Taupō's top entertainment hub: bowling, slides, trampolines, Ninja course, arcade, playground, dining, and more—all in one place!
Family
Looking for family activities in Taupō? This is your comprehensive guide to family entertainment. Taupō offers diverse family-friendly activities, attractions, and facilities ensuring memorable experiences for all ages. From lakefront recreation and water activities to parks, playgrounds, and educational attractions, the region provides abundant opportunities for quality family time through active outdoor adventures, educational experiences, and relaxed recreation in beautiful surroundings.
The lakefront provides focal point for family activities with swimming beaches, playgrounds, and walking paths. Adventure activities are available at various intensity levels suiting different ages. Parks throughout town offer free recreation with well-maintained playgrounds. Educational attractions combine learning with entertainment. The stunning natural setting enhances family experiences with lake views and surrounding landscapes creating beautiful backdrops for family memories.
Our directory connects you with Taupō's family activities, attractions, playgrounds, and services supporting family entertainment. Whether you're local family seeking weekend activities, tourists exploring with children, or visiting extended family, you'll find comprehensive information about family-friendly options throughout Taupō ensuring enjoyable experiences for all ages with activities ranging from lakefront recreation to adventure experiences creating positive family memories in this spectacular lakeside destination.
Spotlight Family Listings
Featured Family Listings
38 SOUTH - GREATLAKE ADVENTURES
Welcome to 38 South Taupō, where luxury meets adventure on the crystal-clear waters of Lake Taupō.
AC BATHS TAUPO
Dive into family fun at Taupo AC Baths: outdoor pool, hydroslides, thermal pools, sauna, café. Open daily!
CANOE & KAYAK TAUPO
Welcome to Canoe & Kayak Taupo! Your hub for kayaking tours, courses, fishing expertise, and gear.
CHRIS JOLLY OUTDOORS
Your premier destination for trout fishing, scenic cruises, private events, and more on stunning Lake Taupo!
CONFINEMENT ESCAPE ROOMS TAUPŌ
Step into the world of mystery and adventure at Confinement Escape Rooms Taupō, the ultimate destination for puzzle enthusiasts and thrill-seekers!
LAKEFUN TAUPŌ
Lakefun Taupō: Boat, jetski, kayak rentals, guided fishing trips for the ultimate lake adventure experience!
Lions Express Train Taupo
Experience Tongariro South Domain's scenic railway by Taupo Lions Club, only $2 per ride, weather permitting!
LOLOMA CHARTERS - GREATLAKE ADVENTURES
Welcome to Loloma Taupō, a beautifully restored 42-foot classic charter vessel built right here in Taupō and operated by Great Lake Adventures.
McDonald's TAUPŌ
Discover McDonald's Taupō: dine-in, drive-thru, takeaway, with unique DC3 Airplane dining. Open 24/7, free Wi-Fi, McCafe, Playland.
MIND JUNCTION ACTIVITY PARK
Welcome to Mind Junction Activity Park, one of Taupō’s must-visit, all-weather attractions where fun, learning, and adventure come together in one exciting destination.
MT RUAPEHU - WHAKAPAPA & TUROA
Welcome to Mount Ruapehu, home to Whakapapa and Turoa Skifields.
ORAKEI KORAKO CAVE & THERMAL PARK
NZ's most active geothermal park with 23 natural geysers. Includes ferry ride, valley, cave access.
SAIL BARBARY TAUPŌ
Taupo's premier electric yacht tour to Maori Rock Carvings. Join daily cruises or book private charters. Experience the best of Lake Taupō!
STARLIGHT CINEMA *CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE*
Starlight Cinema Centre Taupo: Independent cinema offering luxurious movie experiences, games, and treats.
TAUPŌ DEBRETTS HOLIDAY PARK
Experience ultimate relaxation at Taupō DeBretts Spa Resort with historic hot springs, Living Waters Spa, and award-winning accommodation.
TAUPŌ DEBRETTS HOT SPRINGS
Welcome to Taupō DeBretts Hot Springs, the ultimate destination for relaxation and family fun in the heart of Taupō.
TAUPŌ INTERNATIONAL MOTORSPORT PARK AND EVENTS CENTRE
Taupō's premier venue, offering events, track days
TAUPO KAYAK ADVENTURES
Discover Taupo Kayak Adventures: Scenic lake tours, river adventures, and land excursions. Unforgettable experiences for all.
