Things To Do with Kids in Dunedin

Happy kids, happy parents, right? Then you'll be thrilled to know that Dunedin has a treasure trove of family-friendly attractions that'll keep them...and you...smiling.

Explore Dunedin and you'll soon see it doesn't scrimp on the family activities. You'll never be left wondering what to do with kids here. Top museums, kid-friendly sightseeing attractions, funky urban street art trails, castles, parks and gardens...You name it, Dunedin has it.

Whether you choose to stay in town, where history, science and nature are served up on a platter, or to head off into the adventure-filled wilds of the Otago region, the kids will surely be sleeping well at the end of each day.

Blow their minds with incredible wildlife encounters (we're talking yellow-eyed penguins and lumbering sea lions). Enjoy some leisurely family time with a relaxed trip to a leafy city park or wide sandy beach.

Read on for some of our favourite things to do with kids in Dunedin.

Image: Dunedin NZ

Educational Activities

  • Discover moa skeletons, a tropical butterfly house and a science centre with 45 hands-on interactive exhibits at the Otago Museum.
  • The kids will be star-struck at the Perpetual Guardian Planetarium, where the cinematographic shows are out of this world. Literally.
  • Press the time machine button and transport the family back in time at Toitū Otago Settlers Museum, where you'll find recreations of houses, a ship's cabin and so much more.

Image: Dunedin NZ

Great Parks for Kids

  • What kids don't love a castle? Let their imaginations run wild as they charge around the beautifully manicured gardens of Larnach Castle.
  • Let the gang blow off steam in the Dunedin Botanic Garden while you soak up the floral scents of the country's very first botanic garden.
  • Pack up a picnic and bring along a board game for some quality family time at the oh-so-pretty Dunedin Chinese Garden.

Image: Dunedin NZ

Outdoor Activities

  • Seek out the edgy side of this historic city and embark on the Street Art Trail. Discover works from acclaimed street artists that'll delight both you and the kiddies.
  • Let the kids burn off some of that never-ending energy by getting them to race up Baldwin Street, claimed to be the steepest street in the world.
  • Spend a day at one of Dunedin's beautiful sandy beaches where kids can enjoy a quiet sandcastle building competition or shriek-out-loud boogie boarding session.

Created in partnership with Enterprise Dunedin