Palmerston North, under an hour north of Wellington has its own print guide to the area for children and families. It's called The Little Explorer and can be picked up at the i-Site in Palmerston North.
Meanwhile, here's some family friendly activities in the region, including lots of free stuff.

WALKS AND PICNICS
Almadale Scenic Reserve
Visit this stunning reserve to have a picnic, take a short walk or even have a swim in the river. Public toilets are available. If you're game, have a go at fishing in the river, provided you have a permit.

Anzac Park
A lookout providing breathtaking views over Palmerston North City.  A short bush walk is accessed from here.  Anzac Park is a memorial to fallen soldiers who came from the local area.

Ashurst Domain and Wetlands
Discover lush natural surrounds echoing with rich birdsong in one of Manawatu's precious remnants of native bush.

Beehive Creek Walk
A family friendly walk, with children able to paddle in the shallow creek.  The walk follows the sandy bed of Beehive Creek through a mixture of native bush and exotics. It requires several crossings of the normally shallow, gentle stream and then climbs over hilly farmland to reach the Pohangina Valley West Road.

Bridle Track Walkway
Experience the ever changing views of Manawatu River and its surrounds on this open, flat walkway which follows the River from the end of Maxwells Line through to Riverside Drive.

Centennial Lagoon
This conservation waterway and surrounding park is a great place to come and feed the ducks, kayak or enjoy a picnic.

Himatangi Beach
A picturesque black sand beach suitable for swimming, with facilities for a short visit or holiday, located 30 minutes drive from Palmerston North City.

Kahikatea Walk
The Kahikatea Walk is a nice slow 30 minute walk, ideal for families. If you are walking clockwise the path drops to a bridged stream then climbs steeply for a short stretch. See the big rata tree with it's host tree rotting in its clasp. There are views over the Pohangina valley, then the path leads past a large rimu to a magnificent stand of Kahikatea.

Kowhai Park
Kowhai Park has something for everyone, with a bird aviary, duck pond, rose garden, monarch butterfly garden and a camellia walk. For the family, there is a cricket pitch, two playgrounds and a barbecue area.

Memorial Park
A central city park with a duck pond, skating rink, paddling pool and playground.  Facilities include public toilets and changing room.

The Square
A beautiful inner city park with picnic tables, parking, an information centre, historic monuments, the iconic clock tower and surrounded by shops, restaurants and cafes.

Timona Park
An expansive riverside park in Feilding, complete with a playground.  A feature of the playground is the new tiered fort with mini slides.

Victoria Esplanade
The Victoria Esplanade covers an area of 19 hectares adjacent to the Manawatu River.  As well as the gardens there are bird aviaries, nature trails, with a number of walks, a large duck pond, free barbeque facilities and children’s paddling pool and playground. The rose garden has over 5,500 varieties and incorporates the International Rose Trial Grounds. There are walkways and a miniature railway through native bush.

ACTIVITIES
Daytona Indoor Raceway
Race around the indoor kart track on a 200cc kart.  Petrol heads will love the computerised race meetings, Formula One lap timing, teams racing and casual racing.

Esplanade Scenic Railway
A miniature railway that travels through 2.2km of native bush, park land and a children's playground.  The ride takes about 20 minutes.

Fieldings Lions Club Mini Golf
A picturesque themed mini golf course in central Feilding.  Open weekends and school holidays from 10am-6pm (weather permitting).

Freyberg Community Pool
A 25m pool (2m deep at one end) and a toddlers' paddling pool and paddling beach.  Facilities include a shop that stocks aquatic gear.

Lido Aquatic Centre
A swimming complex with indoor and outdoor pools, a gym, sauna and shop.

Lollipops Playland
A safe and fun indoor playground with a cafe for children and parents to enjoy.

Makino Aquatic Centre
Heated indoor and outdoor pools, including one for toddlers.

Manawatu Gorge
There are many ways to experience the scenic beauty of Manawatu Gorge including jet boating, kayaking, steam train, walking or hiking.  The Gorge, like much of New Zealand lies on the meeting point of the Indo-Australian and Pacific plates.  The mountain ranges tilt up to the East, which over time has blocked all West flowing rivers except for Manawatu River.

Owlcatraz
Enjoy a guided tour through native bush and meet our native owls (morepork), the Oha Kune pig, the friendly Jerusalem donkey, ostriches, red deer and many more rare and interesting animals.  Other attractions include ye old Shannon Jail and Lake Owlsmere.

Railway Land - Skate and Bike Park
A large open space in the CBD of Palmerston North City, named Railway Land because it used to be the site of the City's railway station.  Facilities include a skate and bike park.

Spring Grove Farm Park
Hand feed and enjoy rare unusual animals. Let Teddy the highland steer lick your hand, feed Ollie the ostrich or cuddle Candyfloss the bunny. Visit the glass and silver workshop or just relax and enjoy the breathtaking views. Devonshire teas and group lunches are available by prior arrangement.

Te Manawa
Te Manawa is the only institution of its kind in New Zealand to unite a museum, art gallery and interactive science centre.  The constantly changing exhibition programme features our national and international collections as well as innovative hands on interactive shows.

The Amazing Maze 'n Maize
Home to four seasonal activities - an Amazing Day Maze, Corn Evil Horror Maze, Trees of Terror Haunted Forest and 3D Vortex Tunnel. There are over 100 'Kernels of Knowledge' within the maze and quizzes for all ages.

The Basement
Inspired by youth, this part of Palmerston North City Library provides resources to support young people's studies and recreational interests.

The Gables
A collection of early classic cars set amongst beautiful gardens, complete with a moat. ollow hidden pathways, sneak through tunnels of vines, wander around the moat and spot the peacocks basking in the sun.  With easy walking, on site car parking and a barbeque and picnic area for your use this makes for a perfect day out.

The Herb Farm Gardens and Cafe
Elves, gnomes and fairies live in the gardens and the Herbitton Garden is a great feature that kids love. Enjoy the 14 themed gardens with a self guided tour.

Timeless Horse Treks
Horse trekking and clydesdale horse drawn wagon riding adventures.

Tokomaru Steam Engine Museum
A private collection of machinery belonging to Colin and Esma Stevenson.  Open since 1970 the museum features one of the country's oldest engine built in 1869.  Children will enjoy the collection of working miniature models.

Information courtesy of www.manawatunz.co.nz