Auckland's a pretty fun place to grow up. Not only do we have world-class beaches on our doorstep and all the usual family-friendly tropes like a zoo, arcades, and a museum, there's also a host of city exclusives like our very own marine reserve to swim around, a Wonka-esque sugar factory to explore and of course, the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere (which, btw, kids over 10 can even jump off!).
As mum to a 12-year-old, I definitely know a thing or two about this subject i.e. I think I've exhausted literally every kid-friendly activity in Tāmaki Makaurau. So much so, I think my daughter is now quite content when I say we're spending the weekend at home...
So without further ado, here are my picks for the best things to do with kids in Auckland, all year round. There's only one rule: have fun.
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Jump to:
- Free Things To Do In Auckland With Kids
- Top Tier Activities For The Whole Family
- Fun Things To Do In Auckland With Kids In Winter
- Indoor Activities For A Rainy Day With Kids In Auckland
- Fun Things To Do In Auckland With Kids In Summer
- Things To Do In Auckland For Young Adults
Free Things To Do In Auckland With Kids
Auckland War Memorial Museum
Auckland Domain, Parnell, Auckland
Image credit: Auckland War Memorial Museum | Facebook
Play real-life Little Einsteins (IYKYK) with a trip to the Auckland War Memorial Museum. Checking out the resident mummy is a must, as is a thorough exploration of the Weird & Wonderful gallery. Discover even more at Auckland's top museums.
Auckland Botanic Gardens
102 Hill Road, The Gardens, Auckland
Take a stroll around the beautiful Auckland Botanic Gardens. Boasting more than 10,000 plants from across the globe (and a dedicated garden for the littlies), this sure is an incredible introduction to the world of botany. Kids love the outdoors? Here are a whole lot more parks to explore.
Auckland Art Gallery
Wellesley Street East, Auckland CBD
Wannabe Warhols will appreciate a tour of the Auckland Art Gallery. Be sure to stop by The Creative Learning Centre, where they can get their hot little hands on a variety of interactive projects. Inspired their inner artist? Check out the best art galleries in Auckland.
Donkeys At Highfield Garden Reserve
483 Mahurangi East Road, Algies Bay, Auckland
Image credit: Donkeys At Highfield Garden Reserve | Kathryn Steane
Head outta town to this sweet donkey park-cum-community garden, which has been around since the '60s and is run exclusively by volunteers (cute!). Bring along some chopped carrots and apples and you'll make fast friends of the seven-strong brood; just remember to keep those little palms flat (former farm kid here). Find out where else to see animals in Auckland.
North Head
18 Takarunga Road, Devonport, Auckland
Grab your torches (and your courage) and explore the tunnels under North Head. Don't forget a pic atop the cannons, and a pitstop at the famous Devonport Chocolates on your way home (not free, I know, but I couldn't not mention it).
Wintergardens
Auckland Domain, Parnell, Auckland
Nothing beats a walk through the Wintergardens (where else can you see carnivorous plants and giant water lilies?) followed by a picnic in the Domain either lakeside or in the rotunda, with geese, ducks, and other feathered friends for company.
Kauri Glen Reserve
15 Kauri Glen Road, Northcote, Auckland
Image credit: Kauri Glen Reserve | Kathryn Steane
This North Shore walk may be short 'and sweet, but boy is it stunning. It features a newly built 18m-high boardwalk that traverses a grove of ancient kauri (some thought to be as old as 400 years old!), affording an epic view of the forest floor below.
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Activities For The Whole Family
Wētā Workshop Unleashed
Level 5, 88 Federal Street, Auckland CBD
Image credit: Wētā Workshop Unleashed | Supplied
Blow the kids' minds with a visit to the award-winning Wētā Workshop Unleashed. A word of warning: younger kids may want to steer clear of the horror section (and maybe even some adults, too!).
World Challenge Tag
170 Ararimu Valley Road, Riverhead, Auckland
Is blood thicker than paint? No one will ever know unless you decide to play paintball on opposing teams at World Challenge Tag. These guys also offer a low-impact paintball option, which is ideal for younger family members (or just scaredy-cat adults).
