31 Fun Activities for Kids in Auckland

Auckland is a fantastic destination for families looking for a variety of fun-filled activities for kids. With plenty of outdoor adventures and entertaining attractions, you’re sure to find something that appeals to children of all ages.

One of the most popular activities for kids in Auckland is SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium, where you can walk through glass bubbles to see marine life. The Auckland Zoo is another highlight, and there’s numerous parks and playgrounds scattered throughout the city. 

You can go whale watching or take a ferry to Devonport and explore the harbor. Or experience the city’s culture and art scene with museums and sculpture gardens set up especially for kids to enjoy.

Families will have fun exploring the different attractions that make Auckland an ideal spot for memorable moments and quality time spent together.

Whether you’re looking for school holiday inspo or planning a family vacation, I’ve got you covered with a selection of awesome activities the whole family can enjoy.

To make things easier, I’ve grouped this list into sections, including indoor activities and free things to do. It’s worth scanning them all though, so you don’t miss a thing.

If you’re visiting during the summer months, I highly recommend booking tours and attractions in advance as they can fill up fast.

After finding your perfect activities, take a look at these best places to stay in Auckland and our 3-day Auckland itinerary to help plan your adventure.

Outdoor Activities for Kids in Auckland

1. Auckland Zoo

For many years Auckland Zoo has strived to create realistic homes for the animals. This can be seen in the wide open hippo and giraffe enclosures, and many others. The zoo is home to over 1,400 animals, where you can explore different ecosystems and learn about their wildlife. 

Attend the daily animal encounter shows and keeper talks to learn more about your favorite animals, take a guided tour or book a Zoo Experience where for a hands-on encounter with some of the animals. We did the cheetah experience and it was amazing. 

The zoo is based on nearly 17 hectares of beautiful parkland that is laid out in zones and easy to navigate. Allow for 2-3 hours to get around the whole park. 

Pro tip: Weekday mornings tend to be less busy. There is plenty of paid parking close to the entrance, or you can park for free in the 3 hour zone down the road and walk to the gate.

2. Tree Adventures

This high-flying adventure park offers a variety of challenging courses with zip lines, suspended obstacles, swinging bridges, and more. It’s designed for kids 5+ years and a great way to conquer fears and build confidence while enjoying the outdoors.

The park is located in Woodhill Forest, a 60-minute drive from the CBD. It’s a fantastic location and makes for a great day trip in nature, especially if you’ll be in Auckland for the weekend. They are open every day, although only by appointment on weekdays. Bookings are essential.

There are different courses for different ages. You can see all course and pricing options on their website.

3. EcoZip Adventures

Experience the thrill of ziplining through native New Zealand forest on Waiheke Island. Glide through the treetops and over vineyards with beautiful views of the Hauraki Gulf islands. 

There is no minimum age, but riders need to weigh at least 30 kg (66 lbs) and not more than 125 kg (275 lbs) for safety reasons. 

I had a blast on the ziplines, each one getting steeper as we went, and thoroughly enjoyed the walk through the forest with an expert guide sharing insights and stories about the area. My mom enjoyed it too. Fair to say it’s a great activity for the whole family.

While you’re on Waiheke Island, why not head to Wild Estate afterwards. This awesome vineyard and brewery has loads of games and fun activities on site, including a playground, sandpit and giant trampoline for the little ones. 

» Book your Waiheke Island Zipline and Native Forest Adventure Trip here!

As a bonus, you’ll ride the ferry from downtown Auckland to Waiheke Island. You’ll need to book your ferry separately which you can do here.

4. Kiwi Valley Farm Park

Enjoy farm life at Kiwi Valley Farm Park. Featuring cuddly animals, tractor rides, and pony rides, it’s an ideal destination for young children. They’ll love interacting with the animals and learning about farming in a fun and relaxed setting.

There’s also a maze, a playground, a sandpit and cafe on site. It’s a great opportunity to experience country life, and only a short drive from the city.

5. Auckland Whale & Dolphin Safari

Board a catamaran with expert guides and explore the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park in search of magnificent whales, playful dolphins and rare seabirds. 

