bed!
The experience
When visiting Canberra, you don’t need a kids cafe; just head to the National Museum’s Discovery Centre, formally known as the Tim & Gina Fairfax Discovery Centre!
The activities inside cater to children of all ages. When we went, our child was 15 months old and didn’t want to leave.
The climbing structures looked like a lot of fun but were more suitable for slightly older kids. There were plenty of facilities that even us adults enjoyed. Our favourite part was the several seating areas where we could relax while the kids played!
We found Tim and Gina Fairfax Discovery Centre is cleaner and newer compared to others.
How much is the annual membership fee?
Adult: $50
Additional child/adult: $20
So, for a family of three, the annual fee is $90
If you go once every two weeks, it averages out to $3.46 per visit, which is quite cost-effective!
On top of that, there’s a 10% discount at the museum shop and cafe for members.
You still need to make reservations online every time; each visit lasts 75 minutes.