The school holidays have come around faster than we can fathom once again. For parents everywhere, it feels like the school year has just begun, yet we’re only a few months out from summer. As we are once again left to find ways to entertain our small humans this October, we’re keeping things local — after all, there are plenty of school holiday activities in Auckland to stave off boredom and keep the whole family entertained.
Man O’ War Forest Flight
When: Wednesday to Sunday, from 9.00am until 2.15pm
Where: Man ‘O War, Waiheke Island — book your spot here
The newly-unveiled Man O’ War Forest Flight experience transcends the usual adrenaline hit of a zipline, weaving above and below the towering Kauri canopies with the Hauraki Gulf as your backdrop. Here, three tandem ziplines span over 900m, connected by 660m of elevated boardwalk, through the mesmerising Man O’ War Forest — an ecological haven steeped in 300 years of heritage. Strap into a comfortable, full-sit, hands-free, forward-facing harness (no awkward spinning) with custom Zipstop braking for a smooth ride. Plus, a tandem set up ensures you can share this unforgettable experience side-by-side with the family. And, post-zip, touch down at the exquisite beachfront Tasting Room and Restaurant for a spot of lunch (and celebratory vino for parents). Bliss.
Zookeeper for a Day
When: now until Sunday the 13th of October
Where: Auckland Zoo — book tickets here
At Auckland Zoo these October holidays, kids can discover what it takes to be a Zookeeper — and all of the science and work that goes into caring for animals’ total wellbeing. From insight into caring for Aotearoa New Zealand’s inquisitive kea to big cats like tigers and the world’s largest land mammal, Asian elephant Burma, the ‘Keeper for a Day’ science of care activity booklet kick-starts the zookeeping experience. There’ll be lots of fun activities in ‘The Domes’, from colouring-in, games and puzzles to a reading corner and videos featuring the zookeepers and veterinary team caring for animals at the Zoo, as well as daily Keeper Talks to see and hear from keepers first-hand.
Full Spectrum & Dance-O-Mat
When: now until Sunday the 13th of October, 8:30am until 10:30pm
Where: Aotea Square — free
Aotea Square is playing host to a number of entertaining activities these school holidays, from the Full Spectrum interactive sculpture — a striking set of seven rainbow hexagonal sculptures that invite you to immerse yourself in a dynamic display of colour, to the Dance-O-Mat — an urban dance floor for all. Connect your phone, pick your favourite song, push the red button and dance, or, enjoy free 60-90 minute dance workshops across a range of genres — free to all.
Robot Sculpting Workshop with Weta Workshop
When: now until Sunday the 13th of October
Where: SkyCity — book tickets here
Inspired by Roz the robot’s epic journey in The Wild Robot movie, this hands-on experience lets young artists bring their very own robot character to life. Guided by Weta’s talented Unleashed crew, young sculptors will learn the basics of creating 3D characters using simple household materials and modelling clay, crafting a futuristic robot friend from scratch. With plenty of one-on-one time with the expert crew, attendees will have the opportunity to get creative, crafting a unique robot sculpture to take home and display with pride.
Young Guns Skate School Holiday Programme
When: Monday the 7th & Tuesday the 8th of October, 9:30am until 11:30am
Where: Victoria Park — book your spot here
Inviting kids to learn to skate with the pros, Young Guns Skate School teaches skateboarding, safety, responsibility, respect and perseverance — taught in a fun-filled environment by top New Zealand skateboarders. Kids of all levels are welcome, and there are a number of locations across the city, from Victoria Park to Waterview. Classes run for two hours, and promise a fun challenge and essential confidence and skill building for littles.
Night at Auckland Museum — Time Warp!
When: now until Friday the 11th of October, 6:30pm until 9pm
Where: Auckland Museum — book your spot here
Bring a torch and join the mysterious Dr. When and his intrepid assistant, Dodo, on an incredible time-travelling adventure through the darkened museum. This evening event takes attendees on a journey through history, brought to life with interactive theatre, games, and hands-on activities. From creating woodblock prints with poet and paper-maker Xue Tao to piecing together a dinosaur skeleton with pioneering fossil hunter Mary Anning, to discovering wartime stories, to the finale — a theatre performance where you’ll travel back 150 million years for some possible dinosaur sightings, this is sure to be a night to remember.
Auckland Theatre Company’s Peter Pan
When: Tuesday the 8th of October until Sunday the 3rd of November
Where: ASB Waterfront Theatre — book your spot here
An unmissable and captivating experience for all ages, the magic of J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan is set to enrapture audiences this October. Prepare for delightful twists in this wondrously inventive production, as the spellbinding story of Peter Pan, the boy who never grows up, is brought to life by one of New Zealand’s most innovative theatre creators.
RELICS: A New World Rises — Last Chance
When: now until Sunday the 13th of October
Where: Auckland Museum — book your spot here
Don’t miss your final chance to take the kids to experience the world of Lego like never before in this immersive exhibition created by Australian Lego Masters Jackson Harvey and Alex Towler. Amongst the ‘relics’ you’ll see a grandfather clock that’s been turned into a time machine, a cryonics facility nestled inside a vintage refrigerator keeping minifigures on ice, and a retro arcade with airlocks and elevators that connect a series of gaming machines to form a futuristic spaceport… and much more — offering an intriguing escape.
Create a Surrealist Sculpture
When: now until Sunday the 13th of October, 11am until 3pm
Where: Auckland Art Gallery — free
Inspired by Auckland Art Gallery’s Modern Women: Flight of Time exhibition, which highlights the leading role women artists have played in shaping the development of modern art in Aotearoa New Zealand through seizing control of their own representation, kids are invited to put their artistic hats on at the gallery this October school holidays, and try their hand at crafting a surrealist sculpture drawing on the exhibition.
Mrs Wishy-Washy at The Pumphouse
When: now until Saturday the 12th of October
Where: The PumpHouse Theatre — book your spot here
In this funny farmyard adventure, audiences will be treated to comical chaos as Mrs Wishy-Washy attempts to give her muddy animal buddies a good scrub. This tale teaches valuable lessons about determination, friendship and the consequences of one’s actions, while offering plenty of opportunities to enjoy some good, clean, laugh-out loud fun.
