Katy RosserPlanning a fun and memorable family day doesn’t have to be stressful, especially if you live in Auckland where there’s an expansive range of exciting things you can do with your kids.
Check out these fun and epic activities to do with your kids, and plan out your family’s best family day to date! Whether your kids love a slow day at the farm or a thrilling adventure in the waters, we have something for you!
- Ride exhilarating rides at Rainbow's End
- Experience farm life at Kiwi Valley Farm Park and Maze
- Get a panoramic view of the city at Sky Tower
- Say hello to animals at Auckland Zoo
- Hang out with sharks and penguins at SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium
- Get close to butterflies and crocodiles at Butterfly Creek
- Go snow tubing at Snowplanet
- Catch a live show at Whoa! Studios
- Hop on a heritage tram at Museum of Transport and Technology
- Check out cool artworks at Silo Park
- Engage in a multi-sensory adventure at Odyssey Sensory Maze Auckland
- Raft through the waters at Vector Wero Whitewater Park
- Hit the greens at Holey Moley Golf Club Auckland
- Explore space at Stardome Observatory And Planetarium
- Challenge your kids at Tree Adventures
Ride exhilarating rides at Rainbow’s End
Address: 2 Clist Crescent, Manukau City Centre, Auckland 2104, New Zealand
Website: https://rainbowsend.co.nz/
Contact details: +64 9 262 2030
Operating hours:
Monday: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Tuesday to Thursday: Closed
Friday: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Superpass Tickets (Unlimited Parkwide riding): $69.99 for anyone aged 14 and above; $61.99 for kids aged 2 to 13 years; $35 for Senior Citizens
Kidz Kingdom Pass (For kids under 8 only): $48.99
Spectator: $19.99
Rainbow’s End, offering a wide array of rides and attractions for kids of all ages, is one of the best family-friendly destinations in Auckland. Adrenaline junkies will especially love the park’s exhilarating rides you can’t find elsewhere in the city!
With over 20 rides and attractions, the theme park stands as New Zealand’s largest theme park. From the thrilling Corkscrew Coaster to the park’s scariest ride, Stratosfear, the park offers an unforgettable experience for every family member.
Younger kids also have a plethora of rides and attractions that won’t leave them crying from fear. The park has a carousel, car wash convoy, flying magic bikes, indoor playground, mini drop tower, and so much more!
| Pro Tip: You can get family rates on the tickets ($5 cheaper) if you buy a mix of 4 or more adult and child Superpasses. If you’re having group tours with other families, there are discounted group rates, but you should book in advance to avail of them. |
Experience farm life at Kiwi Valley Farm Park and Maze
Address: 308 Henderson Valley Road, Henderson Valley, Auckland 0612, New Zealand
Website: https://www.kiwivalley.co.nz/
Contact details: +64 9 837 2952, [email protected]
Operating hours: Wednesday to Sunday: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Admission fee:
Adult (15 years and above) – $18
Children (5 to 14 years old) – $ 15
Pre – School (18 months to 4 years old) – $12
Under 18 months – Free
Senior Citizens and Uni Students – $12
IHC – $12 (+1 person free of charge)
Community Services Card Holder – $10
Family Pass – $70 for 5 people; $55 for 4 people
Kiwi Valley Farm in Henderson Valley is your best option if your kids want to try farm life. The farm lets kids hold and cuddle the baby animals in their shed, so prepare to take some cute videos and hear some giggles!
For a true farm experience, you and your kids can even go on a tractor ride and catch a glimpse of Rangitoto Island and some more animals! If that’s not fun enough, you can also ride a horse or pony, feed the farm animals you pass by, and play on the sandpit!
The farm also has a maze you and your kids can explore and escape together and a playground perfect to spend the rest of the day in. When you get hungry, head over to the farm’s cafe and enjoy a hearty meal.
| Pro Tip: The farm has a barnyard birthday package you can check out if your kid’s birthday is coming up. The package gives every kid attendee a chance to experience everything the farm has to offer plus a free entry voucher for them to come back! |
Get a panoramic view of the city at Sky Tower
Address: Victoria Street West, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Website: https://www.skycityauckland.co.nz/attractions/sky-tower/
Contact details: +64 9 363 6000, 0800 759 2489
Operating hours:
Monday to Thursday: 9:30 AM to 8:00 PM
Friday to Sunday: 9:30 AM to 10:00 PM
Admission fee (tickets for other attractions are a separate fee):
Adults (15 years and above): $37 online; $42 on the counter
Children aged 3 to 14 years old: $18 online; $20 on the counter
Children aged 2 years and under: Free
Family Pack (2 Adults and up to 2 children): $90 online; $109 on the counter
Probably the most iconic landmark of Auckland, the Sky Tower is a must-visit for everyone touring the city or looking for something to do during holidays. Standing 328 metres high, the tower is the best place to get a panoramic view of the city.
