Brought to you by

- Head to their website for more fun ideas.

This list is specifically for the Auckland region:

Looking for the best ways to keep the kids entertained during the July school holidays in Auckland? From free outdoor fun to live theatre and hands-on experiences, here are 25 family‑friendly ideas that are easy on the budget and big on fun.

1. See the magical live children’s theatre show Taniwha

Herald Theatre, Aotea Centre

26 Jun to 13 July 2025

Join Mereana and her friends in Taniwha, an uplifting Matariki story about friendship, protection and connection. This interactive live theatre show, filled with music and imagination, is perfect for primary-aged tamariki and runs throughout the July school holidays. It’s one of the highlights of Auckland’s Matariki celebrations this year.

Book tickets at silotheatre.co.nz

2. Explore the Museum After Dark with Night at the Museum: Superstars

Families at Night at the Museum | Photo: Auckland Museum

Auckland War Memorial Museum, Parnell

Thursday 3 July and Thursday 10 July 2025, 6pm to 8.30pm

Smash-hit family event Night at Auckland Museum returns this winter with Night at the Museum: Superstars. Kids can bring their torches and discover the magic behind the stars as they explore the darkened galleries, meet quirky characters, and see the museum in a whole new light.

This special evening experience is perfect for curious tamariki aged 5+ and their whānau. Tickets are essential and sell out fast.

 Book tickets at aucklandmuseum.com

 Tip: Bring a torch and arrive early – costumes and glow-in-the-dark gear are welcome!

3. Discover MOTAT’s Over and Under School Holiday Experience

MOTAT, Western Springs

From 28 June 2025 to 13 July 2025

Step into a world of bridges and tunnels at MOTAT’s interactive Over and Under Experience. Children can crawl through mini-bridges, build their own structures, and discover what holds up our everyday world. A fun engineering-inspired activity that gets the whole whānau thinking and moving.

Details at: www.motat.nz/events/over-and-under-holiday-experience

4. Visit one of Auckland’s maunga and walk to the top

Choose from Maungarei Mount Wellington, Maungawhau Mount Eden, Takarunga Mount Victoria, Owairaka Mount Albert, Maungakiekie One Tree Hill and more. The kids will love the wide views from the summit and racing up and down the paths.

Open during daylight everyday in the July school holidays

Cost: FREE

Tip: Try a family challenge to visit more than one in a day.

5. Celebrate Matariki in the school holidays at the start of the school holidays at these kid-friendly events

 Auckland has some Matariki events happening in the July school holidays this year.

Some of our favourite family-friendly Matariki events are:

Glen Inness Te Ara Rama Matariki Light Trail

Matariki – Ngā Whetū o te Tau Hou Stars of the New Year Planetarium Show at Stardome

6. Head to your local Auckland Library for school holiday fun

Local Auckland Libraries

Saturday 28 June to Sunday 31 July 2025

Central Auckland, North Auckland, South Auckland, East Auckland, West Auckland

Enjoy Matariki-themed craft, storytelling and learning activities at your local library. Libraries across the region offer free drop-in sessions for tamariki and rangatahi during the holidays.

Cost: FREE. 

Tip: Check your local library’s programme for details

7. Climb trees and explore nature at a local park

Some of our favourite climbing trees are at Cornwall Park and Auckland Domain. Let the kids challenge themselves and burn off energy outdoors on a crisp winter day.

Cost: FREE

Tip: Pack a thermos of hot chocolate for after

8. Take the kids to a school holiday theatre show

There are lots of fun and engaging theatre shows for families in July 2025:

• Seussical the Musical at Kiri Te Kanawa Thatre, Atoea Centre
• The Gruffalo at the Bruce Mason Centre
• Puna Maha – Spring of Memories at the Artworks Community Theatre on Waiheke
• Old McDonald and the Tippity Tappity Rabbit at UXBRIDGE
• Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out Live at Skycity Theatre
• The Matariki Glow Show touring the Hawkins Theatre in Papkura, Glen Eden Playhouse Theatre, UXBRIDGE Arts & Culture in Howick. TAPAC in Western Springs, Bruce Mason Theatre in Takapuna, Raye Freedman Arts Centre in Epsom and Waiuku War Memorial Hall.
• Beatrix Potter Stories at Howick Children’s and Youth Theatre
• The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe at Harlequin Musical Theatre in Howick
• Charlotte’s Web at TheatreWorks in Birkenhead

See all the family theatre shows in Auckland for the July school holidays here.

