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As a working parent, Suia Westbrook isn’t always able to take leave during the school holidays.
And when she is, like many local business owners, she’s on a budget when it comes to holiday activities. Dad Artje is also a local business owner. So when it comes to keeping their five-year-old entertained over the school holidays, they’re always on the lookout for new ideas.
School holidays on the Hibiscus Coast offer a perfect opportunity for families to explore the area’s natural beauty and engage in fun, free activities with the kids. We’re at the halfway point and if you’re running out of ways to keep the little ones entertained, check out this list of local favourites that Suia was willing to share. Best of all, they’re all free activities so you can make the most of the break without breaking the bank:
Beach Days: The Coast is known for its stunning beaches. Take the kids to Ōrewa Beach or Manly Beach for a day of swimming, sandcastle building, and exploring rock pools. Bring a picnic, some games, and enjoy the adventurous playgrounds
Coastal Walks and Bike Rides: Explore the local trails like the Te Ara Tahuna Estuary Cycleway and Walkway. Perfect for walking, biking, and scootering with the kids. There are playgrounds along the way where they can take a break and have a play. And you also pass Millie’s cafe, so the parents can stay caffeinated.
Explore Local Parks: There are plenty of parks in the area, such as Western Reserve and Stanmore Bay Park, which offer wide open spaces for a game of frisbee, soccer, or just running around and burning all that energy!
Visit the Estuary Arts Centre: The Estuary Arts Centre Ōrewa hosts free exhibitions that are family-friendly. There are also a great bunch of affordable art classes they offer for kids from 5 to 11 years. A great chance for the kids to see local art and get inspired to create their own masterpieces.
Go on a Nature Scavenger Hunt: Organise a nature scavenger hunt at Shakespear Regional Park or Alice Eaves Scenic Reserve. Create a list of items for the kids to find they need to tick off: like seashells, specific plants, or animal tracks, making the adventure educational and exciting.
Library Time: The Ōrewa Library and Whangaparāoa Library often have free school holiday events like storytelling sessions, arts and crafts, and reading challenges. Even if there’s no event, it’s a cosy spot to read together or borrow books and even games for home.
Skate Park: If your kids enjoy skating or scootering, head to one of the local skate parks like the one at Stanmore Bay Leisure Centre or in Ōrewa. It’s a great way for them to practice their skills and again, burn that energy.
Join an eco working bee: To end the holidays, join the community weeding session to protect native plants at Ōtanerua Reserve (classified as a Significant Ecological Area) in Hatfields Beach. A great way to show kids the importance of caring for our environment.
Hunt out some history: Learn more about our community heritage by exploring the Pioneer Village this weekend. They have a kids worksheets to engage the little ones as you wander around the village.
Indoor Play: With unpredictable spring weather, make the most of a rainy day by challenging the kids to be creative. Build a pillow fort in the lounge or try indoor camping and make smores in the oven.
Suia Westbrook, CoastLab owner
