The best indoor playgrounds Auckland has on offer
If you’re looking for the very best indoor playgrounds Auckland has, you’ve come to the right place!
We’ve spoken to a wide range of parents and have found the most amazing local all-weather play spaces, ensuring your whole family can enjoy your next day out. Whether you’re a local looking to entertain the kids, or a visitor keen for some wet-weather fun, this article is for you.
Auckland has a wealth of fun things to do, even for the littlest members of your whānau. One all-time family favourite is an exciting and challenging indoor play area.
These play spaces have a wide range of benefits for children and adults alike.
Indoor playgrounds in Auckland allow your children to have fun and socialise with others. With so many children in one space, you can be confident that your kids will likely make a new friend or two.
In addition, indoor activities are a great option for entertaining your kids, whatever the weather. Every Aucklander knows that the city is, at times, known for its rain – that doesn’t need to stop your fun though.
These indoor playgrounds also offer a clean, safe environment for your children to play in whilst you relax.
All of the centres mentioned below include a cafe or on-site catering option, making it easy to sit back and enjoy a tasty treat or coffee whilst the kids run off some energy.
Finally, there is no doubt that exercise is great for both physical health and mental well-being. Each of these indoor playgrounds allows kids to physically challenge themselves in a safe and supportive environment.
We’re sure you’ll agree that a visit to one of Auckland’s indoor playgrounds is a win-win situation for everyone involved!
Please note: For hygiene and safety reasons, children are required to wear non-slip socks on all playgrounds listed in this article. Please bring your own or purchase a pair upon entry.
Epic Indoor Playgrounds in Auckland!
Each of the following indoor playgrounds comes highly recommended by local families. They also have a range of fantastic features, making each one unique.
To make life easy, we’ve grouped those in similar locations together for you.
Indoor Playgrounds Auckland-Wide
Chipmunks Playland & Café – Auckland-wide
Chipmunks Playland & Café offers hours of fun for your young ones! This playground is suitable for children aged 0-11 years old – there are so many places to jump, run, climb and slide!
The playground is designed to develop your children’s social, motor and cognitive skills, with engaging activities and bright-coloured surroundings.
Multi-level structures provide plenty of variety for children’s play; they’ll want to spend all day there!
One of the first indoor playgrounds to come to New Zealand, this international brand is still a favourite amongst Kiwi.
Dining at Chipmunks
Charlie’s Café, located on-site, has a menu packed with family favourites such as burgers and pizzas. They also sell healthier options such as their fresh gourmet salad and chicken wrap and have a kids’ menu with chicken nuggets and sandwiches.
Keep an eye on your children playing whilst seated and drinking a piping-hot coffee.
Related: The best burgers in Auckland | The most unique burgers in Auckland | The best cafes in Auckland.
Birthday Parties at Chipmunks Playland
Chipmunks Playland & Café has three birthday packages, providing access for up to 8 children (including the birthday child) and room hire for one hour. If you want to make it an extra special birthday, opt for extras such as a visit from Charlie Chipmunk or adult platters.
Birthday party theme options include choices like princesses, pirates, superheroes, astronauts and jungle explorers… all of the favourites you’d expect.
Chipmunks Playgrounds are also available for private venue hire (up to 50 children), including use of the playgrounds for 2.5 hours with a sound system and microphone to entertain your guests.
Recommended Chipmunks Playground Sites
- Chipmunks Playground & Café New Lynn: 6/2 Margan Avenue, New Lynn, Auckland 0600
- Chipmunks Playground & Café Whangaparaoa: Coast Plaza Level 4/719 Whangaparaoa Road, Arkles Bay, Whangaparāoa 0930
- Chipmunks Playground & Café Pakūranga: 241 Ti Rakau Drive, Burswood, Auckland 2013
Central Auckland Indoor Playgrounds
Popking Kids Indoor Playground – Mt Albert
There is plenty of space to play around in at Popking Kids Indoor Playground. Impeccably themed, it’s a real favourite amongst Aucklanders.
In their multilevel playground, kids will explore high and low areas, play in the ball pit, and jump on fenced trampolines.
There’s even a roleplaying village with a restaurant and gas pumps to encourage your children to play creatively!
Popking Kids Indoor Playground also gives your kid to show off their artistic side. How about creating their own DIY mug or bringing home a T-shirt with a funny photo of your kid on it?
Best of all, as it’s situated in the St Lukes’ Shopping Area, Popking Kids Indoor Playground is a good option for entertaining your young ones after you’ve done the shopping.
Dining at this Indoor Playground
If you get hungry while you’re watching your children play, their on-site cafe sells meals such as fish and chips, or, if you want to go for a healthier option, a seasonal chicken or calamari salad.
Yum!
Birthday Parties at Popking Kids Indoor Playground
Popking offers two rooms for party hire which are both available for up to one hour. They’re great for larger-sized parties! The small room seats up to 15 kids while the large room fits up to 36.
