LetsGoKids

The 7th Kids Japanese Festival - Hello Japan
2026-01-23 10:00 - 15:00 UTC | Ellen Melville Centre, Cnr High St & Freyberg Plce, Auckland, Auckland, 1000, New Zealand
Come to the FREE Kids Japanese Festival – Hello Japan on Friday, 23 January 2026, during the school holidays at the Ellen Melville Centre. This fun-filled festival invites children and families to dive into the colourful world of Japanese culture.
What’s On:
– Screenings of My Neighbour Totoro and Spy X Family CODE: White
– Special live collaborative performance combining Taiko drumming and Japanese Calligraphy
– Special live Kendama performance & Kids Kendama Workshop
– Kids Taiko Drum Workshop
– Japanese Calligraphy Workshop
– Japanese paper folding (Origami) & paper cutting (Kirie) Workshop
– Kids Yukata (Casual Summer Kimono) and Happi (Festival Jacket) Dressing
– Fun games: Bouncy Ball Scoop, Yo-Yo Balloon Scooping, UFO Catcher, Japanese toys
– Free popcorn & Candy Floss for all kids!
Free Animation Screening (In English / No booking required):
– 10:30am – My Neighbor Totoro (G)
– 2:00pm – Spy X Family CODE: White (PG)
Presented by Ellen Melville Centre, Auckland Council, the Consulate-General of Japan in Auckland, and The Japan Foundation.

The Great Waihi Beach Scavenger Hunt | Operation Beach Patrol
2026-01-24 10:00 - 14:00 | Waihi Beach Info Centre, 26 Wilson Road, Waihi Beach, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand
Something mysterious is unfolding at Waihī Beach… 🕵️‍♂️🌊 Join The Great Waihī Beach Scavenger Hunt | Operation Beach Patrol and put your detective skills to the test. Over $1,500 in cold, hard cash has vanished, and clues are scattered across the beach waiting to be uncovered. Team up with friends or family, solve puzzles, follow the trail, and race against time to crack the case.
With adventure, problem-solving, and seaside fun combined, this thrilling hunt promises excitement, laughs, and unforgettable moments. Do you have what it takes to solve the mystery and recover the missing cash?

Summer Pool Party
2026-01-30 17:00 - 20:00 | Te Rauparaha Arena, 17 Parumoana St, Porirua - Mana, Wellington, New Zealand
Beat the heat and make a splash at the pool! Enjoy cool sounds from DU Gooda while diving into summer fun with floaties and the manu platform.

Refuel with a free sausage sizzle, keep an eye out for spot prizes, and soak up the good vibes all day. All the fun is included with normal pool entry, so grab your swimmers and join us!

Ōhope Beach Festival
2026-01-31 10:00 - 15:00 | Mahy Reserve, 5 Pohutukawa Avenue, Ohope, Whakatane, New Zealand
A vibrant, family-friendly, free event, celebrating culture and place at NZ’s most-loved beach.
This event brings the community together with kite flying, sandcastle competitions, sand art, and a lively festival hub filled with food trucks and entertainment.

