School holidays are on the way and there’s no need to travel far for fun! With over 60 family-friendly options across North Auckland, there’s something for every age and budget. Here are our top picks to keep the kids busy and happy these holidays...
There are so many ways to add fun into this July holidays and we provide you with some great ideas! If you are looking to fill the rest of your school holiday calendar why not get creative and take on our explosive Volcano Challenge, or see who can cross off the most free activities with our fun Zero Dollar Bingo.
When the temperature drops, find the best ways to stay cosy indoors with our favourite Winter Warmer activities, or wrap up warm and head out to celebrate the Māori New Year and enjoy ways to celebrate this July with our suggestions on family celebrations in our 5 Ways Your Family Can Celebrate Matariki Together or find an event close to you in our North Auckland Matariki events calendar.
Keep the kids entertained with the Bricks 4 Kidz holiday programme in both Orewa and Albany and across Auckland! While they think they are just having fun, they’re secretly gaining essential future-ready skills through a powerful STEAM education programme:
Spaces fill up fast, so book NOW!
Looking for the perfect indoor escape from the winter chill these school holidays? Step out of the cold and rain and into a spectacular world of glowing fun when you challenge your family and friends to a game of glow-in-the-dark mini golf!
Gloputt Minigolf brings an exciting twist to the classic game, transforming it into a vibrant wonderland of illuminated courses, neon foliage, and radiant golf balls. It is a quirky, highly visual, and beautifully colourful experience that is perfect for all ages and skill levels.
Whether you are seeking a fun afternoon with the kids or some fierce family competition, this indoor attraction guarantees a great time, rain or shine. Who will rise to the top and claim the title of ultimate mini golf champion in your family? CLICK HERE to check their holiday opening hours and head along for your glowing adventure today!
Also at Snowplanet - get ready for tubing, tobogganing, snowball fights, and snowman building in their Winter Wonderland! Then warm up afterwards with a hot chocolate or treat the family to a delicious cheese fondue at the alpine-themed 7 Summits restaurant.
Mix retail therapy with a beach walk in Orewa. Great cafes, boutique shops, ice creams, and a wide, golden beach - it’s a relaxed local holiday must-do. Or explore heritage-rich towns such as Devonport, Northcote Point, or Albany Old Village - complete with markets, historic homes, and quirky charm.
Looking for some epic indoor swimming fun this July? 🏊♂️ Head along to the Stanmore Bay Pool and Leisure Centre! Did you know they offer FREE swimming for tamariki under 16 years of age? With the beach right on the doorstep and an on-site cafe for a warm post-swim hot chocolate, it is the perfect spot for a budget-friendly family day out on the Coast.
Are the kids looking for action-packed winter fun? If so, they can hit the slopes right here in Auckland at Snowplanet! Their dedicated holiday programs are perfect for keeping the kids active, learning new skills, and enjoying fantastic fun on the snow.
Whether they are picking up skis or a snowboard for the first time or wanting to improve their technique, it's the ultimate indoor winter escape. Check out details here and get the kids booked in. There is definitely no need for bored kids these holidays!
Looking for a trusted local spot that combines physical activity, learning, and serious fun this winter? Award-winning Northern Arena in Silverdale is a massive local favourite. Their action-packed Northern Arena Kids Club provides the ultimate environment for kids to learn, create, play, and burn off that excess winter energy, offering flexible half-day and full-day options for busy parents.
If you want to focus on water safety, they also run fantastic Intensive Learn to Swim Programmes and targeted Swim Skill Clinics designed to build massive confidence and accelerate your child's progress in just one week. Dive into all the details and secure your family's spot today!
Discover Northern Arena's Holiday Programmes Here
Visit Silverdale Pioneer Village (weekends 10am–3pm). The Village is an ideal place for a family visit where you can wander through the buildings or enjoy the gardens or relax in the shade of the magnificent old oak trees. Check out details online.
Staying again on the water fun that the kids always love so much, no matter the weather, why not dive into epic indoor fun at Stanmore Bay Pool and Leisure Centre or Northern Arena this winter, where their heated pools, family fun and dedicated holiday swimming activities offer the perfect active escape from the chilly weather. As a featured favourite on Your School Holiday Hub, a visit here guarantees there is absolutely no need for bored kids these holidays!
