Best Things To Do With Kids in Queenstown
Danielle Read
Contributor | Urban List
Queenstown hits different with kids. And good news all-round: the adventure capital shines with activities a-plenty for all ages. Seriously, 2-year-olds are even invited to down-hill luge (it's a sort of toboggan-meets-go-kart thing).
Whether the little ones are into animals, seriously mesmerised by snow or are in their playground era. Queenstown offers dramatic scenery, wide-open outdoor spaces and adrenaline-pumping activities to make your visit or stay one for the memory books.
Here are the best things to do in Queenstown with kids in 2025.
Get Amongst Gardens and Play Areas At Country Lane
26 Hansen Rd, Frankton, Queenstown 9300
This artisan village mere moments from Queenstown's airport is the perfect lush precinct for little tackers. Country Lane is a family affair that is now four generations deep. Brother-sister duo Bruce and Tineke transformed their parent's old farm buildings when they took over the spot. One of which homes Tineke's own children's clothing label, Pretty Kiwi.
You'll find sprawling gardens, local eateries, boutique retail stores and a swag of art-forward studios. Grab a bite at Sundays which offers a full kids menu and brings plenty of good vibes.
And in case you still weren't sold that this place is for kiddos, there are goats, sheep, rabbits and a full play area beside gardens. Don't walk, run.
See The Real Deal At Kiwi Park
51 Brecon St, Queenstown 9300
Whether your kiddo is practicing animal noises or full-blown being a creature on all fours (it's just a phase, right?). Kiwi Park is the wildlife sanctuary committed to conservation work, smack bang in the middle of Queenstown.
There's over 20 species of native wildlife to get amongst. The critters and flappers are either part of a conservation program or being lovingly rehabilitated. Yes, there are the majestic Kiwi birds, as well as a whole lot of bird life, and reptiles. Including the adorably named Elegant Gecko.
Kiwi encounters and conservation shows run daily from morning through close to elevate your experience and see the littlies' jaws drop.
Pan For Gold At A Legit Goldfield
State Hwy 6, Cromwell 9384
Time your naps right, and the 45-minute drive to Goldfield's Mining Centre will be the perfect energy fuel-up for the kiddos. It's the perfect place to learn nuggets of wisdom, give gold panning a go and stretch the legs at this massive space nestled at the foothills of rolling mountains, beside Kawarau Gorge. It can get cool in the afternoon, so opt for midday, and pack a change of clothes in case panning gets a bit splashy.
Panner's Bar and Kitchen is where it's at for a bite after your big explore. Of course, the kid's menu features golden nuggets.
Embark On Underwater Time Travel Adventure
Main Tower Pier, Queenstown 9300
Time Tripper is the type of activity that isn't fully actualised by the term kid-friendly. In my opinion, it's kid-perfect, with a mix of storytelling, animals in their natural habitat and immersive activation. Think: the walls shake as you go on to 'travel through time'. There are dinosaurs, ducks, eels and an underwater theatre experience of what's going on down below Lake Wakatipu.
Little ones 0-2 are free and children 3-14 are but $10, and it's $20 for adults, making it one of the most cost-effective things to do in Queenstown with kids.
The whole experience takes 30 minutes, though I can basically guarantee they'll be talking about this epic adventure for hours (days?) to come.
Check Out The Lakefront Playground
Marine Pde, Queenstown 9300
Queenstown's vast open spaces are a kid's dream. And let's be real, it's a treat for us grownups too. So the Queenstown Lakefront Playground snuggled up beside the Bathhouse Cafe is a win all-round.
Take a moment to soak up lake views while the kids get stuck into recently revamped slides, climbing frames, musical play and rope swings. The willow trees make for perfect picnicking territory.
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Glide Down The Slopes
25 Shotover St, Queenstown 9300
Fresh powder, blue skies, tiny feet strapped into skis, honestly you can't beat it. Best part is, you can experience the lot from one of three ski resorts in Queenstown.
Coronet Peak and The Remarkables is my pick to take the kids. They are open right up until early October and offer ski lessons to little tackers from four years old and snowboarding lessons for those from seven.
If the kids arrive and aren't having a bar of a glide, snow play is always an option and every family has to build a snowman together at least once. Thems the rules.
Take The Gondola To The Luge
53 Brecon St, Queenstown 9300
Widely considered a must by locals and visitors alike, Skyline Gondola offers a bird's eye view of Queenstown. Although it's currently undergoing redevelopments, there's plenty to see and even explore during your visit.
My pick for a family-friendly adventure is to ride this bad boy all the way to the Luge. What is the luge you ask? Think a go-kart meets a toboggan for a fully down hill explore. Surprisingly, even little ones from 2 (with an adult) can hop aboard. Basically, everyone over 85cm is welcomed to give it a go. There's also the option for a night luge which is incredibly mesmerising under a rainbow of lights.
Go Ice Skating
29 Park St, Queenstown Gardens 9300
There's no doubt about it, Queenstown Ice Arena is a neat family activity and the rink is one of the best I've seen.
If skates aren't your jam, opt for the ice bumper cars, which kids 3–5 years old can sit on the laps of adults and children 6+ can ride their own. The ride itself is 20 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of ice bumping. Ask any kid, it's a winner.
Zoom Off On A Go Kart
14 Red Oaks Dr, Frankton, Queenstown 9300
Game Over Queenstown are basically experts on what kids want to do in Queenstown. They combine the perfect combo of speed, lasers and challenges for healthy rivalry.
Take your pick from electric go-kart rallies, laser tag pursuits and next-level arcade games for a day out to remember. There are even mini go karts for 3-6 year olds and bigger racers for those 7–12 years old.
Take A Steamship Lake Cruise To A Farm Tour
Steamer Wharf, Beach St, Queenstown 9300
If the kids are not massive fans of the car, have them wonder if you're there yet from the comfort of a boat instead. I rate the TSS Earnslaw Queenstown Cruises that cross Lake Whakatipu.
Best part is, you can book a farm tour at Walter Peak High Country Farm where sheep, cows, alpacas and farm dogs welcome you as you step off the boat. Expect live demonstrations, sheep shearing and included afternoon tea.
While packages vary, children 0-4 are free and kiddos up to 15 are charged at children's pricing. Get amongst it.
Scoot or Skate Around A Pump Track
Lake Hayes Estate, Lake Hayes 9304
There are an impressive selection of pump tracks scattered across Queenstown, with a configuration to suit every little one's abilities.
My go-to is still the OG Lake Hayes Pump Track. It's a quick 20 minutes from Queenstown and is a crowd fave for its epic views, asphalt finish and adorable bridge.
Pack lunch and make a day of it, with McBride Playground close by and namesake Lake Hayes a short 5-minute drive away, it's one of the best things to do in Queenstown with kids, in my books.
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