15 Things To Do In Wellington With Kids That You Must Try Once

Activities in Wellington with Kids

Check out Te Papa Museum, visit Weta Workshop, take in the views at the top of Mount Victoria, take the Cable Car, discover the Zealandia Sanctuary, have lunch at Maranui Cafe, visit the Space Place at the Carter Observatory, go to the Wellington Zoo, check out Wellington Museum and many more.

Known for its creative and cultural art, the options of the fun things to do in Wellington with kids are plenty and promise to make your New Zealand tour more fascinating. It is a family-friendly city that is loaded with a lot of fun and family-friendly activities. If you’re wondering about what to do in Wellington with kids, you can plan a visit to Staglands Wildlife Reserve where your kid will come closer to the friendly animals and birds and feed them.

Also, explore the Weta Workshop where your kid will learn about the secrets of movie-making. The best thing is that they open doors for visitors where they can discover how magic is made. Tourists can pay a visit to Kapiti Island, a home to some of New Zealand’s endangered birds, such as kiwi, kaka, saddleback, etc. There’s also a feeding ground for the birds where your kid can interact and feed the birds.

Here is the list of the best things to do in Wellington with kids:

01

Check out Te Papa Museum

One of the best things to do in Wellington with kids is to plan a visit to Te Papa Museum.

Also known as the National Museum of Wellington, this is a 6-storey building that is filled with a lot of fun activities and exhibitions to enjoy with your kids.

It has an art exhibition that hosts tons of art activities for kids to enjoy.

Visit this museum and get a chance to explore the art heritage, unique treasures, Moori culture and Taonga, fascinating history, and the natural environment of this city.

Location: 55 Cable Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand

02

Visit Weta Workshop

If you are still thinking about what to do in Wellington with kids, plan a day out with your loved ones, and visit Weta Workshop.

If your kid loves to watch movies, then visiting this place should be at the top of your bucket list.

A visit to this place will give you a deep insight into how movies are made with special animations and characters.

Weta Workshop also offers tons of all-weather tours in which you’ll get a chance to see the props, special effects from movies, and new movies which are in progress.

Location: 21 Camperdown Road, Miramar, Wellington 6022, New Zealand

03

Take in the Views at the Top of Mount Victoria

Visiting the top of Mount Victoria is one of the best family activities in Wellington to enjoy with your family, especially with your kids.

Head up to the top of Mount Victoria and capture the panoramic views of the city at 196 meters from the ground level.

Make sure to visit this place in the afternoon from where you can spot the sun settling down behind the oceans.

Besides capturing the scenic views of the city, you can watch aircrafts at the Wellington Airport and ferries sailing through the harbor.

Location: Mount Victoria, Wellington, New Zealand

04

Take the Cable Car

Exploring the city on a cable car is one of the best things to do in Wellington with kids.

Your trip to Wellington will be incomplete without heading to Kelburn in a cable car.

The ride starts from Lambton Quay and goes all the way up to Kelburn, which is home to Carter Observatory, Planetarium, and Cable Car Museum.

The car departs every 10 minutes from Lambton Quay and covers Clifton Station, Talavera Station, and Salamanca Station.

Location: 280 Lambton Quay, Wellington Central, Wellington 6011, New Zealand

05

Discover the Zealandia Sanctuary

Located in Central Wellington, visiting Zealandia Sanctuary is one of the best family activities in Wellington.

It is one of the most beautiful eco-sanctuaries which is home to endangered species like Kiwi, Kaka, Saddleback, Stitchbird, and more.

You can book your guided tour to explore the sanctuary at your own pace or book the night tour in which your kid can spot kiwis and glow worms.

Your kids can also learn about the natural ecosystem of the city by exploring the flora and fauna of the sanctuary.

Location: 53 Waiapu Road, Karori, Wellington 6012, New Zealand

06

Have Lunch at Maranui Cafe

The Maranui Cafe in Wellington is one of the best places to relax and have a delicious brunch or dinner.

This is one of the best cafes in the city where you’ll be served the finest cakes, coffees and the longest and thickest milkshakes while enjoying the beautiful views of the beach.

Also, there’s a playground on the beach where you can spend quality time with your kids.

You can look out from the picture-postcard windows and spot the sea surfers and life-savers doing their routine drills.

Location: Lvl1, 7A Lyall Parade, Lyall Bay, Wellington 6022, New Zealand

07

Visit the Space Place at the Carter Observatory

Planning a visit to Space Place at the Carter Observatory is one of the best things to do in Wellington with kids.

This place hosts a planetarium show in which you’ll get a chance to learn about galaxies, planets, stars, and more.

Make sure to visit this museum at night where you can view the skies through the historic Thomas Cooke telescope when the weather is clear.

It also has multimedia exhibits and interactive galleries which will give you an unforgettable experience of the space and the celestial bodies.

Location: 40 Salamanca Road, Kelburn, Wellington 6012, New Zealand

08

Go to the Wellington Zoo

If you’re wondering about what to do in Wellington with kids, then visiting the Wellington Zoo can be a good option.

