Wellington Family Fun: Near & Far
There's so much to keep the little ones entertained, both within walking distance of Bolton Hotel and further afield. Browse our recommendations for child-friendly eateries in order of distance, from a stone's throw to a short drive away.
1) Wellington Cable Car
A short stroll along Lambton Quay will bring you to the iconic Wellington Cable Car. The five-minute ride on the historic track reveals some of the best views of the capital and the little ones will love the light show through the tunnels!
2) Frank Kitt's Park
Let the little ones burn off some steam at this popular waterfront park, with green space, a popular play area and Len Lye's kinetic sculpture the Water Whirler, there's something for everyone. Why not treat the kids, and yourself to some gelato from the Cafe Eis kiosk nearby?
3) Capital E
A short stroll from Bolton Hotel at Queen's Wharf is Wellington's hub for young children. Offering a range of activities throughout the year from open-ended creative play to performances.
4) Visit Te Papa
New Zealand's history, cultural treasures and art and natural environment are all explored through a host of interactive exhibits in our national museum. From the giant squid to the Quake House, there's something to capture everyone's attention. Keep an eye on their events page for holiday activities for the kids.
5) Cable Car Museum, Space Place and the Wellington Botanic Garden
Once you've reached the summit of Wellington's cable car and taken the obligatory photo from the viewing platform, be sure to explore the cable car museum.
Set over two floors in the cable-car's original winding house, the museum is home to the cable car's historic engineering, Grip Car No.3 (a restored late Victorian trolley) and the "Relentless Red Rattler," one of the infamous red cable cars used from 1950 to the late 70s.
The summit is also home to Space Place at Carter Observatory. Home to the historic Thomas Cooke telescope, Space Place is anything but old-fashioned, with a full-dome, digital planetarium and countless multimedia exhibits.
You'll also be at the top of the sprawling Botanic Garden, with a popular playground, rolling hills, bushwalks, learning garden and more.
Read our blog 'The View from the Top' for more to do and discover at the top of the Cable Car.
6) Waitangi Park
Another popular park with play areas, skate park, green space and the popular crocodile bike hire nearby.
7) Southern Cross
At the top of the vibrant Cuba Street you'll find the family-friendly Southern Cross eatery. With large outdoor area, a cosy fireplace inside and a large menu, the venue also offers a range of activities for kids.
8) Jumperama & Wellington Zoo
Venture a little further from the city centre to the vibrant suburb of Newtown and you'll find the ever-popular Wellington Zoo and Jumperama trampoline park, the ideal place to burn off some school holiday energy.
1) The Crab Shack
Just a short stroll to the waterfront at Queen's Wharf you'll find the family-friendly seafood restaurant The Crab Shack, the little ones will love the kids menu.
2) Beach Babylon
Soak up the retro beachside atmosphere at Beach Babylon. Take a seat inside for vintage 70's decorations or outside and watch the world go by along the waterfront. From coffees to cafe food and dinner, this popular eatery also offers a great kids menu.
3) Chocolate Fish Cafe
For those with a car, a drive around the bays is a must and the Chocolate Fish Cafe is a favourite stop for locals and tourists alike. The outdoor area is a great place to crash out on the cosy beanbags and their extensive menu has something for everyone, young and old.
4) Seashore Cabaret
Just a short drive from the city is charming Petone. Along with a varied high street, beautiful waterfront and the Petone Settler's museum, you'll find the ever-popular Seashore Cabaret. The high octane eatery housed in the Petone rowing club is a hugely popular brunch spot with vintage, industrial decor and a wide-ranging menu.
Looking for activities for all age ranges? Explore our ten recommendations for the little ones and big kids.