Looking for fun things to do with the kids? Whether you're looking for indoor or outdoor activities or are after something educational, nature-filled, or active, we've rounded up 10 activities in and around Auckland that families with kids can enjoy.
1. Burn some energy at Jump indoor trampoline park
Does jumping off all the furniture at home sound like something your kids love to do? Save the furniture and take them to New Zealand’s indoor Trampoline Park JUMP NZ. There are endless activities and games to play at JUMP. Play a dodgeball game or battle with soft jousting sticks, fly through the air like Michael Jordan or show off some of your best moves on the trampolines. There is so much fun to have!
2. Family fun at Auckland Zoo
Kids love animals, so why not get them out of the house by taking them on a day trip to Auckland Zoo where they can meet hundreds of animals including tigers, orangutans, giraffes, penguins, and more. From special events to free and fun keeper talks, and behind-the-scenes experiences, there is lots to see and do for the whole family. Nothing beats the zoo for a fun and educational day out!
3. Hop on Ted Ashby at New Zealand Maritime Museum
Visit the New Zealand Maritime Museum to learn more about Aotearoa's maritime history and set sail aboard heritage vessel Ted Ashby for an hour-long cruise on Auckland's Waitematā Harbour. The kids will love helping hoist the sails, while you can sit back and enjoy views of the city skyline and harbour bridge.
4. Check out the All-Blacks experience and Weta Workshop Unleashed
Hear from players, put your skills to the test, and find out if you have what it takes to be an All Black. At the All-Blacks Experience, you can learn about our national team's journey from inception to glory. If horror and sci-fi are more your jam, join the Weta Workshop crew on a guided tour of three original film projects. Explore the worlds of horror, science fiction, and fantasy while navigating enchanting environments, perplexing displays, and interactive technologies.
5. Eat at Auckland Night Markets
Immerse yourself in a delicious selection of cuisines from all over the world at the Auckland Night Markets. Spread across six different locations in Auckland, the markets are free, but make sure to bring some cash to sample all your favourite foods and discover new ones! It is a great night out for the whole family and for anyone who wants to experience food from other cultures, hear live music, and watch buskers perform.
6. Watch a movie at Academy Cinemas, central Auckland
All movies at Academy Cinemas are $5 per film per person on Wednesday. Keep an eye on their website as the $5 Wednesday schedule is uploaded a week in advance. It is a fantastic opportunity to watch multiple films in one day and enjoy great deals on the bar too. Booking online is recommended.
7. Check out Te Matatini Festival
Come and join thousands of passionate Kapa Haka enthusiasts and performers this February for an unforgettable Māori cultural celebration at Eden Park Stadium. There will be music, performances, a vibrant food market and much more to see. Get your tickets now. If you're in the city centre, head to Aotea Square for Auckland Live Summer in the Square and be treated to a collection of highlights from the top 9 performances of Kapa Hapa in 2019, live on the big screen.
8. Pack a picnic and head to Long Bay Regional Park
With a kilometre-long sandy beach, a marine reserve, green hills, and flat grassy areas with large trees for shade, it is a fantastic location for a picnic. There is plenty of space to play with a ball, fly a kite, or just unwind in the sunshine. There are free barbecues scattered throughout the park, toilets, and free parking. The perfect family friendly picnic spot!
9. Eat all the ice cream
There are so many places in Auckland to indulge in delicious ice cream, whether you want something fresh and fruity in a scoop or rich and chocolatey in a cone. If you are looking for a classic scoop, Island Gelato's Chocolate Rich is delicious. Summer would not be complete without a stroll along Mission Bay, followed by a raspberry and strawberry sorbet from Movenpick. If you think regular ice cream is boring, go to Giapo for something a little more unique. The Dark Chocolate Colossal Squid Cone is a must-try. More ice cream options here.
10. Hire a bike and cycle around Auckland
See the city on two wheels with Next Bike. Pick up a bike, hit the road, and do your own exploring of the city at just $4 for one hour. If your rental time is longer than five hours, you will only be charged a maximum of $20 for the day. There are plenty of cycling tracks in Auckland to explore.