Being ‘Chief of Entertainment’ for your under-5s can at times be, umm, challenging (you’re forgiven if hours of playing dolls or trains leaves you a little brain dead). So, we’ve put together a fab list of places to take your under 5s in Auckland where someone else is in charge of the ideas!
Winter Wonderland
Where? Snowplanet, Silverdale
Winter Wonderland is a family-friendly alpine village with snow-capped trees and activities to explore, all housed inside Snowplanet. Set apart from the skiers and snowboarders, there are twos no tubing tracks, a tobogganing area, and plenty of space for kids to play and have fun in the snow. Winter Wonderland is a chilly -5 degrees, so make sure to wrap up warm.
Weird & Wonderful Gallery
Where? Auckland Museum, Parnell
Budding scientists will absolutely love the Weird & Wonderful display at the Auckland Museum (pictured above). Under-5s can discover everything they need to know about dinosaurs, insects and underwater creatures in one awesome room. When all their exploration energy has been used up, children can climb The Nest and snuggle up with a book to catch their breath.
Bounce & Beyond
Where? 10a Kerwyn Ave, East Tamaki and 48 Arrenway Drive, Mairangi Bay
Nearly every day, we catch our youngsters trying to show off their best jumps, twists and other unique tricks. Luckily, Bounce & Beyond is the perfect hub for them to run free in a safe and enjoyable environment. Every Tuesday between 10.15-11am, Bounce and Beyond have Wriggle and Rhyme classes suitable for toddlers and pre-schoolers.
Mess It Up
Where? 28c Rutherford Terrace, Meadowbank
The slime craze has been in full-swing lately, which means mess, mess and more mess! Luckily for us parents, Mess It Up in Meadowbank have enough playdough, gloop and foam to keep our under-5s entertained for the entire session. This is a new business but it’s growing quickly, so book in now to secure a spot so your youngsters can get creative and messy (without the hassle of you having to clean up).
Ambury Farm Park
Where? 43 Ambury Road, Mangere Bridge
Free, fun, and full of friendly farms animals — under-5s can run wild and interact with some of Auckland’s cutest lambs, goats and cows at Ambury Park. Whether your fam needs to get some fresh air or wishes to observe the basalt lava flows, this spot has everything necessary for a fascinating day out.
Children’s Science Play Room
Where? 406 Great North Road, Henderson
With over 55 science displays on offer, kids are sure to learn something new about science, technology, art, maths and engineering. There is a specialised area for under-5s known as My Garden Area, where they are able to explore, have fun and learn about the natural environment.
Image: Auckland Museum
more Auckland activities with kids from tots to teens: