March 25, 2022
We’ve all been there, it’s raining outside, the kids have been cooped up and you’re looking for some good rainy day family activities. Queenstown has loads of wet weather options to keep you all busy!
Time Tripper
Always wanted to know what lies beneath the Lake? Suitable for all ages Time Tripper is New Zealand’s only underwater movie that takes you back 90 million years. From the age of the dinosaurs, you will be taken on a journey through the formation of the Southern Alps and The Remarkables, ending in present day Queenstown. After the show, you get 15 minutes of underwater viewing, where you can watch the feeding frenzy, where we feed the diving ducks, slinky eels and rainbow & brown trout. Kids love it!
Alpine Aqualand
Based at the Queenstown Events Centre in Frankton, the Alpine Aqualand is a great option for entertaining the kids and burning off some energy all year round. A leisure pool, lazy river, hydroslides, toddler pool, lap pool and an adults only hot pool, makes it perfect for all ages.
Site Trampoline
One of the best things about trampolining is that there is no height or age limit. Freestyling trampolining, mini bouncers, parkour and holiday programmes, there are loads of different options for different ages and stages. At Site you’ll find two massive supertramps, seven Olympic trampolines and a super fun tramp park with 30 interconnected trampolines and a walled tramp area. There’s also a foam pit and a super soft air bag to help you master new tricks.
Clip and Climb
A good way to burn off some of the children’s energy and an excellent workout for the adults, Clip n Climb is open to all from age 3+. There are loads of different climbs and levels to choose from, with no climbing experience necessary. Simply book in, turn up (in comfy clothes and closed toe shoes) receive a safety briefing then get on with the fun! Will you be brave enough to take on the Leap of Faith onto their flying trapeze or plunge down their vertical drop slide?
Ice Skating and Ice Bumper Cars
The Queenstown Ice Arena is the only place you’ll find ice bumper cars in the Southern Hemisphere. Located in the Queenstown Gardens, the Ice Arena has public skating available during the week. Family passes and ‘bump and skate’ combos are available. Cute snowmen and penguin skating aids are available for all ages, the preschoolers love them! Check out their website for seasonal opening dates.
Game Over
It’s game on at Game Over! Get up to speeds of 45km/h in one of Game Over’s electric go karts on their 290m indoor race track, challenging drivers of all levels! Juniors (aged 7 – 12) race separately to adults 13+ making it a good indoor activity for primary and high school kids. Not into go karting or the family too young? The Lazer Tag battle might be more suitable for the family (age 4+).
Got a dinosaur loving child? Go on a dinosaur hunt to find all their life size dinosaurs. Game Over also have a huge arcade with all the latest and greatest games suitable for both kids and adults, and excellent prizes to be won!
Odyssey Maze
Get lost in a world of amaze-ment at Odyssey Maze. Recommended for those 8 years and over, Odyssey is a dark sensory maze full of quirky, challenges, illusions, lighting effects, sound effects and strange sensations. The maze takes around 20-30 minutes with group discounts available.
Escape Quest
Best for children aged 7 and above (ages 7 – 14 are best with an accompanying adult) Escape Quest is an awesome immersive 1-1.5 hour activity.
Step into Queenstown in the 1860s and uncover murders, bank robberies, or discover gold in Escape Quest’s authentic, immersive themed rooms. Your goal is to try and escape in 60 minutes by cracking codes and solving puzzles.
The Bead Shop
Fun creative and affordable, The Bead Shop is popular with 5 – 12 year olds (and older) who want to make their own jewelry! Kids will have fun choosing their own beads and charms to make their very own necklace, bracelet or key charm. There’s also greenstone / pounamu available at reasonable prices.
Strike Bowl
Strike Bowl is more than just ten pin bowling, it’s also an entertainment center packed with a Timezone arcade, pool tables, air hockey and table soccer. Great for all ages, there’s a family combo rate, options for birthday parties, private hire, and a licensed bar with food made to order.
Indoor Playgrounds
Chipmunks
Free for under ones, and loads of entertainment for littlies, Chipmunks is a no brainer when it’s wet outside. An on-site café makes it the perfect spot for mums and dads to take a break and let the kids exhaust themselves on the giant slides, climbing towers and ball pits.
On a Budget
Mitre 10
Mitre 10 has a playground next to Columbus Coffee – contain the kids in the fully fenced playground while you get your coffee fix.
McDonald’s
McDonalds is always a hit with children, and the Frankton restaurant has a great indoor playground!
Bunnings
You can’t beat a visit to Bunnings – a fenced playground and bargain coffees & fluffies.
