Auckland has some of the most amazing parks and playgrounds to do the various things for kids. There are tons of playgrounds for school holiday activities and even the regional parks you may not even know about. Here is a detailed list of our top 5 parks that you will need to visit this weekend. The kids will love you for it!

Long Bay Regional Park, Long Bay – On a nice summer day, this is the spot to be. Go out for a swim, snorkel or kayak. Chill out under the shade and have a picnic, or have a barbecue! There is also a playground with a flying fox that the kids will love.

Rocket Park, Mount Albert – Funny how the name says it all. Rocket Park is home to a massive red and blue play structure in the shape of a rocket! There are three levels in the rocket structure, as well as swings and other play equipment. Whilst the kids are playing, parents can have their own fun using the free gym equipment that lines the park, or sit and have a picnic on the open shaded grassy spots.

Western Park, Freemans Bay – This park is perfect for people of all ages, with so much to keep everyone entertained. Large green space, two tennis courts (for public use), picnic tables, as well as two play areas. The play area has a huge 25m slide, seesaw, trampolines and flying fox.

Ambury Regional Park, Mangere Bridge – A free farm park! Cool! Walk through the open pasture and take in all the farm animals that reside around the park. If you are there in spring, hand feed the lambs! Once you are done checking out the animals, go on the Lost Gardens walk and check out the remnants from the Maori stone mounds.

Cornwall Park, Epsom – Nice and close to the city center, Cornwall Park has something for everyone. Walk up One Tree Hill and take in the spectacular view over Auckland, have a look at a working farm with animals dotted throughout the park, play some games or, have a picnic on one of the open lawns or just sit down and take in the breathtaking natural environment that surrounds you in Cornwall Park.

These parks are must visits next weekend, and the weekend after and the weekend after that etc. – once you see how much the kids love it and how much it keeps them out of your hair!!