As the days grow longer and the blossoms begin to burst into colour, spring on New Zealand's North Island offers endless opportunities for families to get outside and enjoy the season. With so much to see and do, it's the perfect time to explore new adventures with your little ones.

Here’s a guide to some of the best kid-friendly activities you can enjoy across the North Island this spring.

1. Get Your Hands Dirty with Spring Gardening

Spring is the season of new beginnings, making it the ideal time to start a garden with your kids. Whether you have a sprawling backyard or just a few pots, gardening is a fun and educational way to bond. Plant vibrant flowers, herbs, or even a vegetable patch, and watch your kids take pride in nurturing their plants. Many botanical gardens and community centres on the North Island offer spring gardening workshops for children, providing a fantastic outing for the whole family.

2. Enjoy a Picnic in the Park

With warmer weather arriving, it’s the perfect time to pack a picnic and head to one of the North Island’s beautiful parks. From Auckland’s expansive parks to Wellington’s charming green spaces, there are plenty of spots where kids can run, play, and explore. Don’t forget to bring along a frisbee, soccer ball, or kite for some added fun!

3. Discover wildlife on a bushwalk.

Spring is an excellent time for spotting wildlife, as many animals become more active after the winter months. Explore national parks and nature reserves across the North Island on family-friendly bushwalks. Keep your eyes peeled for native birds, lizards, and perhaps even a friendly kiwi or two. Don’t forget your binoculars and camera to capture those special moments!

4. Ride the waves at the beach.

Spring signals the start of beach season on the North Island, and there's no better way to embrace the sun than with a day by the sea. Kids will love building sandcastles, collecting shells, and splashing in the waves. Coastal areas like the Bay of Islands, the Coromandel Peninsula, and Raglan offer stunning beach experiences. Coastal walks are also a great way to take in the breathtaking ocean views and explore rock pools.

5. Experience the magic of spring festivals.

Springtime on the North Island is full of vibrant festivals celebrating the season’s beauty. From the Auckland Flower Show to the Wellington Spring Fair, these festivals feature stunning floral displays, live entertainment, and plenty of activities for kids. These events are a fantastic way to immerse your family in local culture and enjoy a day out together.

6. Visit a farm and pick your own fruit.

Spring is harvest season for many fruits, and visiting a pick-your-own farm is a delightful way to spend a day in the countryside. Farms across the North Island welcome families to pick strawberries, apples, or other seasonal fruits. Kids will enjoy the hands-on experience of selecting their own produce, and it’s a great way to teach them about where their food comes from.

7. Explore waterfalls and swimming holes.

There’s something magical about waterfalls in spring, as they’re often flowing at their best after winter rains. Take your family on an adventure to explore some of the North Island’s most beautiful waterfalls. Many of these spots also have nearby swimming holes where kids can cool off after a hike, making for a perfect spring day out.

8. Enjoy an outdoor art and craft session.

Turn your backyard or a local park into an outdoor art studio! Collect leaves, flowers, and twigs during a nature walk and use them to create art projects with your kids. Whether it’s making leaf rubbings, creating collages, or painting rocks, nature-inspired crafts are a wonderful way to spark creativity and connect with the season. Bring along some sidewalk chalk and let your kids create colourful masterpieces on the driveway or footpath.

9. Visit a zoo or aquarium.

Spring is a lively time at zoos and aquariums, with many animals coming out to play and new babies being born. Head to one of the North Island’s many zoos or wildlife parks, such as Auckland Zoo or Wellington Zoo, where kids can see their favourite animals up close and learn about conservation efforts. Aquariums like Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life offer fascinating marine life exhibits that will captivate young minds.

10. Go on a cycling adventure.

Cycling is a fantastic way to explore the North Island’s scenic landscapes while keeping the whole family active. Many parks and reserves have dedicated cycling trails that are safe and suitable for children. Pack a picnic and set out on a leisurely ride through the countryside, along coastal paths, or around lakes. It’s a fun and eco-friendly way to enjoy the beauty of spring together.

Spring on New Zealand's North Island is a time of renewal and endless fun. Whether you’re planting a garden, exploring natural wonders, or enjoying a day at the beach, there’s no shortage of activities to keep your kids entertained and engaged. Embrace the season, get outside, and create memorable springtime adventures with your family!