Autumn School Holiday Ideas

With the weather a little cooler and the uncertainty if it’s going to rain or not, these Autumn school holidays can be a little challenging so I wanted to share some ideas of activities to do with the kids.

Even though I live in West Auckland I tried to make suggestions that could mostly suit anyone who lives in a city.

During the school holidays I always like to take the kids to a movie, do as many outdoor activities as possible (weather dependent), have plenty of playdates and do a foodie visit like going up to Magnolia kitchen.  (HELLO salted caramel brioche doughnuts, believe me they are worth the drive!!!).

I’m not proud to say I have children who NEED to get out and about and do an activity each day or else they go a little cray cray and I need them not to be on the ipads and watching tv all day!  I always envy those mamas with kids that are happy to mooch around home every day.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

-Pack a picnic and check out the Auckland Winter Gardens at the Auckland Domain

-Eat & Play combo at The Grounds/Whoa Studios for $19 or check out a show at Whoa Studios

-Pack ya helmets + bikes and check out a bike park

–The Big Hoot Owl hunt around Auckland

-Check out a new playground, water park/splash pads or beach that you’ve never been too

-The Zoo 

–Botanical gardens

-Catch a train or bus into the city (for all Auckland bus/train/ferry timetables click here)

INDOOR ACTIVITIES

-The Museum and check out the Lego Brickman Exhibition

–Art Gallery

-Movies: Peter Rabbit, Early Man and Sherlock Gnomes (Westcity Event Cinema does $9 tickets and Reading Cinemas are really affordable too)

-Go Opp Shopping which is totally fun for me and the kids love it if I let them pick one thing each (I try to make it $2 or under)

-Check out a new place to eat

–Motat

-Pizza making classes at Goode Brothers at Northwest

–Howick Historical Village

-Local libraries host free activities

-A local theatre often puts on family friendly shows in the school holidays like Tim Bray Productions at the Pumphouse on the Northshore and Auckland Live also host shows.

TIPS

-Keep sunscreen, togs, towels, change of clothes, baby wipes and a picnic mat in the car.

-Buy easy snack friendly food to take on picnics or playdates.

-Sit down with the kids and talk about what activities they would like to do, write each one down and draw them out of the hat each day.

-Check the weather app to know whats happening for the week so you can plan ahead.

Please let me know if I miss any great activities I can add.

Happy holidays and stay sane!!

x Jules