Best Things to Do in the September and October 2025 School Holidays with Kids in Auckland

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Best Things to Do in the September and October 2025 School Holidays with Kids in Auckland

Spring is here. The days feel lighter. The city wakes up. Your kids are ready to go. Here is our hand picked guide for two bright weeks in Auckland. Big moments. Easy wins. Rainy day plans. FREE ideas at home.

Spotlight, Big City Favourites

Checkmate in Aotea Square

A striking art installation turns Aotea Square into a playful landscape of oversized chess pieces. Kids can wander among the sculptures, pose for photos, and explore the scale of this imaginative artwork in the heart of the city.
Cost: FREE
👉 www.aucklandlive.co.nz/show/checkmate

Families enjoying the giant illuminated chess installation Checkmate with 14 towering pieces
Giant illuminated chess game with 14 towering pieces. | Photo supplied by Auckland Live

Get Creative at Artland at Auckland Art Gallery

Take the kids to Auckland Art Gallery to experience Artland: An Installation by Do Ho Suh and children. This playful, hands-on exhibition has been created by internationally acclaimed artist Do Ho Suh together with his young daughters.

Families can step into a colourful clay world filled with fantastical creatures and landscapes like Noodlegrass, Blobbugs, Spocky Trees and Slimes. The best part? Children can sculpt their own creations and add them to the ever-growing installation, so the exhibition changes every time you visit.

Cost: FREE
Book your session here 👉 www.aucklandartgallery.com/whats-on/exhibition/artland-an-installation-by-do-ho-suh-and-children

Aami Suh, Omi Suh and Do Ho Suh, Artland: An Installation by Do Ho Suh and children, 2016-ongoing. © Do Ho Suh. Courtesy of the artist; Lehmann Maupin, New York and Seoul; Victoria Miro. Photography by Prudence Cuming.

Paper Planet by Polyglot Theatre

The Hunua Rooms in the Aotea Centre come alive with a forest of towering paper trees. Children can add to the world by making creatures and costumes, while parents relax and watch imaginations unfold.
Cost: $15.00 to $25.00
👉 www.aucklandlive.co.nz/show/paper-planet/

Creation Creation

Herald Theatre. Big questions. Playful answers. A witty show that blends humour and clever staging — perfect for school-aged kids and teens.

Cost: $15.00 to $35.00
👉 www.aucklandlive.co.nz/show/creation-creation

Two performers dressed in white suits on stage, one wearing a playful space helmet with antennae and the other holding a cardboard prop, in a scene from Creation Creation.
Big questions, big laughs - Creation Creation is a clever and playful show for curious kids aged 10 and up. | Photo: supplied

The Auckland Brick Show 2025

LEGO fans rejoice. See epic builds, meet friendly makers, and dive into hands-on building zones. A must-do for families with little (or big) brick lovers.
Cost: $10.00
👉 Event details for The Auckland Brick Show

Colourful LEGO flowers arranged in a yellow LEGO head pot on display at a brick show
A detailed bouquet of LEGO flowers on display in a smiling LEGO head pot, spotted at a family-friendly Auckland LEGO User Group Brick Show | Photo: Auckland LEGO User Group

Museums, Ships, Science, Art

Highwic School Holidays

Explore the historic house and take part in creative activities, including making a Miniature Victorian Living Room.
Cost: $0 to $10.00
👉 Event details for Highwic School Holidays

Historic bedroom at Highwic House in Auckland, New Zealand
One of the beautifully restored bedrooms inside historic Highwic House. | Photo: supplied

Torpedo Bay Navy Museum

Follow the Magical Mascots trail, try on uniforms, and let the kids loose on the nautical playground next door.

Cost: FREE
👉 Event details for Magical Mascots

New Zealand Maritime Museum

Make the Maritime Museum part of your school holiday plans. Kids can dive into daily Ocean Odyssey workshops, explore the colourful Sun Sand and Swimsuits exhibition, and get crafty at Spring Sardines Make Days. For something extra special, step aboard for a Pirate for a Day Sailing and let the whole family experience the harbour from the water.  A perfect mix of hands-on learning, exhibitions, and adventure.

Cost: Some activities are FREE with entry, others require tickets.

Cost: FREE
👉Event details for Ocean Odyssey: Cruising the Pacific 
👉Event details for Spring Sardines Make Days

Three textured paper sardines arranged on a swirling, blue and purple patterned background, resembling an abstract ocean.
Creative fish-inspired artwork from Spring Sardines, a school holiday art project for children in Auckland. | Photo: NZ Maritime Museum

Night at Auckland Museum: Superstars

Bring torches and explore after dark. Characters and lights make the galleries magical. An unforgettable evening for kids and parents alike.

Cost: $40.00 to $45.00
👉Event details for Night at Auckland Museum: Superstars 

Eye on Nature Creative Arts Exhibition

Auckland Botanic Gardens hosts a colourful family exhibition that blends art and the natural world. Easy paths for prams and little legs.
Cost: FREE
👉Event details for Eye on Nature Creative Arts Exhibition

Stardome - Looking Up!

