Indoor Activities: The Best Places to Go on a Rainy Day with Kids in Auckland
Whether you need a fun weekend outing, a rainy-day escape, or a go-to option during the school holidays, these indoor activities in Auckland are perfect for keeping your kids happy, active, and dry.
FEATURED INDOOR ACTIVITIES
Snowplanet
91 Small Road, Silverdale, North Shore, Auckland
snowplanet.co.nz
Snowplanet is Auckland’s only indoor ski slope. Grab your beanies and warm jackets for a fantastic day out no matter the weather. Located just 30 minutes north of the city. At Snowplanet there is something for everyone; a chilly snow dome to ski, snowboard, or go tubing and tobogganing in the magical Winter Wonderland.
After enjoying the snow activities, relax in the warm 7Summits Restaurant for a bite to eat and coffee with panoramic views of the slope. This combination of action and comfort makes Snowplanet a top choice for family fun on a rainy day.
Call 09 427 0044 or 0800 SNOWPLANET.
Rainbow’s End Kidz Kingdom and Rainbow Playlab
2 Clist Crescent, Manukau, South Auckland
rainbowsend.co.nz
Kidz Kingdom at Rainbow’s End has lots of rides especially for kids 8 and under and is fully covered. Your kids will never forget their first roller coaster or conquering their fears on a new ride. Rainbow’s End is the perfect place for those special family moments of magic!
If you love technology check out Rainbow Playlab, the state-of-the-art entertainment centre with Virtual Reality, Virtual Sword Fighting, E-Sports and Escape Room! Entry is free to the Playlab and charges apply for each game.
Auckland Museum
The Auckland Domain, Parnell, Central Auckland
www.aucklandmuseum.com
Auckland Museum is FREE for Aucklanders and provides a rich exploration of New Zealand’s history through its three floors of exhibits. The museum features the Weird and Wonderful Discovery Centre, which is particularly engaging for children, and hosts regular family events during weekends and school holidays.
The museum is pushchair accessible and includes a parenting room, making it convenient for families with young children. Free school holiday activities are often available, adding extra value to your visit.
Escape Masters
Level 11, 300 Queen Street, Auckland City Centre
escapemasters.co.nz
This internationally popular phenomenon promises a vivid experience where you can become the main character of a captivating mystery. An adventure, where you and your friends are locked in a themed room with the common goal to break out within an hour. To escape, you will need to find clues and solve unique puzzles. A choice of six experiences and identical rooms to race in Auckland CBD. There is an emergency exit in each room, so it’s perfectly safe and no one will jump out to give you a fright.
Can you escape? Select one of the themed rooms, choose your own difficulty level and bring a team of 2-8 people per room. The real-life escape game where every second counts.
Auckland Art Gallery
Cnr Kitchener and Wellesley Streets, Auckland CBD
www.aucklandartgallery.com
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki is home to a vast collection of over 15,000 artworks. The Creative Learning Centre within the gallery offers activities for children, and there are often FREE activities available during school holidays. Entry to the gallery is FREE for Aucklanders, although charges apply for some special exhibitions.
The gallery’s amenities include a cafe, cloakroom, drinking fountains, and change tables, making it a convenient and enjoyable destination for families. The gallery’s engaging programs and interactive spaces make it a great spot for a cultural day out with the kids.
All Blacks Experience
Level 4, 88 Federal Street, Sky City Precinct, Auckland CBD
www.experienceallblacks.com
Come behind the scenes of one of the world’s most successful teams and see if you have what it takes to pull on the Black jersey at the All Blacks Experience. Hear real stories from players past and present, insights and tips from the coaches, and feel what it’s like to be in the changing rooms before the game, walk through the tunnel and experience the mighty Haka on the field!
With five interactive zones that let you get hands on, put your physical and mental skills to the test. The guided tour takes around 30 mins and then you’re free to stay and test your skills in the Step Up skill zone.
Indoor Swimming Pools
Enjoy a day at one of Auckland’s council-run indoor swimming pools. Children and teens aged 16 and under can swim for FREE.