TAUPO MINI GOLF
Welcome to Taupo Mini Golf, the only 18-hole Mini Golf course in Taupo. We are locally owned and operated.
TAUPŌ MUSEUM
Discover Taupō Museum: Unveiling Taupo's past and present through captivating exhibits and the award-winning Ora Garden.
TAUPŌ TANDEM SKYDIVING
Experience the ultimate adrenaline rush with Taupo Tandem Skydiving! Soar above the breathtaking landscapes of Lake Taupō and the stunning Central Plateau as you free-fall from up to 16,500 feet.
TAUPO THERMAL SPRINGS
Welcome to Taupō Thermal Springs — your peaceful, adults-only haven right in the heart of Taupō.
TAUPŌ'S FLOATPLANE
Taupō Floatplane: Unforgettable scenic flights over Tongariro, Bay of Plenty, and Great Lake Taupō.
THE CAVE TAUPO
The Cave Taupo: Premier VR experiences, racing simulators, and escape rooms. Perfect for groups and events.
THE DROPZONE
Drop Zone: Taupō's top indoor fun spot with bowling, ninja course, arcade, trampoline park, and more!
THE KINLOCH CLUB TAUPO
Golf at The Kinloch Club featurest the only Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course to be built in New Zealand.
TWO MILE BAY SAILING CLUB
Welcome to Two Mile Bay Sailing Club: Pizza, live music, and watersports on stunning Lake Taupo. Book now!
WAIPAHIHI BOTANICAL GARDENS
Waipahihi Botanical Gardens are located at the top of Shepherd Road, Taupo and are open daily until dusk for visitors to enjoy.
WALKING TRACKS TAUPŌ
Explore the stunning walking tracks in Taupō, offering everything from scenic lakeside strolls to adventurous forest and alpine hikes for all fitness levels.
Family Map
Lakefront Playgrounds and Parks
Taupō's lakefront features excellent playgrounds and parks with spectacular lake views. Modern playgrounds include age-appropriate equipment from toddler areas to challenging structures for older children. The lakefront location provides beautiful settings for family recreation. Open spaces allow ball games and active play. Picnic facilities support family meals outdoors. The flat, accessible paths suit pushchairs and all mobility levels. Toilets and amenities add convenience. Free access makes lakefront recreation economically accessible. The combination of playgrounds, lake views, and facilities creates ideal family environments. Whether you're seeking free entertainment, active play in beautiful settings, or pleasant outdoor spaces for family relaxation, lakefront playgrounds and parks provide excellent facilities in spectacular locations supporting diverse family activities with well-maintained equipment and facilities.
Lake Swimming and Beaches
Lake Taupō provides excellent family swimming opportunities. Several beaches offer safe swimming with gentle entries suitable for children. The freshwater lake provides unique swimming experiences. Summer water temperatures are pleasant for extended swimming. Sandy beaches suit building sandcastles and beach play. Some areas feature designated swimming zones. The clear water enhances swimming experiences. Lifeguard patrols operate at some beaches during peak periods. Surrounding facilities include playgrounds and amenities. Whether you're teaching children to swim, seeking refreshing summer activities, or wanting safe water-based family recreation, Taupō's lake beaches provide excellent swimming environments in beautiful settings with generally safe conditions and facilities supporting enjoyable aquatic experiences for families throughout warmer months.
Cycling and Walking Paths
Family-friendly paths provide easy cycling and walking suitable for all ages. The lakefront paths offer flat, sealed routes with spectacular views. Distances are manageable for children with various options for shorter or longer routes. The Great Lake Trail sections near town provide easy cycling experiences. Bike hire includes children's bikes and trailer options. Paths accommodate pushchairs and mobility aids. The scenic nature makes exercise enjoyable. Playgrounds and attractions along routes provide destinations and breaks. Whether you're introducing children to cycling, seeking active family outings, or wanting easy exercise in beautiful settings, Taupō's accessible paths provide excellent infrastructure for family cycling and walking with flat, well-maintained routes offering spectacular scenery and appropriate distances for various ages and fitness levels.