Get a chance to spot more than 500 endangered animals which are taken care of by their team.

Wellington Zoo has plenty of animals and some of the common ones include chimpanzees, giraffes, penguins, cheetahs, tigers, and lions.

On your visit, you can watch the animal being fed and get an insight into the day-to-day tasks of the keepers.

Wellington Zoo also allows free entry for kids below the age of three.

Location: 200 Daniell Street, Newtown, Wellington 6021, New Zealand

09

Check out Wellington Museum

Wellington museum is a free museum in Wellington that deserves to be on your bucket list.

Visiting this museum is one of the best family activities in Wellington which will brief you about the history and heritage of this city.

It also hosts exhibitions that showcase the contemporary work of Maori artists and others.

There are tons of activities for kids to enjoy in the museum, such as playing in the Wellington storefronts, watching the shipwreck movie, and more.

Location: Wellington Museum, 3 Jervois Quay, Wellington Central, Wellington 6011, New Zealand

10

Visit the Taputeranga Marine Reserve's Island Bay Education Center

If you’re confused about what to do in Wellington with kids, then visiting the Island Bay Education Center can be a good choice.

If your child is interested in learning about marine life, then this place is a must-visit.

The Island Bay Education Center is home to several sea creatures including octopuses, seahorses, terrapins, and more.

Remember, this place is only open on Sundays so you’ve to plan your visit accordingly.

Location: On the seaside 213 The Esplanade, Island Bay, Wellington 6023, New Zealand

11

Discover Waitangi Park

If your kid is full of energy or in the mood of playing, then visiting Waitangi Park can be a better option.

It covers 6 hectares of area and there's plenty of space for your kids to play and have a great time in the park.

This is one of the most beautiful parks in the city which has a huge playground, an amazing wetland area, and a skate park.

The park is located at the waterfront and you can enjoy the scenic views while your kids are busy playing.

Location: Herd Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand

12

Take a Trip Out to Staglands Wildlife Reserve

Staglands Wildlife Reserve is a perfect escape from the city and a visit to this place is totally worth it.

Your kid will get a chance to get closer to the wildlife and also enjoy feeding them. Some of the rare and endemic animals that you can spot in the reserve park include Auckland island pigs, deer, Arapawa Island goats, Kunekune, etc.

This place is also home to several bird species, such as the kea, Papago, blue duck, and more.

Your kid can also make friends and play with other kids in the open area while you sit back and relax amidst the lush greenery.

Location: 2362 Akatarawa Road, Akatarawa Valley, Upper Hutt 5372, New Zealand

13

Journey to the Adrenalin Forest

For families seeking adventure and thrill, the Adrenalin Forest in Porirua awaits you with a lot of fun and entertainment.

If your kid is over 4.7 ft in height, then visiting this place will give your child an experience of a lifetime.

This place offers a three-hour rope course that consists of platforms, bridges, and more to make sure that your visit is adventurous enough.

The various recreational activities will also help your child to overcome the fear of heights.

Get a chance to challenge yourself in the Adrenalin Rush and satisfy the thrill-seeker inside you.

Location: Okowai Road, Aotea, Porirua 5022, New Zealand

14

Enjoy at Frank Kitts Park

One of the best family things to do in Wellington with kids is to enjoy Frank Kitts Park located at Jervois Quay and the Lambton Harbour.

This public park offers various slides, swings like a lighthouse to make some unforgettable memories with kids.

Partake in the various activities, or enjoy picnics in a tiered amphitheater-style seating area.

Witness some beautiful shows of artworks like Albatross sculpture (Tanya Ashken), Fruits of the Garden sculpture (Paul Dibble), Sundial (Charles Stone) and Water Whirler sculpture (Len Lye) amongst many others.

Location: Waterfront, Wellington Central, Wellington 6011, New Zealand

15

Visit City Gallery Wellington

Located in Te Ng?kau Civic Square, this is one of the best places to visit in Wellington, especially with kids.

This is one of the most beautiful art galleries in New Zealand which showcases the contemporary art of the country and the world.

This place is more suitable for adults, but your little ones can also have a great time here, especially if they are curious about history and literature.

Head to the reading room upstairs where you can enjoy a quiet place and read a good book.

Location: Te Ng?kau Civic Square, Wellington 6011, New Zealand

Wellington Top Attractions

Places To Visit In Wellington

Explore Wellington

Wellington Cable Car

The Wellington Cable Car is an iconic attraction in Wellington, New Zealand. It’s a historic and fun way to take in the beautiful sights of the city from above. The cable car climbs from Lambton Quay to the top of the hill in Kelburn, giving passengers spectacular views of the harbour, city and beyond.There’s also an interesting museum at the top, with lots of artefacts and information about the cable car. The Cable Car is a popular spot for both tourists and locals alike. It’s easy to get to and is a great way to experience Wellington in one easy journey.On the way up, you can take in the sights of the city and get some great photos. At the top, you can explore the museum and take in the views of the harbour. The Wellington Cable Car is a must-visit attraction while in Wellington. With beautiful views and lots to explore, it’s an experience you won’t forget.