Let Little One’s Run Wild at the National Arboretum’s POD Playground

Just as the National Arboretum conserves and showcases extraordinary, endangered trees, its dedicated kids’ space, the POD Playground, is centred on seeds starting life before emerging into forests.

With giant climbing structures and immersive activities, the POD Playground is a must-visit when spending a day at the National Arboretum.

What does the POD Playground have in store for kids?

Inspired by nature, the POD Playground does outdoors action on a grand scale for kids of all ages. Older kids will love scaling the giant wooden acorn cubbies that sit sky-high, connected by climbing nets, ladders and twisty tube slides. Each acorn houses a different activity, be it insect displays or kaleidoscopes. There’s a climbing wall to be scaled.

Pre-schoolers will prefer the banksia cone toddler area with lower slides and a sandpit. To make some music (or just noise!) the POD Playground has percussion instruments that mimic the sound of rain and thunder, and buttons to jump on that emit a jingle-jangle sound.

What facilities does the POD Playground have?

Fully fenced, the POD Playground caters to parents’ and kids’ needs perfectly. Located next to the Village Centre, Arboretum Café and gift shop has toilets with changing facilities in easy reach.

The cafe serves freshly made lunches or snacks-to-go, while The Curatoreum gift shop is packed with inspirational books, kites and bug toys for the kids – and tasteful homewares and jewellery for you.

What can the whole family do at the National Arboretum?

Beyond its Village Centre, the 250-hectare National Arboretum is a tapestry of 94 forests and gardens featuring rare and endangered species. Seven walking tracks loop around different sections offering unique perspectives of the Arboretum, from the 2km Himalayan Cedar Track to the 3km Mountain View Track.

Witness the miniature wonder of elegant bonsai at the National Bonsai & Penjing Collection of Australia exhibit, containing the Bonsai Welcome Garden, Niwaki pines (oldest Japanese black pines in Australia) and a 65-million-year-old petrified tree stump dating back to the Jurassic era.

Dotted throughout the Arboretum’s gardens and forests are incredible works of art by some of the world’s most significant artists. Within the Forest Sculpture Gallery, you can spot Nest III, a welded-steel wedge tail eagle sculpture by Richard Moffatt and the words Wide Brown Land in 35m of steel by Marcus Tatton, Futago and Chris Viney.

The POD Playground at a glance

• The POD Playground is 8km and ten minutes’ drive from Canberra city centre.
• The POD Playground is located at Forest Dr, Molonglo Valley, ACT.
• The POD Playground is open daily 7am – 5.30pm (EST) and 6am – 8.30pm (DST).
• The National Arboretum has seven walking trails, numerous tree and plant species, a gift shop, a café, a sculpture gallery and picnic areas.

Who is the POD Playground good for?

Children of all ages, and families.

About the ActewAGL evHub

There are now over 20 models of electric vehicles that can go 400kms in a single battery charge ensuring an EV fits seamlessly into your leisure lifestyle. If you need help to find an EV, finance an EV or charge an EV, then visit the ActewAGL evHub today.

For those with an EV, listed below are the three charging stations along the way to help with planning your trip.

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