The minimum guest number is 10 children whilst the room hire price includes snacks and drinks for the kids, making it an affordable way to celebrate special occasions.
Popking Kids Indoor Playground is available for private hire from 6 pm to 8 pm, with catering and party decorations as optional extras.
2B Wagener Place, St Lukes, Auckland 1025
Phone: 09-600 2488
North Shore Indoor Play Spaces
My Wonderland – Albany
My Wonderland has a five-level megastructure playground and is suitable for children aged 0-11 years old. There’s so much for the whole family to do there!
Their playground features indoor soft play, slides, tunnels and a ball pit. Its colourfulness will keep your kids stimulated and excited to play.
With five levels, there’s plenty for them to explore!
The On-site Cafe
My Wonderland serves great coffee at their on-site cafe.
You’ll be able to relax while watching your children play!
Birthday Parties at My Wonderland
Children’s party packages include a gift bag for the birthday child, snacks for guests to share, two adult passes per family and a free pass for when you return. The party room is available for one hour and seats a minimum of 8 guests.
Private venue hire is available from 5 pm to 8 pm on weekdays and 6 pm to 9 pm on weekends – up to a maximum of 80 guests.
3/63 Corinthian Drive, Albany, Auckland 0632
Phone: 020 496 6337
Magic Loft – Browns Bay
Magic Loft offers oodles of fun in a huge space for children aged 0-12 years old. In fact, it is the largest indoor playground Auckland has!
There are dedicated zones for each play area; choose from ball pits, trampolines, jumping on a trampoline or completing an obstacle course in Ninja Warrior. There is even a racing track with go-karts!
With a number of exciting challenges, Magic Loft is especially well-suited to older children looking to push their boundaries in a safe environment. Though it is just as well equipped for youngsters!
This really is one of the best indoor playgrounds in the City of Sails.
Eating at Magic Loft
Parents can watch their children while snacking on delicious cabinet food at Magic Loft’s cafe.
They have a wide range of options available, catering to a range of palettes.
Birthday Parties at Magic Loft
Their party packages include room hire for an hour (for at least 8 children), party gear, a Magic Loft gift box for the birthday child, and a party meal and drink for each guest.
For private functions, you will have access to the playground and seating area of the cafe for three hours. Private venue hire includes access for up to 50 children, with an option for self-catering.
50 Anzac Road, Browns Bay, Auckland 0630
Phone: 09-280 1555
Wow Site Playground – Rosedale
The newly-established Wow Site Playground is one of the largest indoor playgrounds in Auckland.
Suitable for children aged 1-10 years old, your kids will have fun playing on slides and jumping around in ball pits.
They have a variety of themed spaces, with their crocheted nest being a real highlight.
Eating at Wow Site Playground
The cafe at Wow Site Playground offers an all-day menu packed with delicious food options. Snack on dukkah smashed avocado, bao buns, and even a beef and bacon burger. There’s a children’s menu too, with choices your kids are sure to love.
Birthday Parties at Wow Site Playground
There you’ll find four different party packages – make your choice depending on the type of food the children might like. A Lego Party (which includes a 1-hour lego course) is also available as a fifth option.
Each package allows entry for seven children, party room hire for 1.5 hours, and unlimited admission to the playground for the day.
17 Ride Way, Rosedale, Auckland 0632
Phone: 09-414 4558
Indoor Playgrounds in East Auckland
Hippo Playground & Cafe – Botany Downs
Hippo Playground has a wide variety of places for your children to play – from ball pits to trampolines and rock climbing to a giant human-claw game, it’s a fantastic space to spend the day.
Their facilities are clean and state-of-the-art, too!
Hippo Playground also has a programme for school holiday activities, so your children will have the opportunity to learn and have fun even while they’re out of school!
School holiday programmes include the likes of LEGO STEAM with daily themes your kids are sure to find something they like!
Check with them to see what their current programme offers.
Hippo Playground is clean and tidy and staff put a lot of effort into keeping it that way. It’s great for kids of all ages as they cater for everyone. The biggest draw card is the human claw machine – it’s a huge hit! It has lovely cafe food as well.
Kylie – Auckland Mum
Dining at Hippo Cafe
Try some of the eye-catching, mouth-watering sweet treats at the Hippo Cafe.
They look too good to eat!
In addition to standout desserts, the menu is packed with brunch items too. They also offer plenty of choices for vegetarians and vegans.
Birthday Parties at Hippo Playground
The party room at Hippo Playground is available for up to 1 hour and provides seating for eight children.
Room hire includes unlimited access to the playground for up to 30 children.
The package offer provides a goodie box, food and a bottle of juice.
Private venue hire allows the use of the playground for three hours (available between 6.00 pm and 9.00 pm).