Holey Moley
204 Quay Street, Auckland CBD
Putt your way to golfing glory at Holey Moley. The nine-hole course is perfect for families, with holes inspired by everything from The Simpsons and ET, to The Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones (admittedly that last one's more for the big kids). Do a tour of Auckland's best mini-golf spots.
Ti Point Reptile Park
27 Ti Point Road, Ti Point, Auckland
Image credit: Ti Point Reptile Park | Kathryn Steane
Again, this spot has been around since the '60s and boasts a menagerie of curious creatures including turtles and tortoises, American alligators, tarantulas, and some freaky deeky-looking lizards. Largely set amongst the bush with beautiful coastal views, it's like a mini Isla Nublar. Pro tip: grab a cheeky gelato from one of my all-time fave gelato stops, Charlie's Gelato, on the way home.
Matakana Country Park Market
33 Omaha Flats Road, Matakana, Auckland
Put some gas in the tank and head on up to Matakana Country Park Market on the weekend, where food trucks and other vendors await beneath beautiful overhanging maple trees. An animal park and cafe can also be found here. Make a list and seek out the best markets in Auckland.
Whoa! Studios
8/14 Henderson Valley Road, Henderson, Auckland
Get tangled up in the country's only Japanese play net (yes, it's as cool as it sounds), amongst other fun at Whoa! Studios. Adults will appreciate the on-site eatery, conceived by top chefs Ben Bayly and Mike Shatura.
Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq
Inside Westfield Newmarket, 309 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland
Image credit: Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq | Kathryn Steane Arcades never get old, and you'll find one of Auckland's best ar Archie Bros. Fine-tune those Mariokart skills, ten-pin-bowl to your heart's content, immerse yourself in VR, and have a crash or ten in the dodgems. Finish with an epic feed from their dedicated eatery (think freakshakes for the kids, and cocktails for you).
Tiritiri Matangi Island
Hauraki Gulf, Auckland
Day trip it to Tiritiri Matangi Island, one of the country's oldest island sanctuaries (and also home to an amazing lighthouse). If you're lucky, you might even see dolphins on your way there/back.
Great Escape
28 Lorne Street, Auckland CBD
Put your problem-solving skills to the test at Great Escape. Participating in one of their escape rooms will either bring your family together... or tear it apart (speaking from experience). Browse more great Auckland escape rooms.
Auckland Adventure Park
2104 East Coast Road, Silverdale, Auckland
Image credit: Auckland Adventure Park | Kathryn Steane
From self-controlled rockets and a cute carousel through to a dual zipline and daring downhill luge, Auckland Adventure Park has your family day out sorted. Keep the adrenaline pumping with a coffee and a bite to eat from the onsite cafe (just not before you try the vertical bungy, okay?).
Glenbrook Vintage Railway
Glenbrook Station Road, Waiuku, Auckland
The closest thing to a trip to Sodor aka Thomas the Tank Engine's stomping ground is a trip to Glenbrook Vintage Railway. Even better, visit at Christmas time when the whole place—trains included—is decked out with twinkling lights.
Sky Tower
Victoria Street West, Auckland CBD
There's something super cool (or absolutely terrifying, depending on where you sit) about being 328 metres in the air, overlooking the entire city. Enter the iconic Sky Tower, where you can walk across a glass floor (while gripping white-knuckled to the balustrade, of course), or take the plunge with the AJ Hackett SkyWalk or SkyJump (no, just no). Kids must be 10 or older to participate in the latter.
Fun Things To Do In Auckland With Kids In Winter
Snowplanet
91 Small Road, Silverdale, Auckland
Image credit: Snowplanet | Supplied
Can't make it to the mountain? Take the kids to Snowplanet instead. Unlike real ski slopes, this spot is open for skiing and snowboarding 365 days a year, with a whopping 8000 square metres of powder at your disposal.
