Sometimes it feels like they only just went BACK to school, yet here we are again, getting ready for a new set of school holidays.
No matter the weather, we’ve gathered some of our tried and tested family favourite crafts and activities to keep the kids busy in-and-out of the house, please you’ll also be able to see what is happening around the nation these holidays and find more fun ideas in our Parenting Directory.
10 family-friendly holiday destinations on your doorstep
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Plan a trip to Wellington
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In cinemas December 19
In cinemas Boxing Day
In cinemas January 1
In cinemas January 9
Alexandra Park’s FREE Family Fun Day
Location: Auckland
When: From 3pm, 31 December 2019
Cost: FREE
Looking for something fun to do on New Year’s Eve but can’t find a babysitter? You don’t have to! Alexandra Park has you covered with Auckland Cup Day starting from 3pm. We’re combining thrilling racing action for you and a fun-filled activities area for the kids. Jumping castles, rides, face painting and more with an amazing firework display once the racing is over! Best of all, it’s FREE!
Encounters with a Troll Cave
Location: Waitomo
When: Open now
Cost: from $37 per person
Waitomo Adventures have a wide range of activities including caves, abseiling, blackwater rafting, glowworms, and much more. The new Troll Cave is perfect for families – work as a team to navigate the troll’s lair and complete your mission!
Kids Go Free at Rainbow Springs
Location: 192 Fairy Springs Road, Fairy Springs, Rotorua
When: 21 December – 9 February 2020
Cost: One child free with every paying adult. Adult day passes start from $45pp.
Play, discover and explore this summer at Rainbow Springs Nature Park, home of The National Kiwi Hatchery. There’s so much to see and do, including the legendary Big Splash, play stations, kiwi, kea, tuatara and so much more! Plus don’t forget their Taonga Show and the new free Junior Explorer Activity Books!
Energize at MOTAT
Location: Auckland
When: 3 – 27 January 2020, 10am-5pm
Cost: Included in normal MOTAT admission fee
This January MOTAT’s School Holiday Experience ‘Energize’ invites kids to explore the science of energy. This action-packed programme is aligned with new summer exhibition ‘Machine Makers,’ an immersive installation exploring concepts of engineering and physics. Featuring a variety of thrilling and engaging activations located around the Museum, this experience is sure to keep the kids thinking, active, and entertained over the holiday period.
Sustainaville Summer
Location: Capital E, Wellington
When: 13 January 2020 – 29 February 2020 (Closed on public holidays)
Cost: Free
Discover the joy of planting in the play garden, and wriggle through the imaginative compost worm world! Enjoy sustainability themed activities and crafts for children of all ages at Capital E.
Celebrating 50 years of ‘A Lion in the Meadow’
Cost: FREE
The little boy said, “Mother, there is a lion in the meadow.”
The mother said, “Nonsense, little boy.”
Do you think there is a lion in the meadow? Award-winning author Margaret Mahy’s delightful story of truth and imagination, A Lion in the Meadow’ is a classic tale for every child, illustrated charmingly by Jenny Williams. These holidays you can download & print lion ears and tail for the kids to colour and wear!
Stories in the Garden
Location: Garden Place, Hamilton
When: Various Saturdays until 28 March 2020, 11am (Check the link for dates)
Cost: FREE
Come on a magical adventure with characters from Enchanted Entertainment providing an outdoor storytelling experience! Sit back and enjoy listening to some classics along with new children’s books with your family in the lovely setting on the grass under the trees.
December 21st – Superhero Christmas Storytime with Batman, Spider-Man and Wonder Woman. Check the link for more details.
Caroline Bay Carnival
Location: Timaru
When: 26 December 2019 – 12 January 2020 (Check the link for each day’s programme and times).
Cost: Free admission, plus cost of rides
The 109th Caroline Bay Carnival is 18 days of carnival rides, concerts and family fun at the waterfront in Timaru. There’s plenty to keep everyone entertained including free live concerts and a New Year’s Eve fireworks display.
The Penguin and the Sea Monster
Location: Capital E, Wellington
When: 21 December
Cost: FREE
Join the PlayHQ team for a starry-eyed String Bean puppet show about a little blue penguin who seeks help from the night sky when his friend is captured by a sea monster. Meet the puppets and make your own little rubbish monster from recycling after the show.
School Holidays Directory
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Family Holidays and Travel Directory
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Family Activities Directory
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