If you have a 10-year-old or older who’s brave enough to walk around the outside ring of the tower! If that proves to be too much for your little buddy, encourage them to just try the SkySlide, where they can have a VR tour of the entire tower.
Finish the day off with a dinner at the Orbit, which rotates once every hour to give diners a 360-degree view of the city. The menu has a separate kids menu packed with some tasty mains and desserts.
| Pro Tip: Try the SkyCity Triple Combo, a ticket package that includes access to Sky Tower, Wētā Workshop Unleashed and All Blacks Experience, for a more fun and jam-packed family day. |
Say hello to animals at Auckland Zoo
Address: Motions Rd, Western Springs, Auckland 1022, New Zealand
Website: http://www.aucklandzoo.co.nz/
Contact details: +64 9 360 3805, [email protected]
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Admission fee:
Adult: $29 on weekends and holidays; $24 pre-booked ticket on weekends and holidays; $19 pre-booked weekdays
Child (4 to 14 years old): $16.50 on weekends and holidays; $14 pre-booked ticket on weekends and holidays; $11 pre-booked weekdays
Seniors and Students: $12 on weekends and holidays; $20 pre-booked ticket on weekends and holidays; $16.50 pre-booked weekdays
Non-Auckland residents: $35/adult and $29/child on weekends and holidays; $29/adult and $16.50/child on weekdays
Non-Auckland/International Seniors and Students: $29 on weekends and holidays; $24 on weekdays
Kids have an unexplainable fascination with animals, making a trip to the Auckland Zoo one of the best ways to make kids happy. Housing over 130 species and over 2,800 animals, the zoo will provide kids a chance to get up close and personal with animals!
The zoo is divided into six sections: Asian Elephants, African Safari Track, South East Asia Jungle Track, Australia Bush Track, South America Rainforest Track, and the Te Wo Nui. Each gives visitors a glimpse of the wildlife of various parts of the world.
The best part about Auckland Zoo is that kids not only get to observe the animals but also interact with them. They can take photos with the giraffes, fly barn owls, enter the tortoise habitat, feed red pandas, and so much more!
| Pro Tip: There’s a cafe inside the zoo, but the food isn’t cheap. Many of the visitors bring their own packed lunch, so don’t be shy about bringing your own and taking advantage of the zoo’s picnic areas. |
Hang out with sharks and penguins at SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium
Address: 23 Tamaki Drive, Orakei, Auckland 1071, New Zealand
Website: https://www.visitsealife.com/auckland/
Contact details: [email protected]
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Admission fee:
Adult (16 and above): $36 for pre-booked weekday tickets; $45 on the day, school holidays, and weekends; $47 for high-demand pricing
Child (3 to 15 years old): $25.60 for pre-booked weekday tickets; $36 on the day, school holidays, and weekends; $34 for high-demand pricing
Senior Citizen or Student: $28.80 for pre-booked weekday tickets; $32 on the day, school holidays, and weekends; $38 for high-demand pricing
Under 3: Free
Discover the beautiful and mystical underwater world with your kids at SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s. The aquarium is home to various marine animals, from cute jellyfish to huge sharks, giving kids the chance to witness what ocean life is like.
SEA LIFE has two tanks on its 110-metre acrylic tunnel that holds over 2,000 animals. The first tank is a predator tank that’s filled with various shark species, while the second one contains colourful fishes, including blue tang fish or Dory from Finding Nemo!
