Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand, is a vibrant and family-friendly destination that offers a range of activities and attractions for children of all ages. From museums and galleries to parks and playgrounds, there are plenty of things to do and see with your children in Wellington. Whether you’re a local or visiting for the first time, this guide will help you discover some of the best things to do with children in Wellington.
Top Activities for children ages 0-5 in Wellington
Capital E
A day at Capital E is the ultimate dream for children. Capital E provides a safe and fun environment for children to let their minds run wild and free in a creative and interactive space. With spaces, experiences and events all designed to inspire, entertain and educate the next generation of artists, scientists, explorers, makers and doers. Capital E put kids at the centre of everything they do. Described as the intersection of creativity and play, Capital E is a multifaceted charity that ignites and fuels the creative spark in children through the magic of theatre, interactive play areas and immersive digital education experiences.
The Enormous Crocodile Company
Bike along the waterfront in a quirky crocodile vehicle only found in Wellington. Hire a three or six seater bike with your family or friends and cruise around the waterfront from Oriental Bay to Kumutoto. There’s no better or fun way to experience the attractions of Wellington’s sparkling waterfront.
Be the “I” in WELL_NGTON
Become a part of Wellington – the perfect waterfront photo-op. Boasting a new makeover, the sculpture’s colours react to the environment so that no two photos are the same. A giant sculptural sign on Wellington’s waterfront lets you physically become part of “Wellington”. Wander down to the harbour’s edge, and you’ll find there’s no “I” in Wellington – stand on the platform and finish the word to make Wellington complete. Local art and directing collective The Glue Society are the designing brains behind the sculpture. Artist and project director Peter Blake explains the refresh – “The Pop Art-inspired, iridescent chrome wrap reflects the vibrancy of the city during summer — reacting to the environment so that no two photos are the same, depending on your perspective and the time of day.”
Scorching Bay
On a hot summer’s day, the place to be is Scorching Bay on the Miramar Peninsula. Known for its golden sand and clear blue waters, the popular beach is the perfect spot for a picnic, a game of beach cricket, swimming, or a climb on the playground. If you’re feeling peckish, grab a bite to eat from the beachside café, Scorch-O-Rama – one of Wellington’s retro-themed cafès. Serving excellent food alongside great coffee, milkshakes, and ice-creams, take them to go or opt to be seated at seaside tables.
Red Rocks (Pariwhero)
Feel the wind in your hair and listen to the roar of the sea with a walk to Pariwhero. Also known as Red Rocks, these uniquely coloured formations sit on Wellington’s beautifully rugged South Coast. The rocks brought about whispers of how the red colouring came to be, with legends connected to the great Polynesian explorer, Kupe. In truth, the rich colours came from an undersea volcano that erupted 200 million years ago. From May to October, you can spot New Zealand’s fur seals and seal pups as they sunbathe on the rocks. Take care to give the seals plenty of space and observe their activities from a safe distance.
Wellington Cable Car
For 120 years, the Cable Car has trundled up the Kelburn hillside making it one of Wellington’s most iconic experiences. Every 10 minutes, the bright red Wellington Cable Car departs from Lambton Quay and makes its way up into the hills of Kelburn. On the five-minute journey upwards, the Cable Car rises 120m over a length of 612m. It travels through three tunnels and over three bridges. From the top, it offers spectacular views of the city below. A milestone in engineering when it opened in February 1902, this is New Zealand’s only remaining funicular railway. At the top, you’ll find one of the more iconic views overlooking Wellington. After taking in the stunning panoramic views from the Cable Car,head into the Wellington Cable Car Museum. Housed in the original winding house for the cable car, the museum extends over two floors and tells the story of the cable car through original artefacts, photographs and interactive exhibitions. Entry to the museum is free and the shop on-site features an array of New Zealand gifts.
