It's now over a quarter of the way through the year, and that ain't no April Fools. It's also no joke that the first of the school holidays is coming up this month, along with Easter (deep breaths, parents, deep breaths). This means there's a tonne of child-friendly events on the horizon, including some of the most anticipated kids' flicks of 2025 (Snow White and A Minecraft Movie), immersive experiences with animatronic dinosaurs and giant light-up dogs and of course, Easter activities aplenty.
Here are 12 kid-approved events happening across Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland for the month of April.
Snow White
In Cinemas Nationwide Now
The subject of Disney's latest live-action re-make is their very first film—the 1937 classic, Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. There's been a few tweaks to the storyline (not without some controversy, I might add) but the overarching theme of good versus evil remains true as Snow (Rachel Zegler) and a seven-strong group of dwarves set out to free their kingdom from her nightmare of a stepmother, the Evil Queen (Gal Gadot).
Dinosaur Discovery Track
Wednesday 2 April-Friday 31 October / Auckland Zoo, Western Springs
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
From Thursday 4 April / 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.
Lost Dogs' Disco
Friday 4-Friday 25 April / Aotea Square, Auckland CBD
Image credit: Auckland Live / Website
This April, Aotea Square is dog-sitting a pack of giant light-up pups, some more than five-and-a-half metres tall. This free, immersive event features 16 larger-than-life installations inspired by poodles, dachshunds, and bull terriers that come alive with light, noise (barks included), and a custom-made soundscape. Of course, your own pooch is more than welcome to join in the festivities—just remember to keep them on a leash.
I Love Takapuna Easter Festival
Saturday 12 April / Waiwharariki Anzac Square, Takapuna
Fill your Easter cup basket with this fun and 100% free family event. The kids will love dragging you around town on an Amazing Race-style Easter activity trail, where you'll visit different locations for stamps (and be sweetly rewarded for your efforts); however, you can also expect a boutique Easter market, entertainment, and a whole lot more games and activities. Hop to it.
World Dance Crew Championship
Sunday 13-Saturday 19 April / Due Drop Events Centre, Manukau
Image credit: World Dance Crew Championship / Website
So, you think you can dance? This week-long event, showcasing the best dance crews from around the globe, might make you think twice but more importantly, it might just inspire your kiddos on their own dancing journey. Featuring crews from as far afield as Asia and South America as well as our own local talent, you'll experience next-level choreography, skills and storytelling across countless dance battles and performances; along with meet-and-greets, music and more in an exciting, festival-like atmosphere.
Auckland Easter Show
Thursday 17-Monday 21 April / Auckland Showgrounds, Greenlane
Image credit: Auckland Easter Show / Website
Ah, what better way to celebrate Easter than stuffing one's face with deep-fried food before hopping on a carnival ride and hoping for the best. This is the stuff childhood memories are made of (well, mine at least) and there's no better place to make said memories than the long-running Auckland Easter Show. This hugely popular event is once again descending on the Auckland Showgrounds, bringing with it a long list of family-friendly attractions and activities including cute farm animals, a gravity-defying bike show and the super impressive Dinosaurs of Patagonia exhibit.
Easter Eggstavaganza
Friday 18-Monday 21 April / Good Planet, Riverhead
Image credit: Good Planet / Facebook
Hot off the back of their recent Teddy Bear Hunt comes Good Planet's epic Easter Eggstravaganza. Hop on over to this beloved berry farm in West Auckland and you'll be treated to a day of Easter egg hunts, face painting, cookie decorating, train ride seek and find, and meet and greets with the Easter Bunny himself (he might even give you a choccy egg, if you're lucky). Their Adventure Park and PYO strawberry fields will also be open for the day.
Bluey's Big Play
Saturday 26-Sunday 27 April / Spark Arena, Auckland CBD
Image credit: Bluey TV / Website
Anyone who has a kid/knows a kid will have heard of Bluey. This Aussie TV show following the lovable Heeler family (led by the spotty blue protagonist herself, Bluey) is a global phenomenon and has now been adapted into a live theatre show (presented by BBC Studios, nonetheless!). Featuring an original story told by larger-than-life puppets, there are six family-friendly sessions across two days to pick from. Wackadoo!
Overload NZ Anime & Manga Convention
Saturday 26-Sunday 27 April / Shed 10 & The Cloud, Auckland CBD
Image credit: Overload / Website
From Pokemon to Studio Ghibli, Kirby to Dragon Ball Z, anime and manga have been making fans outta kids for decades. That said, you'll probably love heading along to this two-day celebration at The Cloud, just as much as your children. Dress up/cosplay as your fave character then stock up on merch and collectible goodies; check out the epic line-up of international guests and live performances; and oogle over their art exhibitions and itasha (cars decked out in anime and manga, duh). There will also be a mobile library and arts and crafts area, especially for the kids.
Bloodsuckers: Legends To Leeches
'til Sunday 27 April / Auckland War Memorial Museum, Parnell
Vampires are having a moment (Nosferatu, we see you). For a PG take on the theme, check out Auckland Museum's Bloodsuckers: Legends to Leeches exhibit. You'll learn all about vampires of the animal kind as well as the legends they've inspired via larger-than-life sculptures, memorabilia (including an ancient vampire hunting kit!) and a mini movie theatre showcasing some of the world's most famous bloodsuckers onscreen.
Pollinator Discovery Trail
'til Wednesday 30 April/ Howick Historical Village, Pakuranga
Image credit: Howick Historical Village / Facebook
Oh how we love us a David Attenborough moment, which is exactly the vibe we're getting from this: the Pollinator Discovery Trail. Wander the peaceful gardens of the iconic Howick Historical Village in search of hidden symbols of birds, bees, and other pollinating superstars that have been lovingly handcrafted in wood using pyrography (wood burning) by the heritage gardener here, Luke Southern. Consult your take-home pocket guide to learn more about these creatures' roles as pollinators in the ecosystem, before retiring to the lawn (or cafe) for a picnic. Free with admission to the Village.
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: Auckland Live / Supplied