VR Voom
393 Khyber Pass Road, Newmarket, Central Auckland
www.vrvoom.co.nz/vr-experience
VR Voom offers high-quality Virtual Reality experiences with over 50 options, including 4D cinema, multiplayer games, and VR Escape Rooms. This venue caters to both children and adults, making it an excellent choice for family outings and introducing kids to the wonders of VR.
The VR Voom team is ready to assist newcomers, ensuring that everyone, regardless of prior VR experience, can enjoy a thrilling and immersive experience.
Thrillzone
Auckland locations: Takapuna and Auckland CBD
thrillzone.co.nz
Thrillzone is a top destination for adrenaline-fueled fun and interactive experiences. It offers two of the best multiplayer VR experiences, including Hologate VR and Omni VR, providing full-body immersion for all ages. For those who love racing, the Race Car Simulator allows you to put your driving skills to the test alongside friends and family. Thrillzone also features an Augmented Reality Escape Room, perfect for those who enjoy solving puzzles in an innovative way. With a variety of thrilling activities, Thrillzone ensures there’s something for everyone in the family.
The venue’s range of options makes it an exciting choice for both younger and older kids looking for a memorable indoor adventure.
Pah Homestead, The Arts House Trust
72 Hillsborough Road, Hillsborough, Central Auckland
Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday: 10:00am to 3:00pm Saturday and Sundays: 10:00am to 5:00pm
www.artshousetrust.co.nz
Pah Homestead, managed by The Arts House Trust, is a charming venue that hosts a rotating programme of art exhibitions. The homestead includes a cafe where visitors can enjoy coffee and refreshments while overlooking the scenic sculpture garden. The gallery is a great place for a relaxed, cultural outing with the family. Entry is by donation, making it a budget-friendly option for a day out.
The setting provides a peaceful atmosphere perfect for both appreciating art and enjoying a quiet moment with a beautiful view.
MOTAT- Museum of Transport and Technology
805 Great North Road & Meola Road, Western Springs, Auckland
www.motat.nz
MOTAT is Auckland’s Museum of Transport and Technology. Although MOTAT is spread across 40 acres, if you bring your umbrella or rain coat to get the kids between the different buidlings there is plenty of fun things to entertain you inside out of the rain for the day.
Bowling
Your local ten pin bowling venue
Enjoy a game of bowling together as a family.
New Zealand Maritime Museum FREE for Aucklanders
Cnr Quay and Hobson Streets, Viaduct Harbour, Auckland CBD
Opening hours: Daily from 9am to 5pm (except Christmas Day)
www.maritimemuseum.co.nz
The Maritime Museum is a place of stories, ambition, courage and exploration. Through seven different galleries, find out how the first Polynesian people made the epic migration to Aotearoa, the early European exploration and settlement of New Zealand, right through to our modern-day yachting success.
Cost: FREE for Auckanders
Movies
Your local Auckland cinema
Go to the cinema and watch a movie with the kids.
Stardome Observatory and Planetarium
670 Manukau Road, One Tree Hill Domain, Royal Oak, Central Auckland
www.stardome.org.nz
Observatory Planetarium with planetarium shows, telescope viewing and gallery & exhibits.
Stardome’s gallery & exhibits are open every day and night, except Monday night. Planetarium shows play weekday evenings and weekend afternoons and evenings.
AUCKLAND INDOOR ACTIVITIES
The VR Club
37 Fred Thomas Drive, Lake House Arts Centre, Takapuna, Northshore, Auckland
vrclub.co.nz
Enjoy a state-of-the-art virtual reality experience with immersive social multiplayer gaming experiences for all ages. The VR Club works with developers, both worldwide and in New Zealand to bring you their games in the way they are meant to be experienced. VR sessions are by appointment only, book here.
Sky Tower
Corner Victoria and Federal Streets, Auckland CBD
skycityauckland.co.nz
Sky Tower is the tallest man made structure in New Zealand at 328 metres tall.
Auckland Libraries
Your local Auckland Library
www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz
Visit your local library and let the kids choose their books to take out. There are often fun activities and events happening at the libraries for kids. Find out what’s on at your local library here.