Whilst we have a specific focus this holidays on taking on our Auckland Volcano Challenge, you can of course also take on our beach hopping challenge! With North Auckland having 25+ beautiful beaches, from Devonport to Tāwharanui. Why not challenge the family to hit a new one each day - Orewa, Long Bay, Stanmore Bay, Cheltenham, Big Manly… Share your favourites in the comments!
Check out Hibiscus Coast beaches and North Shore beaches.
Explore scenic walks and cycleways on the Hibiscus Coast or further afield through the AT and AC links. Try coastal paths, bush trails or family-friendly rides. Perfect for burning off energy and spotting local wildlife. Again, let us know your favourite for family fun!
Remember if you're looking for indoor activities for the kids that are free the kids will love family fun at your local library! From craft sessions and storytimes to school holiday programs, Hibiscus Coast and North Shore libraries have plenty to offer.
Looking for even more ways to keep the kids happy (and your sanity intact)?
Check out our full North Auckland Holiday Programmes and Family Fun listings and our online local events calendar, packed with local attractions, events, and school holiday programs.
No need for bored kids these holidays! Let the adventures begin!
What's your favourite local thing to do with the kids or holiday programme? Let us know in the comments below ...
Looking for a way to get the kids out of the house, off their screens, and burning off some serious winter energy? We are challenging your whānau to conquer Auckland’s most iconic volcanic cones these school holidays!
Auckland is built on a field of over 50 dormant volcanoes. Climbing them offers a mix of Māori history, epic 360-degree views, and plenty of space to run around.
Here is your family guide to 5 of the best peaks to tackle, complete with all the details you need to plan your mission.
As the highest natural point on the Auckland mainland, this is a must-do. The massive 50-metre-deep crater (Te Kāhu o te Rangi) is awe-inspiring for kids of all ages.
This is one of the largest former Māori fortifications (pā) in New Zealand and is surrounded by the beautiful Cornwall Park.
If you're on the North Shore, this is your local giant. It has a rich military history that kids love exploring.
One of Auckland’s best-preserved volcanic cones, featuring two large craters and a rich cultural landscape.
Though not the highest peak, it is arguably the most exciting for kids because it is riddled with old military tunnels and gun emplacements.
🎁 SHARE YOUR SUMMIT SELFIES & WIN! 🎁 Did your whānau successfully conquer a peak? We want to celebrate with you! Share your family summit selfies or track-conquering photos on Facebook or Instagram to inspire other local parents. Make sure to tag our page and use the hashtag #AKLVolcanoChallenge in your post. Just by sharing your adventure, you’ll go in the draw to win one of a couple of $25 vouchers to a local business of your choice. Show us those views!
Which peak is your family going to cross off the list first? Let us know in the comments! 👇
Looking for more ways to fill the school holidays after your volcano challenge? Challenge the family to a game of holiday Bingo, head out to celebrate Matariki, or simply get cosy indoors with our Winter Warmer ideas.
We all know the standard school holiday advice: "Go to the library" or "Visit a museum". But let’s be honest—by day three of the holidays, a standard checklist feels more like a chore list.
This July, we are throwing down a gauntlet for your whānau. Welcome to the Zero-Dollar Family Bingo Challenge!
The twist? Your goal isn't just to entertain the kids—it’s to see how many squares your family can cross off in two weeks without spending a single cent. It turns local freebies into a competitive game that both toddlers and teens can get behind.
Print the chart below, stick it on the fridge, and see who gets a line first!
The grand prize? The winner gets to pick the movie for the next family movie night, or gets breakfast served to them in bed!
Download a copy of our July challenges below or if you'd like to make up your own challenges here's a blank bingo card for you to come up with your own great challenges.
Download by clicking the images above otherwise you can download pdf versions at ZERO DOLLAR BINGO CARD or ZERO DOLLAR BLANK BINGO CARD.
Are you ready to take the challenge? Drop a 👍 in the comments if your family is going "Zero-Dollar" this week!
