Things To Do In Wellington For Families

Explore Wellington and enjoy a city that invites curiosity, movement, learning, and relaxed discovery in equal measure. Start your day along the waterfront where wide paths, gentle harbour views, and public art create an inviting atmosphere that lets families set a comfortable pace. This area sets the tone for the many family things to do in Wellington, especially for visitors who want a blend of learning and outdoor activity without rushing. 

Ride the Wellington Cable Car for a short, scenic ascent that children find exciting and adults find convenient. From the top, enjoy sweeping views across the city and harbour before continuing to Te Papa, where interactive galleries introduce natural history, culture and science through displays that engage all ages. You can then explore Zealandia, a restored valley filled with birdsong, native plants and peaceful lakes which offers a refreshing nature escape just minutes from the city. Add a visit to Wellington Zoo to meet animals in thoughtfully designed habitats, or head to Space Place, where immersive astronomy shows help kids understand the night sky. For something creative, visit Weta Workshop for a behind-the-scenes glimpse into film artistry that highlights unique things to do in Wellington.
If you want open spaces and quiet walks, you can take the ferry to Matiu Somes Island. Wellington’s compact layout makes it easy to combine indoor learning with outdoor exploration, giving families comfortable access to many things to do in Wellington for families. This variety makes the city one of the most rewarding stops for travellers planning New Zealand tour packages.

Best Family Experiences and Activities
  • Ride the iconic cable car for panoramic views
  • Watch animal feedings and educational sessions at the zoo
  • Explore interactive science and culture displays at Te Papa
  • Enjoy kayaking or paddleboarding along the waterfront
  • Join creative film workshops and prop demonstrations
Nature and Outdoor Adventures for Families
  • Zealandia Sanctuary trails with easy paths
  • Botanic Garden walking routes and picnic lawns
  • Waterfront cycling and scooter pathways
  • Matiu Somes Island walking tracks and coastal viewpoints
  • Oriental Bay Beach for swimming and family relaxation
Family Travel Tips
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking
  • Carry sunscreen and light jackets due to coastal breeze
  • Plan viewing and photo stops at scenic lookouts
  • Keep light snacks and water during longer outings
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Top Things To Do In Wellington For Family

01

Ride the Wellington Cable Car

Quick Info
Location: Lambton Quay to Kelburn
Duration: 30–90 minutes
Best Time: Morning or sunset
Ideal For: All ages, pram-friendly

Start your day with one of the most iconic family things to do in Wellington, the Wellington Cable Car. Ride from Lambton Quay and enjoy a gentle ascent revealing sweeping harbour views. Children marvel at tunnels and the bright red car, while adults relax during the climb. At the Kelburn terminal, explore the lookout offering panoramic city views and the Cable Car Museum to learn about its history. Continue along linked pathways into the Botanic Garden. Families can return by cable car at any pace. Many visitors include this in curated Wellington tour packages, making it a must-do experience.

Nearby Attractions
  • Wellington Botanic Garden
  • Cable Car Museum
  • Space Place Observatory
  • Kelburn Lookout
  • Zealandia Ecosanctuary (10 min by bus)
Family Experience Highlights
  • Fun illuminated tunnel ride
  • Easy access for prams & wheelchairs
  • Short, exciting ride perfect for toddlers
  • Picnic spots and café at the top
  • Great photo stops
02

Explore Wellington Zoo & Meet the Animals

Quick Info
Location: Daniell Street, Newtown
Duration: 2–4 hours
Best Time: Morning animal activity
Ideal For: Animal lovers & young kids

Spend a day at Wellington Zoo, which is one of the top things to do in Wellington for families, where children can observe lions, giraffes, meerkats, native birds, and reptiles. Join keeper talks to understand behaviour and conservation. Explore pathways designed for safe, close-up views. Picnic lawns and the family cafe provide quiet breaks between exhibits. Special behind-the-scenes encounters let children see how the zoo cares for animals. Families often combine the zoo with other city activities when booking New Zealand tour packages, ensuring a full, balanced day for children and adults alike.

