Top April School Holiday Activities in Auckland for Kids 2025
- By: Auckland for Kids
- Last updated:
April is the perfect time to make the most of the school holidays in Auckland. Whether you’re looking for creative workshops, free days out, or exciting exhibitions, there’s something for every child and every budget. Here’s our updated 2025 guide to the top things to do with kids in Auckland this April school break.
1. Discover Events Happening Now
Stay in the know with our daily updated list of family-friendly events happening across Tāmaki Makaurau.
👉 April 2025 School Holiday Events in Auckland for Kids
2. Explore Auckland’s Best Playgrounds
Make the most of sunny autumn days with a playground crawl! Try some of these family favourites:
Hayman Park Playground (Manukau)
Sunny Crescent Playground in Huapai for little ones
Te Waituarua Reserve Playground in Waiata Shores, South Auckland
Kahawairahi Drive Reserve Playground in Beachlands
📍 See our full playground guide here: Auckland’s Best Playgrounds
3. Downtown Days FREE school holiday fun at Queens Wharf
Join the fun on Queens Wharf in the April School Holidays with Downtown Days – a lively series of FREE events celebrating the future of Auckland’s downtown waterfront. Each event brings something unique, from live music and creative workshops to interactive installations.
On Saturday 12 April, enjoy performances from Julia Deans and Rewind Fields, DJ Sandy Mill, and take a comedic time-travel tour of the wharves with A Slightly Isolated Dog. Kids can get hands-on with The Recreators’ “Draw the Future” workshop and share their thoughts inside the Giant Egg mobile recording studio.
Sunday 13 April is Whānau Day, featuring Captain Festus McBoyle, Spellodies, Chris Sanders with performers from Hana, and a kids’ show with bFM’s Finn Trelease, along with more tours, creative activities and the Egg studio.
On Thursday 17 April, head down after work for evening vibes with live music from Anna Coddington, DJ Matthew Crawley, delicious woodfired pizza and ramen food trucks, plus more waterfront tours and storytelling.
4. Visit Auckland Museum: Bloodsuckers, Easter Fun & More
The museum is a school holiday favourite—and for good reason! This April:
Explore the Bloodsuckers Exhibition, diving into the world of leeches, ticks, and other creepy crawlies. Fascinating and educational!
👉 More about BloodsuckersJoin the FREE Easter Egg Hunt from 12–27 April. Use rhyming clues to find colourful eggs hidden throughout the galleries.
Check out Beneath Our City: Discover Auckland’s Fossils and dig into the past in this fun, FREE interactive pop-up experience.
Enjoy extended hours during Twilight Tuesdays, with family-friendly programmes and late-night museum exploring.
5. Rainbow’s End – School Holiday Fun for All Ages
Looking for a day out these April school holidays that the whole whānau will love?
Rainbow’s End is bursting with fun for kids big and small – from the magical Kidz Kingdom for little adventurers to the adrenaline-pumping Big Five rides for teens and thrill-seekers.
With over 20 rides and attractions, there’s something for everyone – and these holidays, the fun doesn’t stop there. Enjoy FREE extras like face painting, a mobile barnyard full of friendly animals, balloon twisters and special visits from the Easter Bunny over Easter weekend.
Want to beat the crowds or experience the park after dark? Don’t miss the Twilight and Night Rides on select evenings – the perfect way to end the day with a bit of extra magic.
Rainbow’s End is open every day during the school break – it’s a must-do these holidays!
👉 rainbowsend.co.nz
6. Join an April School Holiday Programme
Whether your child is into science, art, sport, or animals, there’s a programme for them. These programmes offer structured fun and are perfect if you need childcare during the holidays. 👉 Explore School Holiday Programmes
7. Don’t miss seeing the FREE stunning interactive light installations
The Lost Dog’s Disco in Aotea Square
From the creators of Airship Orchestra, this immersive light and sound installation celebrates dogs of all shapes and sizes. A quirky, colourful event with larger-than-life inflatable pups—perfect for evening fun!
📍 Aotea Square
👉 The Lost Dog’s Disco Info
Village Lights | Mangere Bridge Light Festival
Join Mangere Bridge Village for a FREE magical night of lights and fun at Village Lights on Saturday, 26th April 2025, from 5–10pm. Watch the village come alive with amazing light illuminations that will dazzle and delight.