Stardome Observatory And Planetarium
670 Manukau Road, Epsom, Auckland
Budding astronauts will love Stardome Observatory and Planetarium. Peer through telescopes, watch sci-fi films and check out their amazing night sky presentations.
Indoor Activities For A Rainy Day With Kids In Auckland
SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium
23 Tāmaki Drive, Ōrākei, Auckland
Image credit: SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium | Instagram
Get up close and personal with penguins, sharks, and other aquatic creatures at SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium. Be sure to pay the rockpools a visit, where you can touch real-life starfish.
Running Grid
88 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland | 3B Inverness Road, Browns Bay, Auckland | 10 Railside Avenue, Henderson, Auckland
Got some sprogs to tire out? Unleash them on the Running Grid, an interactive gaming experience that's halfway between The Floor Is Lava and Bubble manifested as a floor covered in neon tiles. Kids will work together to stamp out all the blue tiles while avoiding the red tiles before the time runs out. It's sweaty work but it's also a helluva lot of fun.
Gravity X
11/15 Railway Street, Newmarket, Auckland
Aotearoa's only indoor ski simulator and surfing centre sounds like a vibe and it absolutely is. The massively talented team of trainers at Gravity X will ensure the kids have a great time even if their surf experience is exclusively web-based and the closest they've ever been to snow is belting Let It Go at the top of their lungs. Suitable for all ages, we can't recommend this gig enough.
MOTAT (Museum of Transport and Technology)
805 Great North Road, Western Springs, Auckland
Image credit: MOTAT | Shane Parsons, Instagram
Take a step back in time at MOTAT (Museum of Transport and Technology). Famous for its heritage trams and historic buildings, as well as a slew of cool science-y stuff.
Clip ‘N Climb
Capitol Cinema Building, 610 Dominion Road, Mount Eden, Auckland | Unit 1/59 Corinthian Drive, Albany, Auckland
Make like Spiderman and spend the day scaling the walls at Clip 'N Climb. Pop a few lollies in your pocket if you think your kids might need some extra encouragement (trust me, it works).
All Blacks Experience
Level 4, 88 Federal Street, Auckland CBD
For those who dream of one day donning the black jersey, the All Blacks Experience is a must. Rumour has it that real All Blacks have even been spotted here from time to time.
Odyssey Sensory Maze
297 Queen Street, Lower Basement Level, Inside Sky World Entertainment Centre, Auckland CBD
Image credit: Odyssey Sensory Maze | Kathryn Steane
Overload their senses (and tucker them out) at the fantastic new Auckland tourist attraction, Odyssey Sensory Maze. With 19 awe-inspiring rooms including a mirror maze, ball and foam pits, the interior of an Egyptian pyramid and so much more, this is like a jacked-up old-school funhouse, only better.
BOUNCE
48 Arrenway Drive, Rosedale, Auckland | 6 Jomac Place, Avondale, Auckland | 212 Great South Road, Takanini, Auckland
Bust out your best trampoline moves or indulge in a li'l parkour at JUMP. You may even want to give your own Ninja Warrior skills a whirl.
Paradice
150 Lansford Crescent, Avondale, Auckland | 490 Ti Rakau Drive, Botany, Auckland
Strap on your ice skates and glide to your heart's content at Paradice. Or if hitting the rink isn't quite your thing, why not try your hand at a round of laser tag instead?
Things To Do In Auckland For Older Kids/Young Adults
Zoo Experiences At Auckland Zoo
Auckland Zoo, Motions Road, Western Springs, Auckland
Image credit: Red Panda Zoo Experience | Kathryn Steane
Imagine the cred your kid will have when they tell their mates they got their very own meet-and-greet with a giraffe, giant tortoise, squirrel monkey, barn owl, or in my daughter's case—a red panda. Learn all about your chosen animal from one of their knowledgeable keepers, before hand-feeding them some cheeky treats. This one's more on the spendy side, so save it for a special occasion (I took my daughter for her 12th birthday). However, tickets do include general admission to the Zoo.