Water Sports and Activities
Family-friendly water activities provide exciting lake-based experiences. Kayaking suits families with stable boats and calm water areas. Stand-up paddleboarding offers fun challenges for older children and adults. Some operators provide family-specific sessions or equipment. Boat hire allows family exploration of the lake. Swimming and water play remain most accessible water activities. Safety equipment is provided with hire services. Instruction is available for those learning new water sports. Whether you're adventurous families seeking water sports experiences, wanting to introduce children to paddle activities, or simply enjoying time on the water, Taupō's water activity options provide diverse opportunities from gentle paddle experiences to more exciting water sports in beautiful lake settings with appropriate instruction and equipment.
Adventure Activities
Family-friendly adventure activities provide exciting experiences at appropriate levels. Bungy jumping suits older children and adults seeking extreme thrills. Jet boating offers high-speed excitement suitable for most ages. Scenic flights provide spectacular views without physical demands. Mini golf offers gentle competitive fun for all ages. Some activities have minimum age or height requirements ensuring safety. The variety ensures finding suitable options for different family members. Whether you're seeking exciting shared experiences, introducing children to adventure activities, or wanting diverse entertainment options, Taupō's adventure offerings provide varied opportunities with different intensity levels ensuring appropriate activities for various ages and comfort zones creating memorable family experiences combining thrills with safety.
Museums and Educational Attractions
Educational attractions provide enriching indoor experiences. Museums showcase local history, geology, and culture through engaging displays. Interactive exhibits capture children's attention whilst providing educational content. Volcanic and geothermal explanations teach about Taupō's unique landscape. Historical displays cover local heritage. Educational programmes might include workshops or activities. Museum visits provide weather-proof entertainment. Admission is typically affordable with family pricing available. Whether you're seeking educational family outings, indoor entertainment, or wanting to teach children about Taupō's unique environment and history, museums and educational attractions provide engaging experiences combining learning with entertainment through thoughtfully designed displays and programmes making education enjoyable for all ages.
Playgrounds Throughout Town
Taupō features numerous playgrounds distributed throughout residential areas. Modern equipment meets safety standards with regular maintenance. Age-appropriate sections cater to toddlers through older children. Some playgrounds include specialised features like flying foxes or climbing walls. Adjacent parks provide open spaces for ball games. Barbecue facilities at some locations support family gatherings. The distribution ensures local access regardless of accommodation location. Free access makes playground visits economically accessible. Whether you're seeking convenient local recreation, free entertainment, or active play opportunities for energetic children, Taupō's extensive playground network provides excellent facilities throughout town ensuring accessible family recreation in well-maintained environments with varied equipment suiting different ages and abilities.
Geothermal Attractions
Geothermal features provide unique educational experiences showcasing Taupō's volcanic landscape. Accessible thermal areas display bubbling mud, steaming vents, and hot springs. Boardwalks allow safe viewing of spectacular features. Educational signage explains geological processes. The unique nature fascinates children and adults. Some thermal areas offer bathing opportunities in naturally heated water suitable for families. The educational value combines natural science with spectacular displays. Whether you're teaching children about geology, experiencing unique natural phenomena, or seeking distinctive attractions, geothermal sites provide extraordinary experiences showcasing Taupō's remarkable volcanic environment through safely accessible facilities presenting natural wonders in educational formats suitable for families.
Indoor Entertainment
Indoor facilities provide entertainment during poor weather or as activity alternatives. Cinemas screen family films with appropriate session times. Indoor recreation centres might offer various activities. Bowling provides friendly competitive family entertainment. Shopping areas include facilities keeping children occupied. The variety ensures finding indoor activities during any weather. Climate-controlled environments provide comfort during temperature extremes. Whether you're seeking rainy day alternatives, avoiding extreme weather, or simply wanting indoor entertainment variety, Taupō's indoor options provide reliable family experiences ensuring enjoyable family time regardless of weather conditions through diverse facilities offering entertainment suitable for various ages and interests.
School Holiday Programmes
School holiday programmes provide structured entertainment during break periods. Libraries, community centres, and recreational facilities offer activities, workshops, and events. Programmes might include sports activities, arts and crafts, educational workshops, or entertainment. Many activities are free or reasonably priced. Age-appropriate grouping ensures suitable content. Programmes provide parents with alternatives during holidays whilst keeping children engaged and active. Some attractions offer special holiday events or pricing. Whether you're working parents needing holiday care, seeking structured activities, or wanting to ensure children remain engaged during breaks, holiday programmes provide organised, supervised activities ensuring entertaining, educational experiences throughout school holiday periods through varied programmes catering to different ages and interests.






