Mount Victoria Lookout
The best way to get your bearings of the city is by checking out the views from the top of Mount Victoria, or Mt Vic, as the locals call it. Rising 196m above the city, the Mount Victoria Lookout has stunning panoramic views of Wellington city, harbour and hills and is part of the Southern Walkway track. You can drive to the top of Mt Vic or walk there via one of the many trails in the Town Belt. Take a picnic with you, settle in on the hillside and relax while watching ferries and cruise ships sail into the harbour and planes fly in and out of the airport. Mt Vic is also one of the best spots in the city for taking in a sunrise or sunset.
Bucket Fountain
It takes a special kind of city to rock a fountain made from buckets, but Wellington isn’t your run-of-the-mill kind of city. You’ll find the Bucket Fountain on Cuba Street where the sight and sound of the brightly coloured buckets filling with water and surprise splashing people walking by is an essential Wellington experience. The Bucket Fountain was installed in 1969 and was originally called the Water Mobile until its current and much apter name took hold.
Top Activities for Older Children in Wellington
Wētā Workshop
Visit the home of movie-making magic in the heart of Wellywood. Tucked away in Miramar, a short drive from Wellington’s city centre, Wētā Workshop crafts physical effects for some of the world’s most renowned films and TV shows. The design and manufacturing facility combines cutting-edge technology with hand-crafted artistry to serve up Oscar-winning props, costumes and creature effects. And, best of all, they open their doors to fans who want to see exactly how the magic is made. The Guardian named Wētā Workshop one of the top 10 studio tours in the world. Don’t leave without getting a family selfie with the trolls!
Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
Any visitor to Wellington should have Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa at the top of their to-do list. This national museum is a must-do, with six storeys of cutting-edge interactive exhibitions housed in an architectural wonder of a building. Te Papa Tongarewa translates to “container of treasures”, which is an apt description for a museum considered the home of New Zealand stories. If the phrase “national museum” conjures images of dusty artefacts in glass cases, let Te Papa change that for you. The clever, contemporary, and bicultural approach puts Te Papa in a league of its own and, unlike so many museums, general entry is free.
Katherine Mansfield House & Garden
Take a step into 19th century colonial Wellington and the life of Katherine Mansfield (one of the world’s most acclaimed writers and proud Wellingtonian), in an immersive history experience. Kids will love the ‘I Spy’ activity sheet which offers a fun way of engaging with the house and learning about life over a century ago. In the 100 years that had passed since Mansfield’s family had lived at the Tinakori Road address, the house had been converted into flats and its connection to the internationally famous author are all but forgotten. That was until 1986, when the Katherine Mansfield Birthplace Society formed, and work began to restore the house to how it would have looked when Mansfield’s family lived there in the late 19th century.
City Gallery Wellington
With a regularly changing programme of contemporary art, a great children activity area and a special parents tour, City Gallery Wellington is a great place to take a family. With a dynamic programme of exhibitions and events, the capital’s Gallery has an international reputation for showcasing artists from Aotearoa and beyond. In addition to showcasing thought-provoking art, City Gallery runs regular free or by donation events for the very young – Gallery Babes. Entry is usually free to this incredible gallery. The Gallery Shop is next on your day’s itinerary. Peruse a selection of art and design books, activities and toys for creative kids, New Zealand–made homewares and jewellery, plus much more—all carefully selected for the art-and-design-lover who loves to shop.
The Enormous Crocodile Company
Bike along the waterfront in a quirky crocodile vehicle only found in Wellington. Hire a three or six seater bike with your family or friends and cruise around the waterfront from Oriental Bay to Kumutoto. There’s no better or fun way to experience the attractions of Wellington’s sparkling waterfront.
Petone Settlers Museum
Situated on the Petone shore of Wellington Harbour, the Petone Settlers Museum tells the stories of the people who have made Petone their home. The museum has a series of small exhibitions which focus on different historical and cultural aspects of settlement in the area. The museum occupies one of New Zealand’s most significant memorial buildings. It was built to commemorate the arrival of the first British immigrants in 1840. Before becoming a museum, it served as a bathing pavilion for Petone beach-goers.