The Scott’s Hut, a replica of Captain Robert Falcon Scott’s base in the Antarctic, is another must-visit attraction in the aquarium. From here, you can head over to the Antarctic Ice Adventure, where you’ll find various species of penguins.
| Pro Tip: The aquarium is located underground and has limited space, so there are no cafes or restaurants where you can buy food. Make sure to bring drinks and snacks for your kids, as they may get hungry while exploring the place. |
Get close to butterflies and crocodiles at Butterfly Creek
Address: 10 Tom Pearce Drive, Auckland Airport, Auckland 2022, New Zealand
Website: http://www.butterflycreek.co.nz/
Contact details: +64 9 275 8880, [email protected]
Operating hours: Wednesday to Sunday: 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Admission fee:
Adults (16 and above): $32
Child (3 to 15 years old): $16
Under 3: Free
Senior Citizens and Students: $25
Family Pass (2 adults and 2 children): $85
Another fantastic place to visit for families with animal-obsessed kids is Butterfly Creek. If you think the place only has butterflies, then you’re in for a surprise because the park offers so much more than just its temperature-controlled Butterfly House!
The park is home to various animals, including crocodiles, meerkats, cotton-top tamarins, otters, cape porcupines, emperor tamarins, kiwis, eels, and so much more. Kids can even go on an encounter with the park’s animals!
If your kids are crazy about dinosaurs, Butterfly Creek has lots of huge, life-size animatronic dinosaurs in its Dinosaur Kingdom that they can explore. Expect to find Triceratops, T-Rex, Velociraptor, and the 24-metre tall Diplodocus when you visit!
| Pro Tip: Outside food is not allowed inside the creek, so don’t bother bringing packed lunch with you. There’s an indoor cafe where you can eat with your family. |
Go snow tubing at Snowplanet
Address: 91 Small Road, Silverdale 0932, New Zealand
Website: https://snowplanet.co.nz/
Contact details: +64 (9) 427 0044, [email protected]
Operating hours: Monday and Tuesday: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
1 hour Winter Wonderland pass: $38 for everyone aged 6 and above; $20 for kids aged 5 and under; free for kids under 2
Additional 1 hour: $18 for everyone aged 6 and above; $13 for 1 hour kids aged 5 and under
Spectator/non-participating adult supervisor: $11
Child/student snow pass for skiing and snowboarding: $47 to $80 for 2 hours; $53 to $86 for 4 hours; $66 to $100 for full day; $14 to $16 for every extra hour
Adult snow pass for skiing and snowboarding: $62 to $100 for 2 hours; $66 to $108 for 4 hours; $91 to $135 for full day; $14 to $16 for every extra hour
Snowplanet isn’t exactly located in Auckland, but it’s just a 20-minute drive away, and the place is absolutely worth every metre you’ll travel! This indoor snow centre will give you a memorable winter retreat, even if we’re in the middle of the summer heat!
The place’s Winter Wonderland allows visitors to go tubing on its 70-metre ski mat with no special skill required! You won’t even need to bring your own jacket, gloves, and boots as they can all be rented from the centre.
If you’re up for a more thrilling experience, try skiing or snowboarding! Snowplanet has slopes for everyone, whatever your skill level may be, so go grab your skis or snowboard and glide down the snow!
| Pro Tip: Snowplanet offers skiing and snowboarding lessons. If you’re interested in enrolling, phone +64 9 427 0044 or email them at [email protected] for more information. |
Catch a live show at Whoa! Studios
Address: 8/14 Henderson Valley Road, Henderson, Auckland 0612, New Zealand
Website: https://whoastudios.co.nz/
Contact details: +64 9 838 4553, [email protected]
Operating hours: Thursday to Sunday: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Admission fee for the playground:
$7.50 per child on weekends and school holidays
$5 per child on weekdays, excluding school holidays
Free for kids aged 3 and under if they have paid sibling
Admission fee for shows: Depends on the show
Whoa! Studios hosts various creative live musicals and puppetry shows for the whole family and is one of the coolest places to go to with your kids in Auckland. With a list of regularly changing shows, the studio lives up to its mission of delivering a million smiles!
The fun at the studio, though, doesn’t just end with its amazing performances! It has an urban playground with various attractions, like a rocket ship, an inflatable obstacle castle, pirate ships, and the only crochet adventure play net in New Zealand!
