Get ready for a fantastic family weekend in TΔmaki Makaurau! This weekend (Feb 28th & Mar 1st, 2026) features the spectacular closing of the BNZ Auckland Lantern Festival, ocean-themed fun at the Mermaid Parade, plus plenty of free park activities.
See our top picks
Mermaid Parade 2026
Queens Wharf
A creative, free waterfront procession finishing with fun at Silo Park.
Honu and Blue's Sealife Clues storytime
New Zealand Maritime Museum
An engaging, free story session perfect for preschoolers indoors.
Giant Mud Pie Kitchen
Howick Domain
Let toddlers and young children get delightfully messy outdoors in Howick.
Β· February 28
11FREE : The Lantern Festival wraps up this weekend, so don't miss the magic lights and culture. Itβs a huge, family-friendly event promising delicious food stalls and culminating in spectacular fireworks displays each night.This is a major cultural festival running all weekend, ending Sunday, making it a must-do.
FREE : The ocean comes to life as families dress up as fish-folk and take over the waterfront in a joyful procession. Stick around Silo Park afterwards for costume contests and free music.A colourful, creative, and free waterfront parade perfect for all ages.
HONU AND BLUE'S SEALIFE CLUES STORYTIMEFREE : Celebrate Seaweek with the premiere of a new story about Honu and Blue at the Maritime Museum. This sounds like a perfect, engaging indoor activity for younger kids.Itβs free, runs both days, and is specifically aimed at the preschool/early primary age group.
GIANT MUD PIE KITCHENFREE : Let the little ones get gloriously messy making giant mud pies! This is a fantastic, free outdoor activity for toddlers and younger primary kids in East Auckland.Itβs an outdoor, sensory-focused, free event ideal for the 1-10 age bracket.
FREE : Check out the fun transformation happening at Pearn Place in Northcote this Saturday. Since there's a Pirate Play Party at the same time, this might be combined fun!It's one of several free, community-focused park events happening across the city on Saturday.
FREE : Ahoy, mateys! Head to Northcote for a pirate-themed play party. Since it's running concurrently with Topsy Turvy Town at the same spot, it offers double the fun.The combination of pirate theme and Topsy Turvy Town makes this location a hotspot for Saturday morning play.
FREE : Enjoy a free afternoon of art creation happening at Rocket Park in Mt Albert. Perfect for kids who love getting creative outdoors.A great free, creative park activity mid-Saturday.
FREE : Catch a classic film, The Princess Bride, screening outdoors at Vellenoweth Green in St Heliers. Arrive early to secure a good spot for this evening treat.A classic family movie screening outdoors is a perfect Saturday night activity.
FREE : Head out to Coatesville for a relaxed evening of diverse food trucks. It's a great way to grab dinner while the kids roam the reserve area.A great family dinner option on Saturday night outside the usual suburbs.
: If you have older kids or teens, this is their chance to experience the main rides under the lights. A thrilling Saturday night outing.Specific targeting for teens/older kids seeking a thrilling night out.
FREE : The Harbour Bridge will be lit up nightly to celebrate the Lantern Festival! Grab a great viewing spot along the waterfront on Saturday night for a spectacular, free light show.Spectacular light show covering both Saturday and Sunday nights.
Also OnΒ· anytime this weekend
4: Take an interactive journey across our solar system at the Stardome. Great for primary schoolers and up who are fascinated by space.A fantastic indoor science experience running Saturday night.
FREE : The Silo Park night markets are always a winner for grabbing street food and letting the kids run around the open space in the evening.A consistent weekend favourite that covers the entire afternoon and evening slot on Saturday.
FREE : Start Saturday morning with a visit to the Britomart Market for fresh produce and artisan goods. A good stop before heading to the waterfront events.The best early morning market option on Saturday.
FREE : A great free session on Sunday afternoon tailored specifically for primary school-aged kids to get creative at Pah Homestead.A dedicated art workshop for children happening on Sunday.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Auckland this weekend?
This weekend (Feb 28-01) there are many free options including the Mermaid Parade, the final days of the BNZ Auckland Lantern Festival, the Giant Mud Pie Kitchen in Howick, and free storytime at the Maritime Museum.
Are there any good outdoor activities planned for Saturday?
Saturday is packed! Check out the pirate-themed play party and Topsy Turvy Town in Northcote, the Art Blast in Mt Albert, or finish the evening with the Movies in Parks screening of The Princess Bride in St Heliers.
What can we do indoors if it rains?
The Honu and Blue's Sealife Clues storytime at the Maritime Museum and the Grand Tour of the Solar System at Stardome are fantastic indoor options for younger and older kids respectively.
