ten things to do in auckland these school holidays (that you probably haven’t done before!)

Feeling daunted about the school holidays? We've got your back with tons of ideas for new places to visit, and things to see and do for your whole family. 

 
TEN THINGS TO DO in auckland THESE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS: 

1. Last chance for We The Young Festival
📍 Aotea Centre, Auckland Town Hall, Aotea Square - Central City
📅 Until 28 September 

This massive arts festival is your last chance for creative chaos! There's something for every age from 6 months to 16 years. Check out Paper Planet - a magical forest made entirely of paper where kids can add their own touches. Catch youth theatre, speed-painting battles, stand-up comedy finals, and the 95bFM Kids Show Live. The free programme includes the fully accessible Imaginarium, multilingual storytelling, and heaps of activities in Aotea Square. More information here. 

2. Dinosaurs at Auckland Zoo
📍 Western Springs
📅 Daily 10am-4pm, until 31 October 

If you haven't already checked out the Dinosaur Discovery Track at Auckland Zoo, it features 25 life-sized dinosaurs that move, roar, and some even spit water. Whether it's your first or fifth visit, this immersive experience beats any documentary. Don't wait - these prehistoric legends are only around until 31 October!  More information here. 

3. Brick Bay Sculpture Trail (Kids walk FREE!)
📍 Matakana
📅 Open daily from 10am 

This stunning 2km trail through native bush and pastures showcases over 60 sculptures. From 22 Sept to 3 Oct, up to three kids walk free per paying adult on weekdays (adults $18). Off-road strollers are manageable (but there are a few stairs you’ll need to carry it up). Kids get activity maps to keep them engaged, and you'll discover incredible artworks tucked into the landscape. After your cultural adventure, grab lunch at the Glass House (they have a playground!) or explore Matakana township. More information here. 

4. Try a new indoor playground
📍 My Wonderland, Albany 9.30am-5.00pm 

📍Adventure Alley, Rosedale 9.30-4.00pm 

When Auckland's spring weather decides to be dramatic, indoor playgrounds are your salvation! They're bright, welcoming and guaranteed to exhaust energetic kids. My Wonderland and Adventure Alley are our favourites, and they have exclusive offers for Roam app users! You can get discounted entry and free hot drinks, just show the offer in your Roam app. They have plenty for toddlers, plus epic climbing structures and slides for bigger kids. Pack socks, grab a coffee, and enjoy drinking it while it's hot as they burn off energy. 

5. Kid-approved bush walks
📍 Various locations - Smiths Bush (Northcote), Centennial Park (Campbells Bay), Cascade Kauri, Hunua Falls
📅 Daylight hours 

Get the family outdoors without the usual whinging! Smiths Bush in Northcote and Centennial Park in Campbells Bay are toddler approved winners - easy walks with heaps of nature to feel like an adventure. Want something more challenging? Try Cascade Kauri (warning: it's pram-friendly but definitely not flat!) or make the drive to Hunua Falls for a proper outing. These walks are short enough to keep kids happy but long enough to feel like you've achieved something.  

6. Climb a volcano
📍 Mt Eden or Rangitoto Island
📅 Daylight hours 

Auckland's volcanic landscape is perfect for family adventures! For a quick half-day mission, Mt Eden is your suburban peak - you can drive most of the way up, then it's a short walk to epic 360-degree city views. Feeling more adventurous? Make it a full day with the ferry to Rangitoto Island - the summit track isn't pram-friendly, but the views are absolutely worth it. Not into steep climbs? Try the coastal bush track on Motutapu instead (also not pram friendly, but easier on the legs). 

7. Night at Auckland Museum
📍 Auckland Museum, Parnell
📅 Thursday 25 September – Thursday 2 October, bookings essential 

Transform your kids into after-dark explorers! "Night at the Museum: Superstars" turns the museum into an interactive hall of fame where kids discover what it takes to become superstar legends. Armed with your own torch (BYO - they don't provide them), you'll get to explore galleries, meet characters, and uncover secrets. Perfect for ages 6-12, though under 3s get in free. The interactive activities and surprises throughout make it feel like a proper adventure rather than just another museum visit. Book ahead - these sessions are super popular during school holidays. 