Takapuna Beach Summer Days Festival 2026
2026-02-01 10:00 - 19:00 | Takapuna Beach Reserve, 33 The Strand, Takapuna, Auckland, New Zealand
— Takapuna Beach Summer Days Festival – Postponed to the following weekend, Sunday 1st Feb —
Takapuna is your ultimate summer destination with the Takapuna Beach Summer Days Festival on Saturday 24th of January at Takapuna Beach Reserve!
This event is FREE and open to the whole community, so bring your friends, family, and loved ones along and celebrate summer with us.
Starting at 10am, bring the kids over and enjoy a wide variety of family entertainment and performances, to giant games, bouncy castles and more!
(Keep an eye out for further announcements on our social pages for performances and activities) From 3pm until 7pm, jam with amazing artists as they perform your favourite hits on stage, from these incredible artists:
3pm: JELO – a 4 piece band feat: Joe, Eddie, Larry & Oz, blends funk,R&B, old-skool, pop, pasefika, classical music. Their eclectic sound, rich in rhythm & culture, offers something for everyone, delivering unforgettable performances leaving lasting impressions.
4.30pm: THE PEOPLE – a young, high-energy rock band from the Hibiscus Coast, bringing raw passion and tight musicianship to every performance. Aged 15-17, they may be young, but their sound is anything but small.
6PM: HANDS OFF – A fun, feel-good covers band bringing bright summer energy to the stage with classics the whole family will know. With easygoing vibes and upbeat favourites, they’re the perfect way to wrap up a brilliant summer afternoon by the beach.
Dust off those jandals, grab some takeaways from the 100 different hospitality outlets in Takapuna, or the food trucks on site and get ready for a brilliant summers day on our beautiful beach and reserve.
The Takapuna Beach Summer Days Festival is not to be missed!
This event has been paid for by a contribution from all Takapuna Beach businesses, so we encourage you to please support them as a small thank you – stop by some of the eateries to grab your takeaway coffees or picnic food and snacks to bring to the beach while you enjoy the event, or head up for lunch or dinner afterwards! There’s also some great boutique shopping to do along Hurstmere, and cool off in some air conditioning at Shore City Shopping Centre if you need a break from the sun, while you grab some food or beach supplies from one of their retailers!
Thanks also to the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board for your support of this event and making it possible!
As always, we are working towards making all our events Zero Waste, so while we encourage you to bring some takeaways, picnics or snacks from some of the amazing local eateries, we ask that you please take your rubbish away with you as much as you can
Please note – there are no more vendor spots available. We will not be accepting any more food vendors for this event.

Wrights Hill Fortress - Waitangi Day
2026-02-06 10:00 - 16:00 | Wrights Hill Fortress, 50 Wrights Hill Rd, Karori, Wellington, New Zealand
Visit the Wrights Hill Fortress with family and friends for our first Open Day for the year.
Self-guided tours last about one hour. Free history pamphlet and map.
See history from World War two and inspect weapons from that era.
Limited car parking at the top of the hill. Walk up the roadway or take the track to the top.
Refreshments for sale.
Strong footwear advised and no jandals please.
No bookings required. Sorry, no EFTPOS
All proceeds go to the continuing restoration project.

SkyCity Summer Garden – Lunar New Year
2026-02-21 16:00 - 2026-03-01 19:00 | Skycity Auckland, 87 Federal Street, Auckland, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
Enjoy a line up of live musical acts from Thursdays to Sundays throughout February, from 4pm to 7pm. The Summer Garden Bar will be serving Lunar New Year bites and themed cocktails throughout the month for you to enjoy as you soak in the sunny atmosphere.

Māngere Bridge Neurodiverse Playgroup
2026-02-27 10:00 - 2026-03-27 12:00 | Māngere Bridge Plunket Building, 5 Taylor Rd, Mangere Bridge, Auckland, Australia
A supportive and inclusive space for 0-5 year olds and their parents/caregivers to meet other neurodiverse* families. Educational toys and sensory-friendly activities.
*Including but not limited to autism, ADHD or other high sensory needs, regardless of formal diagnosis
When: Fridays 10 am-12 pm
Where: Māngere Bridge Plunket Building, 5 Taylor Rd, Māngere Bridge, Auckland, New Zealand
Cost per session: gold coin donation welcomed per family. Concession cards and online banking are available
Just turn up! (no need to book)
Contact details
Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2294785124290090
Alana Smythe (Plunket Community Services Coordinator): 027 2464 985 or alana.smythe@plunket.org.nz

Sonic Boom
2026-02-27 16:00 - 17:30 | Butlers Reef, 1133 South Road, Ōakura, 4314, New Zealand
New Zealand’s favourite party band, The Monroes present SONIC BOOM. A concert experience just for Kids in the Summer School holidays!
Get ready for a high-energy concert made especially for tots to tweens, packed with epic singalongs, wild dance moments, and nonstop fun. With full professional live band, expect flashy guitar solos, glamorous costumes, and that signature Monroes rockstar vibe that kids (and parents) will love!
Featuring our very own superstar 10yo Indy Monroe playing drums direct from coming off stage at Totara St, Omokoroa Christmas in the Park, Balloons over Waikato and Americana festival!
Some of the songs you’ll hear – Kpop Demon Hunters, Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars, SING2, Minions, Shrek, YMCA, Queen
Tickets:
$20 / under 2 free
On sale 15 Jan

