Things to Do in the Holidays
Here are some ideas for things to do with the children
during the holidays (some unusual). They all involve
getting out and about into your local community.
Go on a Wildlife Safari.
Go to your nearest park, woodland,
pond or river and see just how many different types
of wildlife live there. Ponds and rivers will have fish, frogs,
ducks, insects and maybe geese or swans. You don’t have
to be an expert, just be able to spot the different types. The
park will have different types of birds and insects. If you are
lucky enough to live near forest you might see deer as well.
New Zealand Nature also has some ideas for a wildlife safari
in your own garden.
Eden Garden
24 Omana Avenue, Epsom. Auckland’s best
kept garden secret. 5 acres of beautiful landscaped gardens.
Ducks and in season ducklings. Cafe on site.
Phone 09 638 8395.
Local graveyards and cemeteries are fascinating.
Are any famous or historic figures buried in your local
cemetery? What is the oldest readable stone? Which is the
most interesting design, the most beautiful angel?
Auckland City Library
Check out what is happening for
littlies in your local library regarding story telling etc.
Horse Riding
Shiloh Farm, 42 Kaipara Flats Road,
Warkworth. One hour drive north of Auckland. Pony rides,
lessons, treks, farmstays and birthday parties. Suitable for
beginners through to advanced riders. Phone 09 425 8517.
Sheep World
State Highway 1, approx 45 minutes (65km)
north of Auckland Harbour Bridge. Set out on 30 acres of
beautiful countryside. Live action sheepdog display,
sheep-shearing, bottle feeding lambs and more. See and
touch the animals. Cafe on site. Phone 09 425 7444.
Crystal Mountain
80 Candia Road, Swanson, West
Auckland. Just 20 km from downtown Auckland. A purpose
built gallery of crystals and minerals from around the world.
Plus a miniature farm and pony rides. Cafe on site.
Phone 09 833 503
Fergs Kayaks
12 Tamaki Drive Okahu Bay. Take the family
kayaking around Okahu Bay. Phone 09 529 2230.
Age 6 plus. Also hiring Rollerblades and Cycles.
Butterfly Creek
Tom Pearce Drive, 1 minute from Auckland
international airport. Kids can play in the playground and ride
the miniature train. Enjoy the animals and the tropical butterfly
house. Something for all the family. Phone 09 275 8880.
Hot Tips
From the Parents Inc. Newsletter
- Eat - together at least three times a week if you can.
- Values - choose the values you would like to see your children develop
- Enjoyment - your children love to hear how much you enjoy their
company, their ideas and their uniqueness.
- Read to your children every day. It builds a wonderful close connection
and your children are likely to grow up loving books.
- Yes when… is a lovely way of getting something done. “Yes, you can,
when you have done your homework.”
- Home is a haven. Let your children know that your home is a safe place
where everyone is treated respectfully
- Investigate – when things are not working in the family – stop and ask
what else might be going on.
- Notes are a wonderful way of telling your loved ones that you are thinking
of them.
- Grow, learn and develop. Your children will be your best invitation to
develop new skills, insights and strategies.