Looking for some free, family fun to keep the kids entertained these school holidays?
Takapuna has you covered. There are so many things to do in Takapuna that are perfect for school holiday adventures – check out our handy list of ideas below – or check out our activities page for some other fun things to do these winter holidays!
Why not make a day of it? Treat the kids to lunch at a fantastic whanau-friendly spot like Burger Burger, Rosie’s Red-Hot Cantina, My Fried Chicken, JAM Cafe or Street Organics.
Or treat them to a sweet, refreshing, frozen treat from KiwiYo, Duck Island, or Movenpick after a great time running around the Takapuna Beach Playground!
If the weather’s nice, why not pack a picnic or grab some takeaways from one of the epic cafes, and find a sunny spot on Takapuna Beach Reserve and build some sandcastles – or relax on the grassy shores of Lake Pupuke and explore around The PumpHouse.
If you’re after a spot of shopping, you’ll also find lots of toys and things to keep the kids entertained from places like Farmers, Smiggle, ChockaBucket, Retrospace, Kids N More and Whitcoulls!
Operation Sea Hunt at Shore City
This July, bring the kids to Shore City for an epic school holiday adventure!
Dive into a world of clues, creatures and code-cracking fun in Operation Sea Search – a FREE spy-themed treasure hunt.
How to play:
- Collect your Mission Card from Spy HQ (the Information Desk)
- Hunt for 10 hidden sea objects in shop windows
- Find the secret letters and reveal the codeword.
- Claim your instant prize from Spy HQ and enter the draw to WIN the Ultimate Prize Pack!
With 2 hours free parking, Shore City is the perfect place to bring the kiddies to enjoy some Spy fun, then grab some lunch or a coffee in the food court from Buns & Rolls, Cafe Etage, or Majestic Tea Bar, and get a little shopping done around the centre while you’re there, with Whitcoulls, Farmers, Smiggle – or get the groceries done at New World Metro!
Check out the Shore City website here for more offers and specials, and a full list of stores and their details.
Entertainment at Bruce Mason Centre
There’s a number of things on at the Bruce Mason Centre these school holidays, check out:
5-6 July – Oliver! The Musical
Based on Charles Dickens’ novel Oliver Twist, this Victorian-era tale follows the journey of an orphan boy, Oliver, as he navigates the harsh realities of poverty, crime, and ultimately, finds his long-lost family. With its rich storyline, memorable characters, and catchy musical numbers, Oliver! is a timeless classic that will delight audiences of all ages.
Don’t miss this vibrant and energetic production, showcasing the exceptional talents of Auckland Performing Arts Academy‘s students! Gather the whole family and create lifelong memories together as you experience the enchantment of live theatre that will have you humming the iconic songs long after the final curtain falls!
Find tickets and more info here!
9-13 July – The Gruffalo
A mouse took a stroll through the deep, dark wood … After sell-out seasons across the world, including London’s West End & Broadway, The Gruffalo returns to Aotearoa for the first time since 2016!
Join Mouse on a daring adventure through the deep, dark wood in this magical, musical adaptation of the classic award-winning picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Searching for hazelnuts, Mouse meets the cunning Fox, the eccentric old Owl and the party mad Snake. Will the story of the terrifying Gruffalo save Mouse from ending up as dinner for these hungry woodland creatures? After all, there’s no such thing as a Gruffalo – is there?
Songs, laughs and scary fun for children aged 3+ and their grown-ups.
Get more info and tickets here!
Enjoy a staycation at The Spencer Hotel!
Sometimes the best holidays don’t need a boarding pass. Come and stay with us at The Spencer Hotel, right here in the heart of Takapuna. We’re close to the beach, great shopping, the movies, and some of the Shore’s best cafes and eateries.
Book direct and you’ll save 15% off our best available rate.
While you’re here, soak and warm up in our outdoor spa pool, keep your workouts on track in our gym, or challenge the kids to a game of tennis. Our rooms are spacious and set up for families to relax in comfort.
Parking is available on-site (subject to availability), and everything you need is just a short walk away.
So if you’re after a relaxed school holiday escape that’s close to home but feels like a proper break, we’d love to have you.
All-weather fun at Takapuna Beachside Cinema
Enjoy some family fun entertainment that the weather can’t ruin, at the Takapuna Beachside Cinema these school holidays!
Some great family friendly movies are playing, from How to Train Your Dragon, to Smurfs, Karate Kid Legends, Elio and Superman – there’s something for all kids (and their caregivers!) at the cinema these holidays.
Parents – check out the specials and combo deals the Cinema are running, like their “Coffee Club” that includes a Coffee, Biscuit and Ticket for just $15 between 10am – 5pm, Monday-Thursday!
Check the Takapuna Beachside Cinema website for combo deals, movie times and to book tickets!
