Looking for some free, family fun to keep the kids entertained this month?
Takapuna has you covered. There are so many things to do in Takapuna that are perfect for family and school holiday adventures. Check out our handy list of ideas below, or check out the activities page on our website: ilovetakapuna.co.nz for some other fun things to do!
Why not make a day of it? Treat the kids to lunch at a fantastic whānau-friendly spot like Burger Burger, Rosie’s Red-Hot Cantina, My Fried Chicken, JAM Café or Street Organics.
Or treat them to a sweet, refreshing, frozen treat from KiwiYo, JoyLato, Duck Island, or Mövenpick after a great time running around the Takapuna Beach playground!
If the weather’s nice, why not pack a picnic or grab some takeaways from one of the epic cafés, and find a sunny spot on Takapuna Beach reserve and build some sandcastles? Or relax on the grassy shores of Lake Pupuke and explore around The PumpHouse.
If you’re after a spot of shopping, you’ll also find lots of toys and things to keep the kids entertained from places like Farmers, Smiggle, ChockaBucket, Retrospace, Paper Plus, Kids N More and Whitcoulls!
If you still need more inspiration, check out all the fun events and things happening in Takapuna this month:
Takapuna Activity Trail
We’re running our famous Easter Activity Trail all school holidays long!
How to play:
The activity trail will be running between 10am-3pm every day of the school holidays (29 March–19 April).
You can complete the map at any time over the school holidays, so you can start it one day and finish it another.
Discover Shore City
Everything you need under one roof. Get your steps in while you check out the major retailers, fashion finds and toy stores. Thirsty? Take some time for a long, unhurried coffee break at one of many excellent cafés while you send the kids to find their treat of choice at the food court.
Live entertainment at the Bruce Mason Centre
10-11 April: Dazzlehands by RNZB
Dazzlehands, the award-winning story of the persuasive pig who won’t take no for an answer, by Wellington author Sacha Cotter and illustrator Josh Morgan, is a hot favourite with young audiences, on the mat at pre-school and as a much-requested bedtime story. Now, RNZB Principal Joshua Guillemot-Rodgerson and education and community engagement manager Lauren Byrne are thrilled to have turned Dazzlehands into a moving and grooving ballet bash for six performers plus narration, with enchanting original music by William Phillipson and laugh-out-loud character costumes by Victoria Gridley.
Enjoy a staycation at The Spencer Hotel!
Sometimes the best holidays don’t need a boarding pass. Come and stay at The Spencer Hotel, right in the heart of Takapuna. It's close to the beach, great shopping, the movies, and some of the Shore’s best cafés and eateries. While you’re there, soak and warm up in the outdoor spa pool, keep your workouts on track in the gym, or challenge the kids to a game of tennis. The rooms are spacious and set up for families to relax in comfort. Parking is available on site (subject to availability), and everything you need is just a short walk away. There are a range of ways to save on your stay at The Spencer Hotel, so check out the special offers page on their website. If you’re after a relaxed school holiday escape that’s close to home but feels like a proper break, they’d love to have you.
Live shows at The PumpHouse Theatre
9-11 April: Badjelly the Witch
Badjelly the Witch bursts delightfully onto the stage in this hilarious, slightly spooky, and wildly silly whānau theatre adventure. When Tim and Rose set off to rescue their missing cow, Lucy, they wander deep into an enchanted forest and straight into the clutches of the baddest witch of all. Adapted for stage by Alannah O’Sullivan from Spike Milligan’s beloved classic, this fast-paced production is packed with outrageous characters, big laughs, and imaginative storytelling that children love and parents and grandparents will fondly remember. Perfect for the school holidays, this is quality live theatre designed to spark joy, creativity and shared family experiences. StageAntics presents the story with energy, heart, and a strong commitment to accessible, high-quality theatre for young audiences in Aotearoa. Bring the whānau, bring a school or holiday group, and step into the enchanted forest for an adventure full of magic, mischief, and mayhem you’ll be talking about long after the curtain falls.
14-19 April: The Worm
When a giant bird pokes its beak through the ceiling and swoops away with his mum, a determined little worm sets off on a heroic adventure to save her! This surprising tale from acclaimed company Nightsong is funny, exciting, and delightfully offbeat, featuring live music by Carnivorous Plant Society’s Finn Scholes. Can one tiny worm wriggle his way past dastardly critters, tricky puzzles, and wild encounters to save his mum?
All-weather fun at Takapuna Beachside Cinema
Come visit the cinema during the school holidays for the latest family movies, classic cinema combos and great entertainment that won't be ruined by the weather. Plan for some fun, book now, and visit us at the big blue building in the heart of Takapuna. Parents – check out the specials and combo deals the cinema is running, like the Coffee Club that includes a coffee, biscuit and ticket for just $15 between 10am–5pm, Monday-Thursday.
Thrillzone | Escape Quest
Check out the epic school holiday programme on offer, or just head in to 28 Hurstmere Rd for some Tactical Laser Tag, Escape Games, VR experiences and Race Car Simulator fun for all ages!
Takapuna Library April School Holiday Programme – EcoFest
Join us for an eco adventure at Takapuna Library this school holidays! We’ve got a whole lineup of activities perfect for crafty kids and curious minds, from rainbow clay art to popcorn and movies to DIY workshops. Come along, make something amazing, and learn new skills with us! Check out the event schedule or visit the Takapuna Library Facebook page for all our events and workshop details!
Become a Squash Star at North Shore Squash Club
7–17 April, North Shore Squash Club
If you joined us over the summer, you already know how much fun our Squash Stars Holiday Programme is – loads of energy, heaps of friends, and so much more than just squash! Squash for all levels, arts and crafts, games and activities. Whether your child is returning or trying it out for the first time, we’d love to have them with us these holidays. Come along for active days, new skills and plenty of fun!
More info and booking, contact Lisa:
admin@northshoresquash.co.nz Let’s make these holidays another great one!
Check out the Sunday Markets in the town square
Get the kids and family up and out for a little market browsing on Sundays. The fantastic Takapuna Sunday Market is on every Sunday from 8am–1pm in the Waiwharariki Anzac Square (behind the bus stop on Lake Rd). Enjoy a range of performances while you browse through the different goods for sale, while enjoying a beverage from your favourite café. Or grab a little breakfast at one of the nearby spots, or come down a little later and grab a snack for lunch, then head to the beach for an afternoon of sun, sand and playground fun!
Treat the family to some delicious lunch or dinner out
Itching to get the family out of the house? Have someone else do the dishes, treat yourself (and them!) and take them out to one of Takapuna’s buzzing, family-friendly, kid-friendly and tasty-licious dining establishments. We’ve got cafés, restaurants, takeaways and desserts for everyone in your whānau. Check our website for all our suggestions and more.
Enjoy the sunshine and spend an afternoon at the incredible Takapuna Beach playground with a refreshing sweet treat
Just visiting town? Long-time admirer, first-time player? Looking after someone else’s kids and need something awesome to burn off some energy? If you haven’t been here yet, you should remedy that asap! First thing you’ll notice is the massive tower. Kids (and adults, let’s face it) have an in-built need to be at the top of towers. Release them, and they’ll be up the ladders in a flash, and popping out of the three slides (five if you count the wee ones on the bottom level). The best way to reach the top is to climb up the ropes on the neighbouring A-frame and cross through the tunnel made of netting – it’s hard to beat for beach views!