Fun Fridays at Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa
2026-02-27 16:00 - 18:00 | Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa, 42 Amuri Ave, Hanmer Springs, New Zealand
Come join us as we enjoy the last of the summer sun!
Kick off your weekend the best way possible with Fun Fridays at Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa!
Every Friday afternoon in February come along and splash into the fun from 4 pm to 6 pm. Great music and fun inflatable pool toys in the lap pool to have a great family afternoon. It’s the perfect mix of fun and unwind — float, soak, laugh with friends, and enjoy the buzz of summer evenings.

Kids/Family Treasure Hunt at the Mount
2026-02-28 09:00 - 12:00 | Pilot Bay Beach, The Mall, Mt Maunganui, New Zealand
Each Treasure Hunt is packed with creativity and action: kids dress up, get face paint, listen to a pirate storytelling adventure, decode clues, brave challenges, and work together as a team. Their mission: uncover each piece of the treasure map… and ultimately find the hidden treasure waiting for them at the end of the adventure.
Schedule:
• 9:00–10:00 AM: Little Explorers (ages 3–5) —> 15$
• 10:00 AM–12:00 PM: Adventurers (ages 5–10) —> 20$
Location:
Pilot Bay, Mount Maunganui
Buy tickets here: events.humanitix.com/the-mount-treasure-hunt
Insta : the_mount_treasure_hunt
FB : The Mount Treasure Hunt
0226492013

End of Summer Party at Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa
2026-02-28 17:00 - 20:00 | Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa, 42 Amuri Ave, Hanmer Springs, New Zealand
Come join us as we enjoy the last of the summer sun!
Send summer off in style at our End of Summer Party! This one-off celebration on February 28th turns up the energy with poolside fun, inflatables, and live music playing into the evening.
Splash and play with the inflatables in the lap pool between 4pm-6pm and enjoy the LIVE music from Extractor Fan (Marty and Grant) on the Café Deck between 5pm – 8pm! The Café will be open until 8pm (Kitchen closing at 7:30pm).
Soak under the stars to great tunes, and make the most of those last warm nights with friends and whānau. It’s the ultimate summer send-off.

Tauranga Waldorf School Fair & Open Day
2026-03-01 10:00 - 15:00 | Tauranga Waldorf School, R364 Welcome Bay road, Tauranga, New Zealand
Step into a magical day of creativity, community and hands on fun for all ages at the much loved Tauranga Waldorf School Fair & Open Day. Free entry. Everyone welcome!
Wander through vibrant market stalls, savour wholesome homemade food, and enjoy the warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes this event such a beloved tradition.
From nature‑inspired crafts to joyful games, gentle activities for little ones, live entertainment and the chance to explore our beautiful campus, every corner offers something delightfully Waldorf in spirit. It’s the perfect place to slow down, reconnect, and experience the heart of our school.
Alongside the festive buzz of food aromas, artisan goods and colourful family fun, visitors can also step into our Open Day Classroom to meet teachers, ask questions, and take a guided walk to the Outdoor Classroom at the farm.
Whether you’re a long‑time fair‑goer, curious about Waldorf education or looking for a free family day out, you’ll find a fair that celebrates creativity, connection, and community in a truly special way. Bring the whānau, invite friends, and enjoy a beautiful day out at a school where childhood is honoured and community thrives.

