Let’s face it: kids can be tough to please. Finding something to keep them engaged and entertained for hours is a challenge. If you’re into family travel and like to have your little ones tag along on your trip, it’s important to find activities that are suited for their age and interests. I’ve come up with a vast selection of activities for your kids in Auckland. Never fear your child being bored again because there are endless options available.
Go on an Adventure at the Auckland Zoo
The Auckland Zoo is located at Motions Road in Western Springs, Central Auckland. Zoos are a hit among kids; thus, it’s a no-brainer why I included this attraction on this list.
At the Auckland Zoo, there are over 135 different species of animals for your kids to explore. It is home to more than 1400 animals with the largest concentration of wildlife in this part of New Zealand. This zoo is a lush parkland spanning 7 hectares in land area.
Aside from interacting with the animals, there are plenty of other things for your kids to do here. It has a playground, safari nights, interactive experiences – the list goes on.
For tickets and pricing, click HERE
Ride the Slopes at Snowplanet
Do your kids enjoy winter sports and activities? No need to wait for winter to officially arrive because you can let them experience their favourite activities any time of the year at Snowplanet – an indoor ski slope in North Auckland.
Elevate your idea of family fun by enjoying skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing even in the middle of summer. Make sure to grab your beanies and winter clothes so you can enjoy the snow and all of these thrilling activities.
Snowplanet is located in the suburb of Silverdale. It is the first and only indoor snow dome that is open all year round in the city. The opening hours vary depending on the day of the week, so make sure to check the website or call beforehand.
Outdoor Fun at Tree Adventures
Kids love spending time outdoors. Therefore, you can feed their love for adventure by taking them to Tree Adventures – a high ropes course in Muriwai.
Tree Adventures is a tree-top challenge course that is not only suited for kids but adults too. Drive to Woodhill Forest in Northwest Auckland and let your child unleash their inner monkey.
There are up to 10 courses to explore in the ultimate high ropes adventure. These courses range from 3 to 14 metres above ground. This is a great destination for kids aged 5 and above. Booking is a must before you go.
Visit the Auckland Museum
The Auckland Museum is another excellent choice if you’re looking for family-friendly attractions in the city. Located in Central Auckland, the museum is housed within one of the country’s finest heritage buildings. The museum spans a total of three floors so there are plenty of exhibits for kids to see.
The Weird and Wonderful Discovery Centre is most popular with kids, so don’t miss that. There are also family events held during weekends and on special holidays. Check out my full guide to The Auckland Museum HERE.
Spend a Day at Silo Park
Silo Park is located in Wynyard Quarter and is a must-visit if you’re travelling to Auckland with kids. Located at the heart of the city, you don’t need to travel far in order to enjoy this public park that was once an industrial site.
There are plenty of activities that are suited for the kids, as well as kids at heart. If you visit during the summer, you will find an assortment of activities and events to enjoy. One of these is the outdoor movie theatre experience. Make sure to bring a blanket and find an ideal spot to enjoy the movie.
In addition to an outdoor movie, you will find an assortment of dining options so you can fuel up for a day of frolicking at the park.
Play at Uptown Bounce
Uptown Bounce is a trampoline park located in Grey Lynn, Auckland and one of my favourite kids activities in Auckland. It was the first indoor trampoline park in Auckland. Inside this attraction, there is the main court, which is made up of 30 interconnected trampolines from wall-to-wall to ensure the kids’ safety when bouncing off the walls.
There are also hoops that are situated above runway trampolines for kids looking to practice their shooting skills, or dodge ball fun toys to make things more exciting. Each session lasts for an hour. Booking in advance is recommended as there are limited slots per day.
Conquer Fear of Heights at the Sky Tower
The Sky Tower is one of the most iconic destinations in Auckland. While it is well-known as a destination for thrill seekers, it can be a great destination for your kids, too.
Rising 328 metres above the city of Auckland, it’s no tall order to keep kids entertained when climbing the city’s tallest building. This is a great opportunity to help them conquer their fear of heights as they walk on the glass platform and view the city from above.
You can also take them to the Sky-High World of Beatrix Potter. It’s an attraction made especially for kids!
Make Learning Fun at the Central City Library
The Central City Library is a surprising entry into this list. But believe me, it’s a fun and worthwhile one.
They can participate in various workshops that suit their interest. One of them is a Chinese Shadow Puppetry bilingual workshop. They can also participate in the Junior Librarian School Holiday Programme. It’s a wonderful experience for the kids as they get to learn how to make stop motion movies, print 3D bookmarks, go on field trip excursions, or find treasures.
Who says education can’t be fun, too?
Interact with Animals at Ambury Farm
Ambury Farm is the best place to go if you want your kids want to interact with all kinds of farm animals. Ambury Farm is part of the Ambury Regional Park and is located along the coast of Manukau Harbour. This is a working farm and coastal park in one.
When you take your kids to Ambury Farm, they will get the chance to interact with various farm animals including goats, sheep, cows, turkey, chickens, pigs, peacocks, and more. There are grassy lanes in between enclosures so your kids can safely get close to the animals.
When you visit on certain times of the year, kids get the chance to mingle with different animals. Check which animals are currently on show before you go to make the most of your visit.
Discover the Stardome Observatory and Planetarium
If your kids love to stargaze or learn about astronomical features, the Stardome Observatory and Planetarium is the best place to take them while in Auckland. Located at One Hill Domain, this public astronomical observatory has lots to offer them.
The main attraction at the Stardome Observatory and Planetarium is the 360-degree panoramic planetarium. It offers an excellent view of the night sky and lets you witness up to 3,000 stars, planets, and other astronomical bodies in the universe. There are also guided tours at the planetarium so you can learn about the astronomical wonders you are witnessing.
This attraction first opened its doors in the 1960s and remains to be one of the most-visited attractions in Auckland, especially for families and kids.
Go on a Whale & Dolphin Safari
Whale watching and dolphin interaction is one of the most fun kids activities in Auckland involving animals. These kinds of activities are a hit with kids but there is no experience like seeing whales and dolphins up-close.
Embarking on a cruise from the Viaduct Harbour, kids will get a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with whales, dolphins, seabirds, seals, and more. It’s quite an adventure for kids to see these animals in their natural environment. Aside from observing these animals, there are also tour guides that will provide cruise guests insight into research and facts about preserving marine life.
Family Fun at Butterfly Creek
Kids love theme parks! Therefore, you can’t leave Auckland without paying a visit to the Butterfly Creek with your kids. Located in South Auckland, this park is a fun destination for the entire family and a great way to finish this kids activities in Auckland list.
The park is divided into various sections with each one offering a different kind of adventure for them. At Dinosaur Kingdom, they will get the chance to see recreations of dinosaurs and learn more about each species. At the Mythic Creatures section, they will learn about and interact with dragons, mermaids, and unicorns. There is also a free playground for kids who have the extra energy to spare after exploring these various attractions.
I hope you found this Kids Activities in Auckland post helpful and will now be able to entertain the kids while here. Have I missed any kids activities that you know of? Let me know in the comment section below.
For more Auckland based activities including adult ones, check out my Top 45 Things To Do In Auckland.