Auckland Sea Kayaks
384 Tamaki Drive, St Heliers, Auckland
For chill pirate vibes, visit Auckland Sea Kayaks. They'll let you captain your own kayak for as little as an hour, which is perfect for those with a short attention span (thanks TikTok). Got the bug? Here are some excellent kayaking spots around Auckland.
Purrs & Beans
188 Hinemoa Street, Birkenhead, Auckland
Image credit: Purrs & Beans | Kathryn Steane
Nothing beats cuddles with a cat. Get your fill at Purrs & Beans, where they have a 12-strong crew of felines to get amongst along with cookies, smoothies, and coffee (because adults deserve a treat too). Up the ante by heading along to one of their exclusive movie or game nights. Note: kids must be 10 or older to enter. Can't get enough of the pats? Here are the best cat cafes around Aotearoa.
Tree Adventures
Boundary Road, Woodhill Forest, Auckland
Swing from the trees like legit monkeys at Tree Adventures. They have all your bases covered, from a Tree Huggin' course (2-3 metres above ground) for younger/less confident kiddos, through to a 14-metre-high obstacle-filled High Flying course for the older/more daring darlings out there.
Auckland Whale & Dolphin Safari
New Zealand Maritime Museum, 175 Quay Street, Viaduct Harbour, Auckland
Set sail across the Waitemata in search of marine mammals with an Auckland Whale & Dolphin Safari. Bryde’s whales and common dolphins are spotted on the reg but don't discount seals, turtles, sharks, and even manta rays. Just remind those teenage boys to leave the fishing rods at home.
Private Archery Lessons At Shore Archery Club
9 Argus Place, Wairau Valley, Auckland
Image credit: Shore Archery Club / Kathryn Steane
Hawkeye/Hunger Games fans will be in their element with a private 1.5 or two-hour archery lesson at Shore Archery Club. You'll learn all the ins and outs of this fascinating sport before getting the chance to perfect your bullseye (if I can do it, you and your kids can, too). Reach out to the Club via email to book.
Fun Things To Do In Auckland With Kids In Summer
Cape Rodney-Okakari Point Marine Reserve (Goat Island)
Leigh, Auckland
Image credit: Goat Island | Website
Go snorkelling at Cape Rodney-Okakari Point Marine Reserve (Goat Island) (or if you prefer to keep dry, opt for a paddle around in a clear kayak). Expect to see snapper, red moki, leatherjackets, banded wrasse, and if you're lucky—a stingray. Snorkel up a storm at these other great snorkelling spots.
Take A Trip To Waiheke
Waiheke Island, Auckland
Escape to beloved island hideaway Waiheke (the littlies will love the ferry over). There are plenty of games to play at Wild On Waiheke, and the chance to channel your inner Tarzan with a zipline ride above the trees at EcoZip Adventures. Finish the day off with a dip at one of the island's beautiful beaches. Check out more booze-free Waiheke adventures.
Silo Park
Corner Beaumont Street & Jellicoe Street, Auckland CBD
Take a wander 'round the waterfront and dream about owning your own superyacht. Or if that idea doesn't float your boat, visit the Silo Park playground and follow up with an ice cream from nearby Wynyard Quarter.
Kiwi Valley Farm Park
308 Henderson Valley Road, Henderson, Auckland
Image credit: Kiwi Valley Farm Park | Kathryn Steane
Cuddle baby animals, take a tractor ride, and hand-feed an entire menagerie of cuteness over at Kiwi Valley Farm Park. Think of it as a day in the countryside, without leaving the city.
Tāwharanui Ecology Trail
Takatu Road, Tāwharanui Peninsula, Auckland
Get amongst nature with a walk along the amazing Tāwharanui Ecology Trail. Taking you from beach to bush and back again, this is especially popular for its native NZ birdlife. Add these great Auckland walks to your list.
Good Planet
340 Riverhead Road, Riverhead, Auckland
Go strawberry (or raspberry, blueberry, blackberry, or boysenberry) picking at Good Planet. Follow up with a turn on their epic adventure park (ft. an inflatable obstacle course and a Zorb race track), a train ride, and a real fruit ice cream. Find more great strawberry-picking spots around Auckland.
