Summer is here and we are finally getting back to what resembles normal life again, so make the most of it and explore the city centre with your family! We have come up with a list of activities that will make this summer memorable and entertaining for all, so join us and enjoy these hot, sunny months in the heart of the city.
Start off with Silo Park in Wynyard Quarter, with its beautiful views of the marina and let the kids explore the playground, or have a friendly game of basketball at the courts as a whole family. Continue with taking a stroll along the Waterfront, spot super yachts and enjoy the view. For a perfect summer treat, visit Island Gelato, located in the Ferry Building and get a scoop of gelato. You can be certain that with so many flavours to choose from, it will most definitely be a hit with everyone.
Visit the Dice & Fork cafe for great food and amazing board games. Get some shared snacks for the whole family to enjoy, like their fried chicken tacos, polenta fries and chicken bites and choose from over 140 board games. They have your old favourites like Battleship and Catan but also some games that you probably haven't even heard of like When I Dream and Tsuro. Check out the whole list of their board games here.
To relax, grab a picnic blanket, hats, sunscreen and enjoy the sun at Albert Park, Victoria Park or Amey Daldy Park. For lunch, check out Mexico, which has a great kids menu with tacos, quesadillas, nachos and the drawing sheet will keep them entertained. If you happen to be out on Sunday, kids under 12 eat for free (one kid per parent).
For a more sporty activity, grab your bikes and ride along the Waterfront. There have been many new bike lane additions that make it even easier to get around the city centre, but the Waterfront is still a favourite, with wide paths and plenty of options to stop safely to take in the views. For a fun break, have a rest and enjoy the sun at Silo Park.
Visit the Maritime Museum and check out the “I Am Island And Sea” exhibition that is on now until May 1, 2022 with free entry for New Zealand residents. The exhibition explores the past, present and future of Tīkapa Moana Hauraki Gulf and beyond with exhibits inspiring you to help protect the mauri (life force or essence) and health of our nation.
Visit the Central City Library which has one of the biggest collections by international and local authors with a big kids section where you can let the kids explore and find a book they like to borrow and enjoy in the sun. Check out the list for kids books at Central Library here.
Go on a treasure hunt in and around Queen Street! Curious Creatures of the Jungle is a free inner-city treasure hunt for the whole family. Explore and discover parts of the city you've never seen before and see if you can find the curious creatures hiding and waiting for you to play with them. Using the free 'Goose Chase' app you'll be sent on a creative journey in and around Queen Street, and have the chance to win weekly prizes. The Goose Chase links will be shared on the Curious Creatures of the Concrete Jungle Facebook page in the week leading up to January 10th when the game starts. Click here for more info.
Take them on a sensory adventure at Odyssey Sensory Maze! Odyssey is a walk through adventure where you will experience moving through dark challenging spaces, quirky physical obstacles and challenges, illusions, lighting effects, scents, sound effects and strange sensations that all together provide you with a unique experience that you will never forget.