Winter school holiday fun
Looking for something to keep your kids engaged during the school holidays this winter?
We’ve compiled our top 10 winter-warmer activities to entertain the whole family and keep your youngsters busy discovering and learning during these winter school holidays!
National Aquarium
Discover an exciting world above and below the water. Visit Penguin Cove and watch the Little Penguins feed and play. Watch stingrays and fish swimming right above your head in a 1.5 million litre oceanarium tunnel.
MTG
Bring your whānau to MTG Hawke's Bay - that's Museum Theatre Gallery. There's something for everyone at MTG Hawke's Bay, home of the region's treasures. Explore the artefacts in the Maori gallery and discover the remarkable story of the region's recovery following the devastating earthquake of 1931. You'll also find fun, interactive activities for children, a weekend Drop-In Zone, workshops for young and old alike.
The Faraday Centre
Look back in time and immerse yourself in Hawke's Bay's Museum of Technology - The Faraday Centre Napier. This is a favourite place to take the kids to learn about and explore the evolution of technology. It's a place of discovery where history comes alive through hands-on experience.
Hastings City Art Gallery
The Hasting City Art Gallery offers a space for national and international contemporary art exhibitions to Hawke’s Bay. The art gallery keeps children in mind with a range of holiday activities that run all year round, online art activities and spaces to develop their creative abilities.
Arataki Honey Visitor Centre
Discover a world of bees and honey with free self-guided tours and live bee displays. You can see the bees working away in their hives and learn about their fascinating social structure and importance to the ecosystem. Then for the most delicious part of the visit, a free honey tasting. Plus, during the school holidays get crafty and join in making candles and beeswax. Un-bee-lievable!
Enigma Escape Rooms
Become a Wizard for a day? Or help a Detective solve the mystery of the Gemini Killer? Atmospheric-themed Escape Rooms. Physical, digital, AR and interactive problem-solving puzzles. There is something for every age!
Napier Prison Escape Rooms
Using your eyes, ears, wits, and wiles figure out the clues presented to you at Napier Prison Escape Rooms! This escape experience is a great way to keep your family and friends busy these winter school holidays!
Bay Skate
Let the good times roll at Bay Skate on Marine Parade. This giant skating area has it all: ramps, bowls, and rinks ready for some serious shredding. Hire everything you need there or bring your own wheels and get going. Keep an eye on the kids from the grandstand while you take in the incredible views of Mahia Peninsula all the way to Cape Kidnappers.
Ocean Spa
Grab your togs and towel and head to Ocean Spa on Marine Parade. Here you’ll find spas, saunas, and pools suitable for the entire family, not to mention stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Spend as long as you like soaking and swimming, then finish off your experience with a tasty meal at The Bach Café – the kids will love it!
Libraries
Libraries are a great way to keep your family engaged these holidays and keep warm! Hawke's Bay libraries are an entertainment hub for books, eBooks, DVDs, talking books, magazines, newspapers, online databases, events, holiday programmes, social groups and more! Check out the library websites for more information on their holiday programmes.