During the migration season between June and August, you may see several different species of whales, dolphins and seabirds during this 4.5 hour guided tour. However, Auckland has a resident population of the Bryde’s whale and the common dolphin that you can see all year round.

It’s a fun day out on the water with a chance to see marine life in the wild. And if you don’t see any marine mammals during your cruise, you can go again for free!

Cruises depart across from the Maritime Museum in the Viaduct.

» Book your Whale and Dolphin Watching Half-Day Eco Cruise here!

6. Sculptureum

Experience art in a whole new way at Sculptureum. With three outdoor sculpture gardens and six art galleries, it offers a unique and interactive experience for kids and adults alike.

The playfully curated works of art are displayed within beautifully manicured gardens and trees, with something interesting to discover around each bend.

It took us 2.5 hours to see all the gardens and galleries. It’s located near Matakana, an hour north of Auckland, and on the higher side as far as admission prices, but worth it in my experience.

» Book your Sculptureum Gardens and Galleries Entry Ticket here!

7. Devonport

Devonport is a historic seaside village located across the harbor from downtown Auckland. You can take a 12-minute ferry ride to get there, and see fantastic views of the city from the back of the boat as you depart.

Explore the Torpedo Bay Navy Museum along The Esplanade, then continue to North Head where kids can discover old military tunnels, guns, and fortifications.

For families with kids 10+, take a Guided Segway tour to North Head Volcano Summit to enjoy North Head in a fun, accessible way.

Check out the views from Mount Victoria’s summit, which you can access via a steep walk or take this Guided Segway Tour to Mt Victoria for easier access.

There’s a nice beach for kids. And, I always stop at Devonport Chocolates on Wynyard Street to pick up some homemade treats.

Info: Ferries depart every 30 minutes from 6am until late; tickets $8 NZD – adult / $4.50 NZD – child – tickets can be purchased at the Auckland Downtown Ferry Terminal.

8. Butterfly Creek

Butterfly Creek is just 30 minutes from downtown Auckland and filled with exciting animals and cool indoor rainforest areas to explore. 

In the tropical butterfly house, kids can walk among hundreds of colorful butterflies from around the world. They can also see cute little monkeys and big crocodiles. Don’t miss feeding time for the otters—they’re really playful! 

Kids can also visit the farm area with baby goats, sheep, and rabbits that they can pet. For dinosaur fans, the Dinosaur Kingdom exhibit has life-sized animatronic dinos that roar and move.

It’s easy to navigate and you’ll be given a map with all the different areas to explore. Plan for 2-3 hours to see everything.

9. Strawberry Picking

Auckland has some great spots for families to go strawberry picking. The season generally runs from late December/early January through March.

Top farms for strawberry picking include Good Planet in Riverhead, Phil Greig Strawberry Gardens in Kumeu, Sweet Red in Helensville and Zaknick Farms in West Auckland.

Most farms are open daily during the season, usually from around 9am-4pm or 5pm. Expect to pay around $8-10 NZD per kilogram for strawberries. Some farms also have pre-picked punnets available.

My preferred place for strawberry picking is Good Planet. In addition to berry picking they have an adventure park, a splash park and delicious real fruit ice cream.

Pro tip: Weekends and holidays can get busy, so it’s best to visit on a weekday if possible. Also, not all places provide a bucket so bring your own just in case.

10. Rainbow’s End

Rainbow’s End is a small amusement park that is popular with the locals. It has rides and attractions for a range of ages, from the gentle Log Flume to the freaky Fearfall. Kidz Kingdom is a dedicated area just for kids under eight.

There are a number of food options and picnic areas within the park to stop for lunch.

Just be aware, the Rainbows End amusement park is small and modest, like a number of things in New Zealand. It won’t be on the scale you see in other places like the USA, Europe or Australia. 

11. Harbour Bridge Climb & Bungy Jump

For adrenaline junkies aged 10+, the Harbour Bridge Bungy will give you an unforgettable experience. It’s New Zealand’s only ocean-touch bungy, where you can take the plunge towards the Waitematā Harbour. Not for the faint of heart, but definitely a once-in-a-lifetime adventure! 

