Looking for easy, family-friendly ways to keep the kids entertained these school holidays?
Takapuna has plenty of winter holiday fun to fill a morning, an afternoon, or a whole day out. From playground adventures and beach walks to sweet treats, shopping stops and cosy lunch spots, there’s something for every kind of school holiday mood.
Use our handy list below for inspiration, or check out our activities page for even more fun things to do with the kids these holidays.
Why not make a day of it? Start with a run around Takapuna Beach Playground, then warm up with lunch somewhere relaxed and whānau-friendly. Grab some fried chicken and a shake from Cousin Scott’s, or a burger from Benny’s Burgers, share some snacks or the signature Monster Nachos from Rosie’s Red-Hot Cantina, crispy favourites from My Fried Chicken, a café classic from JAM, or something nourishing from Street Organics.
For a post-playground treat, you can’t go wrong with a frozen yoghurt stop at KiwiYo, a scoop from Duck Island, sweet treat from Mövenpick, or create your own nourishing and sweet bowls at YOMI. Because school holidays and treats go hand-in-hand — we don’t make the rules.
If the spring weather’s playing nice, rug up warm and head outdoors. Pack a picnic, pick up takeaways from one of Takapuna’s many cafés, and find a sunny spot at Takapuna Beach Reserve for sandcastle-building, beach walks and fresh air. Or head over to Lake Pupuke for a peaceful wander, a play by the water, and a visit to The PumpHouse.
Check out some of the awesome places to go for scenic walks around Takapuna, plus walks, parks and places to refresh with the fur baby of the family.
Weather not playing ball? Takapuna has plenty of places to browse for toys, books, games, crafts, activities and little treasures. Takapuna is home to some awesome family friendly entertainment places like Takapuna Beachside Cinemas, Thrillzone for VR and adventure fun, and Escape HQ for some team-building and puzzle fun! Or pop into stores like Farmers, Smiggle, ChockaBucket, Retrospace, Kids N More, Paper Plus Takapuna or Whitcoulls to find something to keep the kids busy at home, too.
However you spend the holidays, Takapuna makes it easy to get out of the house, keep the kids entertained, and enjoy a day close to the beach.
Kid’s Line Dancing at Goldie’s Bar & Yard!
Little Boots, Big Moves! 🤠
Line dancing for the little ones is coming to Goldie’s these school holidays.
Get them ready for a boot-scootin’ good time.
Sessions: 30 September & 7 October
12–1pm – Under 10s
1–2pm – Ages 10+
There’s only a couple of caveats…
Kids can join in with a purchase of a Kids Main. Rodeo cheeseburger, mac ’n’ cheese poppers or chicken nugs – their call.
Kids must be supervised by an adult at all times. Because if you leave, who’s going to take their picture?
So saddle up, kids.
We’ll see you on the dance floor. 🤠 Bookings encouraged!
Free activities and fun at Shore City!
There’s plenty happening at Shore City these school holidays!
From school holiday fun to Halloween celebrations, there’s something for the whole family to enjoy!
👶 Bubs Club with Claudia Robin Gunn
🧸 Build-A-Bear workshops
🧱 Free Bricks 4 Kidz LEGO workshops
Plus plenty Halloween fun!
🎨 Halloween face painting 🎈 Balloon twisting 🔎 Halloween scavenger hunt
📅 Check out the School Holiday & Halloween Fun calendar for all the dates and details.
Bring the family along and enjoy everything happening at Shore City!
Holiday deals at Takapuna Beachside Cinema
These school holidays visit Takapuna Beachside Cinemas for great entertainment the weather won’t ruin.
Enjoy the latest releases, comfortable couches and children’s tickets for only $10 Mon-Friday before 5 pm.
Support your local cinema, owned by locals and supporting our community.
Check out the Takapuna Beachside Cinema website for all session times, what’s coming soon and other deals to enjoy!
School Holiday Special at Thrillzone: Let the Fun Begin!
Keep the kids entertained this school holiday with our Ultimate School Holiday Fun Special!
Choose our 1-Hour of Fun for just $59pp, including VR, Race Car Simulators and Tactical Laser Tag.
Want to make it even bigger?
Upgrade to our Ultimate School Holiday Package for 2+ hours of fun, including everything above plus an Indoor Escape Room!
Gather the family, bring some friends and make the most of the holidays with an action-packed experience everyone will enjoy.
Check out the Thrillzone website here.
Free community fun at Takapuna Library
Follow Your Dreams these school holidays at Takapuna Library!
Join us for creative crafts, family movies, hands-on workshops and lots of fun for young dreamers.
From popcorn and movies, to painting, dragons, fairies, dream catchers, Japanese string performances and worry dolls, there’s something for every child happening at Takapuna library these holidays!
Check out the schedule of free activities here.
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!
Check out more information about the playground here.