9. Snow tubing, tobogganing, skiing and snowboarding at Snowplanet

Snowplanet, Silverdale, Auckland

Open daily during the school holidays

snowplanet.co.nz

Play in real snow and try snow tubing for the little ones or tobogganing in the indoor Winter Wonderland. For more experienced kids, ski and snowboard lessons are available too.

Cost: Kids under 2 are FREE, children aged 5 and under $20, over 5s and adults $38.

Add extra time for $13 to $18.

10. Swim in a Heated Indoor Pool

Auckland indoor heated pools

Central Auckland, North Auckland, South Auckland, East Auckland, West Auckland

July school holidays. (Please check the pools operating hours before you go.)

Council-run pools offer free entry for all children and youth aged 16 and under. Choose from Moana-Nui-a-Kiwa in Mangere, West Wave in Henderson, Glenfield Pool and more.

Cost: Free for kids at most Council pools

Tip: Double-check opening hours before you go.

Find your local swimming pool here >>

11. Visit the Navy Museum in Devonport

Torpedo Bay Navy Museum & Playground and Cafe | Photo by Auckland for Kids

Torpedo Bay Navy Museum, Devonport North Shore

Open daily in the July 2025 school holidays

navymuseum.co.nz

Explore the museum’s interactive Operation Science Exhibition, try on a naval uniform and learn Morse code. After the museum, head outside to the nautical-themed playground and enjoy a snack at the café. And not too far away is the fun Devonport Playground for the kids to enjoy playing at a different park.

Price: FREE entry (koha appreciated).

11. Make a Medal at the Maritime Museum

New Zealand Maritime Museum, Viaduct Harbour, Auckland City Centre

Weekdays: 30 June to 4 July and 7 to 11 July 2025

www.maritimemuseum.co.nz

Kids aged 5 to 10 years can craft their own medal inspired by real stories of courage and exploration before embarking on a gallery trail about maritime bravery – powered by recycled materials and imagination. A hands‑on art‑history combo to spark curiosity.

Cost: $5 per child.

13. Explore Local Playgrounds

David Lange Playground in Mangere

Auckland playgrounds

Central Auckland, North Auckland, South Auckland and West Auckland.

Explore a trail of playgrounds around Auckland – from the slides of David Lange Park Playground. to hidden gems in suburban parks. A healthy and free way for families to stay active and have fun daily

If you are looking for ideas of playgrounds to visit with your family, check out Auckland for Kids review of more Auckland Playgrounds here. 

Cost: FREE apart from your petrol or public transport fares.

14. Donate or Sell Unwanted Toys

Encourage kids to donate or sell their toys at a Kids Market or local op shop.

15. Go on an Auckland art hunt & take in the art galleries

Flox Street Art in Newmarket | Photo: Auckland for Kids

Take the kids on an art hunt in Auckland. Discover some of Auckland’s best street art and sculptures in your neighbourhood and the City Centre. Or head up north and visit the Brick Bay Sculpture Trail. 

Visit Arts House Trust Pah Homestead in Hillsborough or the Auckland Art Gallery in Auckland City Centre for some indoor options.  

16. Try Dinner at a Night Market

Take the family out for dinner at one of the night markets in Auckland during the school holidays. 

