The National Arboretum is a large botanical garden covering an area of 250 hectares, home to over 94 forests, each representing a different species of tree from around the world.
The arboretum was opened in 2013 after the Canberra bushfires. It features a number of walking trails and picnic areas, as well as a number of gardens, including a bonsai garden and a rose garden. There is also a Visitor Centre that provides information about the arboretum and its various features, and this building also houses a fantastic cafe.
Best of all, for families, the National Arboretum has a playground for children to enjoy. It's called the POD Playground and it is located near the Visitor Centre (read: close to coffee!). It features a range of equipment suitable for children of all ages, including swings, slides, climbing frames, a rock-climbing wall, cubby houses and more. The playground is designed to blend in with the natural surroundings of the arboretum and features timber and stone elements that reflect the local landscape. It looks quite whimsical, as if it has been built from giant acorns. Despite this, it's actually quite a challenging playground with some great elements for older kids.
During our visit to the POD Playground, several pre-teen soccer teams arrived to let off some steam after their games. There was plenty to do within the multi-level playground, so even with close to 100 kids inside its fences, it didn't feel too chaotic. This raises an important point and something we look for in a great playground: Fences and toilets. This playground is fully fenced and it has dedicated toilets inside the fenced area. That's a win for busy parents! The playground is set high in the arboretum and there are also shaded areas and picnic tables nearby, making it a great spot for families to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings and views.
It's worth noting that the playground is located in a separate area from the forests and gardens, so you can choose to explore the arboretum's natural features or spend time in the playground, depending on your preferences.
Paid car parking is available on site, close to the Visitor Centre and playground.
Check out the awesome playground design and get more information here.
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