Hey May, how you doin? As you bring us ever-closer to winter (one month to go!), so comes the last of the outdoorsy events we can enjoy with the fam (think sculpture trails and bike-riding workshops) and a marked increase in those of the cosy, indoor variety (the bi-annual Armageddon expo, for example).
That said, here are the best things to do in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland with kids for the month of May, plus a sneak peek at what's coming soon.
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Jump to:
- Top Kid-Appproved Activities This Month
- Free And Budget-Friendly Activities
- Indoor Activities For Rainy Days
- Coming Soon
Top Kid-Approved Activities This Month
Winter Auckland Armageddon Expo 2025
Saturday 31 May-Monday 2 June | Auckland Showgrounds, Greenlane, Auckland | $
Image credit: Armageddon | Kathryn Steane
I'm talking about Armageddon as in the famous science fiction and entertainment expo, not the end of the world (though it could be, if your kids miss out on this hugely popular event). As mum to a tweening daughter with a huge interest in gaming, I can't recommend this one enough; plus, kids 12 and under get in for free. The winter edit (it's also held in spring) is set to be bigger and better than ever before, with a Minecraft virtual reality zone, Just Dance disco arena, X-Shot battle arena and more. For the older kids (and kidults), there will also be an exclusive Stranger Things costume display ft. actual fits from the show, plus the enter-if-you-dare Spookers Horrors Hall. Don't forget to also stock up on some merch, eat your fill of greasy expo grub, and partake in a little people watching—you'll never see more cosplay in one place.
Dinosaur Discovery Track
'til Friday 31 October | Auckland Zoo, Western Springs, Auckland | $$
Image credit: Auckland Zoo | Website
Kids never need an excuse to visit the zoo, however here's something that might just get them through the door even quicker—a brand-new Dinosaur Discovery Track, decked out with 25 life-like animatronic dinos. These bad boys—created by world-leading dinosaur creators, The Dinosaur Company—move, roar and in some cases, even spit (yes, spit); so watch your back! Carry out your very own prehistoric dig, listen in on daily dinosaur keeper talks, and scan the QR codes provided for even more roarsome fun. Free with entry to Auckland Zoo.
A Minecraft Movie
Now Showing In Cinemas Nationwide | $
Shut the Nether portal door, Minecraft the movie is finally here. Yes, the world's most popular video game has finally spawned its very own film and if you didn't know, it was made right here in NZ. Follow a ragtag crew of humans (including a pink leather jacket-wearing Jason Momoa—don't ask) as they're sucked into the Overworld where naturally, everything is square and there's a tonne of crazy mobs out to get them. Here they also meet the legendary Steve (played by the equally legendary Jack Black), who they must work with to escape.
Free And Budget-Friendly Activities
Aotearoa Art Fair Sculpture Trail
'til Wednesday 14 May | Viaduct Harbour, Auckland | Free
Image credit: Aotearoa Art Fair Sculpture Trail | Kathryn Steane
Nothing is quite as cool (albeit random) as seeing a giant octopus, floating on top of the water at the Viaduct. This perplexing, yet incredible sight—the 15-metre wide colour-changing Te Wheke-a-Muturangi, by Lisa Reihana—is one of nine boundary-pushing artworks currently dotted around the harbour as part of the Aotearoa Art Fair Sculpture Trail. You can also expect to see a miniature T-rex, a group of precariously balanced stones in the style of Stonehenge, and a very odd-looking lighthouse (complete with actual light). There's even QR codes to scan at each sculpture, if you wanna find out more. Bundle up the kids in some wet weather gear, grab a fluffy or a hot choccy to-go, and make the most of one of the best free things to do in Auckland with kids this month.
Kids Learn To Ride Wynyard Quarter
Saturday 17 May | Silo Park, Wynyard Quarter, Auckland | Free
Image credit: Auckland Council | Website
Learning to ride a bike is a childhood rite of passage. However if you lack the patience to teach your kids yourself (or perhaps even the skills, no judgement!), never fear, because the good folks at Auckland Transport and Bigfoot Adventures are here to help. Bowl on up to their Wynyard Quarter event (you don't even have to bring a bike), and their highly qualified instructors will put your children through their paces, no matter what level they're at—even if it's their very first time on wheels. Check out the full list of other Kids Learn To Ride events happening around the city, here.
Indoor Activities For Rainy Days
The Tiny Show
Saturday 17-Sunday 18 May | Aotea Centre, Auckland CBD | $
Image credit: Auckland Live | Website
Anything with the word 'tiny' attached, you just know is gonna be cute. And The Tiny Show is cerainly that—a cosy, one-woman performance by Tomasin Fisher-Johnson who plays a clown with a talent for singing, dancing, and telling tales with her soft toy friends. Snuggle up with your kiddos (and perhaps their own softies) as she recounts stories of a lonely wolf, a jealous witch, and a very apologetic piggy. Part of the famed Auckland Writers Festival (check out more of their kid-friendly events here), you can be guaranteed this is one of the best kid-friendly activities Auckland has on offer this month. Suitable for ages 3 and up.
Matariki Glow Show
Friday 30 May | Bruce Mason Theatre, Takapuna, Auckland | $
Image credit: Auckland Live | Website
Matariki is coming and there ain't a more wholesome way to celebrate than with this magical, super affordable glow-in-the-dark puppet show that's about to tour the country (coming in at just $10 a ticket—and children under 3 free—it's cheaper than an afternoon at the movies, and a whole lot more educational). Told in both te reo and English, your tamariki will be captivated by this cute re-telling of the Matariki myth which follows seven stars as they come together for the Māori New Year, only one star is missing—the smallest of the bunch, Waipuna-a-rangi.
Coming Soon
Peppa Pig's Fun Day Out LIVE!
Saturday 28-Sunday 29 June | SkyCity | $$
Image credit: Peppa Pig's Fun Day Out LIVE! | Luke Gallagher
The world's favourite pig and her family will be filling SkyCity with songs, dance, muddy puddles and more as Peppa, George, Mummy Pig, Daddy Pig and friends go to the zoo and the beach for a very special party this June in Peppa Pig's Fun Day Out LIVE! And if you're out of town, you'll be stoked to know she's on tour with additional shows in Wellington, Christchurch and Hamilton throughout July. Tickets on sale now, oink!
Want more kid-friendly ideas? We have a list for that—54 Of The Best Things To Do With Kids In Auckland All Year Round.
Main image credit: Aotearoa Art Fair Sculpture Trail | Website