BEST things to do in the September and October School Holidays 2023 in Auckland for Kids
- By: Auckland for Kids
- Last updated:
Get ready to make the most of the September and October school holidays in Auckland, New Zealand! Auckland for Kids has carefully selected the BEST activities to ensure you and your kids or teens have a blast in 2023. From thrilling adventures to educational discoveries, our list offers lot’s of options for families to enjoy in Auckland. Get set for an unforgettable school holiday of entertainment and engagement as we guide you through the best ways to keep your young ones entertained in Auckland.
Go sailing on the Ted Ashby
Where: Departs from the NZ Maritime Museum
When: Tuesdays to Sundays at 11:30am and 1:30pm
Ted Ashby Sailing info
Head down to the New Zealand Maritime Museum and go sailing on the heritage Ted Ashby scow. Take in the views of the city from the sea on this one hour cruise on the Tāmaki Makaurau | Auckland’s Harbour. You and the kids can try your hand at hoisting the sails too or just sit back and relax if you prefer.
Join in the “Treasure Hunter” FREE activities for kids, tween and teens at your local Auckland library
Where: Local Auckland Libraries
Central Auckland, North Auckland, South Auckland, East Auckland, West Auckland
Head down to your local library to find out what Treasure Hunters Holiday Programme events are on for your children. Such as the D&D Treasure Seekers event at Te Manawa Library on Sunday 1 October for tweens and teens.
Cost: FREE holiday activities for kids at your local library.
Take the kids for a FREE swim
Where: Auckland indoor heated pools
Central Auckland, North Auckland, South Auckland, East Auckland, West Auckland
September and October school holidays. (Please check the operating hours for the pool on the day you are going.)
Enjoy visiting one of the Auckland Council operated indoor pools where children and teenagers aged 16 years or younger get to swim for FREE.
Take the kids to the fun FREE spring school holiday activities at the Auckland Botanic Gardens
Where: Auckland Botanic Gardens, 102 Hill Road, Manurewa, South Auckland
Explore the gardens, go for a picnic and check out the Eye on Nature Creative Arts Exhibition on during the school holidays
Cost: FREE
See a Live Family-friendly Show or Concert
Choose one of these fun live theatre shows or concerts to enjoy with the kids in the winter school holidays:
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Roald Dahl’s The Twits by Tim Bray Theatre Company at The Pumphouse in Takapuna Show info
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Pirate Popsicle and the Bubble Dragon at TAPAC Show info
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The Wizard of Oz at Hawkins Theatre Show info
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Madagascar Jr at Centrestage Theatre in Orewa Show info
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The Chuckle Monsters at the Covert Theatre in Ponsonby Show Info
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Te Maeva Nui NZ Festival at The Trusts Arena in Henderson Event info
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Unbelieve-A-Bubble Science Show at Remuera Primary Event info
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360 Allstars at The Civic Show info
Teach your kids how to ride a bike
Get the kids riding bikes in the school holidays. Learning to ride a two-wheeler is one of those big childhood milestones, and being part of that experience as a parent is a thrill. If you are wondering how to get started, come along to one of Auckland Transport’s bike events in the school holidays:
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Kids learn to ride at Wynyard Quarter on Saturday 30 September Event info
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Kids learn to ride at Mangere on Saturday 7 October Event info
Learn about Egyptians and Dinosaurs at Auckland Museum
Where: Auckland Museum, Park Road, Grafton, Central Auckland
Head to Auckland Museum for a great day out this school holidays! Families have been loving learning about ancient pharaohs in the Egypt exhibition and the kids can exploring the wider Museum in the FREE Pharaoh’s Tomb Trail these school holidays.
For the dino fans, resident T.rex Peter and Barbara are a must-visit, plus you can search for their mates in the Museum’s AR Dinosaur Hunt.
Also, on weekdays during the school holidays the FREE Treasures & Tales storytelling sessions are back, this time taking tamariki on a Time Machine Adventure.
Note the Night at Auckland Museum event is sold out for the Spring School Holidays.
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Explore Brick Bay Sculpture Trail
Where: Brick Bay Sculpture Trail, 17 Arabella Lane, Snells Beach 0982, North Auckland
When: Open every day of the school holidays
Explore incredible kauri forests, lakes and farmland abundant with native birds all while discovering over 60 sculptures along the way. Every young explorer gets a Trail Map to learn about the artworks and nature they discover along the trail!
Entry is FREE on weekdays for up to 3 children with each paying adult ($12), during the Spring School Holidays too!
Make a Play Fort
Where: Your House
When: Any day in the school holidays.
Creating a fort with your kids is such a wonderful and imaginative experience! We have found that with a bit of creativity, some spare blankets, pillows, and furniture, you can turn your living room into a magical hideaway that keeps the little ones entertained for hours. They can dream up all sorts of adventures – from castle quests to secret missions – and it’s amazing to watch their teamwork and problem-solving skills in action. Plus, they can add their own personal touches, like stuffed animals, fairy lights, and a stack of their favourite books, making it a perfect spot for reading, daydreaming, or simply escaping into a world of imagination.
Discover Mythical Creatures at Butterfly Creek
Where: Butterfly Creek, 10 Tom Pearce Drive, Auckland Airport
When: Daily during the school holidays.
