Looking for something to keep your kids engaged during the school holidays this winter?
Let the good times roll at Bay Skate on Marine Parade. This giant skating area has it all: ramps, bowls, and rinks ready for some serious shredding. Hire everything you need there or bring your own wheels and get going. Keep an eye on the kids from the grandstand while you take in the incredible views of Hawke Bay and the Pacific Ocean - from Māhia Peninsula all the way across to Cape Kidnappers.
Discover an exciting world above and below the water at the National Aquarium of New Zealand. Visit Penguin Cove and watch the Little Penguins feed and play. Watch stingrays and fish swimming right above your head in a 1.5 million litre oceanarium tunnel.
Bring your whānau to MTG Hawke's Bay - that's Museum Theatre Gallery - home of the region's treasures. Explore the artefacts in the Māori gallery and discover the remarkable story of the region's recovery following the devastating earthquake of 1931. You'll also find fun, interactive activities for children, a weekend Drop-In Zone, workshops for young and old alike.
Look back in time and immerse yourself at the Faraday Museum of Technology in Napier. This is a favourite spot to take the kids to learn about and explore the evolution of technology. It's a place of discovery where history comes alive through hands-on experience.
The Hasting City Art Gallery offers a space for national and international contemporary art exhibitions to Hawke’s Bay. The art gallery keeps children in mind with a range of holiday activities that run all year round, online art activities and spaces to develop their creative abilities.
Discover a world of bees and honey with free self-guided tours and live bee displays at Arataki Honey. You can see the bees working away in their hives and learn about their fascinating social structure and importance to the ecosystem. Then for the most delicious part of the visit, a free honey tasting. Plus, during the school holidays get crafty and join in making candles and beeswax. Un-bee-lievable!
Become a Wizard for a day? Or help a Detective solve the mystery of the Gemini Killer? Atmospheric-themed Escape Rooms. Physical, digital, AR and interactive problem-solving puzzles. There is something for every age at Enigma!
Grab your togs and towel and head to Ocean Spa on Marine Parade. Here you’ll find spas, saunas, and pools suitable for the entire family, not to mention stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Spend as long as you like soaking and swimming, then finish off your experience with a tasty meal at The Bach Café – the kids will love it!
Libraries are a great way to keep your family engaged these holidays and keep warm! Hawke's Bay libraries are an entertainment hub for books, eBooks, talking books, magazines, newspapers, online databases, events, holiday programmes, social groups and more! Check out the library websites for more information on their holiday programmes.
We’ll keep you in the loop with upcoming events in Hawke’s Bay, cool stuff to do, the hottest places to eat and drink, and some enticing deals.
