The ACT government on Wednesday published a discussion paper seeking public feedback on restricting smoking in public playgrounds and play spaces frequently used by families.

There are currently no restrictions around smoking at outdoor public playgrounds in the ACT.

Under the government's proposal, smoking would be banned within 10 metres of play equipment, such as seating or picnic tables, in public playgrounds and they would be considered smoke-free zones at all times, regardless of whether children are present.

Assistant Health Minister Meegan Fitzharris anticipated there would be strong public support for the plan.

Community consultation by the government late last year found 89 per cent supported smoke-free areas at public playgrounds.

Ms Fitzharris said second-hand smoke was particularly harmful to children because their lungs were still developing and they had a higher risk of health conditions that could be exacerbated by exposure to smoke.

"Playgrounds across Canberra are wonderful places where children can run around and have fun, and where families and friends can catch up over a barbecue or game of soccer," she said in a statement.

"We want to ensure our playgrounds are vibrant, happy places to be, and this consultation will help to determine if making them smoke-free is something people support."

She said the proposal had the dual benefit of encouraging play and an active lifestyle for all children and their carers by "providing play spaces that foster children's healthy social, physical and mental development".

Smoking is still a leading cause of preventable death and disease, which was why the government wanted to work with the community to reduce smoking rates, Ms Fitzharris said.

Smoking in designated smoke-free areas currently carry fines of up to $750.

Smoking is currently banned in all enclosed public places, such as shopping centres, cinemas, office buildings, buses, taxis, restaurants, pubs and clubs.

The ACT has the country's lowest rate of daily smokers at about 10 per cent, according to the most recent Chief Health Officer's report.

But e-cigarettes have become an emerging health issues and have the potential to "renormalise smoking, especially amongst our youth", the report said.

The government passed laws earlier this year to make it easier to declare some places smoke-free.

"Declaring new smoke-free areas are a vitally important tool to protect the health of our community," Ms Fitzharris said.

"Smoke-free zones reduce exposure to second-hand smoke and improve health outcomes in smokers and non-smokers. They play an important role in renormalising smoking in the community, which helps to prevent children and young people from taking up the habit."

From August 1, the sale of e-cigarettes and vaporisers will also be restricted. They will be banned from sale to under 18s and treated like tobacco.

The discussion paper around smoking near playgrounds and play spaces is open for community feedback under August 11. It is available online at timetotalk.act.gov.au.