Free activities for kids in Auckland this Labour weekend

Get up close to the animals at Ambury Farm this long weekend.
Get up close to the animals at Ambury Farm this long weekend. Photo credit: Auckland Council

Labour Weekend is coming up, and it's the first long weekend since June. We've just had school holidays, so money might be a bit tight.

Luckily Auckland has so many activities for families that won't break the bank. Here's our list of five free outings for families this long weekend.

Visit the Secret World of Butterflies exhibition at Auckland Museum.
Visit the Secret World of Butterflies exhibition at Auckland Museum. Photo credit: Auckland Museum

1. Auckland Museum:

Entry is free for Aucklanders. If you haven't seen the Secret World of Butterflies exhibition, it's on until May 26, 2019. It's a family-friendly exhibition full of interactive activities.

While you're there, why not take a walk through Auckland Domain? It's a great spot for a picnic, and there's grass for kids to have a run around and play.

2. Seeing the spring lambs at one of our regional parks:

We are spoilt for choice when it comes to regional parks in Auckland, and now is a good time to visit spring farm animals. Visit a park near you or, if you've got time and are feeling a bit more adventurous, pack a picnic and take a day trip. Here are a few favourites. For the full list, visit Auckland Council.             

Some parks are in areas closed due to kauri dieback disease, here are the other options

- Ambury Farm is well-stocked with farm animals - sheep, goats, cows, pigs, lambs, chickens, turkey, rabbits and peacocks. The grassy lanes between the animals enclosures help you get close to the animals safely.

There's plenty for the family to do at Atiu Creek in Auckland's north-west.
There's plenty for the family to do at Atiu Creek in Auckland's north-west. Photo credit: Auckland Council

- Atiu Creek Farm. With access to the Kaipara Harbour, this beautiful regional park located in Tapora in the Rodney district, has sweeping views and is a working sheep and cattle farm.

- Shakespear Regional Park. Located on the beautiful Hibiscus Coast, north Auckland, Shakespear has a working farm of sheep and cattle. Visitors can wander through the paddocks where farm animals graze.

Bike tracks, a duck pond, playgrounds and plenty of grass awaits at Onepoto Domain on Auckland's North Shore.
Bike tracks, a duck pond, playgrounds and plenty of grass awaits at Onepoto Domain on Auckland's North Shore. Photo credit: Auckland Council

3. Onepoto Domain:

Located on the Shore, just off the Onewa exit, Onepoto has a duck pond, playgrounds for kids of all ages, and cycling tracks. If you have little ones just getting started on their bikes, these tracks are ideal.

4. Silo Park:

In the heart of the City, Silo Park offers a fun playground for kids, with lots of activities planned to keep all family members happy and entertained.

Families are welcome at the gallery.
Families are welcome at the gallery. Photo credit: Auckland Art Gallery

5. Auckland Art Gallery:

It's spring, so we're probably going to experience at least a day of rain over the long weekend. A great rainy day option is to visit the Auckland Art Gallery - Toi o Tāmaki. There is a Creative Learning Centre, perfect for children, and drop-in family sessions on Saturday afternoons. Some charges may apply to special exhibitions.

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