Short planetarium shows with clear storytelling. A fun first astronomy experience for tamariki.

Cost: FREE
👉Event details for Looking Up!

Children watching a show at Stardome, seated in theatre chairs
Children immersed in the planetarium show at Stardome | Photo supplied

Theatre for Littlies

Pīpī Paopao

A gentle music and movement show designed especially for pēpi and toddlers. Short sessions. Relaxed vibe.

Cost: $15.00 to $25.00
👉Event details for Pīpī Paopao

Musician playing guitar in front of vibrant illustrated birds and nature, promoting Pipi Paopao children's show
Celebrate waiata, te reo Māori and Te Taiao in Pīpī Paopao, a beautiful show for ages 3–7

The Very Odd and Unusual Egg

On at TAPAC. Silly fun and bright props that delight little ones and keep parents smiling too.

Cost: $20.00
👉Event details for The Very Odd and Unusual Egg

Up and Away

Aotea Centre. A gentle first theatre trip for littlies. Light. Musical. Short sessions that suit toddlers and preschoolers.

Cost: $30.00 for a baby and adult pass
👉Event details for Up and Away

Young children and caregivers interacting during a gentle sensory theatre experience for babies.
A gentle and sensory first theatre experience just for babies in Up and Away.

ISPY at The Pumphouse

Interactive theatre that sparks curiosity. Kids join the fun, think on their feet, and laugh along. Warm and energetic – made for primary ages.

Cost: $15.00 to $25.00
👉Event details for ISPY

Te Moana Glow Show

A stunning glow-in-the-dark theatre experience set beneath the waves of takutai moana and the mighty Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa on at the Kōmanawa Theatre, part of the Te Puna Creative Hub in Henderson.

Cost: $15.00 to $25.00
👉Event details for Te Moana Glow Show

The Tantrum

Herald Theatre. Fast. Funny. High energy for kids who love movement and surprise.

Cost: $15.00 to $25.00
👉Event details for The Tantrum

Performers in The Tantrum live show on stage
The Tantrum by Java Dance Theatre, photographed in Wellington in July 2025. Photo credit: Stephen A’Court.

Sport

XP Gymnastics Nationals 2025

The Trusts Arena hosts high-energy competition with gymnasts from across New Zealand. Inspiring for kids who love to flip and tumble.

Cost: From $16.50 
👉Event details for XP Gymnastics Nationals 2025

Gymnast performing at XP Gymnastics Nationals 2025 in New Zealand
XP Gymnastics Nationals 2025 | Photo supplied

Cruises

Young Ocean Explorers. Hauraki Gulf Discovery Cruise

A day on the water learning about marine life with passionate guides. Perfect for school-aged children who love the sea.

Cost: $69.00 to $135.00
👉Event details for Young Ocean Explorers Hauraki Gulf Discovery Cruise

Child using binoculars for wildlife spotting on a ferry boat in Auckland
Wildlife spotting activity for kids on a ferry boat in Auckland. | Image: supplied

Waiheke Island Family Day Trip

Take a short ferry ride from downtown Auckland and enjoy a fun family adventure on Waiheke Island. Spend the morning exploring beaches like Oneroa or Onetangi, then head to a local café for lunch. Older kids will love the walks through native bush, while younger ones can play along the shoreline. 

Cost: Return Fairy Tickets – $27.00 to $59.00

Rangitoto Island

Catch the ferry from Downtown Auckland. Walk the summit track for wide views of the harbour.

Cost: Return Fairy Tickets – $26.00 to $58.00

Workshops, Libraries, Local Fun

Massive Workshops

Theatre workshops in the Town Hall Concert Chamber. A confidence boost for older kids and teens.

Cost: $20.00
👉Event details for Massive Workshops

Teens participating in a contemporary youth theatre workshop on a polished wooden floor
Teens explore movement, storytelling and connection in these high-energy Massive Company workshops

Japanese Moon Festival. Family session

Waterview Community and Enviro Hub. Lanterns. Stories. Simple craft.

Cost: FREE
👉Event details for Japanese Moon Festival

Family Game Time

Botany Library. Easy games for all ages.

Cost: FREE
👉Event details for Family Game Time

Kaipātiki Winter Fun

Sessions at Northcote, Glenfield, and Beach Haven. Play indoors, meet new friends, and keep kids active.

Indoor preschool play session with young children riding toy vehicles, playing with soft animal toys and rainbow tunnels, while parents chat nearby.
Free indoor play for under 5s at Kaipātiki Winter Fun sessions, with toys, ride-ons and space to explore. Image: supplied

Papakura Library craft series

Sea turtles, squids, and coral reefs come to life in fun craft workshops. Take home a creation to remember.

Cost: FREE
👉Event details for Craft a Sea Turtle
👉Event details for Craft a Wacky Squid
👉Event details for Craft a Coral Reef

Colourful Wacky Squid children’s craft activity at the library in Auckland, FREE
Children’s Wacky Squid craft activity at the library | FREE | Image: supplied

Cardboard Forts at Warkworth Library

Build giant forts from boxes and let imaginations run wild.

