A child is holding up a piece of paper with an image on it that they have either drawn or coloured in.

School Holiday Kids’ ActivitiesNgā Mahi Whai Mā Ngā Tamariki

Free events for tamariki ages 3–12 years and rangatahi teens.

Jump into the fun at Te Papa these school holidays with our activities for little ones and older ones. Children under 14 must be accompanied by adults.

See if your mates are going: Te Papa events on Facebook

The Ballet Zoo with The Royal New Zealand Ballet

Step into the magical world of The Ballet Zoo – a delightful new ballet experience for children these school holidays!

Fri 4 and Sat 5 Jul, check for times

Event Ngā kaupapa motuhake

The backs of several children sitting on the ground with their arms in the air in a ballet pose. There is someone on the stage in the background showing them what to do.

Dance Workshops: The Ballet Zoo with The Royal New Zealand Ballet

These Royal New Zealand Ballet Dance Workshops are a unique opportunity for children to learn ballet from RNZB Dance Educators.

Workshops are now sold out.

sold out

Fri 4 and Sat 5 Jul, check for times

Event Ngā kaupapa motuhake

Two young boys wearng VR headsets and standing in front of three signs advertising an immersive antarctic virtual reality experience anotu Scott's Hut..

Scott’s Discovery Hut VR Experience

Antarctic Heritage Trust and Te Papa invites you to explore Antarctica and visit Scott's Discovery Hut through our latest virtual reality experience.

7 - 13 Jul 2025, Every half hour from 10.00am to 4.00pm

Event Ngā kaupapa motuhake

A child is playing with Lego at a table in the Te Papa marae.

Autism NZ and LEGO whānau fun day

Check out the creativity of LEGO® art by autistic tamariki on display in association with Autism New Zealand. Then join the fun day event for LEGO build activities and the chance to win some great LEGO prizes!

Sat 12 Jul 2025, 10.00am–5.00pm

Sun 13 Jul 2025, 10.00am–2.00pm

Event Ngā kaupapa motuhake

A large artwork filled with clouds of olive green and black paint. Adding to the surreal cloudscape are small, detailed drawings of decapitated birds’ heads, mountains, fantastical creatures and circular hiapo motifs that create small pockets of narrative.

Toi Art

Fresh takes and new favourites. You’ll find them in Toi Art.

Toi Art opened again on Saturday 14 June, with more opening up at the end of June – see what’s coming up!

On now

Sat 14 Jun

Exhibition Ngā whakaaturanga

Mobile guide: The Path of Māui

Explore Te Taiao | Nature in a new way with an interactive mobile guide. Take on challenges with Māui the adventurer, innovator, and shapeshifter and search for the unique animals and plants of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Book cover with white space either side.

The Te Papa Activity Book

Fun activities about Te Papa Tongarewa and the taonga (treasures) we hold.

Haast's Eagle, Te Taiao | Nature, 2019. Photo by Jane Harris. Te Papa

Taonga and spaces included in The Te Papa Activity Book

Have you found the Haast's eagle? What about our wharenui? Find out more about parts of Te Papa that feature in The Te Papa Activity Book or explore the taonga (treasures) in our collections – which ones have you seen?

Te Taiao | Nature

You’re the explorer in our Te Taiao | Nature exhibition zone. Celebrate Aotearoa New Zealand’s unique natural environment – and get ready for our future as kaitiaki.

On now

Permanent exhibition

Exhibition Ngā whakaaturanga

Three carved wooden marionettes with cords and feathers attached on a white background.

Karetao-puoro

Visit three karetao-puoro (instruments that are figures too) created by artist James Webster to give karetao a voice by incorporating taonga puoro into their design. Watch the whānau of karetao in action in Tokotū (Rise Up), the story of Ranginui and Papatūānuku.

On now

Wed 5 Jun – mid 2026

Exhibition Ngā whakaaturanga

Discovery Centres

It’s play time! Families get hands-on with educational exhibits, games, and books.

Te Papa cafés

Find our two vibrant and cosy cafes nestled amongst Te Papa’s treasures.

StoryPlace

StoryPlace is a space specially and exclusively for preschoolers and their caregivers. Here, toddlers can explore museum-related themes through play, games, storytelling, and song. Led by a friendly Te Papa Host.

Tangata o le Moana: The story of Pacific people in New Zealand

Celebrate the story of Pacific people, past and present, in all areas of life.

On now

Long-term exhibition

Exhibition Ngā whakaaturanga

A man and two children standing on a suspension bridge look into the bush

Bush City

Step outside into a living, growing exhibition. Explore native bush and a volcanic landscape.

On now

Open daily until 5pm

Exhibition Ngā whakaaturanga

Manu Rere Moana

The navigation of the Pacific by waka hourua | double-hulled sailing waka is one of the great achievements of human technology. This exhibition celebrates the mātauranga of celestial navigation that enabled these extraordinary voyages.

On now

Permanent exhibition

Exhibition Ngā whakaaturanga

Free downloadable activity books

Our activity books are designed for use at home or in the classroom. We’d love to hear your feedback or ideas for other subjects.

Three kids make a rainbow from toys and other household items

Whānau challenges

Try some creative challenges at home with your whānau. Each challenge is connected to Te Papa’s collections or expertise.