When the winter weather has really set in during the July school holidays, cabin fever can quickly become a reality! If it’s too wet or cold to head to the park, staying indoors doesn't have to mean endless screen time.
Here are some favourite "winter warmer" activities to keep the kids engaged, creative, and cozy at home, no matter their age.
1. The Epic Living Room Fort & Storytime Turn the lounge into a cozy winter hideout. Let the kids use furniture and bedding to engineer the ultimate fort, then grab some torches and read books inside.
2. Homemade "Galaxy" Playdough Warm playdough is surprisingly comforting on a cold day, and making it is half the fun! Add dark food colouring and eco-glitter to make a "galaxy" theme.
3. The Floor is Lava: Indoor Obstacle Course Burn off that excess energy without breaking the furniture. Set up a course where they have to balance, jump, and crawl from one side of the room to the other.
4. DIY Bird Feeders Winter is a tough time for our local birds to find food. Making bird feeders is a great indoor craft that leads to weeks of indoor bird-watching from the window!
1. Host a "Nailed It!" Style Bake-Off Challenge your teens to recreate a complicated-looking cake or cupcake design from Pinterest. The results are usually hilarious, and you get to eat the evidence afterward!
2. The Ultimate DIY Hot Chocolate Bar & Board Game Tournament Nothing says winter like a decadent hot chocolate. Set up a station with all the trimmings and let them battle it out over Monopoly, Catan, or a deck of cards.
3. At-Home Escape Room You don't need to leave the house to do an escape room. There are fantastic printable kits online that turn your living room into a puzzle-solving adventure, perfect for keeping teen minds sharp.
4. Thrift-Flip Fashion Project Teens love refreshing their wardrobe. Have them go through their closet to find old jeans, jackets, or t-shirts they no longer wear and "upcycle" them into something new.
What is your family's go-to activity when you're stuck indoors? Let us know in the comments below! 👇
The July school holidays are officially here, and this year, they bring a incredibly special celebration right in the middle of the winter break.
Mark your calendars for Friday, 10 July 2026, as we celebrate Matariki—the Māori New Year!
Whether you have toddlers, teens, or anyone in between, Matariki is the perfect time for the whole family to slow down, connect, and create some beautiful mid-winter traditions.
Matariki is the Māori name for the cluster of stars (also known as the Pleiades) that rises in the early winter sky. Its appearance signals the end of the old year and the beginning of the new.
At its heart, Matariki is about three simple things:
You don't need a massive plan to make the day meaningful. Here are some simple, all-ages activities to do during the holidays:
Looking for some hands-on fun to keep the kids busy on a rainy winter afternoon? We have found two fantastic, free Kiwi resources for you! You can download the ultimate Matariki Activity Book from Te Papa, which is packed with star-making guides, colouring pages, and word searches. Or, if you want to focus strictly on crafting, check out the Christchurch City Libraries Matariki Guide for awesome printable templates to make your own paper stars and globes. Grab the scissors and glue, and get creating together at the dining table!
How is your whānau planning to mark Matariki this year? Whether you're heading out to see the stars or staying cozy inside by the fire, we wish you a warm and happy Māori New Year.
Mānawatia a Matariki! (Celebrate Matariki!)
If you are happy to head over the bridge, there are major civic events taking place in the CBD as part of the wider Auckland Matariki Festival (running from 4 July to 19 July 2026).
Enter now to be in to WIN great prizes this July school holidays!
Enter now as we have 4 prizes up for grabs as follows -
Please note vouchers need to be purchased from a place that will issue online vouchers or can email a voucher directly as NZ Post no longer allow active vouchers to be posted. Note Linku2 holiday giveaways are open to entries across New Zealand
Draw closes 19 July 2026 at 11 pm and is drawn 20 July - winners will be notified directly by email.
When the rain’s pouring down and outdoor adventures are off the table, keeping the kids entertained indoors can feel like a challenge. But with a little planning (and a dash of imagination), you can turn a dreary day into a memory-making one!