Cost: FREE
👉Event details for Cardboard Forts

Monty Mornings with LEGO DUPLO

Westfield St Lukes and Westfield Albany. Build. Play. Meet other families.

Cost: FREE
👉Event details for Westfield St Lukes Monty Mornings
👉Event details for Westfield Albany Monty Mornings

Children enjoying Monty Mornings free activity at Westfield shopping centre in Auckland
Monty Mornings at Westfield – FREE preschool activity for kids | Image: supplied

Day Trips. Any Day Places

Snowplanet– Silverdale

Real snow every day. Tubing for little ones, tobogganing, ski and snowboard lessons for older kids.

Cost: Various
👉snowplanet.co.nz

Kids snowboarding at Snowplanet indoor snow park in Auckland, New Zealand
Snowboarding at Snowplanet, Auckland’s indoor snow park. | Image: Snowplanet

Cornwall Park

Sheep, wide paths, playgrounds, and space to run free. Always a family favourite.
Cost: FREE
👉cornwallpark.co.nz

Brick Bay Sculpture Park

Walk the sculpture trail, spot birds, and enjoy the spring sunshine. Pair it with lunch at the Glass House café.

Cost: FREE to $18.00
👉www.brickbay.co.nz

Dinosaur at Brick Bay Sculpture Trail, New Zealand

Ambury Regional Park

See lambs, goats, chickens, and more. Picnic tables and flat paths for little legs.
Cost: FREE

Play in Parnell

Check out the new playground opening in Heard Park in the heart of Parnell. Plus check out the cafes afterwards.

Cost: FREE 
👉Event information for Play in Parnell

New Heard Park playground in Parnell, Auckland
The new Heard Park playground in Parnell, Auckland | Photo: Supplied

Playground trail

Try David Lange Park in Māngere, Onepoto Domain in Northcote, and Windsor Reserve in Devonport. Pack scooters and snacks for a playground-hopping day.
Cost: FREE

Devonport playground | Photo: Auckland for Kids

Markets, Food, Community

Greenwoods Corner Spring Festival

Epsom. Music. Family stalls. Street vibe. A bright local day out.

Cost: FREE 
👉Event information for Greenwoods Corner Spring Festival

BOOKARAMA 2025

A giant second-hand book fair and a perfect rainy day option.

Cost: FREE entry (excluding opening evening)
👉Event information for Bookarama 2025

Orewa Kids Market

Orewa Community Centre. Kid makers. Kid sellers. A proud moment for little entrepreneurs.

Cost: FREE entry (excluding opening evening)
👉Event information for Orewa Kids Market

Auckland Pet and Animal Expo

Showgrounds. Meet friendly animals. Learn care tips. A hit with young pet lovers.

Cost: FREE entry (excluding opening evening)
👉Event information for Auckland Pet & Animal Expo 2025

Food Truck Nights and Night Markets

Hobsonville, Manly, Balmoral, and the CBD waterfront. A simple and tasty dinner out.

Cost: FREE entry, charges apply for food and drinks purchased
👉Event information for Manly Food Truck Night
👉Event information for Balmoral Street Food Night Market
👉Event information for Hobsonville Food Truck Night

Filipino Market. Albany

Family-friendly with food, crafts, and live music.

Cost: FREE entry, charges apply for food and drinks purchased
👉Event information for Filipino Market @Albany

Gribblehirst Market. Sandringham

Local makers and sweet treats. A nice Sunday wander.

Cost: FREE entry.
👉Event information for Gribblehirst Market October 2025

FREE at Home, Low Effort, High Fun

  • Build a blanket fort then run a movie night with tickets

  • Bake spring cupcakes or pizzas together

  • Backyard camp out with tent and torches

  • Board game design with cards and rules

  • Toy refresh swap or donate

  • Cardboard city made from boxes

Plan with Ease

See the daily events calendar for every day of the holidays 👉September & October School Holiday Daily Events Calendar

FAQ Section

Q: What is on in the September and October 2025 school holidays in Auckland?
A: Families can enjoy theatre shows like Paper Planet, Creation Creation and ISPY, giant outdoor fun at Checkmate in Aotea Square, special nights at Auckland Museum, and hands-on workshops at the Maritime Museum and libraries across the city.

Q: What FREE things can kids do in the school holidays in Auckland?
A: Families can join Kaipātiki Winter Fun sessions, craft workshops at libraries, explore Ambury Farm, play at new playgrounds, and visit FREE museums like Torpedo Bay Navy Museum and Auckland Art Gallery.

Q: What are the best rainy day school holiday activities in Auckland?
A: Snowplanet in Silverdale offers real snow fun indoors, WestWave has slides and inflatables, and kids can explore exhibitions at the Maritime Museum or join creative workshops at Highwic and Howick Historical Village.

Q: How can I keep the kids entertained at home during the holidays?
A: Build a blanket fort for a family movie night, bake spring cupcakes or pizzas, set up a backyard camp-out, or create a cardboard city with recycled boxes.