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If you're looking for a place to entertain the kids one afternoon, full of fun, inspiring (and many free!) activities, look...
The Easter school holidays don't have to be a bore for you OR your kids. We've got so many ideas and events on in the city centre during the school holidays that you'll need a holiday after your holidays! From Lost Dogs Disco to dance performances and street parties, make this an Easter holidays they'll never forget. All throughout April, there's tons for the kids (and you) to do, right in the heart of the city centre.
The Lost Dogs' Disco | 5 April- 25 April
An absolute highligh tof this year's school holiday calendar, The Lost Dogs Disco is landing in Aotea Square this April. The Square will play home to a vibrant playground for humans and hounds alike, with 16 larger-than-life dogs taking over the city centre, some even reaching an impressive 5.5 meters! Visitors will be greeted by these colourful, illuminated canine characters, sound effects and light shows - a must for any dog lovers!
Image sourced from Wētā Workshop Unleashed
Minecraft Crafting Workshop | 12 - 28 April 2025
Inspired by A Minecraft Movie, young creators will sculpt their own animals in this fun, hands-on 60-minute session. Unleash your creativity in in this interactive sculpting workshop that uses shape suggestion techniques—just like in Minecraft—to create a one-of-a-kind fantasy animal that fits in the palm of your hand.
TŌRUA – An Urban Dance Experience | 4-6 April & 11-13 April
Tōrua is a free immersive dance experience that will transform Auckland’s cityscape over two weekends in April, bringing movement, sound and storytelling to two of the city’s most iconic public spaces - Te Komititanga and Aotea Square. This experience is a great way to see the city in a new perspective!
Midtown Street Party | 17 April
Midtown is throwing a party in the streets for everyone on the third Thursday of every month. Bring your family and friends and join in for live performing arts, delicious eats and hidden retail gems - with different themes every month! You’ll discover a midtown you’ve never experienced before.
Image via www.exploregroup.co.nz
Young Ocean Explorers Hauraki Gulf Discovery | 17 April
Explore the Hauraki Gulf these school holidays with Riley Hathaway from Young Ocean Explorers! Bring the kids and join in for a very special Tikapa Moana Whales, Dolphins & Islands Cruise as part of the Young Ocean Explorers popular 2025 Explorers Programme.
Riley will be sharing a fun and educational presentation for children of all ages with entertaining stories about the ocean, the importance of looking after the moana and the diverse marine wildlife that calls the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park home.
Wednesday Waiata | 16 & 23 April 12pm
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Waitematā Harbour, Wednesday Waiata drop-in holiday sessions invite you to immerse yourself in the Ngāti Whātua anthem "He aha te hau", a song that carries the winds of change, resilience & prophecy. Under the guidance of Te Wharekura kaimanaaki Prince, this intimate & welcoming session will help you understand the words, actions & deeper significance of this treasured waiata. Whether you sing along, absorb the kōrero, or simply enjoy the beauty of the moment, you’ll be engaging in something much greater - an exchange of culture, history & mana.
Plus, Even More School Holiday Fun!
Antarctic Architects at Maritime Museum | 14- 25 April
Drop in for a LEGO® building session and design a hut strong enough to withstand Antarctica’s freezing conditions. When you’re done, explore the South Pole’s icy landscapes and wildlife with a fun scavenger hunt through our Antarctic exhibition Into Ocean and Ice, where tamariki can discover the stories of past adventurers and today’s young explorers
Minecraft Journey at the Sky Tower | 12 - 28 April
Go on a hunt to spot all the Diamond Ores hidden on the different floors of the Sky Tower! When you reach The Lookout, you'll find the Game Zone where kids can build their own Sky Tower in the Minecraft blocks! If the Game Zone wasn't enough, enter the Pixel Overworld on the ground floor of the Sky Tower to let your little builders' imagination run wild. Plus take advantage of their Family Pack Deal, only on during the Easter Holidays!
Tunes for Tamariki | 5 April
Join Hana on her adventure to find the Auckland Philharmonia, in this semi-staged show featuring original music and well-known singalongs, performed by a fabulous cast of young theatre performers! Arrive early and enjoy pre-concert facepainting, Aspiring Musician performances and colouring in competition, and be sure to stick around for the orchestra walkthrough, where your tamariki can enjoy the orchestra playing up close!
Image credit: Eleanor Oxley
Last Thursday Market | 24 April
Last chance to experience this fab market! On at the Ellen Melville Centre, on the last Thursday of each month, from 4pm–7.30pm. Last Thursday markets are to be the best reflection of creative culture in the city centre! Come along find some new art pieces, chat with vendors and support local artists and businesses.
Easter Holidays Offers
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