Fun Things to Do with Kids in Whangaparaoa & Orewa – A Family Guide
Looking for fun, family-friendly things to do with kids in Whangaparaoa and Orewa?
Whether you’re entertaining a toddler, preschooler, or older child, the Hibiscus Coast offers plenty of outdoor adventures, creative spaces, and relaxed local spots that support movement, curiosity, and connection.
As a Whangaparaoa-based early learning centre, we regularly share these ideas with our own Small Sprouts whanau. This guide brings together some of our favourite places for families to explore together, whether you’re planning a weekend outing, a rainy-day backup, or something simple after kindy.
Quick Guide: Family Activities on the Hibiscus Coast
🌊 Explore Our Beautiful Local Beaches 🌊
The Hibiscus Coast is home to some of the best family-friendly beaches in Auckland, perfect for sandcastle building, swimming, and exploring rock pools.
Calm, shallow waters for paddling and swimming
Large grassy reserve for picnics & ball games
Playground & skate park nearby
💡 Tip: Pack a picnic and enjoy a relaxed beach day under the pōhutukawa trees.
Safe swimming with gentle waves
Sheltered bay great for kayaking & paddleboarding & excellent real fruit ice-cream
Rock pools to explore at low tide or the playground next to the sailing club.
💡 Tip: Bring a bucket and look for crabs and shells in the rock pools!
One of the best family beaches in Auckland
Great for swimming, surfing & boogie boarding
Beautiful coastal walkway with bike & scooter-friendly paths
💡 Tip: Take a sunset stroll along the Orewa Beach walkway—it’s stunning!
🌿 Family-Friendly Bush Walks & Outdoor Adventures 🌿
There are plenty of easy, scenic walks around Whangaparaoa & Orewa that are great for little legs.
🌳 Alice Eaves Scenic Reserve (Orewa)
Short, family-friendly bushwalks
Spot piwakawaka (fantails) & kereru (wood pigeons)
Large kauri trees & native bush
Can be accessed on foot from 36 Hillcrest Road and 2 Old North Road. There is minimal parking on Hillcrest Road.
💡 Tip: Bring a nature scavenger hunt for the kids—see if they can find leaves, bugs, and birds!
🌿 Shakespear Regional Park (Whangaparaoa)
Safe swimming at Army Bay
Easy bush tracks with ocean views, along with large flat grass areas to run around on.
Native birds & farm animals along the way
All beaches have reasonable pram access
💡 Tip: Try the Tiri Track for breathtaking views of Tiritiri Matangi Island.
Scooter & bike-friendly pathway
Scenic wetlands & estuary views
Several playgrounds & picnic stops along the way with the skatepark being a highlight.
💡 Tip: Stop at the Orewa Beach Playground for a fun break!
🎢 Playgrounds & Family Fun 🎢
Zip line, luge rides, vertical bungy, soft play and 4D Cinema
Indoor & outdoor play areas
Fun for all ages
💡 Tip: Pre-book online for family discounts!
🤸 Stanmore Bay Pool & Leisure Centre
Heated indoor pool great for toddlers and babies
Awesome splash pad through summer which the kids love
Great rainy-day activity
💡 Tip: Look out for school holiday programmes with extra fun activities!
Indoor snow fun all year round, rain or shine
Perfect for older kids and confident movers
Great for school holiday activities and family outings
💡 Tip: Snowplanet is best suited to primary-aged children. For younger tamariki, check age and height requirements before booking, and plan a shorter visit to avoid sensory overload.
🎨 Creative & Indoor Activities 🎨
Kids’ art classes & workshops
Free entry to the gallery
Great rainy-day activity
💡 Tip: Check their website for upcoming school holiday programmes.
🎳 Hibiscus Coast Indoor Bowling & Entertainment Centre
Tenpin bowling & arcade games
Pool tables for older kids
Great for family outings & birthdays
💡 Tip: Look for family bowling deals on weekends!
Free Storytime & craft sessions
Lego clubs & interactive workshops
Great selection of children’s books
💡 Tip: Pick up a take-home activity pack for quiet play at home.
🍦 Best Family-Friendly Cafés & Treats 🍦
☕ Two Spoons Café (Whangapararoa)
Relaxed family-friendly atmosphere
Kids’ play area & delicious treats that’re allergen friendly
Great coffee for parents!
💡 Tip: Try their Ginger Slice — that’s our daughters favourite!
Plenty of Outdoor Seating
Gluten-Free & Dairy-free options available
Right next to Orewa Beach
💡 Tip: Try their vegan bowl —it’s yummy!
Family-friendly café with space for kids to relax
Good spot for a post-play refuel with food and coffee
Very Welcoming environment and staff for parents with young children
Whangaparaoa and Orewa offer an incredible range of family-friendly activities right on your doorstep. From beaches and playgrounds to bush walks and libraries, there are plenty of ways to enjoy time together while supporting your child’s curiosity and wellbeing.
If you’re exploring early learning options on the Hibiscus Coast, you’re welcome to visit Small Sprouts and see how we extend these values into everyday learning through play, or take a sneak peak at OUR ROOMS.
Last Updated: January 2026