Video: How hard are the school holidays to plan?
Holidays are awesome but school holidays are problematic. Leftover from a bygone era when mums mostly didn’t work, there is a theory that school breaks are long because the kids were needed to help Dad on the farm. Whaaat???
Whatever the reason for their length, school holidays now are less about threshing crops and more about frantically organising grandparents, play dates and Holiday programmes to manage the work/life juggle.
iPads and days out at sweaty, overpriced trampoline parks also come into play.
We have put together an easy list of school activities from programs, to paid activities and also things that don’t cost much at all.
School Holiday Programmes
Ākau Tangi Sports Centre
- Fun and Run: A day of recreation, inflatables, and scooter, ideal for kids aged 5 to 12.
- Sporting Skills: A full day 3-sports programme, ideal for kids aged 7 to 13.
- Breakout: A more mature programme with youth based activities, ideal for ages 11 to 14.
- Gym Jam: A casual drop in programme with an inflatable and soft equipment, ideal for ages 1 to 10. Note: Gym Jam runs 9:30am – 11:30am every day during school holidays except for Saturdays
Book here
Karori Recreation Centre
There’s arts, crafts, recreation and down-time at Karori, ideal for kids aged 5 to 12.
Book here
Kilbirnie Recreation Centre
Half day programme designed for children to grow confidence on wheels and in sports. Ideal for kids aged 7 to 13.
Book here
Nairnville Recreation Centre
Full-day and after-care programmes with fun activities, including trips. Ideal for kids aged 5 to12.
Book here
Capital E
The school holiday programme at Capital E features a variety of engaging, creative workshops for Wellington children. For more information
Book Here
Libraries
Pop in to the library and have fun at their free holiday programmes for a range of ages
Check out the libraries event calendar
Wellington Zoo
Keeping your kids entertained during the school holidays might sometimes feel like wrangling wild animals, so why not let the professionals take over?
Every school holidays we run a school holiday programme for kids from 5 to 12. They’ll get to meet our animals, learn from our specially trained Zoo staff and get sneak peeks behind the scenes.
Every day of the Zoo holiday programme is filled with a new action-packed theme, so you can book for one day, or choose a few days that suit you
Book Here
The YMCA
We run fun, active and social holiday programmes that your child will love!
The YMCA offers children and young people fun and educational activities to keep them happy and active during every school holiday of the year. We run programmes in Upper & Lower Hutt, Porirua, Wairarapa, Wellington City and holiday camps at Kaitoke Outdoor Education Centre & Camp Raukawa
Book Here
Paid Fun things to do!
Chipmunks
Chipmunks has three locations, Upper Hutt, Tawa and Lyall Bay, and is the perfect thing to keep the young kids occupied rain or shine. Chipmunks Playland and cafe’s aim is to make sure the kids have fun in our superior playlands and playgrounds, which offer the latest, safest, cleanest and best play equipment available. Enjoy & Relax
MORE INFO
Bowlarama
Bowlarama is the perfect for an outing with the kids, enjoying a game or two of real bowling at this high quality,modern and comfortable bowling alley.
Bowlarama has twelve bowling lanes available, with electronic and automatic scoring, kiddy bumpers are available for children, along with comfortable seating and stylish bowling shoes. A fully licensed Café & Bar is available with burgers, chips, and classic American hot dogs on offer along with beverages after you’ve bowled up a thirst.
Book Here
Escape Rooms Wellington
Our games are designed for teenagers and adults. Younger kids can play along with the rest of the family , but we don’t take bookings for groups of under 12’s.
We have capped the maximum price per game at $120 dollars per team for the April School Holidays for Operation Beehive and our Diamond Heist game. That means you can have up to 8 players for $120 dollars.
Book Here
Pirates Cove
Putt over waterfalls, through caves, on ships, avoid the crocodiles and hear the cannon blast!
Pirate’s Cove is located next to Porirua harbour and offers quality family entertainment suitable for all ages! A fantastic venue for corporate functions, school groups, holiday programmes
FREE THINGS TO DO
Te Papa
Free events for tamariki ages 3–12 years.
Jump into the fun at Te Papa these school holidays with our activities for little ones. These whānau events are for children accompanied by adults
Playgrounds
Did you know here are 107 playgrounds throughout Wellington city, ranging in size and play equipment. Some are classic swings-and-slides parks, while others have elaborate climbing frames. Many have plenty of kick-about space.
Here are also a few ideas that come from parents from our Facebook page
There are plenty of fun and affordable activities to keep children entertained during school holidays. Here are some suggestions:
- Visit local parks, playgrounds, or nature reserves for outdoor fun and exploration.
- Have a picnic in your backyard or at a nearby scenic spot, if the weather is wet just do it inside.
- Organise a movie day at home with some classic family films, don’t forget the popcorn.
- Get creative with arts and crafts using materials you already have at home.
- Explore local libraries for storytelling sessions or borrow books for reading at home there is also a number of school holiday programs on
- Have a family game day with board games, card games, or puzzles.
- Visit free museums like Te Papa
- Go on a nature scavenger hunt in a nearby park or beach.
- Make your own pizza.
- Spot a dolphin or any marine life, Wellington regularly has sightings.
These activities can provide a mix of fun, learning, and quality time together without breaking the bank
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