School holidays are just around the corner, and if you’re looking for ways to keep the kids entertained without spending a fortune, Auckland Council has you covered.
Across the region, council-run facilities are offering a wide range of activities to keep tamariki active, creative, and curious throughout the break.
Head to the OurAuckland events park to find something for every age and interest. Pro tip: use the advanced search to filter for kids and family-friendly events by location, cost, and date.
Whether you’ve got sporty kids, budding artists, young explorers or future scientists, you’ll find fun, affordable options to help create lasting memories these school holidays.
Big Days Out
Auckland Council’s Pools & Leisure network hosts affordable, action-packed school holiday programmes for 5–13‑year-olds in many centres – including Birkenhead, East Coast Bays, Howick, Manurewa, Ōtara, Henderson, and more.
Activities include team sports, active games, cooking, arts and crafts, and off-site trips to attractions like SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s and Game Over (go-karting).
The programmes run from 9am until 3 or 4pm daily, are site dependent, with before and after‑care at select locations. WINZ subsidies are available.
The programmes are perfect for parents working during the holidays, and kids who want a full day of activities to stave off boredom - just make sure you book your spot early at aucklandleisure.co.nz.
Matariki Magic
Matariki celebrations continue across Tāmaki Makaurau throughout the school holidays with Matariki Festival (7 June – 13 July), hosted by iwi manaaki Ngāti Tamaoho.
These events are free or low-cost, whānau-friendly, and designed to honour te tau hou Māori / Māori New Year.
Experience the magic of the city centre after sunset with the largest light trail of indigenous art in New Zealand, if not the world; see the Matariki stars up close at Stardome Observatory and Planetarium; and join in the fun with special Matariki-themed exhibitions and activities at venues such as Māngere Arts Centre, Lake House Arts in Takapuna, and Te Uru in Titirangi.
To find a Matariki event perfect for your whānau, make sure to check out the Matariki Festival website.
Read, Make, Explore
Auckland Council School Holiday Programme
Auckland Council Libraries are a treasure trove of free fun during the school holidays, offering a wide range of events alongside plenty of books, puzzles, audiobooks, and even ukeleles for the young ones to check out and take home.
These school holidays, explore Matariki through themed craft and storytelling sessions at libraries throughout Tāmaki Makaurau, including a special water-themed virtual reality session at Highland Park. Rangatahi can join a STEM group at Albany Village Library, while curious minds can get hands-on with the fascinating world of tiger worms – nature’s composting champions - at a fun educational session in Warkworth.
For a full list of activities at your local library, check out the Auckland Council Libraries school holiday event listings, visit your local library’s Facebook page, or head into one of our 56 libraries across Auckland to speak to your friendly library team.
Revisit an old favourite
Children gathered at the Night at Auckland Museum event.
Head to these beloved Auckland icons to rediscover why they’re tried-and-true classics—and experience them anew through the fresh eyes of tamariki, thanks to special school holiday programmes.
Night at Auckland Museum is back with Superstars, a fun family event where kids can explore the galleries after dark and meet a cast of colourful characters teaching them how to become legends through hands-on games and activities.
Get along to illuminated evenings at Auckland Zoo’s Dinosaur Nights & Lights—a chance to experience the Dinosaur Discovery Track and its animatronic dinosaurs in a whole new light. Enjoy dazzling animal-themed lanterns from the BNZ Auckland Lantern Festival and let the young ones show off their moves at the Silent Dino Disco in the Dinosaur Tent - tickets only available online.
Head to New Zealand Maritime Museum for Medal Makers where tamariki can explore stories of courage, innovation, and pride from Aotearoa’s rich maritime history—then design their very own medal to celebrate what makes them heroic.
Kick off the school holidays at MOTAT with the launch of a new exhibition, Hautū Aunua Autopilot, featuring an incredible VR experience for ages 7+. While you're there, let your young creator explore bridges and tunnels in the Imagination Playground, with hands-on fun using construction kits, foam shapes, and tunnel challenges inspired by engineering and nature.
Discover the great outdoors
Planting at Duder Regional Park.
Got energetic tamariki? Head to one of Auckland’s beautiful parks for fresh air and family fun. From rural farm life and forest walks to playgrounds and 28 stunning regional parks, there’s plenty to explore.
The Wild Thing School Holiday Programme is back with a day of nature-based activities for kids aged 8–12. Learn about the natural environment and build campfire cooking skills at sessions in Tōtara Park, Avondale, and Massey.
Join rangers for planting days at our epic regional parks such as Shakespear or Waitawa, or try a free Junior Ranger Walk in Torbay or Glendowie — perfect for nature play and outdoor discovery. Night walks in St Heliers and Tōtara Park offer a free magical after-dark experience (bookings required), or pack a picnic and wander the trails of Auckland Botanic Gardens for a nature-filled day.
Whichever part of nature you choose, be prepared — July weather can be unpredictable, so dress warm and if the weather is looking gnarly, then consider changing your plans.
So much on offer
Whether your tamariki are into crafting and storytelling, chasing stars and dinosaurs, or burning energy in the great outdoors, Auckland Council’s school holiday offerings are packed with fun, affordable adventures for every kind of kid.
Check out OurAuckland to plan your perfect mix of activities—and get ready to make memories the kids will be talking about long after they return to school.