Rangitoto Island
Hauraki Gulf, Auckland
Image credit: Rangitoto Island | Kathryn Steane
Ferry on over to Rangitoto Island aka Auckland's largest volcano where lava caves, glow worms, and amazing photo ops await. Don't forget to bring along your togs for cooling off at one of the island's two safe swimming beaches.
Rainbow's End
2 Clist Crescent, Manukau, Auckland
Get amongst rollercoasters, bumper boats, and the Fearfall, if you dare, at Rainbow's End. Don't leave without hopping aboard the iconic Log Flume.
Butterfly Creek
10 Tom Pearce Drive, Auckland Airport, Auckland
Explore a hothouse filled with exotic butterflies, check out the crocs, and then take a walk amongst (robotic) dinos at Butterfly Creek. Top tip: wear bright colours—they're the butterflies' fave.
Cornwall Park
Green Lane West, Epsom, Auckland
Image credit: Cornwall Park | Kathryn Steane
Stroll the tree-lined avenues of Cornwall Park, where springtime is especially magical thanks to an influx of daffodils and newborn lambs. The cherry blossoms are also a sight to behold from mid-September through mid-October.
Parakai Springs
50 Parkhurst Road, Parakai, Auckland
Hot pools are always a good time, especially when you throw not one but two hydro slides into the mix. You'll find all this and more at the long-standing Parakai Springs. Check out the top swimming pools in Auckland.
Kawau Island
Hauraki Gulf, Auckland
Set sail for Kawau Island, where you'll want to check out the amazing and historic Mansion House homestead. Keep your eyes peeled for peacocks and wallabies (yes, wallabies!), which were introduced to the grounds for zoo-like vibes by the infamous Governor Gray who once lived here.
Sculptureum
40 Omaha Flats Road, Matakana, Auckland
Image credit: Sculptureum | Kathryn Steane
Head north to Matakana and take a look around the art-filled gardens of Sculptureum (a pic beside the hot pink snails is a must). You can even show your kids some legit Picasso and Andy Warhol.
Muriwai Beach Horse Trek
Horse Park, Coast Road, Muriwai, Auckland
Round up your wee cowboys and cowgirls for a Muriwai Beach Horse Trek. Think of it as the Wild West (it is out west, after all) but with lush forests and black sand beaches in place of abandoned towns and tumbleweeds. Yeehaw.
Brick Bay Sculpture Trail
17 Arabella Lane, Snells Beach, Auckland
Get amongst some incredible local art at the Brick Bay Sculpture Trail. Set in a dreamy rural location, you'll wander over farmland and through the bush in search of exhibits, including several the kiddos can interact with. Grab a coffee on the way in for you, and an ice cream for the kiddos on the way out.
Chelsea Bay
100 Colonial Road, Birkenhead, Auckland
Image credit: Chelsea Bay | Kathryn Steane
Take a tour around the iconic Chelsea Bay sugar factory in a candy pink train, followed by a sweet treat at the on-site cafe. I highly recommend the lamingtons, famous for their big-as-your-face portion size.
Franklin Farm Sunflower Fields
167 Taha Road, Waimauku, Auckland
Offering fields of bright yellow joy and its very own butterfly house (because hey, this spot also breeds and releases monarchs) plus face-painting and food trucks on the weekends, is Franklin Farm Sunflower Fields. You can even bring your four-legged friend along on Fridays. Find out where the rest of NZ's best sunflower farms are, right here.
Lavender Hill
11 Beacon Road, Coatesville, Auckland
Fields of pretty purple lavender, with a side of alpaca action? Enter Lavender Hill, the only farm of its kind in Auckland. Offering family photo ops aplenty (noice), resident 'long necks' (aka alpacas), and the chance for mum and dad to grab a bottle of housemade gin on the way out (score). Got a thing for violet flowers? Here are Aotearoa's most beautiful lavender farms.
Main image credit: Archie Bro's | Facebook.
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