School Holiday Kids’ Activities
Jump into the fun at Te Papa these school holidays with our activities. These whānau-friendly events are for children and teens.
Sat 4 Apr to Sun 19 Apr
April 2026: What’s new at Te Papa these school holidays?
Think you’ve seen it all at Te Papa? Think again.
These April school holidays are packed with new experiences, limited-time events, and hands-on activities that give even regular visitors something fresh to discover.
Here’s what’s worth adding to your list.
A must-see before it’s gone
Breathe | Mauri Ora: An Immersive Journey into Nature by Marshmallow Laser Feast
This is the standout experience of the season – and your last chance to see it before it closes on 27 April.
This awe-inspiring exhibition connects your breath to the natural world in a way that’s both calming and unforgettable.
Expect to spend around an hour inside
A great way to spark conversations about nature and wellbeing
Book the add-on VR experience to get the most out of the exhibition – it sells out quickly!
Insider tip: Visit later in the afternoon for a quieter experience.
I went with a child, 8-years-old and he held my hand during the VR experience and his words were, ‘This is so beautiful, I never want to leave, that was something that changed me'.
– Te Papa visitor exit survey, 2025
Distortions in Spacetime by Marshmallow Laser Feast, Works of Nature, ACMI, 2023, image by Eugene Hyland
A $2 show kids will love
New Zealand Symphony Orchestra: The Tortoise and the Hare
Looking for something a bit different?
This playful retelling of the classic fable combines:
Live orchestral music
Narration
Illustrations
Fri 17 and Sat 18 April
Children’s tickets just $2
Perfect for primary-aged tamariki – and a great introduction to live performance.
Courtesy of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, 2025
A one-day-only whānau experience
Inspired by Breathe | Mauri Ora, this popular event brings families together to explore connections with te taiao through:
Taonga puoro
Art-making
A guided family-trail
These events are always a hit – connecting taonga in our collection with visitors. Worth planning your visit around.
Te Taiao Whānau Day: Backyard Birds and Bugs, 12 July 2019. Photo by Jo Moore. Te Papa (141700)
A creative space many families miss
Papa Toi | Art Studio in Toi Art, Level 5
If your kids love making as much as exploring, head upstairs to Level 5. This recently refreshed space includes:
A hands-on art studio for drawing
Interactive creative activities like shadow play
Room for parents to slow down and recharge
Insider tip: Our award-winning chefs have created a delightful high tea experience that’s almost too beautiful to eat. A queue in Te Papa Cafe tends to form around lunchtime – if you want a table reserved for you, book today.
Papa Toi Art Studio. Photo by Maarten Holl. Te Papa (266552)
A new way to explore a classic
Te Taiao | Nature: The Path of Māui mobile guide
Even if you’ve visited before, this interactive mobile guide offers a fresh perspective. Kids can:
Explore the native wildlife of Aotearoa New Zealand
Learn how to be kaitiaki
Engage with mātauranga Māori in a hands-on way
maui-moa-tepapa-800x600.jpg
For curious teens
Slow Burn: Women and Photography
The newest exhibition at Te Papa is a thought-provoking collection showcasing work from both amateur and professional photographers.
Ideal for secondary schoolers
Great for inspiring creative teens
Note: parent guidance recommended (includes some adult themes and nudity)
Nela Fletcher, Fitting in #189 Otakaro Park, 2022. Purchased 2025. Te Papa (O.052237)
Planning you visit
Open daily: 10am–6pm (Te Papa Cafe opens from 9am); afternoons are quieter than mornings.
Free entry for New Zealanders and people living in New Zealand.
Parking fills quickly – public transport is a great option and there are secure racks for bikes, scooters, and skateboards.
Don’t miss the Te Papa Store’s dedicated kids shop on Level 2 – it’s full of books, plushies, clothing, and more. There’s even a slide to help burn off the last of your tamariki’s energy before heading home.
If you’ve enjoyed your visit, you can choose to leave a small donation with a tap of your card to support the work of the museum.
Whether it’s your first visit or hundredth, these school holidays are all about seeing Te Papa in a new way. Te Papa also makes a great wet-weather option on a rainy day.
From immersive digital worlds, to live performances and hands-on creativity, there’s something here for tamariki and rangatahi of all ages.
Toa Tamariki, 2019. Te Papa
You might also like
Whānau Day: Breathe | Mauri Ora
Join us for a free whānau (family) day of activities inspired by the exhibition Breathe | Mauri Ora: An Immersive Journey into Nature by Marshmallow Laser Feast. We invite you to explore and celebrate our deep connections through creative exploration.
Sat 11 Apr 2026, 10.00am to 2.00pm
Event Ngā kaupapa motuhake
The Te Papa Activity Book
Fun activities about Te Papa Tongarewa and the taonga (treasures) we hold.