Sensory Play Sessions
2026-03-19 09:30 - 2026-12-26 11:30 | Adventure Valley, 17 Ride Way, Rosedale, Auckland, 0632, New Zealand
Explore, discover, and create together
Our Sensory Sessions are facilitated by Messy Rainbows and include full‑day entry to our epic playground. These child‑led, open‑play experiences are designed to spark curiosity and exploration in a relaxed, pressure‑free environment. Children can join in, take breaks, and come and go as they need throughout the session.Each week features a fresh selection of non‑messy sensory activities, keeping things exciting, engaging, and perfectly suited for little explorers.Sessions run most Thursdays & Saturdays through 2026, with additional Messy play sessions locked in too (separate ticket)Term 1 Times:

Thursdays, 9:30am – 11am → All ages & abilities (held during our low sensory sessions)
Saturdays, 9:30am – 11am → All ages & abilities

Term 2 Times:

Thursdays, 10:00am – 11:30am → All ages & abilities (held during our low sensory sessions)
Saturdays, 10:00am – 11:30am → All ages & abilities

Each class includes 90 minutes of interactive activities where children can explore textures, colors, and creativity in a safe, supportive environment.

Wild About Eggs at Butterfly Creek this Easter!
2026-03-21 08:00 - 2026-04-04 17:00 | Butterfly Creek, 10 Tom Pearce drive, Auckland Airport, Auckland, 2022, New Zealand
These school holidays, we’re going Wild About Eggs — and you’re invited to discover everything from colossal dinosaur eggs in Dinosaur Kingdom to real-life chicks hatching before your eyes.
We’re kicking things off with special Easter weekend surprises — and you might even spot the Easter Bunny handing out tasty treats. Take part in our Golden Egg Hunt, find the special golden eggs around the park, and be in to win some great easter prize packs.
Throughout the holidays, explore the fascinating journey from egg to extraordinary as you learn about the butterfly life cycle, and uncover how reptiles, kiwi and even prehistoric giants all begin life in the same remarkable way.
With live hatching displays, daily animal encounters and dinosaur entertainment, it’s an egg-straordinary family day out packed with discovery, adventure and hands-on holiday fun.
Check out our entertainment calendar here to plan your visit. Book your tickets now for an unforgettable family adventure!

Messy Play at Adventure Play
2026-03-21 10:00 - 2026-06-27 11:00 | Adventure Valley, 17 Ride Way, Rosedale, Auckland, 0632, New Zealand
Messy Play is all about exploring, creating, and having fun without worrying about the mess. Facilitated by Messy Rainbows, children are free to touch, pour, splash, dig, and experiment with a wide range of sensory materials — there’s no “right” or “wrong” way to play.Each session is uniquely themed, giving every visit a fresh experience. It’s always child‑led, so little ones choose what they explore and how they explore it. Some jump straight in, others take their time — both are perfect.Sessions feature a variety of messy play setups using materials like water, rice, noodles, slime, foam, dough, and more, creating an exciting, hands‑on environment for curious minds.
Friday & Saturday Sessions running throughout the year
10:00am – 11:00am
Location: Playground Party Space area!
Max 25 kids, max 1 adult per child
Includes full-day playground entry
Term time weekday tickets are $20 all ages
Weekends & School Holiday tickets are $25 for 0-2 years, or $30 for 3+ years
Disclaimer: Toys, items from messy play, and any messy materials are not permitted in the playground area. This is to ensure the safety and cleanliness of the play environment for all children.
Please Arrive 15 Minutes before your session.

Kid Care | Drop Off service
2026-03-22 - 2026-04-30 | Adventure Valley, 17 Ride Way, Rosedale, Auckland, 0632, New Zealand
We’re excited to announce the launch of our brand-new Weekend Supervision Service, designed exclusively for children aged 5 to 10! This service is here to make weekends easier and more enjoyable for parents and kids alike. Available exclusively on weekends, it ensures your children are well cared for in a safe, engaging environment while you take care of errands, relax, or simply enjoy a little time to yourself.
Run by our dedicated owner, Ryan, and our enthusiastic team member, Leah, this service features a minimum booking time of two hours, with the option to add a delicious food package for your little ones. It’s the perfect way to give your children a fun, supervised adventure while you enjoy peace of mind. Bookings are now open—reserve your spot today and let the fun begin!
Enter your details here for an info pack and booking form!

