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Top 10 Paid Activities To Do In Hamilton During the School Holidays.
Sometimes for everyone’s sanity (and safety), you need to get out and about during the school holidays. We have compiled a list of our favorite destinations to take the kids during the school holidays for those who don’t mind paying for the luxury of entertained children (albeit temporarily). We have conducted hundreds of excursions with thousands of kids across the country, and these are the ones that top our list in Hamilton.
10. Callum Brae Mini Golf
Kicking off our list is Callum Brae Mini Golf. Callum Brae is a café, minigolf, pitch-and-putt golf course, and pay-to-play playground situated in Rototuna. It's positioned right next to one of Hamilton's best playgrounds, so there really is a lot to choose from.
Things to consider: The greens could use some TLC and a fresh lick of paint, and it can get pretty busy during peak times, so consider visiting earlier in the day or booking ahead to avoid waiting.
For more information visit-
9. Mama Donuts- Make your own
At number nine, Hamilton's iconic Mama's Donuts offers a ‘Make Your Own’ experience where kids can create their dream donuts from an array of completely unhealthy but delicious toppings. It's cheap, fun, and you get to do it as many times as you like (as long as you pay each time).
Things to consider: Mama's Donuts can get busy, with lots of people and limited space, so be prepared for a lively atmosphere. They’re only open for this special activity during school holidays on Thursdays and Fridays from 9:30 am to 12 pm.
For more information visit- mamasdonuts.co.nz
8. Jago Town
Jago Town is an indoor play village that offers a safe and exciting environment with fun activities to keep the children busy, from rock climbing and jungle adventures to big slides and more. They have done a great job of offering a lot of activities in a decent-sized space. The biggest benefit, however, is being able to supervise your children from outside of the play area, as it is a completely open space and well-planned.
Things to consider: Jago Town is open from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm, seven days a week. Admission doesn't include Jago socks, which incur an additional cost, or you can bring your own. It can get very busy, especially on weekends and school holidays, so arriving early might help avoid the crowds. Kid stank is real, and there is kid stank on some days. People who don't like densely populated areas may not enjoy it as much as others. As with any playground, it's a big kid-dominated world, and sometimes little tots get bowled over by larger, uncoordinated, and unsupervised kids. New parents, be vigilant.
For more information visit- jagotown.co.nz
7. Ruakura Berry Farm
Ruakura Berry Farm is a great spot where kids can engage in the fun experience of picking their own berries, taking them home, or turning them into their own real fruit ice cream. They also have a playground and a restaurant on-site for those kids who didn’t sneak enough strawberries during picking.
Things to consider: The farm is operational seasonally (unfortunately strawberries follow the law of nature too), so check before you visit. It's a self-directed trip, which can lead to children picking any and everything if you’re not watching. However, there’s plenty of parking and lots of places to pick, so it’s rarely overcrowded, making it a sweet and straightforward family outing.
For more information visit- ruakuraberry.co.nz
6. Arcade
Much like minigolf, arcades rank high on our list due to the quick and accessible nature of the activity. The variety of games at arcades offers something for all ages, and the prizes, while heavily overpriced, are still fun to try to win.
Things to consider: It can be a bit pricey and overwhelming for younger children. Most games are targeted toward older children, and some require skills that many don’t possess. However, luck and random chance are present the majority of the time, so anyone can truly win. Most of the prizes can be bought directly from a store for cheaper. However, where’s the fun in that you killjoy.
For more information visit-
5. Excite at the Museum
The 'Excite' zone at the Waikato Museum offers interactive and educational exhibits on two levels. Separate from the free museum entry, Excite offers hands-on science experiments, cultural displays, and STEM learning activities for all ages (think indoor educational playground). Excite is a hidden gem that is underutilized and underrated, and the museum itself is a fantastic place for those interested in history, education, and knowledge (I know, not things typically associated with fun for kids today).
Things to consider: It does cost to enter, and some older kids might find the exhibits a bit simplistic. It's a great spot with repeatability and things for everyone to do.
For more information visit- waikatomuseum.co.nz/exhibitions-and-events
4. Kaipaki Petting Zoo
The Kaipaki Petting Zoo is a fantastic way for children to get up close and hand feed a variety of animals. The keepers are very friendly and allow you to hold guinea pigs, rabbits, lizards, and anything your kids are brave enough to touch. It has a great family-owned feel to it and is a great size so your kids don’t get exhausted walking long distances.
Things to consider: The petting zoo is a bit of a drive from central Hamilton, and the opening days and website can be a little confusing. It's a homegrown, down-the-back-of-the-farm, roadside type of experience that has repeatability, affordability, and hands-on experiences.
For more information visit- kaipakifarmyard.co.nz
3. Ninja Valley
A place where kids can swing, climb, and leap through courses that make them feel like heroes on a quest, all while safely harnessed and supervised. The Ninja Arena Pass grants admission for all ages, providing access to over 30 activities. Tickets are available for 1- and 3-hour sessions, ensuring plenty of time for your little ninjas to explore and conquer.
Things to consider: No need to book in advance, making it a great spontaneous adventure. Ninja Valley can get very busy during peak times, such as weekends and public holidays. Make sure kids wear comfortable, athletic clothing and suitable footwear. Supervision is crucial, especially for younger children or those new to obstacle courses. You only get 1-hour slots and the price can be high in relation to the time spent, but you can purchase longer sessions. If you go on a particularly busy day, you may feel more stressed leaving than you did arriving—be prepared.
For more information visit- ninjavalley.co.nz
2. School Holiday Programmes
Call us biased, but the Journey Kids Holiday Programme is perfect for keeping your children entertained and engaged during the holidays. Two major activities make up each day and a plethora of free play options, including go-karts, VR, PlayStation, LEGO, coloring in, board games, and much more, there are a variety of fun experiences for all kids. For a brochure of our most recent Holiday Programme, find it here. To book one of our other services click here.
Things to consider: The sessions can be crowded, and older kids sometimes struggle mixing with younger children. However, the programme is well-structured, balancing major activities with plenty of time for free play. Make sure to check the daily schedule to know what major activities are planned. It's a full-day commitment, so pack a lunch and snacks for your child. Comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes are recommended for all the activities.
Hamilton Zoo
No surprises here its always the Zoo, and for good reason. The zoo houses over 600 animals and has a fantastic recently built playground and café. The variety of animals and the well-designed enclosures ensure a full day of exploration and excitement. The zoo has done a great job of offering many rest areas and playgrounds around the zoo to keep all kids engaged. The zoo offers feeding time displays which are fun to watch.
Things to consider: Entry fees can be high, and the zoo’s large size means lots and lots of walking. Parking on busy days can also be a nuisance. However, it’s an unbeatable educational experience and remains Hamilton’s best attraction for families for a reason. Like all zoos, Hamilton Zoo has yet to discover how to talk to animals, so sometimes they are hidden or lie in their enclosures doing nothing. Kind of like what you wish you were doing right now except, well... kids. Enjoy!
For more information visit- hamiltonzoo.co.nz