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 ...
