Tauranga is the place to be these July school holidays, with a jam-packed programme of events and activities for tamariki (children), rangatahi (youth), and whānau to enjoy. Whether your little one loves building robots, dancing under disco lights, baking, acting, crafting or chilling out with a good movie - there’s something for everyone.

Tauranga City Centre

Waterfront winter movie night
Rug up and enjoy a magical evening under the stars with a free family film screening right on the waterfront.
Fri 11 Jul, 5pm-7:30pm | Tauranga Waterfront

Glow kids silent disco
Dance like nobody's watching (and nobody can hear!) at this high-energy silent disco for kids in the heart of our city. Expect fun tunes, flashing lights, and good vibes only.
Two sessions | 4-5 Jul, 5pm-8pm | The Strand, Tauranga

Family fun at the libraries

Robot rumble
Calling all budding engineers! Battle bots, bowl with Spheros, tinker with Ozobots, and train your brain with coding games. A hands-on tech adventure for curious kids who love to build, play, and problem-solve.
Wed 2 Jul, 10am-12pm | Te Ao Mārama - Tauranga Library

Mystery & mayhem: Teen library party
Dare to enter the library after dark? Step into a night of spooky fun at the Tauranga Library! Solve a haunted maze, race in mummy relays, create eerie art, and enjoy chilling tales and tunes. Ages 11–17.
Sat 5 Jul, 5pm–7.30pm | Te Ao Mārama - Tauranga Library

Toi Tāniko
Design a colourful wall hanging inspired by traditional tāniko patterns and Māori storytelling. Perfect for 7–10-year-olds who love to create and explore culture through art.
Thu 3 Jul, 10:30am-11:30am | Te Ao Mārama - Mount Maunganui Library
Mon 7 Jul, 10.30am–11:30am | Te Ao Mārama - Greerton Library

Coastal keepsakes
Get creative with driftwood, shells, and string to craft your own beachy photo hanger. This fun, hands-on workshop is perfect for tweens and teens keen to bring a bit of the coast indoors.
Mon 30 Jun, 1pm–2pm | Te Ao Mārama - Pāpāmoa Library

At The Historic Village

Village Cinema movies
Stroll through boutique shops, grab a bite to eat, and settle in for a family-friendly movie at the Village Cinema. Catch favourites like:

• The Garfield Movie – Wed 2 Jul
• Wall-E – Thu 3 Jul
• Sing 2 – Wed 9 Jul
• The Incredibles – Thu 10 Jul

The Incubator creative workshops

Make it, sew it, paint it, or stitch it! Choose from an exciting range of hands-on workshops including:

• Why the face? Youth portrait drawing series – Mon 30 Jun & Mon 7 Jul
• Decorate Your Own Bedroom Sign – Tue 1 Jul
• Selfcare Sewing: Slippers – Wed 2 Jul
• Decorate a Treasure Box – Thu 3 Jul
• Mixed Media Cats & Dogs – Fri 4 Jul
• Circular Blooms – Fri 4 Jul
• Stitch Your Own Winter Mitts – Wed 9 Jul
• Mindful Mountains – Thu 10 Jul
• Autumn Leaves – Thu 10 Jul
• Campus Art Class – Thu 10 Jul

Village Hunt with Market & Main

From Monday, 30 June, tamariki can take part in a fun-filled Village Hunt! Pick up a clue sheet from Market & Main - the new café at The Historic Village - explore the Village to find the answers, then return your completed sheet for a free fluffy or kids’ hot chocolate.

Baycourt Community & Arts Centre

Illusionist Anthony Street 
From the creator of Celtic Illusion comes a spectacular magic show for all ages. Packed with mind-blowing illusions, surprises, and interactive moments, this family-friendly show will leave you wondering what's real.
Two shows | Tue 8 July, 2pm & 7pm | Baycourt Community & Arts Centre

Matariki Glow Show
The magical Matariki Glow Show is lighting up Baycourt these school holidays! This dazzling puppet show brings the stars of Matariki to life in a vibrant mix of te reo Māori and English. Filled with fun, friendship, and beautiful storytelling, it’s an inspiring experience for tamariki and whānau alike.
Two sessions | Wed 9 Jul, 10am & 11:30am | Baycourt Community & Arts Centre

More action & performance in the city

Revolution Skate Centre
Roll into the school holidays with indoor skating fun at Revolution Skate Centre, the new rink at Mercury Baypark! Open to all ages, sessions run across both weeks.
Mon 30 Jun & Mon 7 Jul 1pm-3pm, Wed 2 & Wed 9 Jul 1pm-3pm, Fri 4 & Fri 11 Jul 5pm-8pm, Sun 13 Jul 1-3pm

Mega inflatable fun at Baywave
Bounce, splash, and slide your way through the ultimate inflatable adventure! Enjoy four action-packed daily sessions.
Mon 30 Jun – Fri 11 Jul, 11am-3pm | Baywave

Sunny Side Up Children's Film Festival
A delightful selection of animated and live-action short films curated just for kids.
Two sessions | Thu 10 Jul, 10am-11:30am & 1pm-2:30pm | Graham Young Youth Theatre

BOPAS screen acting workshop
Learn from the pros in this exciting hands-on screen acting workshop for aspiring young performers.
Teens session | Fri 4 July, 10am-2pm | Bay of Plenty Actors Studio
8-12 yrs session | Tue 8 Jul, 10am-2pm | Bay of Plenty Actors Studio

School Holidays Tumble Time
Get the wriggles out with fun active play sessions at three great locations across Tauranga.
Mon 30 June | Pāpāmoa Sports & Rec Centre
4 sessions | 30 June, 2, 7 & 9 July | Haumaru Sport & Rec Centre
2 sessions | 1 & 4 July | Mercury Baypark 

Online fun

School holiday baking challenge
Whip up some fun these holidays with three free, family-friendly bake-alongs led by baking mentor Heather Kalisch. Watch live or catch the replay anytime in the Facebook group. Perfect for kids to take the lead in the kitchen - no experience needed.
Three sessions | 7,8 & 9 Jul, 11am-12:30pm | Online

With a packed line-up of events and activities happening across the city, there’s no shortage of ways to keep the kids entertained these school holidays. For a full list of school holiday events and booking details, visit What's On Tauranga.

Hosting a school holiday event? Check it meets our event criteria, then submit your listing here.

© Scoop Media