Kids 7+ years can do the Harbour Bridge Climb, a fully-guided tour which takes you to the top of the bridge on custom built walkways. Kids will feel on top of the world, and the views are pretty awesome. 

Both have min and max weight requirements for safety reasons, so be sure to check those before booking. The Bungy starts from $210 NZD per person and the Bridge Climb is $155 NZD per person.

Meeting point: 105 Curran Street, Westhaven Reserve, Herne Bay, Auckland

12. Lavender Hill (Dec to Jan)

One of Auckland’s best kept secrets in my opinion! Lavender Hill is a gorgeous little farm just 30 minutes from the CBD. They have lavender fields, olive groves and a few farm animals. The best time to visit is December and January, when they offer farm tours just before the lavender is harvested. There’s limited spots though, so get in quick.

Kids can see how the lavender and olives are made into oil and feed the alpacas. And for adults, there’s a boutique distillery where you can learn how gin is made and taste their award-winning gin and limoncello products. They also have a shop where you can purchase all sorts of Gin, Limoncello, Olive Oil and lavender goodies.

Indoor Activities for Kids in Auckland

Whether you need a break from the sun or are looking for rainy day inspiration, Auckland has a great selection of fun things to do indoors that will keep the family entertained for hours.

13. Sea Life Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium

Discover a magical underwater world at Sea Life Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium. Kids will have the chance to get up close and personal with fascinating marine life, including sharks, turtles, and various fish species. 

There are a range of interactive experiences, including behind-the-scenes tours, snorkeling with sharks, and penguin encounters. The tunnel walk-through experience is really cool, where you walk under the aquarium through big, curved glass bubbles.

They also have talks and feedings throughout the day, providing insight into the animals and their habitats. You’ll need to arrive at the chosen time slot but can stay as long as you like until closing. Last admission is at 4pm.

14. Lilliputt Mini Golf

Down the road from Kelly Tarlton’s is Auckland’s first ever mini golf course. It has two outdoor courses – a safari themed course and T Rex Alley. Each course has 18 holes with a variety of challenges and difficulty.

It’s a fun outdoor activity and an iconic local spot. Plan for 1-2 hours depending on how many people are playing.

15. Auckland War Memorial Museum

Head to the Auckland War Memorial Museum for an educational yet fun-filled experience. Explore the engaging exhibits covering New Zealand’s history, natural environment, and more. The museum offers family-friendly activities and interactive displays to keep the young ones entertained.

There’s also a Māori Cultural Performance that tells the story of Aotearoa through Māori song, the poi dance and the spine-tingling haka. Performances take place twice a day and tickets cost extra, but I highly recommend it for first time visitors.

» Skip the line and book your Auckland Museum General Admission Entry Ticket here.

16. Stardome Observatory & Planetarium

Bring your little astronomers to the Stardome Observatory & Planetarium for a fun celestial experience. Catch a live planetarium show and learn about stars, planets, and galaxies. 

Their immersive, 360-degree digital planetarium shows you the exact stars in the current night sky. Visit the Space Gallery for fun interactive exhibits.

Telescope viewings are also available, weather permitting. It’s a nice mix of education and entertainment for kids who are curious about the cosmos.

17. Auckland Sky Tower

The Auckland Sky Tower is one of the most popular things to do in Auckland. Families can enjoy the panoramic 360-degree views of the city from the observation deck. For the more daring, try the Sky Walk or the exhilarating Sky Jump, though these are more suited for kids aged 10+ and adults.

Or try the new Sky Slide, a thrilling virtual reality slide that has you traveling down glass tubes around the Sky Tower. You’ll be seated the whole time but it feels like you’re on the ultimate roller coaster ride. Children aged 7-9 can ride too, when accompanied by an adult.

There’s also a couple of tours inside the SkyCity Complex that I really enjoyed and are great for kids, each tour takes 1.5 hours:

Weta Workshop Unleashed – A fully immersive and interactive tour that takes you into the wacky world of movie making.

The All Blacks Experience – An interactive showcase of New Zealand’s national rugby teams, including the famous All Blacks.

Location: SkyCity Complex, Federal Street, Auckland

» Book your Sky Tower Admission Ticket here!

