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Top 10 Free Activities To Do In Hamilton During the School Holidays.
School holidays are expensive, so we’ve compiled a list to keep families big and small entertained in the heart of the country, Kirikiriroa, Hamilton. We’ve delivered hundreds of excursions across the country to thousands of kids, and we’ve compiled our top 10 free things to do during the school holidays with kids.
10. Picnic at Victoria on the river
First up on our list is Victoria on the River, an expansive amphitheater-style park located right on Victoria Street. The park's design makes it perfect for spreading out a blanket and enjoying the scenery while the kids have plenty of room to run around and play.
Things to consider: Parking is nonexistent, so you will need to find a spot on the main road or down a side street in town.
To find out how to get there- click here.
9. River Walk/Bike/Scooter
Next up is the River Walk, a scenic pathway along the Waikato River that’s perfect for a bike or scooter adventure. You can hop on at any point along the river and enjoy a journey along the picturesque riverbanks. The well-maintained path is accessible for all ages, making it an ideal family outing.
The river is vast with many great entry points, our tip would be to make your way towards the northern end of the river as there are more bike friendly tracks.
8. Museum
Next on our list is the Waikato Museum, a fantastic destination that blends education and entertainment. With a range of exhibits that cover art, history, and science, the museum offers a stimulating environment where kids and adults can learn and have fun. Admission to the Waikato Museum is generally free for the main galleries, although some special exhibitions and events may have an entry fee.
For more information visit- waikatomuseum.co.nz
7. Maori Pa sites
Next on our list are the Māori Pā sites located across Hamilton, offering a fascinating glimpse into New Zealand's rich cultural heritage. These sites are carefully protected to ensure their preservation for future generations. Most of the Pā sites can be underwhelming for children, as they are often just ground structures protruding from the earth however some are in great locations for picnics or scenic views.
They can be tricky to find as many have been renamed, for locations of some easier to find Pa sites- click here.
6. Bike Park
The Horotiu Bike Park is a fantastic venue for cyclists, new or experienced, featuring tracks of various difficulties. It’s a great place to teach your kids how to bike or bring experienced bikers to try the more advanced tracks.
Things to consider: There is a adult fitness playground that looks like a child's playground there, which is a safety concern as children naturally want to climb all over it. The lack of a playground is a missed opportunity for families to maximise their time here. On the positive side, it’s located right outside a café, has substantial parking, and a Subway and gas station nearby. Technically, it’s near a highway, so helicopter parents may have a cortisol spike coming here. However, it’s far enough away to stop any daredevil toddlers vying for their highway freedom should they try.
To find out where the bike park is located- click here.
5. Wellington Beach
Next on our list is Wellington Beach on the River. Nestled along the Waikato River, this spot is ideal for families looking to enjoy a sunny day by the water. The beach provides a sandy shoreline with pumice sand, where kids can build sandcastles, paddle in the shallow waters, or simply splash around. An excellent spot for a family picnic.
The river current can be strong, so keep an eye on young children while they play in the water. Parking is available nearby, but it can fill up quickly on weekends and holidays.
To find out where Wellington Beach is located- click here.
4. Arboretum
Established in 1997 as a gift to the people of Hamilton, this arboretum features lakes, woodland gardens, birdlife, and numerous picnic spots, all linked by a network of walking tracks. It’s perfect for a leisurely weekend stroll, a family picnic, or a more active outing.
For more information visit- hamilton.govt.nz/taitua-arboretum
3. Hamilton Lake
Hamilton Lake offers a diverse range of activities for young families. With multiple large playgrounds, plenty of picnic areas, walks, parks, a life-size decommissioned train, a seasonal ice skating rink, some native wildlife, and, in case you missed the title, a lake (just don’t count on the water being swimmable, unless you want to grow another limb), this spot is a hit for an active family day out.
Things to consider: This location can get crowded, especially during weekends, and parking can be a right pain in the you-know-what. There is a lack of suitable shade on such days, and sometimes it can be very windy despite beautiful weather. Duck poo can give your nostrils a wake-up from time to time, but the sheer number of pettable doggos usually makes up for it.
For more information visit-hamilton.govt.nz/hamilton-lake-domain
2. Parks & Playgrounds
Next on our list is Hamilton's extensive array of parks and playgrounds. Hamilton boasts parks and playgrounds that cater to different needs and preferences. Larger parks often feature facilities such as walking and biking paths, picnic areas, and extensive play equipment. For instance, Hamilton Lake Domain offers a large, colorful playground that is disability-friendly, along with walking tracks, a café, and spaces for water-based sports.
To explore the best options and find the perfect spot for your next family outing, check out our blog on Hamilton's top parks and playgrounds here.
Click here for our list of the top 10 parks to visit in Kirikiriroa (Hamilton).
Hamilton Gardens (locals free)
Next on our list is the Hamilton Gardens. This is a staple attraction on many lists and usually ranks very high, featuring various landscapes that display different cultural styles and historical periods. The paths are stroller-friendly, and the diverse flora provides a great backdrop for family photos for your Instagram reel. Each garden offers its own unique design, from the traditional Japanese Zen Garden to the Italian Renaissance Garden and a great depiction of some Maori structures.
Things to consider: The Gardens can bore the living daylight out of some children; however, there is a nice playground nestled around a corner or two, and feeding the ducks is always fun. The Gardens may suffer from the "one and done" treatment for some and are large, which can be quite physically draining for little feet.
For more information visit- hamiltongardens.co.nz