Whoa! Studios is also home to The Grounds, a fun restaurant serving delicious food. It has an extensive kids’ menu to ensure the kids are recharged after watching a show or a long day of playing at the playground.
| Pro Tip: The Whoa Performing Arts Trust holds puppetry workshops during holidays for kids who are interested in the art. If you want to enrol your kids in the workshop, just head over to their website and register there. |
Hop on a heritage tram at Museum of Transport and Technology
Address: 805 Great North Road, Western Springs, Auckland 1022, New Zealand
Website: https://www.motat.nz/
Contact details: 0800 668 2869, +64 9 815 5800
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Admission fee:
Adult: $19
Child (5 to 15 years old) $10
Under 5: Free
Family Pass (2 adults and up to 4 kids): $45
Students with NZ Student ID: $10
Overseas Senior Citizens: $10
SuperGold Card Holders: Free
The Museum of Transport and Technology, or MOTAT, offers visitors a look back to the past. With an impressive collection of over 300,000 items, this museum is a treasure trove for kids with curious minds.
From old cars to vintage technologies, MOTAT showcases the evolution of various human innovations. Some exhibits are also more interactive, like the Kaihanga Pūrere, where budding engineers can design and make their own machines.
While in the museum, hop aboard one of MOTAT’s heritage trams for a free ride! The journey from the MOTAT Green North Road to the MOTAT Motions Road – Aviation Hall will leave your kids feeling like explorers from the past.
| Pro Tip: If you liked your visit to the MOTAT, consider availing of MOTAT Mates family membership. It’s just $95 for one year and comes with unlimited entry to the museum, access to the 12 annual LIVE Days, themed weekend activities, and more. |
Check out cool artworks at Silo Park
Address: Corner Beaumont Street and Jellicoe, Jellicoe Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Website: https://www.silopark.co.nz/
Contact details: [email protected]
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Admission fee: Free
For those looking for free things to do with their kids in Auckland, there’s no better recommendation than spending time in Silo Park. The former cement storage is now a popular destination containing a playground and exhibition space.
Scattered throughout the park are various playground facilities, like balance beams, liquid pipes, and swings, waiting to be explored by little kids. But the real magic of the park lies within the six silos that contain amazing art pieces.
If you’re lucky, you might be able to enjoy an outdoor movie night for free with your family! Movies are sometimes projected onto the silos, so bring some popcorn and snacks!
| Pro Tip: The park is just an 18-minute walk from the Viaduct Harbour, so you can visit it after having lunch at one of the restaurants there. |
Engage in a multi-sensory adventure at Odyssey Sensory Maze Auckland
Address: Lower Basement Metro Centre 291/297 Queen Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Website: https://www.odysseum.co.nz/
Contact details: [email protected]
Operating hours:
Monday to Thursday: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Friday and Saturday: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Admission fee:
Adult: $32 for single entry; $39 for 1 hour entry + goggles
Child (3 to 12 years old): $25 for single entry; $32 for 1-hour entry + goggles
Student: $29 for single entry; $36 for 1 hour entry + goggles
Take your little ones on a unique adventure at Odyssey Sensory Maze in Queen Street. This one-of-a-kind maze will stimulate all five senses with its interactive features and surprising twists around every corner.
While going through the maze, you’ll encounter different sensory effects, like sounds, scents, and lighting, that can make escaping it more fun. The rooms are dark and stimulating, so the maze is usually only recommended for kids aged 8 and above.
The average time to complete the maze is only 20 minutes, but some kids may want to linger more to fully immerse themselves in this sensory wonderland. Don’t worry, though, because there’s no time limit for every entry.
| Pro Tip: Consider buying the 1-hour entry pass to have unlimited entry to the maze. The single entry is usually too short, and the kids may want to reenter after one try. |
Raft through the waters at Vector Wero Whitewater Park
Address: 770 Great South Road, Wiri, Auckland 2104, New Zealand
Website: http://www.wero.org.nz/
Contact details: +64 9 913 5251
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Rafting Pass: $60 for Tamariki River ($49 if aged 5 to 13); $109 for River Rush
Inflatable Kayaking: $70
Kayaking Passes: $18 to $30 for Tamariki River; $25 to $45 for River Rush
You and your kids no longer need to travel to the countryside just to experience rafting, kayaking, and other flatwater activities! Vector Wero Whitewater Park is a man-made water park in Auckland offering all of these.
The Tamariki River offers a gentle grade 1 to 2 course, perfect for rafting with kids as young as 5 years old. Older kids who want something more thrilling can try advanced rafting at Rush River, where they can experience a 4.5-metre waterfall drop.