18. Snowplanet

Looking for some snow-filled fun? Head to Snowplanet, an indoor ski slope where kids can enjoy skiing and snowboarding all year round. With 8,000 square meters of real snow, it’s an ideal location for beginners to learn the ropes or more experienced snowsports enthusiasts to hone their skills. 

Lessons and family-friendly events are available. And, to keep it simple, you can rent anything you need from equipment to clothing right on site. 

19. New Zealand Maritime Museum 

The Maritime Museum is a fascinating place for kids to learn about New Zealand’s maritime history. Located right on the waterfront, kids can check out historic ships moored outside. Inside, there are interactive exhibits kids can touch and climb on to experience what it was like on a sailing ship long ago. 

Don’t miss the motion simulator that lets kids experience turbulent storms at sea. The museum also hosts a range of awesome events for kids including silent discos, storytime and arts and crafts. 

Families can even take an hour-long ride around the Waitemata Harbour on one of the heritage vessels. I especially like the Ted Ashby, because you can help hoist the sails. Sailings cost extra but include entry to the museum.

» Book your Maritime Museum Entry Ticket here

20. Laser Tag and Escape Rooms

Laser tag and escape rooms are a fun way to spend a rainy day with the kids. Work together to solve puzzles in escape rooms or immerse yourself in an exciting game of laser tag.

Escapade NZ (Victoria Street) is a good escape room for families, particularly The Bach which starts with a message from Gram. Any age can play when accompanied by an adult, but they recommend 10+ years will get the most enjoyment. You can see all the price options and family deals on the Escapade NZ website.  

Timezone in Newmarket has a variety of rides, games and laser tag. With pulsing music and lights, laser tag at Timezone puts kids ages 6+ right in the action of an intergalactic battle. Between rounds, kids can play other games like skee ball and arcade classics. You can find opening times and pricing options on their website.

21. Archie Brothers

Archie Brothers is an indoor entertainment center that caters to visitors of all ages. It’s themed around an old-school circus, with bright colors, circus-themed decor, and neon lights. 

There’s a range of activities on offer, including bowling lanes, an arcade, virtual reality rides, and dodgems (bumper cars). Plus, a food menu featuring all the favorites like burgers, pizza and dessert. 

It’s a fun way to spend a few hours indoors with a range of activities for kids and adults. 

22. Glow in the Dark Mini Golf

Gloputt Mini Golf is an offbeat 16-hole mini golf course where you can putt your way through buildings, foliage and pathways illuminated with glowing technicolor. 

It’s a fun and unique glow-in-the-dark mini golf experience located on the North Shore of Auckland. Plus, being indoors in a climate controlled environment makes it a great option whatever the weather.

Don’t forget to dig out your best glow in the dark attire (or wear white ) so you can glow too.

23. MOTAT: Museum of Transport and Technology

MOTAT is a fantastic museum for families that combines history and innovation with hands-on experiences and interactive exhibits – perfect for inquisitive kids who love to learn and have fun.

The indoor and outdoor exhibits include planes, trains, automobiles and the evolution of technology across two spacious locations with a tram linking the sites. Kids enjoy riding the tram and the interactive displays keep things interesting. 

Plan to spend a few hours here to see all the exhibits.

Free Things to Do with Kids in Auckland

If you’re looking for some fantastic free activities for your kids in Auckland, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s a list of some great options that won’t break the bank yet keep your little ones entertained and happy.

24. Auckland Art Gallery

The Auckland Art Gallery is a cultural destination with an extensive collection of national and international artwork. The gallery often hosts family-friendly events and activities, especially during school holidays. 

Plus, the Creative Learning Centre is a family space that offers fun, hands-on activities for kids all year round. 

Events and exhibits change regularly so it’s worth checking their website to see what’s on at the time of your visit. The best thing is, admission is currently free for residents and international visitors. 

25. Auckland Parks

There are some fantastic parks and green spaces for families to spend the day in central Auckland. Cornwall Park and Auckland Domain both offer vast green spaces close to the city.

