Whānau Fun
Things to do with kids that feel easy and genuinely enjoyable. Playful spaces, creative activities, and family-friendly experiences made with real life in mind. Dunedin is a great place to grow up and these spots help make memories along the way.
Insiders Extras
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Marlow Park, more affectionately known as Dinosaur Park, has been a whānau favourite in Dunedin for generations. Alongside all the classic park essentials, there’s an epic pump track, a learner bike track with kid-sized working pedestrian crossings, basketball courts, and plenty of space to roam. Bonus points for the location too - it sits right between the beach and a mini golf course, making it an easy win for a day out.
📍 7 John Wilson Ocean Drive, St Clair
More info: https://www.dunedinnz.com/insiders/marlow-park-dunedins-best-playground
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Tucked into the North East Valley, Chingford Park is one of Dunedin’s most beautiful and quietly impressive green spaces. Known for its towering exotic trees and wide open lawns, it’s a place where kids can play, dogs can roam, and tree lovers can linger. Wander past the old stables, cross the bridge over Lindsay’s Creek, spot birds along the water, or explore the short bush walk behind the grounds. With playgrounds, sports fields, picnic tables and plenty of shade, it’s an easy place to spend an afternoon without feeling like you’re still in the city.
📍 411 North Road, North East Valley
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One of those places that feels special every time you go. Native birds everywhere, wide paths that little legs can manage, and a real sense of being tucked away in nature even though you’re still close to town. Great for curious kids who love spotting birds and asking lots of questions.
📍 600 Blueskin Road, Waitati, Dunedin
Visit: https://orokonui.nz/
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A proper Dunedin classic. A bit of a walk (it’s pretty decent, just a heads up!), a lot of drama, and totally worth it. Kids love the sense of adventure heading down through the tunnel, and once you’re at the bottom it feels like you’ve discovered a secret beach. Best on a calm day and at low tide for rock pools and exploring.
📍 Tunnel Beach Road, Dunedin
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Big trees, shady tracks, picnic spots, and room to roam. It’s an easy win when you want to get outside without committing to a big mission. Good for scooters, short walks, or letting kids just wander and explore at their own pace.
📍 Bethunes Gully Road, Silverstream, Dunedin
More info: https://eservices.dunedin.govt.nz/facilities/facility/bethunes-gully
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A total crowd-pleaser. Playground, beach, sea air, and plenty of space to burn energy. Perfect for those days when you want options — swings and slides one minute, sand and shells the next. Bonus points for nearby cafés and fish and chips.
📍 St Clair Esplanade, St Clair, Dunedin
More info: https://eservices.dunedin.govt.nz/facilities/facility/esplanade
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Wide open space for running, biking, kicking balls, or laying out a picnic blanket. The creek paths feel calm and slightly hidden, and there’s always something to spot along the way. Great for mixed-age kids who all want something different.
📍 Logan Park Drive / Opoho Avenue, Dunedin
More info: https://eservices.dunedin.govt.nz/facilities/facility/logan-park
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An easy yes for families. Ducks, open lawns, shady paths, and a playground nearby make this a relaxed place to hang out without too much planning. Ideal for slow wandering, snack breaks, and letting kids lead the way.
📍 Great King Street West, Dunedin
More info: https://www.dunedinnz.com/visit/see-and-do/tours/activities/dunedin-botanic-garden
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Big dunes, wide beach, and that wild Otago Peninsula feeling. Kids love racing up and down the sand hills and finding treasures along the shore. It’s a bit of a walk in, but that’s half the fun.
📍 Sandfly Bay Road, Otago Peninsula, Dunedin
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The Dunedin City Council have a great interactive map of all of the cities playgrounds. Explore it here https://dunedin.maps.arcgis.com/apps/Shortlist/index.html?appid=7adf39a6c675479f9e4f94bc22e692e3