Here are some fun, screen-free ideas to keep everyone happy when you’re stuck inside:
Pull out the couch cushions, blankets, and pegs—and let the fort-building begin! Add fairy lights and books for extra magic. Bonus: it makes a great spot for an indoor picnic or movie session.
Nothing says cosy like the smell of cookies or muffins in the oven. Let the kids help with measuring, mixing, and decorating. If you’re not keen on baking from scratch, a ready-made mix does the trick just fine.
Create a simple treasure map or write clues to lead kids around the house. Hide small toys, snacks, or puzzle pieces that lead to a final “treasure.” It’s exciting, keeps them moving, and works for all ages.
Bring out the paints, paper, scissors, and glue. From paper plate animals to cardboard castles, there are endless craft ideas online—or let the kids freestyle and see what they create! Don’t forget to display their masterpieces.
Make a volcano with baking soda and vinegar, grow crystals, or try a floating egg experiment. These mini science activities are hands-on fun and sneak a little learning into the day too.
Turn up the music and get everyone moving! Add dress-ups and glow sticks for extra fun. Let the kids be the DJs or choreograph their own dance routines.
Close the curtains, make popcorn, and set up a “cinema” with tickets and a snack bar. Let the kids pick the movie and enjoy a chilled-out afternoon in full movie mode.
Curl up with a pile of picture books or dive into a new chapter book as a family. Rainy days are perfect for slowing down and getting lost in a story.
Old-school games like hide-and-seek, charades, “the floor is lava,” or even a mini obstacle course can burn off energy and laughs. Board games and card games are also great for older kids.
Grab a box or jar and fill it with drawings, letters, small toys, or anything that captures what your family is into right now. Hide it away to open in a year—or five!
Make Rainy Days Magical
While the weather may keep you indoors, it doesn’t have to dampen the fun. These simple activities help kids stay busy, get creative, and make the most of time together—whatever the forecast.
Big Fun in Small Spaces
Not every family has a sprawling backyard - but that doesn’t mean your kids have to miss out on outdoor fun. With a little creativity and the right play equipment, even the smallest garden can become an exciting, safe, and engaging space for your little ones.
Here are some of the best play items to consider when working with a compact outdoor area:
Look for play items that can be easily folded away or stacked when not in use. Foldable slides, collapsible tunnels, or pop-up tents are perfect for smaller spaces and can be packed down to give you room when needed. They're also great for switching up the play setup regularly.
These are compact, versatile, and ideal for sensory play. Many come with lids, keeping things tidy and weatherproof. Bonus: kids can spend hours pouring, scooping, and splashing—without needing much room at all.
Instead of a full jungle gym, go for a smaller-scale version suitable for toddlers and young children. A wooden triangle climber (like a Pikler triangle) or low climbing dome offers lots of motor skill development in a small footprint.
Encourage creativity with a weather-resistant easel or a section of garden fence painted with blackboard paint. These take up minimal space and give kids a fun way to draw, paint, and play games like tic-tac-toe outside.
Use vertical space! Hanging sensory boards, small swings from pergolas, or wall-mounted ball runs can keep kids entertained without cluttering the ground. You could even install a low trellis wall with climbing grips for adventurous little ones.
Let your kids dig, plant, and water with their own raised planter box or potting bench. This is a great way to introduce them to gardening, nature, and responsibility—without needing much space.
Create a simple obstacle course using low balance beams or rubber stepping stones. These can be moved or stored easily and provide great physical play in a limited area.
A mini trampoline (with safety enclosure if needed) can fit nicely into a corner and provides excellent energy-burning fun. Look for models designed for small children that are safe and stable.
These pint-sized play kitchens are a hit with preschoolers and only require a small patch of space. Kids can mix up mud pies, water potions, and leaf soup—messy fun that’s worth every minute!
To keep the space clutter-free, invest in a weatherproof outdoor bench with built-in storage. It doubles as seating for you or the kids while keeping toys tucked away when not in use.
Make Every Square Metre Count
When space is limited, it’s all about choosing items that are multi-functional, storable, and scaled for little bodies. With a few thoughtful additions, your small garden can be transformed into a magical outdoor retreat where your kids can play, learn, and explore—right outside the back door.
