Family Activities for the Auckland School Holidays

Whether you’re visiting Auckland on holiday or you’re a local looking for something new to do with the kids, finding great family activities in Auckland is a must for any family day out.

To help make things easier, we’ve got a list of some of our favourites so you can make the most of these school holidays.

Every school holiday presents an opportunity to explore Auckland. This vibrant city, brimming with activities and attractions, caters to every family's needs and interests. From the tranquil green spaces of Auckland's parks to the intriguing displays at the Auckland Museum, your journey through this bustling metropolis promises an exciting blend of learning and leisure. 

Auckland has something for everyone. Whether it's a day at the farm getting up close with animals or a fascinating trip through history and technology at the Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT). And the Auckland Night Markets are a must-visit for food lovers, offering an impressive range of dishes to suit all palates.

As you plan your Auckland school holiday adventures, let Accor be your guide in choosing the perfect family accommodation for a memorable stay.

Experience the charm of Auckland with these fun free family-friendly activities. The city's rich tapestry of free activities is perfect for families seeking an affordable, yet unforgettable school holiday adventure.

You could start with a leisurely stroll through the Auckland Domain, the city’s oldest park brimming with enchanting winter gardens and picturesque picnic spots. For history and culture enthusiasts, the Auckland Art Gallery is a trove of over 15,000 artworks. If you're keen on exploring Auckland's marine life, embark on a self-guided tour of the bustling Viaduct Harbour.

Families can also enjoy the captivating views from Mount Eden or One Tree Hill, both offering panoramic vistas of the city and harbour. A visit to the iconic Cornwall Park guarantees a fun-filled day with its expansive green spaces, perfect for picnics, sports, or simply relaxing amidst nature. 

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 so many great playgrounds to visit, 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

Local history, life-sized replica dinosaur skeletons, and plenty more is waiting at the Auckland Museum. You can explore the range of exhibitions on display or join a guided tour for an all-round experience of the gallery and its history.

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.

The Auckland Zoo has long been a fun family activity in Auckland and can be enjoyed throughout the year. Inside, you and the family can say hello to over 1,400 animals from 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 located throughout the zoo.

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.

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.

This theme park can be enjoyed by the entire family, with rides and activities dedicated to both adults and children.

The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT) 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, to help eager minds learn more about science, with hands-on experiments to encourage visitors of all ages to explore and engage.

A great way to wrap up your day in Auckland is with a trip to the Auckland Night Markets. Throughout the week, the night markets pop up all over Auckland:

Monday - Kelston Mall

Tuesday - Albany

Wednesday - Botany Town Centre and Highbury Shopping Centre

Thursday - Henderson

Friday - Papatoetoe and Silo Park

Saturday - Pakuranga and Silo Park     

Sunday - Silo Park and Silverdale Centre 

At the Auckland 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.