21 free things to do in Auckland these holidays
It's the holiday home stretch! If you're scratching your head for activity ideas at this point, don't worry, we've got your back. Check out our 21 free things to do in Auckland these holidays for some fresh inspo.
Stroll around Western Springs
Pack the pram or the backpack and head to Western Springs! The track around the lake is a good length for little legs, scooters and bikes with an awesome playground stop in the middle.
There are lots of shady trees throughout the park to set up a picnic and stay awhile. Take a look at the eels under the bridges and bring some oats or peas to feed the birds too (although be mindful of the birds on the western side of the lake as they can be a bit bolshy!)
Visit a splash pad
Auckland has two splash pads you can visit for free! Check out Potters Park in Central Auckland, or the one outside the Lloyd Elsmore Leisure Centre in East Auckland.
Check out Auckland Botanic Gardens
The Botanic Gardens are awesome and have kids events scattered through the holidays, like a silent disco on Saturday 17 January. They also have a range of kids self-guided discovery adventures to print at home and take with you.
Take a drive to Cascade Kauri Regional Park
There's lots of walking tracks in the Northern section of the Waitākere Ranges, and there are shorter walks suitable for kids on the Te Piringa (Auckland City Walk). The lower section is completely pram-friendly too!
Find a new playground
Visit a playground you haven't been to before! Lots have been upgraded over the last year, and we'd recommend Shepherd's Park in Beach Haven now the shade sails are up! You can find some other shady options in our blog post here, otherwise check out the 'Good Shade' filter in the Roam with Kids app.
Marlborough Park is great for toddlers!
Visit Ambury Farm
Take a visit to Ambury Farm in Ambury Park. Some of the lambs are still about, the horses love a pat, and the goats love eating grass from your hands. If you manage to catch a ranger at the right time, you might even be able to nab some sheep pellets to give the sheep a snack. The park has public barbeques and shady places for a picnic, as well as toilets so you can plan to stay awhile!
Check out Sanders Reserve in Paremoremo
The reserve has a great scenic walking track suitable for prams and little legs, plus a kids’ pump track (and bigger mountain biking tracks), and a playground. Take a shady break at the visitor centre area for a picnic!
Visit your local library
Most libraries have a great kids area with toys, games and school holiday activities, and they're a bonus being indoors during super hot or rainy days. Some extra-cool ones include Takanini (with a slide inside), Te Atatu Peninsula (a great toddler playground outside) and Te Manawa (a huge kids section including a play kitchen).
Do the Myths and Legends summer trail at Cornwall Park
Spend part (or all of!) of the day at Cornwall Park. Climb to the summit, visit the playground or check out their Myths and Legends Summer Trail to learn stories about trees from around the world.
Visit a school pool for a free swim during the holidays!
Avondale Intermediate, Green Bay Primary and Blockhouse Bay Primary are all hosting swim sessions with lifeguards operating for most days during the holidays.
Try a new walk
There are some great walks that are pram-friendly and manageable for little legs. Our favourites are Smiths Bush in Northcote, Mt Eden Summit Walk and the Panmure Basin.
Learn to kayak
Auckland Council is hosting hour-long free kayaking sessions all across Auckland these holidays. Book your spot and pack a picnic!
Adventurous Nature Play
There are many free nature play activities throughout the holidays. Check out Barefooted NZ for Adventurous Nature Play and Nurture in Nature sessions.
Free gymnastics sessions
Howick Gymnastics Club is hosting free sessions in East Auckland through the break! Great for kids with energy to burn, and for practicing balancing, jumping and other coordination skills.
Takapuna Beach Summer Days Festival
Head over to Takapuna on Saturday 24 January for music, food, activities, bouncy castles and games!
Auckland Live Summer in the Square
Head into the city and check out the haps in Aotea Square. They have everything from cultural performances to pro-wrestling spectacles.
North Head tunnels
Head along to Devonport and explore the North Head tunnels! Don't forget to take a torch, and closed-toe shoes are best for this activity. You can take as little or as long as you like, and it's easy to tack on other adventures like walking around the whole of North Head, taking a stroll to the beach or checking out the navy museum.
Go to the beach
Auckland has so many great beaches to choose from with rock pools to explore, great spots to swim and treasures to be found on the waterline. Don't forget to pack a picnic and you can spend hours there!
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Explore a new neighbourhood
If you're passing through somewhere that looks interesting, stop and take a look around! If you're stuck for ideas, check out what's close to you in the Roam with Kids app.
Head to the museum
If it's just too hot and you need some air conditioning, check out the Auckland Museum. Weird and Wonderful is always a hit and guaranteed to keep the kids entertained for a while! Or, why not check out one of the other museums in Auckland - we love the Navy Museum & Maritime Museum!
Go to a market
Auckland has so many great markets! While they're not our typical type of recommendation, sometimes it's okay to do what you want and drag the kids along for the ride! Check out Britomart Markets, Smales Farm, Catalina Bay and Grey Lynn (there's a playground!)