Mini Market Day at Adventure Alley
2026-03-28 | Adventure Valley, 17 Ride Way, Rosedale, Auckland, 0632, New Zealand
Mark your calendars
On 28 March we’re turning Adventure Alley into a Mini Market.
Think:
Playground chaos (the good kind)
Coffee in hand
7–8 indoor stalls to browse from 10am
Free painting for kids 12pm–2pm
Kids happily entertained
And the best part?
10% of stallholder sales + 10% of coffee sales go to Starship.
Usual entry fees apply.
Local business and want a stall? Slide into our DMs

Galaxy Level Up at the Sky Tower
2026-04-03 - 2026-04-19 | Skycity Auckland, 87 Federal Street, Auckland, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
Blast off into an out-of-this-world school holiday adventure at Auckland’s highest point! This April, the Sky Tower is teaming up with The Super Mario Galaxy Movie to bring you an intergalactic playground where young explorers can power up, complete cosmic missions, and reach for the stars!

$99 Family Pass – limited time offer for school holidays only

Galaxy Glow-Up Station (face painting at The Lookout, daily, 11am-2pm)

Tower Arcade – NEW Thrill Coaster VR Experience, Super Mario Kart game and more

$12 Parking at SkyCity when you visit the Sky Tower these school holidays

Adventure Alley Holiday Program
2026-04-06 - 2026-04-17 | Adventure Valley, 17 Ride Way, Rosedale, Auckland, 0632, New Zealand
In December ’24 we introduced our very first holiday program—and it was a huge hit! Now, we’re thrilled to announce that Adventure Alley’s Holiday Program is here to stay, designed exclusively for children aged 5 to 10! Facilitated by our dedicated owners Amy & Ryan and supported by our enthusiastic team member Leah, this program is all about creating safe, fun-filled days that your little ones will remember forever. With health and safety as our top priority, we’ve designed a structured program in a secure environment to ensure children can play, create, and explore with complete peace of mind for parents.
Packed with exciting activities, creative challenges, and plenty of opportunities to make new friends, our program guarantees smiles all around. And as a special treat, every child will receive a refreshing ice block to enjoy during the day! Whether it’s arts and crafts, adventurous games, or surprise events, every day at Adventure Alley is an adventure waiting to happen. Don’t miss out—spots fill up fast, so book your child’s place today!

Late night and Family Movies Under the Stars at Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa
2026-04-09 - 2026-04-16 | Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa, 42 Amuri Ave, Hanmer Springs, New Zealand
This April the Thermal Pools until 9pm every Friday and Saturday throughout the month of April.
Looking for a fun family night out these school holidays? Grab the kids, pack the togs and head to Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa for a magical Movies at the Pools experience this April.
On Thursday 9 April at 7:00pm, families can enjoy the live-action adventure The Jungle Book, following Mowgli’s thrilling journey through the jungle.
Then on Thursday 16 April at 7:00pm, join determined rabbit police officer Judy Hopps and quick-witted fox Nick Wilde in the animated hit Zootopia. Packed with laughs and adventure.
It’s a movie night with a twist—watching your favourite family films while soaking in warm thermal water under the stars. Arrive early to enjoy the pools and slides before the movie starts, then settle in for a memorable holiday evening the whole family will love.

Easter Party at Adventure Alley
2026-04-10 - 2026-04-11 | Adventure Valley, 17 Ride Way, Rosedale, Auckland, 0632, New Zealand
Celebrate Easter with a fun-filled family day at Adventure Alley on 10–11 April. Kids can enjoy a magical visit from the Easter Bunny, colourful face painting, and delicious candyfloss spinning throughout the event. The highlight of the celebration will be the exciting Easter egg hunt, where little adventurers can search for hidden treats while exploring the playground.
Adventure Alley is a popular indoor playground designed for children up to 12 years old, featuring multi-level play areas, slides, climbing zones, and a café where families can relax.
Bring the family along for two days of Easter fun, sweet treats, and unforgettable memories.
