11 Family-Friendly Events this Summer
Make the most of summer with these fantastic family-friendly events in and around Wellington. We’ve put together a great mix with culture, sports, markets, activities and plenty more so that you can make the most of what Wellington has to offer this summer!
Super Smash Wellington Firebirds v Kings — Twenty20 Cricket
The Burger King Super Smash showcases Twenty20, cricket’s entertaining ‘fast and furious’ format. The three-hour spectacle is more suited to the attention span of younger fans, but if distraction is required then there is heaps of entertainment laid on especially with families in mind! The Wellington Firebirds play the Kings on December 28th at the Basin Reserve. More details, address, times & link to tickets here.
New Year’s Eve
Whairepo Lagoon by Frank Kitts Park is where you want to be on New Year’s Eve, especially if you or anyone you know won’t make it to midnight. Wellington City Council puts on a night of music, food trucks and fireworks along with a special 9 pm countdown for the littlies. Find your spot before 8 pm to enjoy the atmosphere. More details, address, times, etc.) here.
Crazy Cardboard Chaos
Crazy Cardboard Chaos is an explosion of creativity taking place in a pile of the most humble material, cardboard! Bring the kids along to play, explore and maybe even win spot prizes. On at Upper Hutt Primary School Hall on January 10th. More details, address, times, etc. here.
LEGO Dress-ups & the Ninjago Movie
Kids can unleash their style and participate in a fashion show as their favourite LEGO character before watching LEGO’s latest release The LEGO Ninjago Movie in an exclusive showing.The LEGO Exhibition at Te Papa is on all summer, and this is one of many interactive events it includes. What a great way to spend the afternoon on January 11th! More details, address, times, etc. here.
Wellington Pasifika Festival
Celebrate all things Pasifika at this family-friendly festival, with arts, cultural performances, activities and food! There will be different performers on all afternoon, so you can come by quickly or stay for the whole time. At Odlin’s Plaza on the waterfront on Saturday 20th Jan. More details, directions, times, etc. here.
Gardens Magic — Raw Collective
Setting up a picnic on the Sound Shell Lawn for Gardens Magic is a must do during summer. There are many talented artists on offer - we’ve chosen Raw Collective, a brass band, for you to check out. Their sound is described as “energetic hometown funk for all the family”. Pack the hamper and head along on January 23rd. More details, directions, times, etc. here.
Chinese New Year Festival — Family Fun Fair
Chinese New Year goes off with a bang in Wellington, with a weekend of displays, markets, fireworks and more. The Family Fun Fair is the ideal location to celebrate the year of the dog, with many free and kid-friendly activities. Head along on February 17th, more details, address, times, etc. here.
Cigna Round the Bays
Wellington’s largest fun run and walk is a great way to get out and enjoy the sunshine! The crowd is always great, spectators will be there to cheer you on, and there are food trucks and live music at the finish line for some extra motivation. The 6.5km fun run/walk is the one to sign up for if you have little ones, sign up before Jan 31st for cheaper tickets. The fun starts at 9.15am on Sunday, February 18th. More details, ticket link, times, directions, etc. here.
Guided Track Walk in Island Bay — Manawa Karioi
Do you already know about the 25-year-old restoration project that has been taking place in Island Bay and the native bird species who have self-introduced in that area? If not, this is your chance to get out and get some exercise as well as education on the local history. The Guided Track Walk will take place whatever-the-weather on February 19th. More details, directions, etc. here.
Kupe Landing: Petone Family Day
Stand on the Petone beach and see a fleet of waka arrive as part of ‘A Waka Odyssey’, a celebration of the Pacific explorer Kupe and the start of the New Zealand Festival. Hop on board the waka to find out about star navigation and channel Moana, then watch the performers, eat some great food and enjoy the afternoon! Saturday the 28th Feb, more details, timing, etc. here. To read our interview with the NZ Festival organisers click here.
Newtown Street Fair
The Newtown Festival reclaims the streets, with 12 live music stages, a fairground, sports, stalls and street food galore! Come along for a great day out and to experience the diversity of Newtown and Wellington. Sunday 4th March, more details, timing, etc. here.
