There are numerous kids activities in Wellington and more than enough child-friendly things to do. We firmly believe that if the children are happy, the parents are happy. We recommend fun places that are geared towards the youngest in your party whether the sun is shining or rain has tried to stop play. We have also highlighted the best parks and playgrounds in the city centre and suburbs for you. If you choose wisely you’ll find yourself every bit as entertained as your children. These include the inter-active centres in Wellington’s best museums as well as where the best child-friendly restaurants are located.

Enjoy reading our blogs and articles for the best child-friendly experiences and kids activities in Wellington. We are sure you will not be disappointed. Please contact us for a more detailed itinerary. The team here at What to Do In Wellington have youngsters themselves and know where all the best spots are.

Te Papa has to be one of the most child friendly museums you’ll ever visit. Great for all the family with two cafe restaurant areas. Spread over 6 floors, you could spend the whole day here easily. Loads of interactive child play-station type rooms with excellent games and activities ranging from playing musical instruments to costume dressing up and playing ‘shops’.

If it’s a sunny day meander along to one of the many wonderful parks in Wellington such as Frank Kitts Park  – there’s a super-long slide there as well as swings and climbing frames and, the views from this park are simply stunning of the harbour, city and beyond. Click here for a detailed list of some of our favourites.

Fancy taking the children for a swim? Pop along to the Kilbirnie aquatic recreational centre. It’s especially geared up at weekends when the ‘dragon’ inflatable comes out! The smaller pool for toddlers is state-of-the-art and much warmer than the main pool too. There’s also interactive play area for the kids under 5 called Tiny Town right next door. Older children can roller-skate or blade their way round the gym next to it which is a bonus.

Alternatively, you can pop into the indoor inflatable kids paradise called Junglerama, with fabulous climbing and jungle themes as well as a cafe and area for kids parties. There’s also a great bowling alley for old kids (as well as adults of course).

If you like animals visit Wellington Zoo just beyond the Newtown suburb in the green belt area. Now over 100 years old, it was the country’s first Zoo and has 13-hectare dedicated to over 100 different species of fauna from across the globe. Bring your walking shoes as there is a steep hill but other than that this zoo is a great morning or afternoons activity for all the family. The alternative to this would be a trip to the amazing conservation area known as Zealandia – just a short distance from the city centre.

Food and Drink Options

Somewhere among all this fun and charging around you’re going to have to find time to address grumbling stomachs and feed your family and while your options are almost endless here we’d suggest checking out the wonderful seaside café close to the suburb of Miramar known as the Chocolate Fish Cafe. Put in your order for their yummy fresh whitebait fritter sandwiches, see the kids happy playing on the tricycles and bikes provided by the owner (all free) and then grab yourself a bean bag on the grass and enjoy the views across the bays.

Another waterfront choice is the Crab Shack housed in its quintessentially seaside kiwi beach hut-type wooden building. This casual dining establishment which specialises in highly affordable seafood is very popular with families, not least of all because the kids eat for free here all day on a Sunday.

For a list of other popular child friendly restaurants and cafes email or call the team here at What to do in Wellington. Some of us have kids too so we should know all the best places!