If you've got littlies to entertain, look no further. From Wellington's ultimate street party, to a spectacular kite festival, and a close up look at the magic of Disney, there's a whole lot of kid-approved things to get amongst this month.
Here are the best things to do with kids in Wellington this month and this year.
Ōtaki Kite Festival
8 to 9 March | Ōtaki Beach
Image credit: Otaki Kite Festival | Website
For a fun-filled whānau day out, you really can’t beat the annual Ōtaki Kite Festival. A big hit every summer, the two-day festival will see the skies above beautiful Ōtaki Beach taken over with the biggest and brightest kites you ever did see. Featuring kite flyers from around New Zealand and the world, see spectacular kites in all shapes and sizes, then have a go flying your own. There will be plenty of food and drink to keep you fuelled, plus music and activities for the kiddies, including the always popular Big Dig competition.
Flutter
Saturday 8 March | Zealandia
What happens when a bat who is afraid of the dark meets a glow worm who thinks she is a star? Find out in this seriously cute and heartwarming puppet show, Flutter. Presented by String Bean Puppets as part of the NZ Fringe Festival, this empowering and hilarious show is all about courage and the power of friendship as well as the threat of introduced predators to our native species. Whether you’re a young’un or on the older side, this delightful wee show is sure to give you the warm fuzzies. Koha entry.
Seaweed Fest 2025: Whānau Festival Farewell and Snorkel
Sunday 9 March | Worser Bay
Hit the beach and celebrate all things seaweed on the final day of Seaweed Fest 2025. Go on a guided snorkel tour to explore some of Wellington’s underwater seaweed forests (bookings required), learn all about the seaweed from the experts, make seaweed crafts, and show off your sandcastle-building skills in the sandcastle comp. After that, settle in with a picnic on the beach and enjoy a few sea shanties by the Pōneke Shanty Club, plus get a taste of seaweed ice cream. Yes, please.
Sky Stadium's 25th Birthday
Sunday 9 March | Sky Stadium
The iconic Cake Tin is turning the big 2-5 this year, and what better way to ring in a quarter of a century than with a good ole shindig. Round up the gang and head to the stadium for this free event where you can channel your fave New Zealand sports stars and practice your skills on the field, plus get a sneak peek of special spots in the stadium that are usually off-limits. There will also be bouncy castles, a photo booth and face painting, emergency services displays, plus heaps of good tucker on sale. Stadium parking will be free too. Neat.
Life Flight Open Day
Sunday 23 March | Rongotai
Image credit: Life Flight Trust | Website
Got a kid who is a tad obsessed with all things emergency vehicles? Then you’ll want to mark this event in your diary. Head along to the Life Flight airbase for a free day of family fun, with live demos from your favourite emergency services. See the Westpac Rescue Chopper in action with rescue demonstrations and check out the awesome skills of the Airport Fire Service. There will also be heaps of aircraft on display so you can hop inside for a closer look, and a chance to meet the cute customs doggos who look after our borders. Food trucks will be slinging delish food when the troops need refuelling, plus you can get a caffeine fix from a very appropriate coffee vendor, Flight Coffee.
CubaDupa
29 to 30 March | Cuba Quarter
Can you even call yourself a Wellingtonian if you’ve never been to CubaDupa? Possibly the most Wellington of all Wellington’s events, CubaDupa is an explosion of colour and creativity, taking over the streets and laneways in the Cuba Quarter. Wrangle the fam and join the ultimate street party, featuring a bursting programme of street theatre, music, dance, and immersive art, plus food and drinks from Cuba Street’s fave eateries. It’s gonna be a goodie.
Disney: The Magic of Animation
Until 13 July | Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre
If you've got kids who go mad over Moana or dress up as Elsa on the reg, then they will get a kick out of the brand spanking new Disney exhibition that has landed at Tākina. See how all your favourite Disney characters are brought to life on the big screen, with more than 600 objects and artworks on display. Get a close up look at almost 100 years of Disney magic, from original sketches of timeless characters to modern, computer-generated wonders. Littlies can also practice their colouring magic at interactive animation stations, dress up as their fave character, or take a spin with Belle and the Beast in the ballroom. Book your tickets.
Main image credit: CubaDupa | Website