Get ready for a brilliant weekend in Wellington, April 4th and 5th! We've rounded up the best family fun, from immersive museum experiences to outdoor adventures perfect for shaking off the last of summer.
See our top picks
The Cake Tin Family Fun Day
Wellington Regional Stadium
Massive bouncy castles and sports clinics on the main pitch this Saturday.
City Gallery Wellington: Interactive Sculpture Installation
City Gallery Wellington
A free indoor space where kids are encouraged to touch and play with the art.
Central Library: Children's Story Time Hour
Wellington Central Library
A gentle, free story session every Saturday morning for preschoolers.
· April 4
4CITY GALLERY WELLINGTON: INTERACTIVE SCULPTURE INSTALLATIONFREE : This gallery has opened a new installation specifically designed for tactile exploration by children, encouraging playful interaction with light and sound. Great option if Saturday weather is iffy.It's a free, central, indoor activity that actively encourages touching and playing with the art.
CENTRAL LIBRARY: CHILDREN'S STORY TIME HOURFREE : A classic Saturday morning activity where librarians read engaging picture books aloud in the dedicated children's section. A great, calm start to the day for your littlest ones.It’s a reliable, free, indoor option perfectly timed for Saturday morning routines.
FREE : This event usually features bouncy castles, face painting, and sports clinics set up on the stadium pitch. A brilliant, high-energy free event on Saturday.Stadium events are rare and offer massive free play areas for large families.
WELLINGTON FILM SOCIETY: MATINEE SCREENING FOR YOUTH : The Film Society is showing a classic, family-friendly movie this Saturday afternoon. Perfect if the weather turns sour, offering comfortable seating and a proper cinema experience.It offers a guaranteed dry, engaging activity for Saturday afternoon plans.
· April 5
5WELLINGTON BOTANIC GARDEN SPRING BLOOM WALKFREE : Join a guided tour through the gardens as they transition from spring into early autumn colours. The guides point out the best spots for kids to run around safely and identify cool native plants.Early April is still beautiful in the gardens, and guided walks make nature exploration interesting for kids who might otherwise just run off.
: Catch the incredibly popular tiger feeding session this Sunday afternoon. The keepers give a great talk about conservation and the big cats' behaviour while they eat.The afternoon slot is usually the most energetic time to see the big predators in action.
ZEALANDIA ECOSANCTUARY TWILIGHT TOUR : See the native wildlife wake up as the sun goes down on this popular guided tour. You often spot rare birds and maybe even glow worms—definitely an unforgettable experience for older kids.Twilight tours are very popular and sell out, and Sunday evening is a unique time to experience the sanctuary.
CARTER OBSERVATORY STARGAZING EVENING : Look through powerful telescopes and learn about the Southern Sky from expert presenters. This late Sunday session is ideal for older children fascinated by space and planets.Sunday evening allows families to enjoy a late activity without impacting the school week start.
: While Mum and Dad get a coffee fix, the kids get a mini-lesson on how coffee beans are roasted and processed, culminating in making their own signature hot chocolate blend. A great unique Sunday morning activity.It successfully blends a parent necessity (coffee) with an educational activity for older kids.
Also On· anytime this weekend
6FREE : Spend the morning learning the fundamentals of Māori carving and weaving techniques in this hands-on workshop led by local artists. It’s a fantastic way to connect with Aotearoa’s culture right in the heart of the city.Te Papa often runs fantastic, high-quality free art sessions specifically aimed at school-aged kids on Saturdays.
: Older kids obsessed with movies need to see how the magic happens! This tour shows off practical effects, armour, and creature designs up close. It's behind-the-scenes Wellington at its best.This is a world-class attraction and the only weekend slot available for this specific tour time.
FREE : Explore New Zealand's only dedicated native plant reserve. There are easy tracks for little legs and more challenging loops for older kids who love bird spotting and hidden streams.A perfect blend of accessible walking trails and true Wellington nature, ideal for a Sunday morning escape.
FREE : A relaxed, outdoor gathering perfect for letting the kids get loud and burn off some energy near the water. All levels of musical talent welcome; just join the rhythm!It's a spontaneous, non-structured activity that lets kids self-regulate their energy release.
: Hop aboard beautifully restored vintage trams for a short ride through the grounds. It's a charming throwback that delights young kids with the old-fashioned machinery.Heritage tram rides are infrequent and offer nostalgic fun for all ages on a Sunday afternoon.
FREE : Check the tide tables, then head south to explore rock pools and the small marine reserve area. Bring nets and buckets for a brilliant morning finding crabs and seaweed.This is a great geological/nature spot that is genuinely fun if the tide is out on Sunday.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Wellington this weekend?
This weekend (Apr 04-05) there are 6 free events: Te Papa Family Day: Māori Arts Workshop, Wellington Botanic Garden Spring Bloom Walk, Central Library: Children's Story Time Hour, Waterfront Community Drum Circle, Otari Native Plant Reserve Bush Discovery Morning, and the Island Bay Marine Life Discovery Trail.
Are there any major indoor activities if it rains on Saturday?
If the weather turns, the City Gallery's interactive sculpture installation is free and great for younger kids, or you could opt for the Matinee Screening for Youth at The Film Archive Cinema.
What's best for older kids (10+) this weekend?
The Weta Workshop: The Craft of Prop Making Tour on Saturday is fantastic for teens interested in film, and the Zealandia Ecosanctuary Twilight Tour on Sunday evening offers real adventure.
