School holiday fun with Auckland Council
Get out and about these school holidays and enjoy some of the great things that Tāmaki Makarau has to offer.
See all our school holiday event listings here.
We’ve got everything from park-loving fun, activities at our libraries through to fun active programmes at our leisure centres.
Why not explore your local area with AKLPaths to find a new skatepark, beach or park, or head further afield for an adventure in one of our regional parks for a planting day or visit Auckland Botanic Gardens? Auckland is your oyster.
Here are some of the many options to check out these school holidays.
Get active with Auckland is my Playground
At home with the kids this holiday? ‘Auckland is my Playground’ is an online activation full of fun, free ways to stay playful and active. It’s got something for everyone.
If you want to stay close to home, there are plenty of missions that can be done in the living room or garden, and missions to take you out for a walk or to your local beach, park, playground or library.
Fancy going further afield? Jump on to a bus or train, or hop in your car and check out the ‘destination missions’! These curate the very best playgrounds, parks, events, and culture that Auckland has to offer for its youngest citizens, including the amazing Matariki missions – not to be missed!
It’s easy to join Auckland is my Playground: simply download the free GooseChase app (available via IOS and Android) and sign up by searching ‘#AKLPlay’ or use the game code ‘PEL1EM’.
If you score 10,000 points or more by completing missions you will go into the draw to win some amazing prizes, including family zoo passes.
The Auckland is my Playground game is already live, so sign up now and be ready to join in when the game starts at 8am on Saturday 4 July. New missions will be added every day, so there’ll be no time for the kids to be bored.
Shine bright at your local library
If you would like more educational-based options, our local libraries have lots of fun and free activities for the kids.
From stargazing, science experiments and Matariki arts and crafts, to bug talks, yoga and mindfulness sessions, there's something for the whole whānau.
Check with your local library to find out what’s on or explore our website for fun resources you can enjoy from home.
Date: 4-19 July, 9.30am–5.30pm
Bookings: Check with your local library to see whether bookings are required.
Active adventures
If you’re looking for all-day care for your tamariki these holidays, check out our school holiday programmes.
You can relax knowing the kids are being taken care of by our awesome recreation team. With games, arts and crafts, dress-up days and heaps of fun for everyone, the kids will have a great time at our school holiday programmes.
There are spaces still available, so contact your local centre for more details.
Matariki Festival
Enjoy this year’s Matariki Festival!
Bring your whānau for a fun day of crafts, weaving and poi-making at the Matariki Family Day in Meadowbank or Ōrākei, see the special light displays across the city including Vector Lights for Matariki Festival as Auckland bridge illuminates, and enjoy a family day out at Pukewīwī/Winstone Park on Sunday 12 July with kite flying, games and much more.
You can even add your Matariki wish to the Matariki Paper Mural wall at Auckland Museum.
Check out the full programme of events at matarikifestival.org.nz/whats-on.
For more school holiday fun, check out these events.