8. Spot spring lambs
📍 Cornwall Park (One Tree Hill), Ambury Farm (Mangere)
📅 Daily, daylight hours 

Spring means baby animal overload, and these spots deliver the cuteness! Cornwall Park is great for a lazy family stroll - the walk around Maungakiekie/One Tree Hill is completely pram-friendly, with lambs and calves to spot as you go. 

For a more hands-on experience, head to Ambury Farm where you can get up close and personal with some of the animals. Their orphan lambs are in the process of weaning, but there should still be a chance to bottle feed them at 12pm during the first week of the holidays (no promises for the second week though!)

9. Epic new playground adventures 

Auckland has seen some awesome destination playground upgrades over the past year, there's bound to be one near you, but if not, why not jump in the car and make a day of it! Our current hot list is: 

📍 Hayman Park Playground, Manukau
This playground features the tallest playground tower in Auckland. There's a wicked pump track, skatepark, sandpit for toddlers, flying fox, and loads of natural elements for risky play. The park itself is gorgeous to wander around with something for every age and play style. Facilities include toilets, but parking gets tricky so arrive early. Trust us, it's worth the trip - there's seriously so much to do here! 

📍 Kaipātiki Reserve Playground, Parakai
This awesome new playground just opened in July 2024 and incorporates māra hūpara (traditional Māori play elements) alongside modern equipment. You'll find a basketball court, BBQ facilities, and picnic areas perfect for family gatherings. It's also right next to Parakai hot springs, so you can easily make it a full day out.

📍 Kopupaka Reserve Playground, Westgate
Big slides and climbing structures keep older kids busy, while mini-trampolines, tunnels, and swings are perfect for younger ones. There's even an adult workout section if you want to get your sweat on too! The water play area and sandpit are huge hits (bring spare clothes), and facilities are pretty good with BBQs, water fountains, and toilets. It's well-designed with different zones for different ages, making it easy for families with kids of various stages to all have fun together. 

10. Special events around Auckland 

There’s plenty of events happening over the holidays to keep the kids entertained. Here’s some of our top picks you mightn’t have seen yet!

North - N0ughty Wasters Outdoor Session
📍 Resource Recovery Devonport
📅 Sunday 21 Sept, 9:30am-12:30pm
Build treehouses and massive creations from junk destined for landfill! This creative family session lets you and the kids use real tools in their outdoor makerspace. It's hands-on, messy, and brilliant for kids who love building stuff. Free but bookings essential. 

Central - Japanese Moon Festival  
📍 Waterview Hub
📅 Wednesday 24 Sept, 10am-11am
Celebrate with rabbit-themed crafts, songs, and stories! Kids create jumping rabbits to take home in this cultural celebration. Perfect for little ones who love craft activities and learning about different traditions. 

South - Tiny Terrariums
📍 Auckland Botanic Gardens
📅 Friday 26 Sept, 10am-12pm
Create fairy tale-inspired mini gardens in jars! This hands-on workshop lets kids build their own terrarium to take home and nurture. No bookings needed but limited to the first 50 kids - get there early! 

West - Little Roamies Nature Play
📍 Moire Park, West Auckland
📅 Monday 29 Sept, 10am-12pm
Our final nature play session with Barefooted NZ is geared toward 0-5 year olds but all ages are welcome! Expect nature art, sensory stations, slack lines, and swings. Perfect for connecting little ones with the natural world through play. Get a free ticket here.

Hopefully these get you inspired and excited for some family time together over the holidays - and if you need more ideas, there are hundreds of family-friendly spots and local events to visit in the Roam with Kids app!

Don’t forget to “check in” when you go somewhere in the Roam app, as every check-in is an entry into our school holiday prize draw! Find out how to play here.