Crafts for kids in and around Auckland

Mess It Up craft in Auckland

We all want to let our little Picassos-in-the-making loose when it comes to expressing their creative sides, but thinking about the mess involved is just too daunting for some of us parents. You’re going to love our list of (off-site) places to let their imaginations run wild, and do some craft in Auckland.

Auckland Art Gallery – All ages

Corner of Kitchener and Wellesley Streets

Auckland Art Gallery offers a range of hands-on activities for little ones. The Todd Foundation Creative Learning Centre located on the mezzanine level is open daily from 10am-5pm and offers exciting installations that are hands-on and family-friendly.

If you drop in on a Saturday afternoon between 1-3pm, you can create current installation inspired art with the whole family. There is no need to book, although participation is limited by space.

Nathan Homestead – All ages

70 Hill Road, Manurewa

Nathan Homestead runs activities for afterschool, weekends and school holidays that are fun for the whole family. There are a number of different workshops that develop your child’s creative learning in specific areas such as printmaking, clay sculpture, and painting.

Mess It Up  – 1 to 5 year olds

28c Rutherford Terrace, Scout Hall, Meadowbank AND 11 Killarney Street, St Peter’s Church Hall, Takapuna

Mess It Up offers messy and sensory play that helps your child’s development and is a great opportunity to learn about their environment. Messy play is not focused on producing something specific which gives your child creative freedom to explore lots of possibilities.

The Make Room – 5 to 10 year olds

37 Fred Thomas Drive, Takapuna

The Make Room is a creative space at the Lake House Art Centre where children are encouraged to explore their creativity with workshops on drawing, painting, 3D sculpture and more. These workshops run throughout the school term.

Young at Art – All ages

Old Borough Building, 22 Edinburgh Street, Pukekohe (Other locations also available)

Young at Art run a number of activities for preschoolers through to adults at a number of locations across Auckland. With sensory, creative and explorative workshops available for the whole family, the artistic opportunities are endless. These classes and workshops are on throughout the school term, Saturdays and school holidays.

Creative Matters – 3 years+

100 Jack Butt Lane, Muriwai (Other locations also available) 

Creative Matters focus on creating an appreciation and understanding of the creative process. They offer activities for children and adults after school and during school holidays. Inter-generational workshops are available for families to participate together, and these are suitable for ages three and up. Booking essential.

Paint the Earth – All ages

38 William Pickering Drive, Rosedale

Paint the Earth offers handmade ceramics for you and your family to paint, providing a wonderful bonding experience. All ages and abilities are welcome.

More craft ideas from tots to teens:

10 Hands-On (Non-Toxic And Edible) Craft Ideas

Making A Cubby House

Auckland’s Painted Rocks Craze

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