Event info
Prepare to be captivated by a world filled with some of the most extraordinary legends and creatures at Butterfly Creek these school holidays. Embark on a fantastical journey through the magical Mythic Creatures, encountering Dragons, Unicorns, Aliens, mesmerizing Mermaids, the legendary Kraken, and a host of other wonderous creatures. Plus there will be arts and activities, animal encounters, fairy entertainment during the holiday period .
Have a Family Dinner at one of Auckland Night Markets
Various Auckland locations
www.aucklandnightmarkets.co.nz
Take the family out for dinner at a night market. The Night Markets are in different Auckland suburbs each night. You can find them at:
Kelston (under Countdown) on a Monday night from 5pm to 11pm
Mt Wellington (under Countdown) on a Tuesday from 5pm to 11pm
Botany Town Centre (under Hoyts) on a Wednesday from 5pm to 11pm
Henderson (under Kmart) on a Thursday night from 5pm to 11:30pm
Papatoetoe (under Kmart) on a Friday from 5pm to 11pm
Pakuranga (under the Warehouse) on Saturday from 5pm to 11pm
Silverdale Centre (under the Warehouse)on Sunday from 5pm to 11pm
Silo Park on Sunday from 4pm to 11pm.
Go on an urban playground crawl
Auckland playgrounds
You don’t always get time to take the kids to playgrounds outside of your local neighbourhood during the school term. Make the most of the spring school holidays and discover new playgrounds to explore across Auckland for the day.
Cost: FREE apart from your petrol or public transport fares.
Check out one Auckland's BEST family attractions
Take the kids for a day out at one of our favourite kid-friendly attractions in Auckland. Whether it’s Rainbow’s End, Butterfly Creek, Snowplanet, JUMP indoor trampoline park there is something for all families to enjoy.
Go to the movies to see a family movie
Auckland movie theatres showing now
Head to the movies in the holidays to keep the kids entertained. New family movies showing in the September and October school holidays include:
– Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem
– PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie
– Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken
– Barbie
– Haunted Mansion
Head to Cornwall Park for a fun day out
Visiting Cornwall Park is a fantastic day out, for both the kids and adults. With its stunning natural beauty and friendly farm animals, it’s like a mini adventure for your little ones. You can enjoy picnics, hike up One Tree Hill’s volcano for amazing views, and explore the beautiful gardens. It’s the perfect mix of relaxation and excitement for both kids and adults, so pack your sunscreen and head over for a memorable day in the great outdoors!
Go fishing with the kids
Going fishing with your child is a laid-back, timeless adventure that lets you both chill out in nature. With your trusty fishing rods, you toss your lines in and wait for that exciting moment when a fish decides to take a nibble. Fishing gets you and your little one in sync with the outdoors and the sound of the ocean. It’s not just about scoring a big catch; it’s all about bonding, taking it easy, and enjoying life’s simple joys together.
Go out for lunch at on one of Auckland’s kid friendly cafes
Auckland family friendly cafes and restaurants
Take the family out for lunch at one of Auckland’s best kid friendly cafes and restaurants here.
Climb to the top of one of Auckland’s maunga | mountains and take in the view
Choose from Mount Eden, Mount Roskill, Mount Wellington, Mount Albert, One Tree Hill, North Head, Mount Victoria.
Open during daylight everyday in the school holidays
Pack a picnic and take the family for a walk to the top of one of Auckland’s maunga | mountains. Or if the kids have lots of energy, then you could always take on the challenge of trying to climb a few of them in one day.
Cost: FREE
Baking with the Kids
Baking with your children during the holidays is an activity that fosters hands-on learning and creativity. It’s a chance for them to measure, mix, and decorate, all while having fun creating delicious treats. Whether you’re making a traditional family cake recipe or trying out something new, the process of baking together will make a lasting memory that will extend well beyond the school holidays.
Take the kids to enjoy a FREE holiday activity at your local shopping centre
Gather the kids and head to your local shopping centre, where they can take part in the FREE holiday activities. Activities happy in the September and October school holidays include:
– Spooky Halloween Experiments at NorthWest Shopping Centre. Event info
– Temperature reactions at NorthWest Shopping Centre. Event info
– Creative cirque workshops “Rhythm & Spin” at Westfield Manukau. Event info
– Comedy Magic Shows with Popcorn the Clown and Fairy Flakes Event info
– Cannonball Blaster Fun at West City. Event info
Savour a kid-friendly High Tea experience
Spoil the kids with a Cody High Tea by Cordis with a delectable assortment of sweet and savoury delights, including ‘Happy Bear’ ham sandwiches, ‘Give a Hug Ladybug’ fairy bread, ‘Sweetheart’ Cody macaroon and delightful ‘Holiday Time’ tropical lollipops.
Where: Cordis Auckland Hotel, 83 Symonds Street, Grafton, Auckland City Centre.
When: 25 September to 6 October 2023, Monday’s to Fridays at 11:30am and 2:30pm high tea sittings.
Cost: Children – $48 (Includes a Cody High Tea, welcome drink and Cody Red Panda Plush Toy) and Adults – $65 Regular High Tea
Bookings are essential.
