Play in the city centre
Looking for a fun day out in the city centre? The Waterfront playground has something for everyone, from toddlers to adventurous older children. Explore the impressive 8-metre climbing tower, zoom down slides, cool off in the interactive water play zone, or enjoy the nature play area with balancing logs and rocks designed to encourage exploration and imagination. The playground is also designed to be inclusive, featuring accessible equipment such as a roundabout, harnessed swings and a ramped play platform.
Just a short walk away on Grey Street, families can take part in the Wild City Trail, an exciting scavenger hunt that challenges you to find nine hidden local animals, including the pīwakawaka (fantail) and pāpā (gecko). Pick up an activity sheet from Te Ao Mārama - Tauranga Library or download one at tinyurl.com/wildcitytrail and see how many you can spot.
While you're exploring Grey Street, don't miss the interactive wings mural, inspired by Aotearoa New Zealand's native pūriri moth. Featuring vibrant colours, native plants, birds and smaller pūriri moths hidden throughout the artwork, it's the perfect place to stop, take a photo and discover more of Tauranga's unique natural environment.
Find out more about what’s on in our city centre
Play at your library
Your local Tauranga library offers so much more than books. It’s a place to play, learn, and connect with others in the community. Families can enjoy Pēpi Play for babies under one, Iti Pounamu story time for toddlers and Pocket Sized Play, which brings free hands-on activities and creative workshops to the city centre every Saturday. For older children, families and game enthusiasts, the Sunday Board Games sessions provide a welcoming space to meet new people, learn new games and enjoy some friendly competition. Whether you're looking for an engaging activity for your little one, a chance to connect with others, or a fun family outing, there’s something for everyone at your local library.
Find out more about what’s happening at your local library
Play at the Historic Village
Step into a world of imagination at The Historic Village. Tucked beside the charming Schoolhouse, the Fairy Garden is a magical space where young imaginations can run free. Wander along winding paths, discover tiny fairy homes and enjoy the enchanting details hidden throughout this whimsical garden. As a permanent attraction, the Fairy Garden can be visited anytime, making it the perfect stop for families looking to add a little wonder to their day.
Bubs Play Day at The Village will offer a fun and welcoming space for babies, toddlers and their caregivers to play, connect and explore together. The morning will be packed with hands-on fun, music, movement, imaginative play and special surprises throughout The Village.
With its unique blend of heritage buildings, green spaces, community activities and family-friendly attractions, The Historic Village is a great place to spend time, discover something new and create lasting memories.
Find out more about what's on at The Historic Village
Play at McLaren Falls Park
Discover McLaren Falls Park in a whole new way with our free Seasonal Scavenger Hunts, available from the Visitor Centre or the McLaren Falls Park webpage. These playful activity sheets invite children and families to explore the park together. Each scavenger hunt is designed as a choose‑your‑own adventure, meaning you can start anywhere in the park and explore at your own pace. There’s a unique hunt for each season, encouraging curious minds to notice what’s changing, what’s hiding, and what makes that season special. All you need to bring is a pen or pencil - and a sense of adventure!
McLaren Falls Park is also home to Tauranga’s first permanent StoryWalk®, an interactive family experience where pages of a children’s book are displayed alongside a walking trail. Follow Te Ngahere i te Pō / The Forest at Night as the story unfolds through beautiful native forest, with playful prompts that bring the characters to life!
Find out more about McLaren Falls
Play at fenced playgrounds
Did you know Tauranga has 10 local neighbourhood play spaces with fencing? Fencing supports those who need clear boundaries to play confidently. Most of these reserves also include a "Playground chat" communication board, a tool which uses symbols and words to help people express themselves.
- Rowesdale Drive Reserve (Ohauiti)
- Keam Reserve (Welcome Bay)
- Waterford Downs Reserve (Pāpāmoa)
- Berescourt Reserve (Mount Maunganui)
- Kaka Street Reserve (Avenues)
- Karaka Reserve (Ōtūmoetai)
- Lees Park (Ōtūmoetai)
- Surrey Grove Reserve (Merivale)
- Te Paeroa Reserve (Bethlehem)
- Haukore Street Reserve (Hairini)
Find out more about fenced neighbourhood reserves. Read more about accessibility in Tauranga City.
Tauranga City Council aims to have a playground within 500m of every residential home in Tauranga City. This map shows the current location of playgrounds in Tauranga – take a look and find somewhere new to play!