Less screen, more spring: holiday ideas for kids

School holidays are the perfect time to put down the devices, get some fresh air and find out what makes your kid tick. 

Maybe they’re happiest poking around in the garden. Maybe they want to build a campsite in the backyard, learn how to identify coastal creatures or spend an afternoon making something from a cardboard box.

The spring holidays are a chance to slow things down and give kids time to play, explore and try new things simply because they're fun.

And if you’re looking for inspiration, the library has plenty of ideas to help.

Get outdoors and explore

Being outdoors doesn’t have to mean organising a big family adventure. Sometimes the best activities start with “I wonder what’s over there?”. 

Get outdoors: brilliant boredom busters for Kiwi kids by Paul Adamson

This book is packed with ideas for getting kids outside and turning “I’m bored” into “Can we do that again?”. It’s a great one to borrow when you want to make the most of your local park, backyard or walking track.

The living tree: a New Zealand habitat by Dave Gunson

Take a closer look at the trees around you and you’ll find a whole world of life hiding in plain sight. This book includes a fold-out habitat guide and is a great companion for a backyard or park exploration, helping kids think about trees as habitats rather than just something that looks nice in the landscape.

Splash! Donovan Bixley’s coastal creatures of Aotearoa by Donovan Bixley

Heading to the beach this spring? Take your curiosity with you. Explore the creatures that live around Aotearoa’s coastline and see what you can spot next time you’re beside the sea.

Create your own camping activities by Laura Baker, Lonely Planet

You don’t need to wait for the next camping trip to get into the spirit of it. This book is full of activities to try while camping – or to recreate at home when your kids are keen to build their own adventure.

Make something with your hands

There’s something satisfying about making something from scratch.
For kids, crafting can be a chance to concentrate, experiment and make a complete mess before proudly announcing that it’s a masterpiece. And it doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive.

Kids spring crafts by Emily Kington

Spring gives you plenty of inspiration: flowers, insects, birds, rainbows and all the new life popping up around us. Try a seasonal craft together, then take it outside and see if you can find the real thing.

Craft with recycling: a kid's guide to creating with upcycled materials by Lucimari

Before you put that toilet roll, cardboard box or empty jar in the recycling bin, ask: could this become something?

This book is full of ideas for turning everyday materials into creative projects. It’s a good reminder that you don’t need a cupboard full of craft supplies to make something fun.

Cook, experiment and get curious

Not every holiday activity needs to happen outdoors. Sometimes the best way to encourage curiosity is to let kids take over the kitchen, try an experiment or figure out how something works.

Give them a little room to experiment – and accept that things might not go exactly to plan.

The Minecrafter's cookbook by Tara Theoharis “The Geeky Hostess”

Got a Minecraft fan at home? This cookbook turns screen-time inspiration into real-world fun, with game-themed recipes kids can help make in the kitchen. It's a great way to combine creativity, cooking and a favourite hobby. 

Also available as an eBook.

Delish: the how-to cookbook for young foodies by Joanna Saltz

Let the kids choose something to make, get involved with the preparation and enjoy the satisfaction of making something they can actually eat. It’s a practical way to build confidence while having a bit of fun together.

The ultimate science cookbook for kids by Highlights

Science doesn’t have to feel like homework. This book turns experiments into something kids can eat, play with and investigate. Perfect for the curious ones who are always asking “but why?”.

Let them find their thing

The best school holiday activity might not be the one you carefully planned. It might be the thing your child discovers by accident. Give them time to try, make, move, explore and just be kids.
If you need a little inspiration, Auckland Libraries can help. Borrow a few books, join a school holiday event at your local library, or explore our collection of content for kids and parents.

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More spring holiday inspiration

Need a few extra ideas?  Check out our spring activity book list for kids.