Auckland Weekend Activities & Things to Do
Weekend in Auckland
This weekend itinerary for Auckland families blends engaging free events with exciting paid attractions. We've prioritized activities that cater to children aged 3-12, ensuring a mix of educational, active, and relaxing experiences. Look out for family passes and free entry options to maximize your budget while creating memorable moments. Remember to check specific event times and booking requirements closer to the dates, especially for ticketed attractions during school holidays.
Friday Evening - Festive Family Fun
Friday, January 2SkyCity Summer Garden
Kick off the weekend at the SkyCity Summer Garden, a vibrant pop-up event offering family-friendly fun, good food, and a relaxed atmosphere.
It's a great spot to enjoy the summer evening with entertainment and activities suitable for all ages. This event is part of a longer season of summer festivities in the city center.
Kids will enjoy the lively atmosphere and any impromptu performances or activities. It's an open-air area, so dress appropriately for the weather. Facilities including bathrooms and food stalls are readily available. Stroller accessible. Duration: 1.5 - 2 hours.
Central Auckland parking is available at SkyCity car park (paid). Public transport (buses, trains) is easily accessible to the CBD. Consider walking if you are staying nearby in the city.
Auckland Domain Play
Enjoy a relaxed early evening at the Auckland Domain, one of Auckland's oldest and largest parks.
Let the kids burn off any remaining energy at the playgrounds, enjoy a casual stroll, or find a spot for a budget-friendly picnic dinner amidst the beautiful surroundings. It's a peaceful way to wind down the first day of the weekend.
Perfect for younger children to play on the equipment and for older kids to run around. Ample green space for picnicking. Public toilets are available. Stroller-friendly paths throughout the park. Duration: 1 - 1.5 hours.
Free parking is available within Auckland Domain. Accessible by several bus routes serving Parnell and the surrounding areas.
Saturday - Cosmic & Creative Adventures
Saturday, January 3Stardome Planetarium Show
Embark on a cosmic journey at the Stardome Observatory & Planetarium.
Choose from engaging school holiday shows like 'Perfect Little Planet' (10:30 AM) or '3-2-1 Liftoff!' (11:15 AM), designed to captivate young minds with immersive visuals and educational content about space and our solar system.
Ideal for children aged 3-12 who are fascinated by space. The planetarium shows are highly interactive and engaging. Check for age recommendations for specific shows. Bathrooms and a small cafe are available on site. Duration: Approximately 1 hour per show.
Free parking is available at Stardome. Easily accessible by public bus routes along Manukau Road.
Parnell Farmers' Market
Head to the Parnell Farmers' Market for a fresh and delicious lunch experience.
Browse stalls filled with local produce, artisanal foods, and ready-to-eat treats. It's a fantastic opportunity to grab some budget-friendly lunch options like pastries, sandwiches, or international street food while enjoying the lively market atmosphere.
Kids will enjoy the variety of sights, smells, and sounds, and can pick out their own lunch. There's often live music. Picnic tables might be available, or find a spot on the grass. Public toilets are usually available at community centers. Duration: 1-1.5 hours.
Parking is available around the Parnell Community Centre, but can fill up quickly. Public buses serve Parnell Road. Stroller friendly.
MOTAT Museum Fun
Explore the Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT), offering hands-on, minds-on discovery for the whole family.
With two locations linked by a free heritage tram, kids can explore interactive science and technology exhibits, stroll through a historic village, and experience the 'Summer Holiday Experience' program running until February 1st, 2026.
Excellent for all ages, especially 3-12. Children love the interactive displays, the heritage tram ride, and the historic village. Good facilities including cafes (you can also bring your own food for picnics), restrooms, and stroller access. Plan for at least 2-3 hours here. The 'Summer Holiday Experience' provides extra activities.
Paid parking is available at both MOTAT locations. The free heritage tram connects the two sites and also goes to Auckland Zoo, making it easy to move around. Accessible by various bus routes.
Western Springs Playground
After a day of learning and exploration at MOTAT, unwind at the nearby Western Springs Lakeside Park.
Let the kids enjoy the spacious playground, feed the ducks (with appropriate food), and enjoy the beautiful lake scenery before heading home for a restful evening.
Great for winding down. The playground is suitable for a wide age range. The park has open spaces for running around. Public toilets are available. Stroller accessible. Duration: 1-1.5 hours.
Free parking is available at Western Springs Lakeside Park. It's a short walk from MOTAT.
Sunday - Nature & Water Fun
Sunday, January 4Botanic Garden Exploration
Spend your Sunday morning immersed in nature at the Auckland Botanic Gardens.
Explore the themed gardens, visit the Potter Children's Garden for kid-specific fun, and enjoy the 'Tangled Roots: How Grasses Shaped Our World' exhibition. On this specific Sunday, you can also enjoy the 'Summer saxophone with Bruce French' (free music) and the 'January Monthly Plant Sale'.
The Potter Children's Garden is perfect for ages 3-12 with interactive elements. Plenty of open space for kids to explore and run around. Bathrooms and a cafe (Huakaiwaka Visitor Centre) are available. Stroller and wheelchair friendly paths. The gardens are open 8 AM - 8 PM during summer. Duration: 2-3 hours.
Free parking is available on-site. Accessible via bus routes serving Manurewa. Consider driving for ease with kids and picnic supplies.
Wipe Out Waterworld
Cool off and have an exciting afternoon at the 'Wipe Out' waterpark at St Heliers Beach.
This massive summer waterpark offers hourly sessions on inflatable obstacles, providing high-energy fun for kids. This event is running until January 4th, 2026, making it a perfect grand finale for the weekend!
Suitable for older children (6+) and confident swimmers within the 3-12 age range. Younger children may require closer adult supervision (1 adult to 2 children for ages 5-9). All participants must be able to swim. Arrive 20 minutes before your session. Portable toilets and changing facilities are typically provided. Duration: 1-hour session plus arrival/departure time.
Parking is available along St Heliers Bay Road and surrounding streets, but can be busy. Accessible by public bus routes to St Heliers. Strollers can be left on the beach near the entrance.
Beach Wind-Down
After the exhilarating fun at the waterpark, relax on the golden sands of St Heliers Beach.
Enjoy a final swim in the calm waters, build sandcastles, or simply unwind and watch the waves. This popular beach offers stunning views and a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for a gentle wind-down to the weekend.
Excellent for all ages, with calm, shallow waters ideal for younger children. Facilities include public toilets, changing rooms, and nearby cafes for ice cream or a light snack. Lifeguards are often present during summer. Stroller accessible. Duration: 1-1.5 hours.
Same parking and public transport options as the waterpark. Easy to transition directly from the waterpark to the beach.
This weekend itinerary for Auckland can be customized using our AI travel planner. Chat with our AI assistant to modify activities, adjust timings, add personal preferences, and get recommendations for restaurants, hotels, and transportation.