Family picnic day

Event details

Events and Exhibitions

Date & time

9 May 2026

Saturday
10:30 am to 1:30 pm

Location

National Archives of Australia
National Office
Kings Avenue
Parkes, ACT 2600

Price

Free

Pack your picnic rug and join us at National Archives for a fun-filled day inspired by In real life: inventors, innovators and opportunists.

Bring along your favourites – think Tupperware packed to the brim, your trusty drinks cooler and all your go-to picnic treats – and settle in for a relaxed day of food, fun and fresh air.

Enjoy a game of cricket, dive into creative activities and soak up entertainment across the site – including balloon crafting, temporary tattoos, fairy floss and a sizzling BBQ.

Don’t forget to pop inside, where you can get creative with Arnott’s biscuit decorating, make your own decorative windsock and explore the exhibition celebrating iconic Aussie inventions – from the dual flush toilet to spray-on skin.

You can also enter our Brick by brick building block design competition – create your design at home and bring it along on the day for a chance to win prizes – followed by a free screening of The Lego Movie. Bookings are essential for the film screening.

It’s the perfect day out for curious minds, creative kids and anyone who loves a good picnic.