451 Ti Rakau Drive, Huntington Park, Auckland 2013
Phone: 09-265 1288
Neverland Kids Indoor Playground – Burswood, Botany Downs
At Neverland Playground, your kids will never get tired of playing on all the trampolines, in the ball pits or crawling up the velcro walls!
If they do, there’s always a game of catch to play with giant balls.
This new playground is a favourite amongst locals and is well worth the trip from out of town.
Eating At Neverland Kids Indoor Playground
Neverland Playground offers delights such as spare ribs with hoisin sauce or sweet and sour chicken (or tofu) with rice.
We suggest you finish your meal off with some bubble tea – one of the most popular items at the cafe.
Outside food is allowed to be brought in too, allowing you to keep costs down should you choose.
Birthday Parties At Neverland Kids Indoor Playground
Their party room seats up to 8 children and is available for up to 1.5 hours.
As part of the party package, the birthday child receives a free pass for future visits to Neverland Playground and has unlimited use of the playground on the day of the party.
Photography for the event is available as an optional extra. Make sure you capture those memories!
Neverland Kids Indoor Playground is available for venue hire for three hours and has a capacity for 80 people. There’s a sound system for entertaining your guests and full on-site cafe service is available.
7/295 Ti Rakau Drive, Burswood, Auckland 2013
Phone: 09 975 0807
Extreme Edge Climb Zone- Panmure
Extreme Edge, an indoor climbing centre, offers plenty of fun for both the young and the young at heart! It’s got something for all ages 0-92!
There are over 200 rock climbing courses at this facility, so you are sure to find something suitable regardless of your skill level. The building is four stories high, so even the most experienced climbers will be challenged.
Completing a climb successfully will give you a real sense of achievement and you’ll have bragging rights to your friends.
Safety is also priority number one at Extreme Edge. Staff will train you how to use their equipment and provide belay training.
This place is perfect for family outings and children’s birthday parties.
For younger children, the Adventureland playground offers a play area full of tunnels, slides and swing bridges. There’s even a pirate ship to explore!
Extreme Edge is a great place for socialising, too. Compete with your colleagues on the speed wall or take advantage of the team-building instruction.
If you’re looking to improve your rock climbing skills, lead clinics are held on Mondays and Wednesdays. Private coaching is also available for fine-tuning those rope skills and developing techniques.
Pro Tip: Save yourself time upon entry by signing the waiver online before you go to their classes and coaching sessions.
Eating At Extreme Edge
Extreme Edge allows for outside food to be brought in and enjoyed in the centre of the facility. This allows you to save money on catering which is a real bonus!
Snacks and refreshments are also available from the onsite cafe should you prefer.
Birthday Parties
Extreme Edge offer discounts for birthday bookings.
There are two party areas available. The standard party area requires a minimum of 10 climbers and seats 16 people, whilst the large party area requires a minimum of 16 climbers and seats 16-26 people. Party area bookings are for two hours.
As for food, Extreme Edge can arrange for Hell Pizza to be delivered, or will allow you to bring your own food! This can help to keep your costs down.
32 Morrin Road, Panmure, Auckland 1072
Phone: 09 574 5677
East and South Auckland
Gravity – Mt. Wellington and Manukau
Head to Gravity for some gravity-defying fun! You’ll be literally bouncing off the walls at this trampoline park.
A network of connected trampolines means you’ll jump and flip to your heart’s content.
Test your strength and skills on the ninja course (Mt Wellington only), or try out some base jumps and splits on the Olympic trampoline (coming soon to Manukau).
Gravity is also great for other sports. Practice your slam dunk on the basketball hoop or get your mates together for a game of trampoline dodgeball.
For younger children, there is an under 5’s area for them to jump on trampolines, play with colourful toys or draw on the walls. They can socialise with other children and burn off some of that energy at the same time!
Eating At Gravity
Gravity has barista-trained staff ready to serve you the perfect cup of coffee. Just sit back and relax while watching your children play and show you the new tricks they’ve learned.
Birthday Parties at Gravity
Unlike other venues on this list, there is no set age limit or number of guests allowed for a party at Gravity. You just need to advise an approximate number of guests to Gravity and then confirm the final numbers on the day!
Party area hire includes two hours use of the party area (with an extra half an hour allowed for preparation).
Choose between four party areas at the Mt Wellington venue or two party areas at the Manukau venue. These can seat anywhere between 12 and 50 people.
The party areas come pre-decorated with a tablecloth and balloons. Please bring your own cups, plates and food or order pizza.
5a Ronwood Avenue, Manukau City Centre, Auckland 2104: Phone 09-262 2463
77B Morrin Road, St Johns, Auckland 1072: Phone 09-527 0524
Whether you have little kids or big ones, you’re sure to keep them entertained with each of these playgrounds.
Which will you pay a visit to first?
Guest post by Sarah Ingleton.