Nearby Attractions
  • Newtown Park
  • Berhampore Golf Course
  • South Wellington shopping & cafés
Family Experience Highlights
  • Interactive keeper talks
  • Close-up animal viewing
  • Spacious open play and picnic areas
  • Educational shows & encounters
  • Wheelchair-accessible pathways
03

Discover Culture & Science at Te Papa

Quick Info
Location: Cable Street, Wellington Waterfront
Duration: 2–3 hours or more
Ideal For: Kids, teens & curious learners

Visit Te Papa, a hub of fun things to do in Wellington for families, with interactive exhibits bringing New Zealand’s culture and natural history to life. Explore Maori galleries, observe the colossal squid, and engage with hands-on displays explaining earthquakes, ecosystems, and wildlife. Children enjoy interactive learning stations while adults explore cultural artefacts. The open layout encourages relaxed exploration without time pressure. Pause at the waterfront cafe before continuing your journey. For many, Te Papa is one of the best family things to do in Wellington, offering a mix of education, engagement, and fun in a single visit.

Nearby Attractions
Family Experience Highlights
  • Touch-and-learn science activities
  • Cultural storytelling & visual exhibits
  • Large open spaces for easy movement
  • Café with harbour views
04

Stroll & Play Along the Wellington Waterfront

Quick Info
Location: Queens Wharf to Oriental Bay
Duration: 1–3 hours
Ideal For: Outdoor play & casual walking

Walk along the Wellington Waterfront, a scenic area for both adults and children. Wide paths, calm harbour views, public art, and playgrounds allow kids to run freely while parents enjoy the surroundings. Stop at Frank Kitts Park for climbing and open lawns, or pause at small piers to watch kayakers. Casual cafés provide easy meals. The area suits families seeking open-air exploration and leisure. Many include it in their itineraries for a flexible day out. This waterfront ranks among the top family things to do in Wellington when planning visits for your kids.

Nearby Attractions
  • Frank Kitts Park
  • Te Papa Museum
  • Lagoon & boating area
  • Waterfront cafés & ice-cream shops
Family Experience Highlights
  • Spacious play zones & kite-friendly lawns
  • Safe walking & cycling paths
  • Pier stops & photo spots
  • Relaxed meal breaks
05

Experience Wildlife at Zealandia Ecosanctuary

Quick Info
Location: Karori, Wellington
Duration: 2–4 hours
Ideal For: Nature-focused families

Step into Zealandia Ecosanctuary, a protected valley where native wildlife flourishes. Walk along well-maintained tracks to spot kaka, tui, and takahi, enjoying lakes, streams, and forest sounds. The visitor centre explains decades of conservation work. Guided tours provide deeper insight, though families can explore independently. Its quiet, immersive setting near the city offers a peaceful retreat. Visitors often include Zealandia in Wellington tour packages which focuses on nature, education, and wildlife, making it a memorable experience for children and adults alike seeking a mix of adventure and learning.

Nearby Attractions
Family Experience Highlights
  • Spot rare native birds
  • Safe walking tracks
  • Outdoor learning experience
  • Beautiful lakes & picnic spots
06

Explore the Stars at Space Place

Quick Info
Location: Carter Observatory, Kelburn
Duration: 1.5–2.5 hours
Ideal For: Space-loving kids & teens

Introduce children to astronomy at Space Place, featuring interactive exhibits and planetarium shows, making it one of the most fun things to do in Wellington for families. Learn about stars, planets, meteorites, and telescope technology through engaging visuals. Evening sessions offer telescope viewings when weather allows. Combine the trip with the cable car for convenience. Hands-on displays spark curiosity and imaginative exploration for children of all ages. Families often consider this a stimulating indoor attraction and one of the best family things to do in Wellington, especially when looking for educational yet fun experiences.

Nearby Attractions
  • Wellington Cable Car
  • Kelburn Lookout
  • Botanic Garden
Family Experience Highlights
  • Hands-on space activities
  • Immersive planetarium dome shows
  • Exciting evening telescope sessions
  • Ideal indoor attraction for rainy days
07

Wander Through the Wellington Botanic Garden

Quick Info
Location: Kelburn
Duration: 1–3 hours
Ideal For: Relaxed outdoor time

Begin at the Botanic Garden, a premier Wellington things to do family, featuring lawns, themed plantings, and short trails suitable for children. Enter from the Cable Car summit for elevated views. Explore flower beds, fern groves, and native forests, then let children enjoy the garden playground. Benches and viewpoints allow quiet rest and scenic appreciation. Families can adjust routes to their pace. This outdoor destination blends leisure with light exercise. Many visitors include the Botanic Garden in broader New Zealand tour packages, balancing nature experiences with city sightseeing for an engaging day for all family members.

