Our top picks for what to do to keep the kids entertained!

What time is it? School holiday time! 

Kids are out of the classroom and on break. If you’re a parent, you’ll likely be searching for things to do this month for the little ones. 

Don’t stress though, we’ve got you covered! Here are the top things to do during these school holidays! 

Time for kids to discover and learn! 

The school holidays are a fantastic time for kids to learn in ways they can’t in the classroom! So, head along to a space designed for exploration! 

Places like Capital E in Te Whanganui-a-Tara or MOTAT in Tāmaki Makaurau offer many events that are perfect for the kids! Capital E has different activities which blend science, creativity and play all into one. MOTAT has a special April holiday experience that takes guests on a journey through farming in New Zealand.

Another great option is to head to your local museum! There are some truly incredible museums around the country with plenty of informative exhibitions that’ll impress the kids. Since it’s the school holidays, museums will also likely be running special holiday programmes. Best of all, museums are usually free!

Get up close with wonderful animals 

Aotearoa is full of unique and exciting animals that your little ones can discover these school holidays! 

So, head to the zoo! Take the kids on an adventure to see exciting animals like lions, giraffes, penguins and more. There are heaps of incredible zoos around the country so you’ll never be too far away from an easy day trip activity. 

Want the kids to have a more interactive experience? Head to a petting zoo! Petting zoos offer a unique experience where children can get up close and personal with native and exotic animals. There’s a wide variety of petting zoos, so hop in your car and head to the one closest to you! 

If you’re keen for the kids to learn more about Aotearoa’s very own animals, head to a bird sanctuary! You’ll be able to spot many rare and endangered species of native birds. You may even spot a kiwi on your journey! For a full list of sanctuaries, check this out.

Libraries aren’t just for reading books 

After an enjoyable but free (or cheap) activity to take the kids to? Check out your local library! 

During the school holidays, most libraries run special programmes aimed at kids. While these events may be free, they are still spectacularly fun! The programmes include things like arts and crafts, LEGO building, magic shows, and movie nights. 

Jump on your local library’s website to find out what fun activities are happening in your area! 

Thrilling options for the older kids!

If you’ve got kids who are slightly older then you should definitely head to an adventurous activity! 

Aotearoa is known for its thrill-seeking options and there are many that are suitable for kids. Rock climbing, high wire challenges, water rafting, roller coasters, bungy jumping and more!

No matter the age or skill level of your child, there’s something across the motu for everyone! 

Don’t overlook the leisure centres!

This year, leisure centres (places run by local councils with swimming pools, gyms, etc.) are putting on exciting school holiday programmes! 

These programmes won’t cost you much and offer heaps of cool options to keep your kids occupied. Activities include swimming, sports games, dress up days, and even trips to trampoline parks or the movies! 

Check out your city or town’s council website to find out what’s on offer!

Check out the council 

Still stuck on things to do during the school holidays? See what your council is putting on! 

Alongside their library and leisure centre school programmes, they’ll likely have even more activities on offer that are perfect for the whole family. Best of all, they’ll be free or affordably priced!

For Wellington City Council’s school holiday programmes, click here. For Auckland Council’s school holiday programmes, click here. If you’re based outside of these two cities, just google your local council! 

Keep it chill at home

If you don’t feel like driving the kids out to a school holiday programme, why not do something fun and relaxing at home? 

Grab a few old materials lying around the house and start an arts & crafts session. Microwave some popcorn and settle in for a TV show- check out great options, here. On a sunny day, head to the backyard for a picnic- save money on the ingredients, here. 

The possibilities are endless as to what you can do at home! 

Compare your household bills! 

If you’ve got some downtime while the kids are busy playing, why not spend some time comparing your household bills?

All you have to do is jump online to compare your broadband, power, mobile, and financial plans. You’ll save hundreds of dollars and find a new plan that suits your needs better! 

Make sure to compare before the cold weather sets in to avoid bill shock this winter! 

You may be wondering… how do I compare?

Easy, use NZ Compare! 

Head to NZ Compare!

NZ Compare is the home of multiple comparison websites where you can compare all your important household plans quickly and easily for FREE!!

It’s easy to use! Just follow these simple steps:

• Jump onto our website.
• Choose a service to compare.
• Hit enter!
• Browse all the different plans available to you & compare them side-by-side.
• Find one you like and switch!

Alternatively, if you’d rather talk to a friendly human, then give our customer support team a free call on 0508 22 66 72. They’ll help you out! 

From all the team at NZ Compare, we wish your whānau a safe and happy break!

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