📍 Naomi Kirk and Bill Kirk Park in Mangere Bridge
👉 Village Lights Event Info
8. See a Live Show
There’s nothing quite like the magic of a live performance to captivate young imaginations. Auckland offers a range of exciting shows during the April school holidays that the whole family will enjoy:
The Chuckle Monsters Comedy Show at the The Classic Comedy Club: A hilarious, interactive show designed for kids, packed with fun and laughter.
World Dance Crew Championship: Watch as top dance crews compete in this high-energy event showcasing incredible choreography and performances.
Blue’s Big Play The Stage Show at Spark Arena: Your little ones will love the live version of the popular Blue’s Clues & You show, full of music, puzzles, and plenty of surprises!
Live Storytelling: Mrs Chippy’s Arctic Adventure at the Maritime Museum: Gather around for an exciting live storytelling experience about the beloved cat, Mrs Chippy, as she embarks on an arctic adventure with Ernest Shackleton’s expedition.
9. Celebrate Easter with Fun Holiday Events
Easter brings plenty of egg-citing activities and events across Auckland! Celebrate the season with special Easter events for the whole family:
Easter Show at ASB Showgrounds: A fun-filled day out for the family featuring an Easter egg hunt, carnival rides, live entertainment, and plenty of delicious treats.
👉Auckland Easter Show 2025 Event InfoGolden Egg Hunt at Butterfly Creek: Join the Easter Bunny at Butterfly Creek to hunt for golden eggs hidden around the park, and meet the animals while you’re there!
👉Butterfly Creek’s School Holiday Event InfoEaster Extravaganza at Good Planet: Enjoy family-friendly activities like crafts, face painting, and an Easter egg hunt while learning about sustainability and the environment.
👉 Easter Eggstravagnaza Event InfoHowick Historical Village Easter Extravaganza: Step back in time and celebrate Easter in this charming historical setting. Participate in traditional egg hunts and old-fashioned games with a heritage twist.
👉Howick Historical Village Easter Extravaganza Event InfoEgg Hunt Party at My Wonderland: A magical Easter adventure awaits at My Wonderland, with a special egg hunt, arts and crafts, and performances for children to enjoy.
👉My Wonderland Egg Hunt Easter Party Event Info👉 Check out Auckland for Kids Easter Event Guide for more fun Easter Events!
10. Plan a Night-Time Family Outing
With no early school mornings, enjoy evening events like:
Twilight Tuesdays at Auckland Museum: Extended hours with special activities.
👉Twilight Tuesday Event InfoPlanetarium shows at Stardome: Evening shows exploring the night sky.
Light the Night – Evening Bike Ride: Ride from Mission Bay to St Heliers
👉 Event InfoCheck out one of the Street Food Festivals:
Auckland Night Markets in Kelston on Mondays, Mt Wellington on Tuesdays , Botany Town Centre on Wednesdays, Henderson on Thursdays, Papatoetoe on Fridays, Pakuranga on Saturdays and Silverdale on Sundays
11. Day Out at Snowplanet
For a unique winter experience in the heart of Auckland, head to Snowplanet in Silverdale for a day of snowy fun! Whether it’s skiing, snowboarding, or just playing in the snow, Snowplanet offers an indoor winter wonderland that’s perfect for kids of all ages. You can hire all the gear you need, and if you’re new to snow sports, they offer beginner lessons as well. It’s a great way to enjoy the thrill of snow without leaving Auckland—perfect for an active family day out!
12. Get Creative at Home
Not every day needs to be busy—make a blanket fort, do some arts and crafts, or let the kids plan a “Yes Day” at home.
13. Visit the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple
Calm and culture in one visit. Explore the temple grounds, enjoy a vegetarian lunch, and experience peaceful moments with your tamariki.