The park also boasts a 9,000 square metres man-made lake where you can try flatwater kayaking or giant stand-up paddle boarding. Flatwater kayaking, though, is limited for kids aged 8 and above.
| Pro Tip: If you have four people who want to try rafting, there’s a Tamariki Family Rafting Package that only costs $180. It can be availed by 4 children or a mix of 1 to 2 adults and 1 to 2 kids. If you want to try both rafting and kayaking, opt for the Tamariki Exclusive Raft + Kayak or SUP Combo, which is only $390. Every raft for this pass can accommodate up to 7 people. |
Hit the greens at Holey Moley Golf Club Auckland
Address: 204 Quay Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Website: https://www.holeymoley.co.nz/locations/auckland/
Contact details:
Operating hours:
Monday: 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Wednesday and Thursday: 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Friday and Saturday: 12:00 PM to 1:00 AM
Sunday: 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Admission fee:
9-Holes: $17 from Monday to Wednesday; $30 from Thursday to Sunday; $12 for kids and students; $10 for PWD
18-Holes: $30 from Monday to Wednesday; $32 from Thursday to Sunday
Holey Moley in Quay Street is a quirky mini golf course offering families a fun, full indoor golfing experience. It has both 9-hole and 18-hole courses, though the 9-hole one is a lot more suitable for families playing with young kids.
The 9-hole course has quirky designs inspired by various shows, including The Simpsons, ET, and Lord of the Rings, making it more interesting for the kids playing. The holes are placed strategically to make the game more exciting for the players!
Parents can enjoy some good cocktails and mocktails from Hole Moley’s licensed bar. If the kids get hungry, the bar can serve you amazing burgers, pizzas, tacos, chicken bites, and more.
| Pro Tip: Book in advance online! Although they accept walk-ins, it’s pretty limited, and you might not be able to enter if they’re packed. |
Explore space at Stardome Observatory And Planetarium
Address: 670 Manukau Road, Epsom, Auckland 1345, New Zealand
Website: http://www.stardome.org.nz/
Contact details: +64 9 624 1246, [email protected]
Operating hours:
Monday: 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Tuesday to Sunday: 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM; 6:00 PM to 10:30 PM
Space Gallery and Exhibits admission fee: $5 (free for kids under 3 years old)
Evening Planetarium show admission fee: $18 for adults; $15 for kids aged 3 to 5 years, students, and senior citizens; $60 for family pass (2 adults and 3 kids)
Day Planetarium show admission fee: $15 for adults; $12 for kids aged 3 to 5 years, students, and senior citizens; $50 for family pass (2 adults and 3 kids)
Stardome Observatory and Planetarium provides an epic galactic experience for little explorers and budding astronauts. Its range of live planetarium shows will transport kids to space and teach them everything they need to know about stars and planets.
One of its shows, Our Sky Tonight, takes kids on guided tours of the stars and constellations that we often see above Auckland. The 360-degree planetarium uses advanced technology to keep the show hyper-realistic for the kids.
If the weather permits, you and your kids can also peek through the powerful Zeiss telescope and get a glimpse of the beautiful night sky. If it’s too cloudy, you can explore the interactive Space Gallery in the planetarium instead.
| Pro Tip: Arrive early to be able to choose your seats. The seats near the back of the planetarium are the best, so make sure to sit there if there’s still space. |
Challenge your kids at Tree Adventures
Address: Woodhill Forest 0842, New Zealand
Website: http://www.treeadventures.co.nz/
Contact details: 0800 827 926, [email protected]
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Admission fee:
Tree Huggin’: $28
Monkey’ N Around: $47
Branching Out: $49
High Flyer: $54
Tarzan’s Test: $456
With adventures designed for kids as young as 5 years old, Tree Adventures is a fun place to spend a day with your family. Surrounded by trees and obstacles, it’s basically a paradise for kiddos who love climbing things.
Obstacles include high-wire courses, zip lines, hanging logs, platform leaps, tree surfing, and a lot more! The Tree Huggin’ is only 3 metres high as it’s made for young kids, but the Tarzan’s Test is as high as 14 metres, perfect for daring, older kids.
Tree Adventures is open seven days a week, but booking is required for each day. The park, especially during weekends, can get busy, so there’s no guarantee you’ll be able to enter unless you book beforehand.
| Pro Tip: Make sure your kids are wearing closed shoes because they won’t be allowed to play if not. It’s also best to dress them with something comfortable, taking the weather into consideration, since they’ll be moving around a lot. |
