Auckland for Kids visited Sculpture in Gardens 7th biannual FREE exhibition trail at Auckland Botanic Gardens in Manurewa, South Auckland.  The large scale sculptures on display this summer did not disappoint and were impressive in their outdoor garden setting.

The sculpture trail is a perfect family day out at the gardens and a fun way for children to learn about New Zealand modern art.  The 2km outdoor sculpture trail features 20 impressive large sculptures made by New Zealand artists. Have a look at the pictures below of our favourite sculptures from this years exhibition.

Sculpture trails can be a great way for kids to enjoy art who don’t like going to art galleries.  Kids can walk or run around the sculptures and even go under some them to take in the art work from different angles that you can’t see in a photo.  One of the best things about outdoor sculpture is that you can touch them. Feel their shape and texture, the heat from the sun on them and watch them move.

The trail is an easy walk for children and takes approximately an hour. The paths are buggy-friendly and if someone in your family needs mobility assistance you can book a wheelchair or mobility scooter for free at the Visitor Centre.

Don’t forget to pack a family picnic to enjoy at the gardens. Either have a break part way through the trail if the kids get tired or wait until you finish to relax.  Cafe Miko is next to the visitor centre with relaxed all-day cafe food and caters for children that is open from 8am to 4pm. An outdoor shaded children’s play area with a large wooden boat for your kids to play and climb in  is immediately in front of the cafe.

Sculpture in the Gardens runs over summer until 1 March 2020, so if you can’t visit during a weekend it is definitely worth checking it out with the kids in school holidays.