Cornwall Park is set on a whopping 760 acres, with plenty of room to run around on the grassy fields and a playground suitable for all ages. Families can explore the easy walking tracks that meander through native bush and pastures filled with sheep. Stop at Huia Lodge for an opportunity to learn about the park’s history and ecology. 

Auckland Domain is the city’s oldest park and home to the Auckland War Memorial Museum, walking paths and beautiful gardens. Kids can enjoy playing games on the expansive lawns, running around the playground, or checking out the ducks. In fact, a fun thing for kids to do in Auckland at night is hunt for glowworms on the Lovers Walk path located in the domain.

26. Arataki Visitor Centre

The Arataki Visitor Centre is located at the entrance to the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park and offers visitors an introduction to the unique rainforest environment.

There are a number of short walking tracks departing from the visitor center that traverse native forest and provide scenic views. These are a great way for families and hikers of varying abilities to explore the terrain. 

Interactive displays inside the visitor center provide insight into the area’s ecology and history, with rangers and volunteers on hand to answer questions.

It also provides an excellent starting point for those looking to do one of the longer tracks.

27. Mount Eden Volcano 

Auckland is home to several extinct volcanoes, providing unique opportunities for little adventurers to explore. While there are many to choose from, one family favorite is Mt. Eden. This dormant volcano is the highest natural point in the city offering stunning panoramic views of the city.

You can hike to the top, which takes about 20-30 minutes. There’s a walking track around the rim of the crater and plenty of grassy areas to have a picnic and enjoy the views. 

There’s a small parking lot on Puhi Huia Road, otherwise you can find parking along Mt Eden Road or one of the nearby side streets.

Location: Mt. Eden, Auckland

28. Mission Bay Beach

Spend the day at Mission Bay Beach, one of Auckland’s most popular swimming beaches. Relax on golden sands, let the kids play on the playground, or take a dip in the refreshing waters. It’s the perfect place to unwind and soak up the sun. 

Just be aware there aren’t any lifeguards at this beach. Although the water is generally calm, do take care and keep an eye on the little ones.

You can bring a packed lunch to enjoy on the large grassy area or grab lunch at Mission Bay Village, across from the beach. The Bald Eagle Diner is a fun American themed restaurant featuring burgers, hotdogs and delicious milkshakes.

Location: Tamaki Drive, Mission Bay, Auckland

29. Wynyard Quarter

Explore the vibrant waterfront precinct of Wynyard Quarter. Stroll along the North Wharf and experience the Sounds of the Sea silver funnels, indulge in delicious ice cream, and enjoy fun performances by street performers. 

Head to the playspace at Silo Park where younger kids can play on climbing frames, giant shells and swings. Cool off at the foot-powered fountains, enjoy a picnic in the green spaces or rent a scooter to cruise around on.

On Sundays, you can take a ride on the Auckland Dockline Tram for $2 NZD from 10am to 4pm, then sample delicious food at the Night Markets starting from 4pm.

In the summer, Silo Park hosts an outdoor cinema where movies are projected onto one of the silos in front of a grassy area. Keep an eye on the Silo Park Facebook page for movie and event details. 

Location: Wynyard Quarter, 96 Jellicoe Street, Auckland

30. Movies in Parks

Movies in Parks are movie nights that are held in parks and green spaces around various Auckland neighborhoods. These events are hosted by Auckland Council and they show a range of animated kids flicks and recent blockbusters. 

It’s completely free to watch, but bring some cash for the yummy food trucks on site. 

Check out the Movies in Parks website for locations and movie listings.

31. Auckland Botanic Gardens

The Auckland Botanic Gardens is 64 hectares of magnificent gardens, perfect for a leisurely stroll. Kids can run around, admire colorful plants, and even learn about native New Zealand species. Don’t forget to pack a picnic to enjoy on the lush lawns.

Be sure to check out the fun activities for kids including the Potter Children’s Garden and Kids Corner featuring easy nature activities. 

Conclusion

As you can see there is a wide range of experiences and activities for kids in Auckland. From relaxing at the beach to top attractions and outdoor adventures, there is something for every family. The hardest part will be deciding which one to do first. Whatever you choose, you’re bound to have a fun time in this beautiful city.