POD Playground will be temporarily closed for routine maintenance starting Monday, 3 February 2025. All going well, we expect to have it open again by mid-February. Thank you for your understanding.

Facilitated children's birthday parties

hands of a small child playing with craft materials
A family working together to assemble a kite
Large green open space filled with people flying a kite
A group of children standing around a tree with a guide
A collection of wrapped presents sitting on a table
A photo of a book titled 'nature craft'

Party with the best views in town!

We offer hands on, fun and active parties designed to keep young minds and legs entertained and happy!

Children have fun decorating, assembling and flying their own kite!

The Kite Party includes exclusive use of the Terrace Room including the 60 minute facilitated kite making activity and flying. All materials supplied. Suitable for ages 5 +.

"A kite party at the most divine venue in town - children and parents alike had the most fabulous time! The fantastic team at Ginger Catering did the hard work with the most scrumptious party food that was enjoyed by all. The Arboretum puts on a busy working mum's dream birthday party!" Feedback from a parent.

For enquiries call 02 6207 8484 (9am-4pm daily) or email: arboretum@act.gov.au

Bookings are through stickytickets.com.au

A fun and educational adventure leads the kids to a forest, for a guided scavenger hunt among the trees.

The Forest Adventure Party includes all materials, a guide for 60 minutes and exclusive use of the Terrace Room.

Suitable for children aged 5 years +

For enquiries call 02 6207 8484 (9am-4pm daily) or email: arboretum@act.gov.au

Bookings are through stickytickets.com.au

Book your party now!

Challenge your guests to use a map and collect all 20 controls located around the Arboretum!

The Orienteering Party includes all materials and an Arboretum facilitator for 60 minutes. Suitable for ages 8 and up.

For enquiries call 02 6207 8484 (9am-4pm daily) or email: arboretum@act.gov.au

Bookings are through stickytickets.com.au

Book your party now!

Food and catering

Bring your own food and drink or talk to our friendly onsite partners The Ginger Group about their children’s party packages.

For catering enquiries contact 02 6273 4366 or email hello@thegingergroup.com.au.

The Terrace Room has a small kitchenette including a bar fridge. Coffee and refreshments can be purchased at Arboretum Café in the Village Centre from 9am - 4pm daily.

Hand sanitiser is available for your use and handwashing facilities and bathrooms are available in the Terrace Room. All facilities will be cleaned between hire. We ask that children and adults who are unwell stay home. We ask that all participants wash their hands on arrival and before eating.

Party Times

Party TimeParty ConcludesSet upPack Down
10am - please put on the invitation to arrive at 10am12pmThe Terrace Room can be accessed for party set up from 9.30amTo be completed by 12.30pm
1.30pm - please put on the invitation to arrive at 1.30pm3.30pmThe Terrace Room can be accessed for party set up from 1pmTo be completed by 4pm. Please note the Village Centre (main building) also closes at 4pm.

Please note party offering dates are variable. Only morning party times are available during the months of January & February, and school holidays. No birthday parties are offered on public holidays.

Fees and charges

Up to 15 children

$387  including GSTAdditional children $20 each (up to 20 children in total)

Important information:

  • Cost includes venue hire of the Terrace Room, Arboretum facilitator and activity materials
  • The party time does not include your party prep and clean up time, you can access the Terrace Room 30 minutes prior to your party time to allow for set up, see times above
  • Additional children can be paid at the Information Desk
  • All Arboretum facilitators are first aid trained and carry a Working with Vulnerable People card
  • If weather is unsuitable, an alternative indoor activity in the Terrace Room will be provided, but we recommend that children dress prepared for an outdoor activity
  • Accompanying adults are free of charge
  • You are responsible for your party group at all times and must ensure a minimum of 1 adult per 5 children in attendance throughout the party (this does not include the Arboretum facilitator)
  • You are responsible for placing all self-catering rubbish into the bins provided within the Terrace Room and must comply with the National Arboretum Canberra Public Use Policy
  • The National Arboretum Canberra is a smoke and flame free site. Candles for birthday cakes are only permitted in the Terrace Room. There is a strict no smoking policy across the entire site
  • Roads in the Arboretum are public roads and vehicles must adhere to sign posted speed limits and park in designated parking areas
  • Paid parking applies in the main car park at the Village Centre with all proceeds supporting Arboretum projects.