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Top 10 things to do with kids in Hamilton
Whether you are just visiting or live locally, there's plenty to keep you entertained in the heart of the country, Kirikiriroa, Hamilton.
We have delivered hundreds of activities and events to thousands of kids across Hamilton and have compiled a list of our favourite things to do.
10. River Walk
The first on our list is none other than the Waikato River. The river cuts through the heart of Hamilton and has many accessible entry and exit points ideal for family picnics or leisurely bike rides. The path is well-maintained, making it accessible for strollers and young bikers. The changing landscape, bridges, and boardwalks along the river make any portion you choose to explore ‘fun’ for all ages (fun being highly subjective). Given the many access points along the river, parents who suddenly hit a toddler tantrum or moody teenage regression of enthusiasm can easily loop back to their vehicle through one of the many exits.
9. Hamilton Gardens
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 accessed from Gate 2, 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
8. 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
7. Mini Golf
What makes minigolf rank high on our list is the quick and accessible nature of the activity, combined with the ability for all ages to compete and play. If you are having a rough time on the scorecard, it won't be like suffering through 4 hours of shanks on a golf course. Instead, minigolf is quick, and you can get lucky and even get a hole in one from time to time. Hamilton has three minigolf options to choose from, from the city centre to suburbia, making it accessible and fun for all ages.
Things to consider: Peak times might lead to longer waits, and the fun is generally short-lived. Still, nearby attractions and the presence of ample parking space make it a stress-free (for the winner) outing.
For more information visit-
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. 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.
4. 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. The farm also has a playground and a restaurant on-site for those kids who didn't sneak enough strawberries during their outing.
Things to consider: The farm is operational seasonally (unfortunately strawberries follow the laws 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.
For more information visit- ruakuraberry.co.nz
3. 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/view/257
2. 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
Hamilton Zoo
Top of the list is the Hamilton Zoo, a must-visit for animal lovers. The zoo houses over 600 animals and has a fantastic playground and recently developed 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