Nearby Attractions
  • Cable Car Museum
  • Space Place Observatory
  • Kelburn Lookout
Family Experience Highlights
  • Open gardens & play areas
  • Easy walking paths
  • Picnic & photo spots
  • Relaxing nature escape
08

Create & Learn at Capital E

Quick Info
Location: Toi Poneke Arts Centre, Wellington
Duration: 1–2 hours
Best For: Creative kids & workshops

Visit Capital E, offering creative and educational experiences and one of the best family things to do in Wellington. Young children enjoy PlayHQ, an interactive, sensory activity space, while older kids join workshops in the MediaLab for digital storytelling. Theatre performances entertain audiences of all ages. Families can plan visits around scheduled activities to match children’s interests. Capital E is ideal for indoor fun, combining skill-building with creativity. It also ranks among the top things to do in Wellington for families during rainy days or when a structured, interactive visit is preferred.

Nearby Attractions
  • Civic Square
  • City Gallery Wellington
  • Wellington Waterfront
Family Experience Highlights
  • Indoor creative activities
  • Digital learning & storytelling
  • Great rainy-day idea
  • Scheduled workshops to match interests
09

Step Inside Movie Magic at Weta Workshop

Quick Info
Location: Miramar, Wellington
Duration: 1.5–2.5 hours
Ideal For: Film fans & art-loving families

Discover the Weta Workshop Experience, one of the most immersive and best family things to do in Wellington, where film magic comes to life. Walk guided sections to see creatures, props, and miniature sets from major films. Demonstrations show how artists shape foam, paint, and assemble intricate pieces. Children can ask questions and observe detailed artistry. Explore materials and models that illustrate creativity behind the scenes. End with the gift shop for themed items. Many families rank Weta among the top fun things to do in Wellington for families, making it a creative highlight in city visits.

Nearby Attractions
  • Weta Cave shop & mini-exhibits
  • Scorching Bay Beach
  • Miramar cafés
Family Experience Highlights
  • Behind-the-scenes film magic
  • Engaging creative demonstrations
  • Perfect for older kids & teens
  • Great themed souvenirs
10

Ferry to Matiu Somes Island for Nature & Views

Quick Info
Location: Wellington Harbour (ferry from Queens Wharf)
Duration: Half-day or full-day trip
Ideal For: Outdoor adventure families

Take a ferry to Matiu Somes Island, an ideal location included in Wellington tour packages, offering open spaces, coastal viewpoints, and quiet walking trails. Spot native birds and lizards on predator-free grounds. Picnic areas provide harbour views, and interpretive panels highlight the island’s environmental and historical significance. Plan visits during clear weather for safe, scenic exploration. Families enjoy gentle walking combined with outdoor learning opportunities. This island escape is often added to New Zealand tour packages for families seeking nature-based experiences away from city bustle while remaining accessible within a single day trip.

Nearby Attractions
  • Queens Wharf
  • Wellington Waterfront
  • TSB Arena & markets
Family Experience Highlights
  • Ferry ride adventure
  • Gentle walking trails
  • Bird & lizard spotting
  • Picnic viewpoints & quiet atmosphere

People Also Ask About Wellington

  1. Is Wellington good for kids?

    Yes, Wellington is good for kids with wildlife encounters, interactive museums, open waterfront parks, and easy transport. Attractions sit close together, which helps families enjoy full days without long travel. The city also offers safe spaces and simple walking routes that keep children engaged.
  2. What is special in Wellington?

    Wellington stands out for Te Papa, the cable car, the Botanic Garden, and its waterfront paths. The city offers cultural depth, strong views, creative spaces, and a compact layout that helps families move easily between attractions.
  3. Which part of New Zealand is best for kids?

    Wellington suits families with its compact layout and child-friendly attractions. Auckland offers large wildlife parks, Rotorua offers geothermal sites, and Christchurch offers spacious gardens. Wellington remains one of the easiest regions for balanced family days.
  4. How do I spend a day in Wellington?

    Start your day in Wellington with the cable car and explore the Botanic Garden. Walk down to the waterfront, visit Te Papa, and head toward Oriental Bay for a relaxed break by the water. Finish in the city centre for simple dining options.
  5. Is New Zealand worth visiting with kids?

    Yes, New Zealand works well for families due to safe spaces, varied wildlife parks, beaches, museums, and nature trails. Cities and towns offer simple transport, clean areas, and attractions that suit different ages.
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