Parnell & Newmarket Family Day Out: 23 Fun Places for Kids and Families

By: Auckland for Kids
Updated: Tuesday 3 March 2026

Discover the best things to do in Parnell and Newmarket with kids.

Parnell and Newmarket are two of Auckland’s most family-friendly central suburbs, located just minutes from the CBD. From playgrounds and swimming pools to museums, shopping and kid-friendly cafés, there’s plenty to keep little ones entertained.

Whether you’re planning a weekend outing, school holiday activity or an easy after-school adventure, here’s your ultimate guide to things to do in Parnell and Newmarket with kids.

Neighbourhood Parks and Playgrounds

Perfect for a relaxed morning or afternoon outdoors.

1. Auckland Domain

Location: Domain Drive, Parnell, Auckland, New Zealand
Best for: Picnics, nature walks, FREE family fun

One of Auckland’s best free family destinations. Pack a picnic, visit the duck ponds, play in the band rotunda and explore the wide open spaces.

Don’t miss the beautiful Wintergardens. Kids love spotting fish in the lily pond and wandering through the fernery.

Older children can go sculpture hunting (there are eight scattered throughout the Domain) or climb the many walkable hills.

Parent tip: Parking fills up quickly on weekends and event days, so arrive early.

2. Dove-Myer Robinson Park – Parnell Rose Garden

Location: 85 Gladstone Road, Parnell

A peaceful park famous for its beautiful rose gardens, open lawns and views across to the harbour. There’s space to run, explore and enjoy a quiet moment.

3. Gladstone Park Playground

Location: 106A Gladstone Road, Parnell

A small but handy neighbourhood playground ideal for preschoolers and young kids.

4. Newmarket Park

Location: 51 Ayr Street, Newmarket

This park has open green spaces, walking tracks and a fun children’s playground that makes a great stop before or after exploring the nearby shops.

5. Heard Park

Location: 170 Parnell Road, Parnell

Places to Visit

6. Auckland Museum

Location: The Auckland Domain, Parnell, Auckland
Best for: Ages 5+, rainy days, cultural learning
aucklandmuseum.com

A must-visit for Auckland families. Explore fascinating natural history exhibits, hands-on discovery areas and Māori cultural performances. The views from the museum steps are also spectacular.

Parent Tip: Allow at least 2 to 3 hours.

7. Parnell Library

Location: Jubilee Building, 545 Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland
Best for: Storytime and quiet breaks
www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz

Pop in for storytime sessions, borrow a book or enjoy a calm indoor break between playground visits.

8. Highwic House

Location: 40 Gilles Avenue, (entrance off Mortimer Pass), Newmarket, Auckland
Best for: History-loving families
heritage.org.nz

A beautifully preserved historic homestead offering a glimpse into Auckland’s colonial past. Check opening hours before visiting.

Swimming Pools

9. Parnell Baths (Summer Only)

Location: Judges Bay Road, Parnell
Best for: Summer family days

An Auckland summer favourite featuring a large heated saltwater pool, kids’ splash area and ocean views.

Parent Tip: Combine with a walk around Judges Bay.

10. Olympic Pools

Location: 77 Broadway, Newmarket
Best for: Year-round swimming
theolympic.co.nz

A great option in any weather, with a 50-metre pool, spa facilities and swimming lessons available for children.

Movie Theatres

11. Event Cinemas Newmarket

Location: Level 4, Westfield, Newmarket
Best for: Rainy days and school holidays
eventcinemas.co.nz

A modern cinema with multiple screens including V-MAX and boutique options. Comfortable seating and easy access to dining upstairs.

Parent Tip: Westfield Plus members can access up to four hours of free parking when going to the cinema (check current terms).

Cafes & Restaurants

Kid-friendly places to eat in Parnell and Newmarket.

12. Sals Pizza

Locations: 2 Heather Street, Parnell, Auckland AND Westfield Newmarket, Level 4, Broadway, Newmarket
sals.co.nz

Fast New York-style pizza slices served quickly which is perfect for hungry kids and casual family dinners.

13. La Porchetta

Location: 167-171 Parnell Road
laporchetta.com

Casual Italian dining with kids’ menus, colouring sheets and high chairs available.

14. 269 Parnell

Location: 269 Parnell Road
269.co.nz

An outdoor courtyard dining space with multiple food vendors and communal seating. Great for families who can’t agree on one cuisine.

15. Kaijiken Newmarket

Location: 8 Kent Street, Newmarket
www.kajiken.co.nz

Family-friendly Abura Soba shop originally from Nagoya, Japan. Abura Soba is a style of ramen without soup that makes it super easy for the kids to enjoy!

16. Archie’s Restaurant & Pizzeria

Location: 63 Davies Crescent, Newmarket
archiespizzeria.co.nz

Family-friendly Abura Soba (ramen without soup), making it easier for kids to eat without spills.

17. Eden Noodles

Location: 424 Khyber Pass Road, Newmarket

Popular for hand-pulled noodles, dumplings and bold flavours. Quick service and casual dining make it manageable with kids.

18. Bodrum Market at Westfield Newmarket

Location: Level 4M Rooftop Dining, Westfield, 277 Broadway, Newmarket
bodrum.co.nz

Mediterranean-inspired dishes cooked in an open kitchen with charcoal grill and pizza oven — entertaining for kids to watch.

Ice Cream and Sweet Treats

19. Chocolate Boutique

Location: 323 Parnell Road, Auckland
chocolateboutique.co.nz

Handmade chocolates, ice cream and sweet treats, a long-time Auckland favourite.

20. Movenpick

Location: 128 Broadway, Newmarket
movenpick.co.nz

Premium Swiss ice cream for a perfect reward after a day exploring.

Family Shopping

21. Kid Republic

Location: 285 Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland
kidrepublic.co.nz

A beautifully curated toy and gift store with high-quality educational toys.

22. Smiggle

Location: Westfield Newmarket, 277 Broadway, Newmarket
smiggle.co.nz

Bright stationery and fun accessories that school-aged kids love.

23. Nature Baby

Location: 14 Melrose Street, Newmarket, Auckland
www.naturebaby.co.nz

Sustainable clothing and essentials for babies and toddlers.

Suggested Family Day Itinerary

Morning: Explore Auckland Domain playgrounds and Wintergardens
Late Morning: Visit Auckland Museum
Lunch: Eat along Parnell Road or Westfield rooftop dining
Afternoon: Swim at Parnell Baths (summer) or Olympic Pools
Treat: Ice cream stop before heading home

Getting There and Parking

Both suburbs are easy to reach by train, bus or car.

Newmarket has a major train station and excellent public transport connections.
Westfield Newmarket offers convenient paid parking.
Parking around Parnell Village is generally available but can be limited during peak times.
Domain parking is busiest on weekends and during events.