10 Fun Things to Do With Your Preschooler During the Christmas Holidays
The Christmas holidays can feel long with preschoolers — especially when routines disappear and everyone’s energy runs high. The good news? You don’t need expensive outings or constant entertainment to create joyful holiday memories. Here are 10 fun, low-pressure ideas, mixing Auckland adventures with calm, creative things to do at home.
1. Explore a Local Beach or Stream
Auckland is full of child-friendly beaches and shallow streams. Let your child dig in the sand, collect shells, or watch water flow through channels they create.
Be careful of west coast beaches they have very strong rips. Always swim between the flags.
2. Have a Backyard (or Living Room) Picnic
Lay out a blanket, pack simple finger food, and invite soft toys to join in. Even eating lunch somewhere different can feel exciting.
3. Visit the Zoo or Butterfly Creek
Animals never fail to capture young children’s attention. Choose one or two areas to explore rather than trying to see everything.
Best time: Early morning before it gets too hot or busy.
4. Christmas Craft Days at Home
Set up a simple craft station using recycled materials like boxes, paper rolls, old cards, and stickers.
Ideas:
Make decorations
Create cards for whānau
Paint or draw festive pictures
5. Go on a Nature Walk or Treasure Hunt
Turn a local walk into a game. Look for bugs, rocks, feathers or spiderwebs.
6. Volcano walks
Children are fascinated with volcanoes & Auckland is filled with them! Try a small one first like Maungawhau/Mt Eden.
7. Visit a New Playground
A different playground can make play feel brand new.
Bonus: Bring a ball, scooter, or picnic to extend the visit without spending money.
Try:
David Lange Park Playground in Mangere
Western Springs Park Playground
Madills Farm Playground
Myers Park Playground (while you’re there you can check out Ngati Whatua ō Orakei artist Graham Tipene’s interactive artwork “ Waimahara”
8. Bake Together (Keep It Simple)
Cooking doesn’t need to be complicated. Let your child pour, stir, and decorate.
Easy ideas:
Fruit kebabs
Decorating biscuits
No-bake slices
9. Keep a Light Holiday Routine
Preschoolers feel more settled with some predictability.
Try:
A morning walk or playtime
Lunch at a similar time
Quiet time in the afternoon (books, puzzles, rest)
It doesn’t need to be strict — just familiar.
10. Enjoy Slow, Screen-Free Afternoons
Not every day needs an outing.
Ideas:
Reading together
Building with blocks
Dancing to music
Looking at family photos
These quiet moments often become the most treasured.
Final Thought
The Christmas holidays aren’t about doing more — they’re about being together. Preschoolers remember how they felt far more than where they went. Slow days, shared laughter, and simple moments are often the most meaningful of all.
