Fun lockdown activities for the school holidays

We are hoping for good news at the Covid-19 Level review next week, but Aucklanders will be spending at least a few days of the school holidays in the Level 3 lockdown.

While this means that out of town holidays and trips to to Auckland attractions are off the cards, many family favourites are available to visit online and they have free activities to help keep your tamariki entertained.

​Online fun at local family favourites

Auckland Zoo
The Auckland Zoo is a fun day out for the whole whānau.  Even if you can’t visit the animals, their Kids hub is packed full of animal related activities to keep your tamariki happy at home.

Auckland Zoo Kids Hub

Motat
Similar to the Auckland Zoo, the Motat website has a kids section bursting with activities, games and fun all with a technology twist.

​MOTAT.FUN Kids

Auckland Art Gallery

For those who have creative kids, the Auckland Art Gallery offers virtual tours of selected exhibitions (one has been especially designed with families in mind) and downloadable activity sheets.

Auckland Art Gallery Virtual Tours

Auckland Art Gallery Family Activities

Auckland Museum

The Auckland Museum is a treasure trove of virtual activities for design especially for tamariki.  There are downloadable activities, quizzes, online learning sessions and weekly livestream events for all ages.  You can also view over 80,000 records and 300,00 openly licensed images through the Collections Online – enough to keep even the most curious minds busy!

Auckland Museum at Home for Kids

Auckland Museum Collections Online

New Zealand Maritime Museum

For those who have budding sailors, the New Zealand Maritime Museum has a wealth of online activities in their Mini Mauis Club.  They also have an extensive online collection featuring objects relating to Aotearoa’s deep-rooted maritime history.

Mini Mauis Club

New Zealand Maritime Museum Online Collection

​Visit world renowned attractions without leaving home

While international travel is still a while away, you can take the kids on a virtual tour of some of the world’s top attractions from the comfort of your own home.

MoMA Online Collection – The New York based Museum of Modern Art has over 53 of their artworks in their online gallery.

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Virtual Tour – The bricks and mortar museum is in Washington DC but you can take the tamariki on a virtual tour that includes stories, videos and activities.

Virtual Museum – The British Natural History Museum has one of the most extensive collections in the world.  They have 14 different exhibitions for you to explore online

San Diego Zoo Kids – This world famous zoo has live cams of 13 animals so you can see them in action

Virtual Tour of Legoland Florida – Lego is one of the world’s most beloved brands. With this site, you can take a virtual tour of their Florida resort, including experiencing some of the rides through VR.

While we are hoping to be able to visit some of our local attractions in person these school holidays, there are many options to keep your whānaubusy if you need to spend some days at home.  As well as these ideas, KTL Tuition published  A – Z boredom busters for kids the other week.  If you haven’t already, make sure you check it out – there’s something for everyone, what ever their interests.