Kids Activities in Wellington

There are numerous excellent kids activities Wellington offers. This compact and interesting little city is affectionately referred to as ‘Windy Wellington’ and this is reflected in the new Wellington sign located near the airport. Although on my first visit to Wellington I thought that this was an exaggeration, it didn’t take me long to discover that it was true – primarily due to the bitter southerly winds which sweep across the Cook Strait. Due to these wind conditions, Wellington is renowned for experiencing all four seasons in a day. It is therefore vital that you have some wet-weather options on your itinerary to keep the kids entertained in case the weather isn’t kind on your visit. Here are a few suggestions on things to do in wellington with kids on a rainy day:

Te Papa

Te Papa is a museum with a difference – the main one being that it isn’t the stuffy, history basedmuseum you would expect to find in a city. Instead it teaches history in a fun and interactive way which the kids will enjoy. Highlights of the museum include cultural Maori performances on the top floor during peak times of year and the natural history exhibition which not only features a wide range of native New Zealand wildlife but also a preserved giant squid. There are at least four children’s activity rooms dotted around the museum (Discovering Centres) which provide a suitable place for play and there is a traditional Maori boat and meeting house to explore too. Entry to Te Papa is by voluntary donation so it’s a cheap day out with the kids too.

Capital E

Capital E is located near the i-Site and Library and as well as regular child-friendly exhibitions and events, it also has an indoor playground which is ideal for keeping younger kids busy on windy or wet days. As well as climbing frames, playhouses and trikes, there are also specific areas for quieter play too. Entry to the indoor playground is free and will provide a couple of hours entertainment for the kids.

Junglerama

Located not far from the city centre in Newtown, Junglerama includes an indoor play area for children. Highlights of Junglerama include bouncy castles, inflatable slides, ball pools and an interactive play area where it’s really easy for your children to hide from you. There is a specific area for very young children where less boisterous play is available. Junglerama includes a small carousel, some arcade style games and a cafe offering a range of refreshments for both kids and us adults. The entry price depends on the age of your children and adults enter free. Within the complex is also a bowling alley, providing yet more entertainment if needed.

Bait House Aquarium

The Bait House Aquarium is located in Island Bay and is open on Sundays between 10am and 3pm. This compact aquarium includes tanks of locally found fish as well as squid and crabs. There is also a touchy-feely rock pool where your children can handle star fish and other marine life. Entry is only $4 for adults and $2 for children.

Hopefully the weather will be nice for your trip to Wellington, but if not, at least the above will keep the children happy and entertained. Contact me for further detailed advice about this dynamic and exciting city.