Best Things to Do in the April School Holidays in Auckland for Kids 2026

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Best Things to Do in the April School Holidays in Auckland for Kids 2026

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Looking for things to do with kids in the April school holidays in Auckland? There are lots of family friendly events, shows, Easter activities and FREE things to do across Auckland in 2026.

From immersive indoor experiences and live theatre to outdoor adventures and easy days out, here are the best things to do with kids these April school holidays.

Featured School Holiday Events in Auckland 2026

Start with these. They are some of the most popular events these holidays and worth booking early.

Sharks at Auckland Museum

Swimming with Sharks at Auckland Museum

One of the biggest draws these holidays. The Sharks exhibition at Auckland Museum is packed with fascinating displays, and the live show Swimming with Sharks brings it all to life with incredible puppetry.

It is an easy half day out and works well for a wide age range.

👉 See Swimming with Sharks puppet theatre shows at Auckland Museum

👉See Sharks exhibition at Auckland Museum

Dreamer: A Brand New Indoor Light Experience

Child playing with light at Dreamer

New Zealand International Convention Centre
3 to 12 April 2026

Step into a glowing world of colour, light and imagination at Dreamer, a brand new indoor experience taking over the NZICC these school holidays.

Kids can explore interactive installations and wander through immersive spaces at their own pace. It is fully indoors, weatherproof and works across a wide age range.

👉 Get tickets to Dreamer

The Worm Live Theatre Show

The Worm Live Theatre Show by innovative New Zealand theatre company Night Song

When a giant bird swoops away with his mum, a determined little worm sets off on a big adventure to save her.

Funny, quirky and packed with live music, The Worm live theatre show is a great option for primary aged kids.

👉 Book tickets to see The Worm at:
Te Pou Theatre, Henderson – 8 to 11 April 2026
The PumpHouse Theatre, Takapuna – 14 to 19 April 2026
Māngere Arts Centre – Ngā Tohu o Uenuku, Māngere – 25 April 2026

More Things to Do These April School holidays in Auckland

Go on an Easter Egg Hunt

There are so many Easter events happening across Auckland this April school holidays.

Try the Golden Egg Hunt at Butterfly Creek or the FREE Great Northcote Easter Egg Hunt. 

You can also visit the Easter Egg Hunt at Alberton or the Easter Egg Hunt at Highwic

If you are heading to Waiheke, check out the Palm Beach Neighbourhood Easter Event

Children hunting for Easter Eggs

Go to the Easter Show

The Easter Show at Auckland Showgrounds is always a popular choice, with rides, animals, games and plenty of food.

👉 Find out more about the Easter Show

Amusement Ride Fun

Explore Cornwall Park

Combine a walk, playground time and something a little different.

Visit the FREE Pollination Exhibition at Cornwall Park or join the FREE Guided Walk: Birds for Kids at Cornwall Park

Duck Family at Cornwall Park

See a Live Show

There are lots of theatre options running across Auckland these school holidays.

You could try:

Dazzlehands by the Royal New Zealand Ballet

Take the Kids to a Concert

Tunes 4 Tamariki: The Fantabulous Animal Orchestra is a great introduction to live music with the Auckland Philharmonia for younger kids at the Auckland Town Hall.

👉 View event details

Watch a Movie Outdoors or at the Cinema

A movie is always an easy option during the school holidays, whether you head indoors or make a night of it outside.

Head to the popular Silo Cinema at Silo Park to see Bookworm  projected onto the giant silos in a stunning waterfront setting. It is a FREE, open air movie night that works well for families of all ages.

There are also a number of family friendly movies releasing in New Zealand during the April school holidays, including Hoppers, The Magic Faraway Tree and The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, making it a great time to plan a cinema trip.

Silo Cinema at Silo Park

Get Active Outdoors

There are lots of ways to get kids moving these holidays.

Try a FREE Kids Learn to Ride session in Waitākere or head along to the FREE Adventure Bike Playground in Balmoral

Bike riding fun for kids

Discover Festivals and Community Events

There are lots of one off events happening across Auckland. The Diversity Festival , the Bridge Family Festival and the Eden Garden Fairy Festival are all worth checking out.

Child on the Heart Chair at Eden Garden in Epsom

Explore Eco and Nature Events

If you are keen to get outdoors, there are some great options.

Try the Rotoroa Island Treasure Hunt or the Whānau Day at the Māra Kai.

Pourewa Reserve gardens in Orakei, Auckland

Head Further Afield for a Day Trip

The Matakana Model Boat Show is a great excuse for a day trip north.

Try a Creative Workshop

The FREE Art Club for Children at Pah Homestead is a great hands on option for kids who enjoy being creative.

Creative art workshop for kids

Keep it Simple

You do not need to fill every day.

Mix in playground visits, picnics, playdates and slower days at home. Those are often the days kids remember most.

Large tower slide and climbing structure at Kaipātiki Reserve Playground in Parakai with natural play features
Tower slide and rope climbing tower at Kaipātiki Reserve Playground in Parakai, with natural wood features and colourful play surfacing

Let the Kids Choose

Browse all April school holiday events in Auckland and let the kids pick something new to try.

👉 Browse all school holiday events

Tips for Planning Your April School Holidays

  • Book early for popular events

  • Mix FREE and paid activities

  • Have indoor options ready

  • Leave space for slower days

Final Note

This guide is updated for the April school holidays in Auckland 2026. Event details can change, so always check the event page before heading out.