I'll be honest, the speed at which July has arrived is nothing short of frightening—not just because it means we've officially passed the half-way point of the year, but because it also signals the start of the winter school holidays. My fellow parents, you know what I'm talking about. These are traditionally the hardest holidays to keep the kids entertained (because children were never made to be cooped up inside 24/7), but that's all about to change thanks to this epic list of family-friendly events and activities happening across the coming weeks, with even a few outdoors-y ones thrown into the mix for when the weather behaves.
That said, here are the best things to do in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland with kids for the month of July. You're welcome.
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Jump to:
- Top Kid-Appproved Activities This Month
- Free And Budget-Friendly Activities
- Indoor Activities For Rainy Days
Top Kid-Approved Activities This Month
How To Train Your Dragon
Now Showing In Cinemas Nationwide | $
If your family's ideal pet is more Night Fury than furry anything, there's nothing more exciting this month than the long-awaited live-action remake of How To Train Your Dragon. Join young viking Hiccup as he bucks tradition by befriending Toothless aka THE cutest dragon in existence—a slight problem, given his village has a long-standing tradition of hunting these very beasts. Starring Aotearoa's very own Julian Dennison (Hunt for the Wilderpeople), HTTYD is currently flying high at #1 on the NZ Box Office and tops my list of the best things to do with kids in Auckland (or anywhere) this July.
Winter Lights Twilight Rides & Winter Lights Night Rides
'Til Saturday 16 July | Rainbow's End, Manukau, Auckland | $$
Rainbow's End has bought back their magical Winter Lights Twilight Rides and Winter Lights Night Rides for another year, guaranteeing a fun evening for kids young and old. Twilight Rides take place between 5-9pm on selected weeknights, complete with face painting, wandering winter fairies, and the glow of more than 40km of twinkling lights wound throughout family-friendly rides like the iconic Enchanted Forest Log Flume—a real-life fairytale, if you will. For those who are more into fear than fairtyales (specifically, kids 12 and older), head along to Night Rides on Saturdays from 6-11pm, where you can combine said lights with some of the park's more thrilling attractions, against a live DJ soundtrack.
Dinosaur Discovery Track
'Til Friday 31 October | Auckland Zoo, Western Springs, Auckland | $$
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. Update: Auckland Zoo is putting on a spesh Dinosaur Nights & Lights Experience until Sunday 13 July, complete with animal-themed lanterns from this year's BNZ Auckland Lantern Festival AND a silent dino disco. Alan Grant, eat your heart out.
Free And Budget-Friendly Activities
Aotea Square Ice Rink
'Til Sunday 20 July | Aotea Square, Auckland CBD | $
Image credit: Auckland Live | Website
Ice skating—it's not everyone's cup of tea, but you can bet it's your kids'. Head on over to Aotea Square's famed ice rink as it returns for another year, and watch as your pride and joy glides across the ice with all the grace of a swan, while you cling helplessly to the side (or maybe that's just me). Head along on Fridays for the added excitement (or anxiety) of a live DJ.
Takapuna Winter Lights
Thursday 24-Sunday 27 July | Waiwharariki Anzac Square, Takapuna, Auckland | Free
When it comes to Auckland family activites, they don't come much better than the annual Takapuna Winter Lights. This award-winning event is back in 2025 for four fun-filled nights and is so hugely popular, the organisers have decided to put (free) tickets in place this year, to avoid overcrowding. Register your spot today, then bundle the kids up warm and head on in to the heart of Taka for a legit feast for the senses—think light installations, delish food, live music and performances, and a whole lotta community spirit.
Indoor Activities For Rainy Days
Lilo & Stitch
Now Showing In Cinemas Nationwide | $
Disney's last live-action remake about the Fairest Of Them All, copped a fair bit of flack. However there's nothing like a cute and cuddly alien story to redeem a film studio —enter Lilo & Stich, stage right. Keeping true to the original and with an award-winning director at the helm, this heart-warming tale follows lonely Hawaiian girl Lilo and her unlikely friendship with a lost blue extraterrestrial (Stitch). Disney, you might just turn this thing around yet.
Dragon Scultpting With Weta Workshop Unleashed
'Til Sunday 13 July | Weta Workshop Unleashed, Auckland CBD | $
Okay so I may be a tad obsessed with animals of the flying/fire-breathing variety this month, but I call the shots here so... long may the dragon content continue. Weta Worskhop Unleashed knows what's up and is supporting the release of How To Train Your Dragon with equal enthusiasm, offering kiddos aged 6-14 the chance to sculpt and paint their very own palm-sized dragon these school hols, but not before participating in a little character building (where does their dragon live? What does it eat? And most importantly, what magical powers does it posess?). Love.
Taniwha
'Til Sunday 13 July | Aotea Centre, Auckland CBD | $$
Image credit: Auckland Live | Website
The mighty Taniwha has slithered and swum all the way up the Waikato just to make its theatrical debut for this, another of the best things to do in Auckland with kids this July. Taniwha is a whānau-friendly adventure inspired by the magic of Miyazaki films and old school classics like The Goonies, following young Mereana and friends as they protect a taniwha from urban development. Showing at Herald Theatre in Aotea Centre, the performance is a magical multimedia experience with a cast of narrators that's a good time for anyone aged five and up.
Night At Auckland Museum: Superstars
Saturday 5-Saturday 12 July | Auckland War Memorial Museum, Parnell | Auckland | $$
Night at the Museum (or specifically, Ben Stiller as the awkward yet lovable nightguard Larry), still gets a giggle out of me after almost 20 years. And just like Larry did in the film, you'll get to encounter superstars from throughout history at Night at Auckland Museum: Superstars. For one week only, Tāmaki's treasure chest of all things historical will be transformed into an interactive hall of fame, with everyone from stars of the silver screen through to ancient Egyptian pharaoahs serving up tips and tricks on how to become your very own superstar. There'll even be a 'celeb' chef cook-off, for added entertainment. Me and my flashlight will be ready.
Hairy Maclary's Greatest Hits
Saturday 26 July | Bruce Mason Centre, Takapuna, Auckland | $$
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: Takapuna Winter Lights | Brett Phibbs via Facebook