Whether short on cash or you simply just don't want to have to fork out everytime you go out as a family, there are always lots of free or fun things to do including -
Get the bikes out and go for a family bike ride. A quick lap around the neighborhood or park can be fun, if you're looking for local walks and cycles check our Hibiscus Coast Walks and Cycleways page or looking further afield around Auckland check out the Auckland Council Wheely Good Time Family Fun article.
Make a list of free museums and attractions in your area. Then work your way through the list until you've visited them all. Art museums, history museums, monuments-there's sure to be something worth checking out at each one. Locally a couple of great options to visit are the Silverdale Pioneer Village, Warkworth Museum and Bohemian Settlers Museum in Puhoi.
A great source for free books, movies and magazines, and it can also be a good source for other types of free entertainment. Check with your library to see if there are any upcoming story hours, concerts or educational programs that may be of interest to your family. Then be sure to take advantage of them. We have two great libraries here on the Coast and you can find details and information on our Linku2 Libraries page. (Please note at July 2024 the Orewa library is currently closed for renovation, library services are being offered out of the Orewa CAB).
Head out after dark for a night of stargazing fun. You can use a telescope and an astronomy guide to help you locate the constellations and planets or just wing it as you stretch out on a big blanket and stare at the sky. Either way, the evening promises to be as enjoyable as it is educational.
Play a few shorter games or one long one. Eitherway add a bit of spice by having prizes for the winners!
Add in some personalised charades - make one up each and get the others to act out - there are plenty of charade ideas on the internet too if you get stuck for ideas.
Depending on the time of year fruit picking may not be available. Head out catch a fish, pick some fruit and then back at home make something with your fresh produce! Whilst there are no local options there are a number of opportunities you will find in West and South Auckland so head out and make a day of it (check the picking season though!).
Cooking is an important life skill, and it can be a lot of fun to teach. Pick out an interesting cookbook and each pick a dish to make up a full meal - help each other with the courses and then sit down for a sumptuous but potentially unusual or unexpected meal!
Camping is the ultimate family adventure. Grab a tent, some sleeping bags and torch and head down the garden for a fun, family bonding night. You can sing camp songs, tell ghost stories, nibble on snacks and play games all without leaving home. We have lots of local options including Shakespear Regional Park, other nearby regional parks and an excellent campsite on the water's edge in Orewa.
Don't just pick the movies together but prepare together. Pop the popcorn, make up lolly bags, rearrange the room with pillows and cushions and set the stage for a fun family time.
These are just a few suggestions - there are so many things you can do together but just make sure you find the time to do them all!
Let us know in the comments below you're favourite family activity and any new ones we can add to this post! Thanks!