👉 Find more information about the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple
📍 16 Stancombe Rd, Flat Bush
14. Go on a Ferry Adventure
Hop aboard a ferry to explore:
Waiheke for beaches and bush walks
Rangitoto for a family hike up a volcano
Devonport for playgrounds, ice cream and galleries
Bayswater for a quiet seaside stroll and views of the city skyline
Birkenhead for bush reserves, cafés and scenic walks
Gulf Harbour for coastal walks and Shakespear Regional Park
Half Moon Bay for marina-side dining and nearby beaches
Hobsonville Point & Beach Haven for weekend markets, playgrounds and waterfront walks
Pine Harbour for marina picnics and nearby coastal paths in Beachlands
Rakino Island for a remote island escape with unspoiled beaches
West Harbour for tranquil views and local reserves ideal for a quiet outing
👉 Find more information on Auckland Transport’s Ferry Services here
15. Enjoy Outdoor Adventures
The weather is often still lovely in April, so enjoy some fresh air with these ideas:
Picnic at Shakespear Regional Park
Cycle at Grey Lynn Pump Track
Spot the birds at Tāwharanui Regional Park
Walk the Ōtuataua Stonefields Historic Reserve
Smell the flowers at the Auckland Botanic Gardens
Explore the nature trails at Tūpuna Maunga/Maungawhau (Mt Eden)
Paddleboard or kayak at Mission Bay
Discover native bush at Karamatura Track in the Waitākere Ranges
Feed the eels at Oakley Creek and view Auckland’s urban waterfall
Visit Ambury Regional Park to meet the farm animals
Go on a nature scavenger hunt at Western Springs Lakeside Park
16. Visit the Rainbow Machine at Corban Estate Arts Centre
Experience colour like never before! The Rainbow Machine is an interactive sculpture designed for kids to explore light, play and movement.
📍 Corban Estate Arts Centre, Henderson
👉 Event info
17. Meet Friendly Animals
Animal lovers will enjoy these spots:
Butterfly Creek – insects, farm animals, dinosaurs and crocs!
Rainbow’s End – discover a Pop-Up Mobile Barnyard these holidays.
Auckland Zoo – always a classic.
Ambury Farm – see a real-life working Auckland farm
Highfield Donkey Reserve – open by appointment.
SheepWorld – watch sheep shearing shows, feed animals, and learn about NZ farming life in Warkworth
18. Enjoy a Family Movie Day
If the weather turns, why not take the family to a local cinema for a movie day? Auckland cinemas offer family-friendly movie screenings during the school holidays. Grab some popcorn and settle in for a fun, cozy movie experience with the kids!
👉 Find What Movies are on Now
19. Visit MOTAT’s Search & Rescue Experience
MOTAT’s latest school holiday theme is Search & Rescue. From 12 April, kids can learn the science of survival, navigation, and safety through geocaching, Morse code, UV hide-and-seek and more.
👉 MOTAT Holiday Experience
20. Explore EcoFest Auckland
EcoFest runs throughout April with workshops, garden tours, and hands-on environmental fun for kids across Auckland. check out these fun EcoFest events:
A Wheely Good Garden Lunch on Sun 13 April at the Bike Hub on Waiheke
Neighbourly Nibbles & Storytime with Tanya Batt on Sun 13 April on Waiheke Island
Love Your Path – Shared Working Bee on Sun 13 April on the St Johns to Glen Innes Cycle Path
Climate Fresk for Kids on Mon 14 April on Waiheke Island
Fernglen Native Plant Gardens Open Day on Sun 14 Apr in Birkenhead
Six Inches of Soil Special Screening on Tue 15 April at Waiheke Island Community Cinema
21. Stargaze at Stardome Observatory
Book a planetarium show and dive into the stars, galaxies and planets—an exciting educational adventure for curious kids.
Or visit in the daytime and join in a Lego Robotics: Roving the Red Planet holiday activity.
22. Library Activities
Auckland Libraries offer FREE school holiday fun for kids like:
Learning how to knit at Auckland Central Library or to Sew a Pekapeka at Parnell Library
Eco Craft sessions: including making a Pom Pom Bug Buddy; Glow Bugs or Bug Hotels at Highland Park Library
and more fun activities at your local Auckladn Library!
For more ideas, daily updates and family-friendly things to do every day of the school holidays, check out our full events guide:
👉 April School Holidays Events in Auckland for Kids 2025
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