Waikato, Family Activities

Take a scenic boat cruise on New Zealand's longest waterway flowing through Hamilton.  The vessels are protected from the elements, with fully licensed bars on board making this a great option come rain or shine!

You can choose from a 60 minute return cruise or a longer 120 minute return cruise which takes you upstream to the waterfall in The Narrows near Mystery Creek.

Child rates for 5-14 year olds.  Under 5s go FREE.

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If you're looking for a tranquil picnic spot, or an opportunity to escape the bustle of the city, then Taitua Arboretum offers a relaxing retreat. The arboretum has a collection of mature trees covering 20 hectares of open pasture, lakes and woodland gardens which are linked by a network of meandering walking paths. With great views and wonderful bird life, the arboretum is ideal for a family outing or Sunday stroll. Admission is FREE.

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Located 8 km from the city centre, Hamilton Zoo works to conserve wildlife in its natural habitat. There are over 400 exotic and native birds and animal and two reptile houses in its beautiful landscaped grounds which feature enclosures as close to their natural environment as possible. Attractions include the Sumatran tigers, cheetah and white rhino. Walk through the nearly 4000 sqm aviary which is the largest free flight aviary in Australasia. There is a children’s playground and picnic and BBQ areas plus a café.

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Add a cultural experience your children will remember when you visit Hamilton, with affordable tickets to a live show. At Riverlea Theatre we have productions running most months, and these vary between musicals, drama and comedy. There's a children's musical staged each January school holidays with morning, afternoon and evening shows, and our productions throughout the year feature evening and matinee performances, with dinner and show options on the weekends. Productions for 2017 include Seussical Junior, Noises Off, Oklahoma and more. You can tell if our production is family-friendly, by checking out whether we offer children's pricing or family discounts on our iticket listing. We also offer Stagecraft classes with excellent tutors teaching drama, musical theatre and technical skills during term time; find out more by phoning Jane on 0800 800 192.

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Our Pirongia function centre is the perfect spot for a relaxed, enjoyable day out for the family or social group. The Clydesdale wagon rides will keep guests entertained, and pony rides can be provided for small children by prior arrangement.

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Hamilton’s own science centre, within the Waikato Museum is full of interactive, education and entertaining exhibits with lots of hands-on fun for the children. There are regular touring exhibitions each term plus many of their own exhibits and 30 minute science shows during school holidays. This is fun for all ages. Exscite also have a café and restaurant for food and drinks after all that exertion!

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Hilton Brown Swimming has been successfully teaching children how to swim since 1973. Infant, pre-school and school aged children all enjoy our focus on fun and technique! A special feature of our methods is continual assessment, which means swimmers are promoted to the next stage as soon as they’re ready. Nobody gets bored and everyone works at the most appropriate learning level. Choose from group lessons, School Holiday Programmes or intensive one-to-one lessons.

 

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Offering a great range of kayak trips the whole family can enjoy. You have the choice of two great daytime half day trip options for paddling Lake Karapiro or to the Hidden Karapiro Waterfalls. There are also Waikato river options and a choice of glowworm trips available too. Minimum age 5 years.

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The Fun Shed offers you Hamilton's newest indoor playground and cafe.  There are large climbing structures, a big slide, bouncy playland, spinning cups, table games and so much more to discover. 

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Hampton Downs Motorsport Park is a venue for top international motor racing - driver training- car clubs - and events where there’s an inescapable sense of excitement at Hampton Downs that will entertain the whole family! With a packed schedule there are events you may wish to check out!

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Welcome to Waterworld,

If you are in need of a fun filled day, rain or shine, come to Waterworld and see what we have to offer.

Need to keep the kids busy? Come and relax poolside while your children shoot down the hydroslides or play on the fun inflatables (Please note: Inflatables and splash pad availability is subject to change.)

Waterworld's outdoor Splashpad area offers a safe and fun water playground for your under 8 year olds.

Do some serious training upstairs in our very own Club Aqua Gym or downstairs in the public swimming lanes.

Or just come in and have a family BBQ outside in our great picnic area provided.

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Classic Museum is a classic car and vintage collectables museum with a 1950s Diner on location. We have over 100 veteran, vintage and special interest vehicles on display along with an extensive range of petrol memorabilia. There is something classic for the whole family, we cater for a wide range of interests with early toys, pedal cars and pinball machines too.

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With more than 100 climbing routes ranging in height from 6-8 metres, and climbs from absolute beginner to experienced pro, there is something for everyone. They also offer ClimbZone which is a revolution in child-centred climbing and is a great place for kids to begin their climbing journey. Catering for kids from 3 years upwards, and all fitness levels, ClimbZone is one of the most inclusive family-friendly activities in the Waikato. Our colourful, ClimbZone area has 35 creatively themed walls, and a state-of-the-art automatic belay system, making it the perfect family-friendly activity suited to family outings and children’s birthday parties.

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Bricks 4 Kidz offer a variety of programmes that provide an awesome experience that will engage curiosity and creativity.  Thinking outside the box, they provide the building blocks for each child to enjoy problem solving and imaginative play.  On offer is after school programmes, holiday programmes, an in-school field trip or to introduce your pre-schooler to the fun and learning the Bricks 4 Kidz Way.

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For an inspirational experience, visit us on the banks of the Waikato River in the heart of Hamilton's cultural precinct. Our exhibitions and activities tell the stories of this region and include visual art, social history, tangata whenua and science.

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The Discovery Trail activity sheet takes children on a journey where they can explore an enchanting world of secret themed gardens. Behind every door at Hamilton Gardens there is a magical story and a portal through time and to far-flung corners of the world. Explore a lush tropical garden, mystical ancient China or let their imaginations loose in the Renaissance Prince’s 16th century garden.

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For an experience jam-packed with fun for all ages, head up to Bowl and Social! Open daily from 9am and Located on Level 2 of the SKYCITY Hamilton complex, The Bowlevard has Tenpin bowling and Blend Café all under one roof! A great family fun day out.

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