The Auckland Night Markets are in different Auckland suburbs each night. You can find them at:

• Kelston (under Countdown) on a Monday from 5pm to 10pm
• Mt Wellington (under Countdown) on a Tuesday from 5pm to 11pm
• Botany Town Centre (under Hoyts) on a Wednesday from 5pm to 11pm
• Henderson (under Kmart) on a Thursday night from 5pm to 11pm
• Papatoetoe (under Kmart) on a Friday from 5pm to 11pm
• Pakuranga under The Warehouse on Saturday from 5pm to 11pm
• Auckland CBD, North Wharf Waterfront on a Saturday and Sunday from 3pm to 11pm
• Silverdale Centre (under the Warehouse on a Sunday from 5pm to 11pm

Tip: Go early to avoid the crowds.

17. Visit Ambury Farm in Māngere

Ambury Regional Park, Mangere Bridge South Auckland

All July School holidays

See lambs, goats, pigs, turkey, cows, chickens, peacocks and more animals. Enjoy FREE entry to the farm. Don’t forget a picnic and gumboots for muddy fun. 

Plus if you are looking for more to day have a read of Auckland for Kids recommendations of the best things to do in Mangere and Manukau.

Cost: FREE

18. Go for a Family Bike or Scooter Ride

Te-Waituarua-Reserve-Pump Track

Explore pump tracks and paths designed for families: Grey Lynn Park Pump Track, Te Waituarua Reserve Pump Track in Waiata Shores Western Springs Park, Tole Reserve Ponsonby,  Lightpath in the City, Westhaven boardwalk, Onepoto Domain in Northcote,  Greville Reserve Bike Path Forest Hill and more.

Cost: FREE, active fun for all ages.

19. Plan a Local Family Staycation

Book a weekend or mid‑week stay at a local family friendly hotel with a pool or a city view. Kids will love the novelty, parents appreciate the support and you stay close to home. 

Cost: Varies by hotel and package

19. Have fun at Rainbow's End Winter Lights Festival

Rainbow’s End, Manukau, South Auckland

Ride rollercoasters and see the park come alive with fairy lights

Winter Lights Twilights Ride are on each evening from Tuesday 1July to Friday 4 July 2025 from 5pm to 9pm. Kidz Kingdom will be open for 2 to 8 year olds and accompanying adults as well as the main park for kids aged 2 to 13 years and adults.

Winter Lights Night Ride are on Saturday 28 June, Saturday 5 July and Saturday 12 July in the July school holidays. Night Rides are recommended for ages 12 years plus and Kidz Kingdom will be closed.

21. Go to the cinema

Perfect for rainy days. Check out what’s on at Cinemas in Auckland and see our trailer roundup.

Watch all the new family movie trailers to decide which movie to see >>

22. Join a FREE Shopping Centre Activity

Visit one of Auckland’s shopping centres for some FREE school holiday winter fun for the kids. Don’t miss the Balloon Craft sessions with Trey from TV’s Blow Up! at Northwest Shopping Centre.

Cost: FREE 

22. Enrol in a school holiday programme

From art and STEM to outdoor activities, many holiday programmes offer family‑friendly options including horse riding, paddle‑boarding, and more. They cater to various ages and run throughout July school holidays.

Cost: Varies by programme

Tip: Ideal if you need structured activities or all‑day programmes when you need to go to work.

24. Cook together at home

Choose a fun, seasonal recipe like hearty soups, muffins or homemade pizzas. It’s relaxed, hands‑on and great for teaching kids basic cooking skills.

Cost: Budget‑friendly and a great indoor option

25. Ferry to Rangitoto and Hike the Summit

Fullers 360 Ferries go to Rangitoto each day in the July school holidays. 

Check out their timetable here before you go.

Catch the ferry from downtown Auckland to Rangitoto Island and enjoy a scenic, family-friendly tramp. The crossing takes approximately 25 minutes, and ferries depart morning until early afternoon

Cost: Child return $26, adult return $58 (family tickets also available)

Tip: Pack a picnic and wear sturdy shoes – there’s no food on the island

Plan your July holidays with ease

Whether you’re looking for FREE outdoor fun, creative workshops or big day-out adventures, there’s something for every family in Tāmaki Makaurau these July school holidays. Check our daily events calendar for more ideas and updates as new events are added. Follow us on Facebook or Instagram for tips, local finds and last-minute school holiday inspiration.