Activity ideas & tools

Winter activities to keep children active

Your child can still be physically active even if it’s cold or wet outside.

Why play is important

Play is key to your child’s learning, development, confidence and wellbeing. Unstructured, free play is the best type of play for young children.

Preschoolers at play

Play is how preschoolers (3-5 years) learn, experiment and solve problems. It’s important to follow your child’s interests when you and your preschooler play.

Toys and games for children

Toys and games for kids – how do you know what’s best? Finding toys that your child will enjoy and learn from is about understanding which play ideas suit which age.

Movement and play: Toddlers

Play is good for toddler movement and motor skills development. Toddlers (1-3 years) are naturally active, especially as they get better at climbing, running and jumping.

Be pool safe

New Zealanders love the water. Swimming is a fun activity for the whole family but remember to be pool safe. Here's what you need to know to keep young children safe near swimming pools.

Growing your own veggies

Growing your own vegetables from seed is a fun spring time activity that doesn't need to be expensive. Packets of seeds are affordable from your local garden shop or supermarket. You can even use seeds from vegetables such as pumpkins and tomatoes if you dry them out! Try using old egg cartons or toilet paper rolls (with the base covered) as containers to grow the seeds in.

Tips for getting kids more active

Being active is fun and has lots of benefits for the whole family.

Let’s play every day

‘Let’s play every day’ promotes the importance of active play for children under five by encouraging parents and whānau to play with their children – every day.

The importance of active play

Active play helps kids with coordination, balance, motor skills and using up their energy, which in turn helps to promote better sleeping habits.

The benefits of exercise

Active children are healthy, happy and sleep better.

Winter time occasional sun - what does this mean for me and vitamin D?

When it's winter in New Zealand (May to August), the good news is that the risk of sun damage is very low.