Be the “I” in WELL_NGTON
Become a part of Wellington – the perfect waterfront photo-op. Boasting a new makeover, the sculpture’s colours react to the environment so that no two photos are the same. A giant sculptural sign on Wellington’s waterfront lets you physically become part of “Wellington”. Wander down to the harbour’s edge, and you’ll find there’s no “I” in Wellington – stand on the platform and finish the word to make Wellington complete. Local art and directing collective The Glue Society are the designing brains behind the sculpture. Artist and project director Peter Blake explains the refresh – “The Pop Art-inspired, iridescent chrome wrap reflects the vibrancy of the city during summer — reacting to the environment so that no two photos are the same, depending on your perspective and the time of day.”
Fear Factory
Enjoy a fright and a laugh as you explore a haunted maze that’s just the right amount of freakiness. Fear Factory is Wellington’s very own mysterious and spooky entertainment spot for the brave or adventurous. You’ll venture below the deck of a fictional lost ship – the HMS Wayfarer – and encounter a nautical-themed nightmare. The experience is designed ages seven and upwards, and is popular with groups of friends, families and team bonding for workplaces. Before you head into the unknown, the Fear Factory team will explain what to expect during the experience and they’ll also give you a safe word – ‘chicken’ – that you can say out loud if things get too scary during the experience.
Brewtown
It’s not just for adults! Upper Hutt’s craft beer haven is more than just delicious brews. It’s also a food and entertainment hub complete with mini-golf, ice skating, paintball, ten pin bowling, cart racing, and a trampoline park. Think of it as a microcosm of Wellington bringing together some of the region’s top breweries and delicious food on one site – Brewtown is a one-stop shop and a must-visit for craft beer lovers. It’s just a short walk away from Upper Hutt train station making it an easy trip to and from the city.
Red Rocks (Pariwhero)
Feel the wind in your hair and listen to the roar of the sea with a walk to Pariwhero. Also known as Red Rocks, these uniquely coloured formations sit on Wellington’s beautifully rugged South Coast. The rocks brought about whispers of how the red colouring came to be, with legends connected to the great Polynesian explorer, Kupe. In truth, the rich colours came from an undersea volcano that erupted 200 million years ago. From May to October, you can spot New Zealand’s fur seals and seal pups as they sunbathe on the rocks. Take care to give the seals plenty of space and observe their activities from a safe distance.
Cruise through the city on e-bikes
Wellington is bursting at the seams with vibrant scenic views and must-visit hotspots. While the size of the city is compact and walkable, if you’re looking to switch things up and get creative with your transport, opting for an e-bike is a fun option. You don’t need to be an experienced rider to get on an e-bike as it basically does all the work for you, making for a relaxed ride. The bike has an attached gadget that allows you to change speed and gears – two handy additions that will help you spend less time on the pedals and more time enjoying the view. Switched On Bikes offers guided tours or you can choose to head off on your own independent adventure.
Scorching Bay
On a hot summer’s day, the place to be is Scorching Bay on the Miramar Peninsula. Known for its golden sand and clear blue waters, the popular beach is the perfect spot for a picnic, a game of beach cricket, swimming, or a climb on the playground. If you’re feeling peckish, grab a bite to eat from the beachside café, Scorch-O-Rama – one of Wellington’s retro-themed cafès. Serving excellent food alongside great coffee, milkshakes, and ice creams, take them to go or opt to be seated at seaside tables.
Adrenalin Forest
Adrenalin Forest is the lower North Island’s only outdoor adventure park and is conveniently located in Porirua City. In the space of three hours you’ll challenge yourself both mentally and physically while soaring among giant pine trees. Adrenalin Forest aims to create a safe environment where all ages and fitness levels will be able to find their own limits. With over 100 different activities in the treetops, you’ll keep the whole family entertained. The Forest is structured across six levels and each trail takes approximately 45 minutes to complete.
