You shouldn’t have any trouble finding things to do in Auckland with a toddler. We have beaches, volcanoes, ferries and parks galore, and still every Saturday morning, we’d be in the kitchen saying, “So… where to today?”
I finally started a to-do list on my phone. This is a list of things that truly worked for us with our two year old. Some free, most short, all with a tired kid at the end – isn’t that the goal?
Our Favourite Things to Do in Auckland With a Toddler Outdoors
Catch the ferry to Devonport
We’ve got a particularly weather-dependent lunch spot. The ferry is quick, the children enjoy the journey looking at the water and the boats, and when they’re on the other side they can keep moving along the flat waterfront walk and enjoy the ice cream shops. If their legs aren’t too tired, North Head is worth a visit. But heads up. The tunnels are fun but you may be on the shoulders of one of your children all the way down.
Identify the ferry timetable before you do. Days and public holidays can impact services.
Cornwall Park and One Tree Hill
Sheep. That’s it. We challenge you to go more than two minutes with our daughter pointing at sheep and yelling “BAA!” as loud as she can. Wide paths, room to run, trees for shade and a picnic. So nice when you visit during lambing season.
Beaches on the North Shore
Takapuna and Milford are easy with a toddler. The kids will love Mairangi Bay as well. Visit early in summer, as the car park will be full and the sun really gets hot after morning. And make sure you bring a hat with chin strap – nearly impossible to keep on!
Getting Around Without the Stress
Auckland adventures mean a lot of in and out. Car, ferry, bus, café door. So don’t let a big bulky pram turn a day of fun into a days work.
Having tried to fit our enormous pram once too often at Devonport pier, we opted for a lightweight alternative for day trips. A pocket stroller. The two fold so compactly you can slide it into a corner and walk on past without anyone nearby noticing. And it folds small enough to sit neatly beside your feet on the ferry. We still use the big pram for long walks at home. But in town – small and light wins hands down.
Still, a soft carrier makes an excellent backup. Other toddlers walk for ten minutes then abruptly stop walking.
Rainy Day Ideas
Auckland weather doesn’t take long to change. One minute you have sunshine, the next it’s pouring. It is useful to have a few things to do inside on standby.
Auckland Museum
There are areas of the museum set out to be tactile for children to touch and feel. The giant animal models are a hit with our daughter. Visit the museum’s website to find out opening hours and any entry information.
Libraries
Honestly, libraries need more love. Some of the Auckland library branches have free and relaxed sessions for babies and toddlers to sing and listen to stories – and they’re a perfect place to connect with other parents. Check your local branch for up-to-date dates and times.
Indoor play centres
You’ll find many such of these all around town. They’re loud and boisterous. However, one hour of climbing and sliding usually earns you a great nap later.
Snack Stops and Café Tips
Not all cafes are that fond of the toddler. That’s okay. But there are lots of truly kid-friendly cafes around Auckland with high chairs, a kids menu or even a dedicated play corner.
A few things make going to the café easier:
- Go mid-morning, before the lunch rush
- Bring a small toy or crayons
- Bring your own snacks in the event of a long wait.
- Sit near the door so you can go outside if necessary.
Tip well and clean up after your little tornadoes. Cafés remember good parents above all.
Short Walks That Work for Small Legs
Little ones aren’t made for long hikes but you can find some beautiful short walks around the city that are perfect for them.
The reserve at Tahuna Torea in Glendowie offers flat tracks and plenty of birdlife. Why not visit Western Springs for ducks, eels and a lake loop that’s the perfect size. And don’t forget the North Shore boardwalks around the estuaries which are often stroller friendly. Look at track conditions on the council website before heading out as some close for maintenance.
In addition to this, bring your children even more water than you think you will need. Your toddlers can get thirsty very quickly when they’re in all out runnin’ circles.
What I’d Pack for a Day Out
I’ve pared down our day bag considerably over time, here’s what usually comes along with us now:
- Extra nappies and wipes
- A change of clothes
- Sunscreen and a sunhat
- A water bottle two or three snacks
- A light jacket, because Auckland
- A small towel for beach days
Anything more than that, and I’m lugging it around for no good reason.
Timing Is Everything
A last piece of advice before I end. It’s much better to arrange your adventures so they follow the schedule of naps. Before, we’d try to endure just one more stop, then suffer for it in the car park afterwards. Now, we go out just after breakfast, and try to be back in time for lunch. When our daughter’s asleep in the car as we return, I have twenty gloriously uninterrupted minutes on my driveway with a cup of coffee. Ahh.
Keep It Simple
Some of the greatest adventures for your toddler can be as simple as the most straightforward. Take a ferry boat, a few sheep, some sand in the toes You don’t require a huge strategy or even a huge spending budget. You need snacks, a little bit of also there and gear that won’t get in your way.
If you are still trying to figure out what to pack, a quick chat with those familiar with baby gear is sometimes necessary. We’ve had good assists from NV Kids, who talked us through all the products we’d need when we were trying to decipher what, actually, we’d need.
Most importantly, let your little one take the lead. One day you may get to three places, the next you may spend the best hour of your day watching a digger. Either way is fine!
About The Author