Disney’s Dare to Dream Jr. at The PumpHouse
Disney’s Dare to Dream JR. is a musical revue that follows an eager group of trainees on their first day at a fictional Walt Disney Imagineering Studio. As the group sets out to help each other discover their dreams, they work together to explore the power of dreams to unite, inspire, and make anything possible.
Drawing from a century of beloved Disney films, Dare to Dream JR. features songs appearing for the first time ever in a Disney stage musical, including fan-favorites from The Princess and the Frog, Coco, Encanto, and Frozen II. This musical revue is a thrilling mix of contemporary songs, timeless classics, and brand-new medleys that are sure to surprise and delight Disney lovers of all ages!
WHEN: 9-12 July
For tickets and more information, visit The PumpHouse website here.
School Holiday fun at Thrillzone Takapuna!
Come to Thrillzone and Escape Quest and choose from their awesome school holiday deals!
1-Hour of Fun – experiences Virtual Reality, Tactical Laser Tag and Race Car Simulator Fun for just $59pp for a full hour of Fun! Or choose the Ultimate School Holiday Fun Package for over 2 Hours of Fun! You’ll get to experience Virtual Reality, Laser Tag, Race Car Simulator and one of our awesome brand new Escape Rooms for just $89pp.
For more information and to BOOK – visit the Thrillzone website here!
A Boutique Holiday Adventure at Thrillzone & Escape Quest
Small groups. Big fun. Unforgettable moments.
Looking for a unique, fun-filled experience for your kids while you’re at work? Our boutique-style Holiday Programmeat Thrillzone & Escape Quest offers a curated adventure designed for small groups — ensuring every child feels included, engaged, and inspired.
With a thoughtfully balanced schedule and exciting, hands-on activities, each child will enjoy:
- Tactical Laser Tag
- Escape Game Fun — choose from VR Escape, Outdoor Escape, or Indoor Escape (one per day)
- VR Experiences
- Race Car Simulators
Every session is guided by our friendly, experienced hosts who know how to make each moment count.
For kids aged 5–14 years
Let your child experience a day of excitement and connection in a boutique environment where quality, fun, and care come first.
Free activities at the Takapuna Library!
There’s plenty to do at Takapuna Library these school holidays – continue the Matariki celebrations and check out all the free family fun to be had:
- Matariki Popcorn & Movies
- Sunday 29th June
- 10am
- Come enjoy an all-ages cinematic adventure, in te reo (with subtitles)!
- Matariki Flapping Birds
- Monday 30th June
- 10am
- Make a paper manu (bird) that really flaps its wings!
- Matariki Grattitude Cards
- Wednesday 2nd July
- 10am
- Make a card inspired by Māori crafts for someone important!
- Matariki Popcorn & Movies
- Sunday 6th July
- 10am
- Come enjoy an all-ages cinematic adventure, in te reo (with subtitles)
- Matariki Eel Crafts
- Monday 7th July
- 10am
- Make a slithery cardboard tuna (eel)!
- Paper Plane Competition
- Wednesday 9th July
- 10am
- Will you win a prize in our annual Matariki paper plane competition?
- Matariki Popcorn & Movies
- Sunday 13th July
- 10am
- Come enjoy an all-ages cinematic adventure, in te reo (with subtitles)
Head in to check out the schedule, or visit the Takapuna Library Facebook page for all their events and workshop details!
Check out the Sunday Markets in the town square!
Get the kids and family up and out for a little market browsing on Sunday – the fantastic Takapuna Sunday Market is on every Sunday from 8am – 1pm in the Waiwharariki Anzac Square (behind the bus stop on Lake Rd).
Enjoy a range of performances while you browse through the different goods for sale whilst enjoying a beverage from your favourite cafe, or grab a little breakfast at one of the nearby spots – or come down a little later and grab a snack for lunch, then head to the beach for an afternoon of sun, sand and playground fun!
Treat the family to some delicious lunch or dinner out!
Itching to get the family out of the house? Have someone else do the dishes, treat yourself (and them!) and take them out to one of Takapuna’s buzzing family-friendly, kid-friendly and tasty-licious dining establishments.
We’ve got cafes, restaurants, takeaways and desserts for everyone in your whānau.
Check out our suggestions here!
Enjoy the sunshine and spend an afternoon at the incredible Takapuna Beach Playground with a refreshing sweet treat!
Just visiting town? Long time admirer, first time player? Looking after someone else’s kids and need something awesome to burn off some energy? If you haven’t been here yet, you should remedy that ASAP.
First thing you’ll notice is the MASSIVE tower. Kids (and adults, let’s face it) have an in-built need to be at the top of towers. Release them and they’ll be up the ladders in a flash, popping out the three slides (five if you count the wee ones on the bottom level). The best way to reach the top is to climb up the ropes on the neighbouring A-frame and cross through the tunnel made of netting – it’s hard to beat for beach views!
