Rocket Park Playground in Auckland
One of the best activities in the school holidays is a trip to the local playground. Fortunately, Auckland has plenty of playgrounds for you and the little ones to explore. Auckland residents might find their new favourite spot and visitors can enjoy a local perspective.
There are several parks to try, but some of the most popular include:
- Myers Park Playground
- Rocket Park
- Cornwall Park Playground
- Western Springs Park Playground
- Madills Farm Playground
- Takapuna Beach Reserve Playground
Auckland Museum
Ancient Greeks, terrifying dinosaurs, the secrets of Stonehenge, and plenty more is waiting at the Auckland Museum. Be sure to check online before visiting—there are often activities like The Gargantuan Greek Activity Trail to delight the little ones.
Ambury Farm
The Ambury Regional Park (or Ambury Farm) is a great Auckland family activity for animal lovers of all ages. You’ll be able to say hello to sheep, goats, cows, pigs, chickens, turkeys, rabbits, and maybe even a peacock. The farm is wheelchair and pushchair accessible, but paths may become difficult in wet weather.
Auckland Zoo
The Auckland Zoo has long been a fun family activity in Auckland. In fact, the Zoo is soon celebrating its centenary—100 years of Auckland Zoo. Inside, you and the family can say hello to over 1,400 animals (135 different species).
The Zoo is divided by region, so you can wander through the Australia Bush Track, the South East Asia Jungle Track, the South America Rainforest Track, Te Wao Nui (Aotearoa New Zealand), and the Africa Safari Track. Kids play areas, rest stops, and toilets with changing stations for babies are sprinkled throughout the entire zoo.
Dinosaur Kingdom at Butterfly Creek
If you didn’t get your fill of animals from the Auckland Zoo, Butterfly Creek should be on your list. A privately-owned enterprise, Butterfly Creek combines Zoo and otherworldly experiences. Form mythical creatures to dinosaurs.
The Dinosaur Kingdom interactive attraction is made up of an amazing display of dinosaurs, both stationary and animatronic. Walk alongside a Triceratops and a Tyrannosaurus and stare up at the towering Diplodocus.
Rainbow's End
Auckland’s biggest theme park, Rainbow’s End is the ultimate fun family activity in Auckland. Enjoy rollercoasters for the thrill-seekers, sideshow alley for those who love hands-on fun, and Kidz Kingdom for ages 8 and under. Visit in the winter school holidays to enjoy Winter Lights & Enchanted Evenings—bright lights illuminate the park until 11pm every night in the school holidays.
MOTAT
The Museum of Transport and Technology is a dream come true for little ones (and grownups!) who love learning all about technology as well as trains, planes, and automobiles.
Hands-on, kid–friendly exhibits often run at the museum, including the Mighty Small Mighty Bright exhibition that helps eager minds learn the science behind photonics and nanotechnology, with hands-on experiments to encourage visitors of all ages to explore and engage.
Auckland Night Markets
Wrapping up a day in Auckland isn’t easy, but a great way to do it is with a trip to the Auckland Night Markets. Throughout the week, the night markets pop up all over Auckland.
Tuesday - Mt Wellington
Wednesday - Botany Town Centre
Thursday - Henderson
Friday - Papatoetoe
Saturday - Pakuranga
Sunday - Birkenhead Night Market
At the Night Markets, you can grab delicious food, unique fashion, fun toys, and plenty more, but good food has always been the focal point of the markets. With everything from noodles to ice cream to pizza, to pretzels. Families can visit all the different stalls and everyone can have what they want for dinner: no need to compromise to meet the preferences of the family’s pickiest eater!
If you’re planning a holiday to Auckland to enjoy all these fantastic Auckland family activities in the school holidays, book your Auckland accommodation and start planning that fun family escape.
