Things to Do with Kids in Auckland

Just a stone’s throw from the city centre is Auckland Zoo, a not-for-profit animal playground with a real focus on conservation. Over 2800 animals call Auckland Zoo home, including the big drawcards (elephants, rhinos, giraffes and lions) right down to birds and even some insects - tarantulas, anyone? There are scheduled talks by zoo-keepers, close-up animal experiences with giraffes, Galapagos tortoises and red pandas and a multitude of displays for educating young minds. The opportunity to be so close to these incredible creatures is the perfect way to foster a deeper appreciation for the natural world.

Right next door to the zoo, Western Springs Park is an inner-city oasis made for a family day out. Follow the 1.75km trail around the lake to spot swans, ducks, eels and pūkeko, then let the little ones loose on the impressive state-of-the-art playground. There are picnic tables, barbecues and toilets on hand, the free Japanese garden sits right beside the playground and with MOTAT also next door, you could easily make a whole day of it.

Explore the many walking trails that wind through multiple gardens, spot native flora and fauna and unwind with a picnic under one of the many leafy trees at the Botanic Gardens. The Potter Children’s Garden offers even more activities, such as the mythological maze of Maui, learning how to use a sundial and grub hunting in the grub pit. Throughout the park’s various gardens, there are plaques to help with identification, pagodas and shelters to sit and rest, and plenty of lawns for reading a book. Entry is free, parking is ample, and there is a popular cafe at the entrance.

Coffee dates at Cornwall Park are often long-standing appointments in the calendars of parents with prams - thanks to the numerous walking paths, green surroundings, easy parking and its central location. As those small humans outgrow their strollers, Cornwall Park continues to be a popular meet-up point, made even easier by the presence of the Cornwall Park Cafe. Expect freshly brewed coffee, decadent shakes and smoothies, as well as an appetising menu that spans breakfast through to mid-afternoon. And even better, the cafe is surrounded by lawns and greenspace so that the kiddies can play right through.

Photo: Ocean Mead

On the city’s waterfront, Silo Park is a great spot for an easy, budget-friendly afternoon. The playground and basketball court are always in demand, and over the warmer months keep an eye out for free outdoor movie screenings (kids’ films included) beneath the giant silos, with food trucks on hand for snacks. Pair it with a stroll along the Wynyard Quarter waterfront.

Adrenaline junkies (of all ages) will find themselves at Rainbow's End sooner or later. New Zealand’s largest theme park may pale in comparison to some of its overseas counterparts, but there is easily enough there to provide a day of fun for the whole family. The ‘Big 5’ rides will satisfy the most adventurous, but there's a wide range of fun and exciting rides that everyone in the family is sure to enjoy. And for the youngest members, there is a designated ‘Kidz Kingdom’. There are multiple eateries dotted throughout Rainbow’s End but for those wanting to pack a picnic lunch, enjoy at the tables near the entrance (just don’t lose your ticket when you leave the park).

Perched atop the Auckland Domain, Auckland Museum is a rainy day hero. Three levels of exhibitions tell the stories of the Pacific, Aotearoa’s natural history and its people, with plenty to spark young imaginations along the way, and there are always special exhibitions to discover. Afterwards, burn off some energy on the Domain’s wide-open lawns.

Inside SkyCity, Wētā Workshop Unleashed is an immersive, hands-on journey into the world of practical movie effects. This certainly isn’t a ‘look but don’t touch’ kind of place: guides crack open hidden doors and shake hands with animatronics as you explore three original worlds spanning horror, sci-fi and fantasy. It’s a hit with older kids, teens and film-loving parents alike.

Don’t write off Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki as a grown-ups-only outing. Open every day except Christmas, the gallery has an interactive area for kids, plus storybooks and beanbags in the library for little ones to curl up with. Head up to the sculpture terrace for views over Albert Park, then take the run-around outside.

The enormous, relaxed space at Little Creatures Brewery is a popular spot with adults and families alike, for good reason. There is a dedicated kids menu featuring your favourite pub classics as well as an indoor playground. Adults can relax in the sun, soaking up the regular live music and a range of different beers on tap. Little Creatures is located in Hobsonville Point’s Catalina Bay, which means those coming from the city can take the ferry there to prolong the adventure. Make a morning of it with a custard doughnut or Portuguese tart from Gourmet Gannet next door.

One of Auckland's favourite destination breweries is just as accommodating for our younger friends, even though they won’t be drinking any of the beer! There are plenty of fun giant-sized games, a self-contained playground and even a rock wall. The children’s menu doesn’t feel like the usual downgrade - there are even options to ‘build your own super sundaes - with lollies galore’! Hallertau Brewery is about 30 minutes west of Auckland, and with its outstanding lineup of food, beer and often live music, it is well worth the trip. South Aucklanders can find a second Hallertau, complete with its own playground, in Clevedon.

Nestled amongst five acres of greenery lies The Grounds, a contemporary eatery literally designed with families in mind. There is plenty to keep the kids entertained: think colouring in activities, a fancier than usual children’s menu and one of the city’s most memorable playgrounds. It’s something of a woven wonderland and incorporates a rocket ship, a dragon’s castle and even a pirate’s cove! An entrance fee is payable for the playground however, admission can be purchased at a discount as part of a meal deal. While the kids keep themselves occupied, parents can sit back with a glass of wine, memorable, high-quality food and down-to-earth service. Menu options include fresh fish and hand-cut pasta, along with all the classic brunch favourites.

For obvious reasons, wine-centric Waiheke Island doesn’t always feel like the most child-friendly of places, but The Heke sure does a good job of making people of all ages feel welcome. Offering plenty of indoor and outdoor dining, there is not just a jumping pillow and sand pit but plenty of lawn space for playing and keeping even the most restless of children entertained. For the adults, The Heke is not just another winery but also a brewery, whiskey and gin distillery too.

The seaside suburb of Point Chevalier is home to Nomad, a relaxed yet urban-feeling restaurant that caters to all ages. It’s most well known for the high quality of its wood-fired pizza, a food item sure to unite most families! There is a range of shared plates and elevated main dishes in addition to the extensive wood-fired pizza list, and there is also a separate children’s menu which comes with its very own (surprise) activity bag.

The name says it all - and rest assured, any sweet cravings will be satisfied at Chelsea Bay’s Sugar Cafe. There’s a delicious range of sweet and savoury options on the menu, from fried chicken and ramen to waffles and gourmet toasties, along with a decadent cabinet that is sure to satisfy even the strongest of sweet tooths. Any trace of a sugar high can be burnt off running around at the outdoor playground or the interactive zone - a fun and educational space where visitors can participate in virtual baking, discover the milling process, or learn about the history of the factory.

Ponsonby Road is home to two of Auckland’s favourite scoop shops, just a short walk apart. Little ‘Lato has built a cult following for its award-winning gelato made with proper Italian technique, plus sorbets, milkshakes and plenty of vegan options. Further along, Duck Island crafts small-batch ice cream with real ingredients in every flavour, and kids love the Fairy Bread, studded with hundreds and thousands.