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 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, JoyLato, 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, Paper Plus, Kids N More and Whitcoulls!
Here’s a few ideas of what we suggest for the perfect family day out in Takapuna, or some of the best whanau-friendly dining options in Takapuna, or want to choose your own adventure? Check out our discover Takapuna page to find your perfect Takapuna activities.
If you STILL need more inspiration – check out all the fun events and things happening in Takapuna:
Takapuna Activity Trail
We’re running our famous Easter Activity Trail ALL SCHOOL HOLIDAYS LONG!
HOW TO PLAY:
1️⃣ – register and pick up your map from SHORE CITY (level 2, Customer Service desk, at the top of the escalator)
2️⃣ – follow the map around Takapuna and complete the activities at each location to receive a stamp
3️⃣ – make your way back to Shore City Customer Service desk to receive your Easter Treat!
The activity trail will be running between: 10AM – 3PM, every day of the school holidays (29th March – 19 April).
You can complete the map at any time over the school holidays (i.e. you can start it one day, and finish it another!)
Holiday fun at Shore City
There’s School Holiday fun for everyone at Shore City this April!
07-09 April – Bricks 4 Kidz LEGO Workshop
Whether your child is a seasoned LEGO® builder or just starting out, the MOTORISED LEGO® sessions are the perfect way to keep kids aged 5–12 years engaged and learning through play.
🎨 Plus, don’t miss our LEGO® Minifigure Colouring Competition for the chance to win a $100 LEGO Birthday Party Voucher!
Spots are limited, so secure your place today.
10 April – Mystics Goal Competition
Get ready for some fast-paced fun at Shore City for the Mystics Goal Challenge with the GoSweetSpot Mystics!
- Date: 10 April
- Time: From 1.00pm (Lucky Numbers Raffle drawn at 2.00pm)
- Location: Centre Court, Level 1, Shore City Shopping Centre
See how many goals you can score in 30 seconds for your chance to win epic prizes — including prizes from Platypus Shoes, Whitcoulls, New World, Life Pharmacy, Shore City and more!
There’ll also be plenty of spot prizes up for grabs throughout the event. It’s free to take part and first come, first served — bring your game face and join the fun – REGISTER HERE! 🏐✨
13-17 April – Build a Bear Workshop
Build-A-Bear Workshops are back with 3 fun-filled sessions each day!
For just $10, each child will receive:
- A pre-stuffed furry friend
- A birth certificate
- Colouring sheets
- Fun and activities!
T’s and C’s apply – Registrations are required. Bears are first-come, first-served.
Bring your little ones along to create their very own furry friend and enjoy a day of school holiday fun!
Live entertainment at the Bruce Mason Centre
10 – 11 April – Dazzlehands by RNZB
Dazzlehands, the award-winning story of the persuasive pig who won’t take no for an answer, by Wellington author and illustrator Sacha Cotter and Josh Morgan, is a hot favourite with young audiences, on the mat at pre-school and as a much-requested bedtime story.
Now, RNZB Principal Joshua Guillemot-Rodgerson and Education and Community Engagement Manager Lauren Byrne are thrilled to have turned Dazzlehands into a moving and grooving ballet bash for six performers plus narration, with enchanting original music by William Phillipson and laugh-out-loud character costumes by Victoria Gridley.
Find tickets and more info 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.
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.
There are a range of ways to SAVE on your stay at The Spencer Hotel, so check out the Special Offers page on their website here.
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.
Live shows at The PumpHouse Theatre
9-11 April – Badjelly the Witch
Badjelly the Witch bursts delightfully onto the stage in this hilarious, slightly spooky, and wildly silly whānau theatre adventure. When Tim and Rose set off to rescue their missing cow Lucy, they wander deep into an enchanted forest and straight into the clutches of the baddest witch of all. Adapted for stage by Alannah O’Sullivan from Spike Milligan’s beloved classic, this fast-paced production is packed with outrageous characters, big laughs, and imaginative storytelling that children love and parents and grandparents will fondly remember.
Perfect for the school holidays, this is quality live theatre designed to spark joy, creativity, and shared family experiences. StageAntics presents the story with energy, heart, and a strong commitment to accessible, high-quality theatre for young audiences in Aotearoa. Bring the whānau, bring a school or holiday group, and step into the enchanted forest for an adventure full of magic, mischief, and mayhem you’ll be talking about long after the curtain falls.
Get more info and tickets here!
14-19 April – The Worm
When a giant bird pokes its beak through the ceiling and swoops away with his mum, a determined little worm sets off on a heroic adventure to save her! This surprising tale from acclaimed company Nightsong is funny, exciting, and delightfully offbeat, featuring live music by Carnivorous Plant Society’s Finn Scholes.
Can one tiny worm wriggle his way past dastardly critters, tricky puzzles, and wild encounters to save his mum?
Get more info and tickets here!
All-weather fun at Takapuna Beachside Cinema
Come visit the cinema during the school holidays for the latest family movies, classic cinema combos and great entertainment the weather wont ruin.
Plan for some fun and BOOK NOW and visit us – BIG Blue Building in the heart of Takapuna 🩵
Parents – check out the specials and combo deals the Cinema are running, like the “Coffee Club” that includes a Coffee, Biscuit and Ticket for just $15 between 10am – 5pm, Monday-Thursday!
Holiday Programme @ 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.
For more information and to BOOK – visit the Thrillzone website here!
Takapuna Library April School Holiday Programme – EcoFest
Join us for an eco adventure at Takapuna Library this school holidays! We’ve got a whole line-up of activities perfect for crafty kids and curious minds, from rainbow clay art to popcorn and movies, to DIY workshops. Come along, make something amazing, and learn new skills with us!
Check out the event schedule here, or visit the Takapuna Library Facebook page for all their events and workshop details!
Become a Squash Star at North Shore Squash Club!
If you joined us over the summer, you already know how much fun our Squash Stars Holiday Programme is – loads of energy, heaps of friends, and so much more than just squash!
Squash for all levels
Arts & crafts
Games & activities
7–17 April
North Shore Squash Club
Whether your child is returning or trying it out for the first time, we’d love to have them with us these holidays. Come along for active days, new skills, and plenty of fun!
Contact Lisa: admin@northshoresquash.co.nz
Let’s make these holidays another great one!
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!