Wellington Cable Car
For 120 years, the Cable Car has trundled up the Kelburn hillside making it one of Wellington’s most iconic experiences. Every 10 minutes, the bright red Wellington Cable Car departs from Lambton Quay and makes its way up into the hills of Kelburn. On the five-minute journey upwards, the Cable Car rises 120m over a length of 612m. It travels through three tunnels and over three bridges. From the top, it offers spectacular views of the city below. A milestone in engineering when it opened in February 1902, this is New Zealand’s only remaining funicular railway. At the top, you’ll find one of the more iconic views overlooking Wellington. After taking in the stunning panoramic views from the Cable Car Lookout, head into the Wellington Cable Car Museum. Housed in the original winding house for the cable car, the museum extends over two floors and tells the story of the cable car through original artefacts, photographs and interactive exhibitions. Entry to the museum is free and the shop on-site features an array of New Zealand gifts.
Mount Victoria Lookout
The best way to get your bearings of the city is by checking out the views from the top of Mount Victoria, or Mt Vic, as the locals call it. Rising 196m above the city, the Mount Victoria Lookout has stunning panoramic views of Wellington city, harbour and hills and is part of the Southern Walkway track. You can drive to the top of Mount Vic or walk there via one of the many trails in the Town Belt. Take a picnic with you, settle in on the hillside and relax while watching ferries and cruise ships sail into the harbour and planes fly in and out of the airport. Mount Vic is also one of the best spots in the city for taking in a sunrise or sunset.
Bucket Fountain
It takes a special kind of city to rock a fountain made from buckets, but Wellington isn’t your run-of-the-mill kind of city. You’ll find the Bucket Fountain on Cuba Street where the sight and sound of the brightly coloured buckets filling with water and surprise splashing people walking by is an essential Wellington experience. The Bucket Fountain was installed in 1969 and was originally called the Water Mobile until its current and much apter name took hold.
Wellington Museum
Somewhat overshadowed by its giant neighbour the Wellington Museum is a gem. It has the feeling of a private museum of curiosities that you might find in a London back street. The top floor which feels like a set from Harry Potter. Tesla Coils, wonky old stuffed lions (from Wellington Zoo) and movie memorabilia, not just from Peter Jackson but more obscure and distinctly Wellington films like What We Do In The Shadows create an esoteric atmosphere that enchants both adults and children. So much more fun than the kind of touch screen, interactive exhibits that seem the norm these days. Sometimes the small, slightly more bizarre spots can have the broadest appeal.
Southward Car Museum
There is something absurd about the Southward Car Museum. The grand gates and parking for a million people. How did Len and Vera Southward end up with Mickey Cohen’s Cadillac? Or any of the other thousand odd vehicles for that matter. Even if you couldn’t care less about cars there’s enough weird factor here to entertain everyone; from futurist failures like the DeLorean to psychedelic Indian trucks or the creepy egg car from Sleeper. Plus all the big fancy fast things if you’re that way inclined. Southward Car Museum is an essential part of a weekend on the Kāpiti Coast or a quick day trip from the city.
The Dowse Art Museum
The family merits of The Dowse are apparent before you even get inside. The giant robot water feature (Fallen Robot by artist Ronnie van Hout) is a must for any adventerous child. How you’ll try to show your children the Lynley Dodd plaque “Hairy Maclary is from Lower Hutt kids, look at this.” and oh how they will completely ignore you for the robot. Such is the way of things. Once inside you can have your revenge by leaving them in one of the kid zones (the giant blue building block room is a must) and then as you abandon your progeny you can enjoy one of New Zealand’s most unique and well-respected art galleries. Whilst they may have a slight bent towards the folk and craft side of art, The Dowse doesn’t shy away from well-curated contemporary and conceptual shows. It’s also pretty close to cheap Wellington eats; Pandan. The best Malaysian in town!
Wellington is a fantastic destination for families, with plenty of things to see and do for children of all ages. From museums and galleries to parks and playgrounds, you will surely find something you will enjoy! Whether you’re a local or visiting from out of town, we hope this guide has given you some inspiration for your next family day out in Wellington.
Find out more about visiting Wellington with children in our free guide.
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