Children’s Day, Te Rā o Ngā Tamariki, is back and this year it’s bigger, brighter, and taking over Tauranga!
Celebrations run from 23 February – 1 March, with a full week of family-friendly activities delivered by incredible partners and venues across the city. Check out what’s on!
Everything builds toward our hero city centre takeover on Sunday 1 March, where the city centre is reimagined as a massive playground filled with creativity, music, discovery, imagination and adventure for all ages.
Food trucks will be located in the Performance Zone, serving favourites from Mr Whippy, Smashed Strawberries, and Oshie & G’s. You’re also welcome to bring your own picnic or explore the many eateries in the city centre. See what’s on offer.
Bring your whānau and make a day of it in the city centre. It’s all free and not one you’ll want to miss.
Follow the Facebook page for the latest updates!
Proudly brought to you by Tauranga City Council
What’s on this year?
Explore colourful fun zones across the city centre and discover the new 2026 play spaces!
- Arts & Crafts Zone - The Cargo Shed
Dive hands-first into arts and crafts, experimenting with tactile workshops and surprise activities designed to inspire the next generation of makers! Create a bamboo star inspired by Matariki, design a mask for the Dress Up Parade or colour, paint and create personalised treasures and trinkets to take home and so much more!
- Event Zone - The Strand and Masonic Park
Meet the everyday heroes who keep our city safe and thriving! Climb aboard a huge rubbish truck, explore emergency vehicles, try fun educational activities, and keep an eye out for roving street performers. It's a buzzing zone full of excitement, learning and wow moments for our tamariki.
- Performance Zone - Tauranga Waterfront, Park North
Feel the heartbeat of Children’s Day at the main stage. With music, dance, cultural showcases and high-energy acts all day long, this is the perfect spot to dance, sing along and soak up an unforgettable whānau atmosphere.
- Activity Zone - Tauranga Waterfront, Park South
Step into an action-packed zone bursting with games, challenges and hands-on fun! Test your football skills and your throwing arm with giant lawn games, foot bowling, mini golf, try your hand at basic woodwork skills at the ICONZ Pop-Up Workshop. There’s activities for all abilities to play together, cheer each other on and make new friends along the way!
- Neon Disco Zone - Baycourt Community & Arts Centre
Ready to boogie your butt off? Step into a glow in the dark dance party at the Neon Silent Disco! Throw on your brightest white or neon outfit, pick a track, and be sure to level up your look with free glow face painting before you hit the dance floor! It’s the ultimate feel-good disco adventure the whole whānau will love.
- Construction Zone - Te Manawataki o Te Papa site off Willow Street
Experience the thrill of big machines up close. Kids can jump on board real construction machinery, meet the teams building our city and take a sneak peek behind the hoardings to see the exciting new library and community hub taking shape. Back by popular demand thanks to LT McGuinness.
- Mad Scientist Zone (New!) - He Puna Manawa, Tauranga Library
Mad scientists have taken over the library and unleashed scientific chaos! Come investigate their experiments, uncover their mischief, and get caught up in the mayhem.
- Low Sensory Zone - He Puna Manawa, Tauranga Library
A calm, comforting retreat designed to support tamariki needing a sensory break throughout the day. Fidget toys, colouring, playdough and cosy nooks offer a gentle space to unwind and recharge. Open all day, no booking required.
- LEGO Zone (New!) - Tauranga City Council, 90 Devonport Road
This is the dream destination for builders and creators. Free build tables, fun challenges and endless bricks invite tamariki to design, collaborate and bring bold ideas to life, one colourful piece at a time. Supported by Bricks 4 Kidz.
- Dress Up Parade (New!)
Bring your brightest costume and shut your stuff! Meet at Masonic Park at 1.30pm for a dress up parade full of colour, creativity and character finishing on stage at the waterfront Performance Zone!
- Tinkd Makerspace - Basestation, 148 Durham Street (9am - 1pm)
Discover a world of making, tinkering and tech. Try hands on mini projects, experiment with cool tools and explore creative challenges that bring big ideas to life in this inspiring open workshop.
- TOI Tauranga Art Gallery
Craft your own colourful fruit inspired fan! A fun, hands-on activity perfect for all ages and a cool companion for your day out.
- Helmet and bike safety checks - BikeBox located on The Strand
Roll up and ride safe! Park up your bike and get a helmet fitting and bike safety check from the awesome TCC Travel Safe Team! It's secure, quick, and perfect to keep you confident on your wheels! Supported by Triathlon Tauranga.
Please note: event photography and videography will be taken throughout the day and may be used for future promotional content. If you do not wish to be photographed, please let us know when you see us.
Parking and transport
FREE weekend parking in all council-operated spaces and parking buildings.
Mobility parking available in all parking buildings and on street, with additional temporary mobility parks near the event.
Ride into the city centre using the shared zones and waterfront boardwalk, secure your bike in the BikeBox shelter located on The Strand and get yourself a free safety check while you're there! Brought to you by Tauranga City Council Travel Safe, with support from Triathlon Tauranga.
Devonport Road public transport options are also available – check local bus timetables fore more info.