Boulder Co.
33-47 Northside Drive, Westgate
Boulder Co.
Bouldering is a sport for the young and young at heart alike. With two distinct areas in their facility, one is designed to be child-friendly at a lower height, for younger or less confident climbers.
Adventure Alley
17 Ride Way, Rosedale, Auckland
adventurealley.co.nz
Adventure Alley is a premier indoor playground for children aged 0-12 years old. With a dedicated toddler play area and 3 exciting levels of fun with slides and ball pits.
Xtreme Entertainment
Two Auckland locations:
500a Ti Rakau Drive, Botany and
10 Target Road, Wairau, North Shore
Xtreme Entertainment Wairau
Tenpin blowing, Kidzone, Laser Frenzy, Laser Tag, Timezone and Pinball fun.
Live Shows
See live theatre and performances with your family.
Extreme Edge
40c Morrin Road, Panmure
Extreme Edge Rock Climbing Panmure
60 top-ropes, accessing a huge range of climbing walls, with another massive overhanging wall reserved for lead climbing. There are more than 200 routes to climb at any one time from absolute beginner to expert.
Clip ‘N Climb
610 Dominion Road, Balmoral, Central Auckland
ClipnClim Dom Rd
34 fun, yet challenging climbs, that will test everyone of all ages. Plus there are 2 additional features, the Leap of Faith and Vertical Drop Slide.
Popking Kids Indoor Playground
2B Wagener Place, St Lukes, Auckland
Popking Kids Indoor Playground
Fun indoor playground for younger kids and cafe for parents and children to enjoy in the St Lukes Shopping area.
Odyssey Sensory Maze
Lower Basement, Metro Centre, 291 Queen Street, Auckland CBD.
Journey through a maze of a multitude of rooms with a variety of different sensory effects.
My Wonderland
3/63 Corinthian Drive, Albany, North Shore, Auckland
My Wonderland Playground
Fun indoor playground for kids aged 0 to 12 years old.
Live Wire Super Park
1 Highbury Bypass, Birkenhead, North Shore, Auckland
Live Wire Super Park Highbury
Indoor play experience with a variety of attractions including a trampoline park, foam pit, ball pit, inflatable park, Mini Town and playground.
Sonsk8 Indoor Skatepark
Omaru Lane, Glen Innes, Auckland
www.sonsk8.co.nz
Sonsk8 is the perfect place to skate, ride, shoot some basketball or play football on their indoor court. All wheels welcome, bring your skateboard, scooter, rollerblades or bmx bikes and shred. Rain or shine, get in and get active!
Magic Loft Playground & Cafe
50 Anzac Road, Browns Bay, North Shore, Auckland
Magic Loft Playground & Cafe
Indoor playground filled with creativity, adventure and thrills designed for kids for a fun day out. There is play equipment and zones suitable for children from 0 to 12 years old.
Inflatable World
Three Auckland locations:
50 Anzac Road, Browns Bay;
911 Dominion Road, Mt Roskill;
577 Great South Road, Manukau
Inflatable World NZ
Giant indoor inflatable playgrounds for kids to have fun.
Glowput Minigolf
28 Barrys Point Road, Takapuna, North Shore, Auckland
Gloputt Mini Golf
Glow in the dark 16 hole mini golf course with buildings, foliage and pathways illuminated with glowing technicolour. The course is completely indoors, so you can always have fun inspite of the weater.
Running Grid Newmarket
88 Broadway, Newmarket, Central Auckland
Running Grid
The original and authentic floor-is-lave grid games and more.
Metrolanes Ten Pin Bowling
Level 3 Metro Centre, 291 Queen Street, Central Auckland
Metrolanes Bowling Complex
Featuring twelve full size Ten Pin Bowling lanes uniquely split into three different areas and two dedicated Route 66 spaces for children of all ages.
Chipmunks New Lynn
Margan Ave, New Lynn, West Auckland
Chipmunk New Lynn
Indoor play centre for young kids with a cafe.