Questacon

Questacon opened in its current building in 1988 as a bicentennial gift jointly funded with Japan, and it works on a simple principle: almost nothing is behind glass. Across eight galleries there are around two hundred exhibits to push, pull, ride and set off, covering physics, earthquakes, weather, perception and robotics, with a lightning show, an earthquake simulator and a free-fall slide of about six metres that visitors drop down head first. The Excite@Q and Mini Q galleries are aimed at different ages, and staff run demonstrations through the day. It sits in the Parliamentary Triangle among the national institutions, walking distance from the National Gallery and the lake.

What you actually see

• The free-fall slide - a six-metre vertical drop taken head first.
• The lightning and earthquake shows - staged demonstrations through the day.
• The hands-on galleries - around two hundred interactive exhibits.
• The Mini Q area - a separate gallery for the youngest visitors.

When to go

Year-round; it is entirely indoors, which makes it a reliable option in Canberra's cold winters and hot summers. School holidays are extremely busy, with queues for the popular exhibits. Weekday mornings in term time are calmest.

Honest expectations

Entry is charged and adds up for families. It is designed primarily for children, and adults without them may find it loud and limited. Popular exhibits like the slide have long queues at peak times.

Nearby

The National Gallery and Library are adjacent; Lake Burley Griffin is across the road.