5 reasons to visit Stardome these school holidays in Auckland
If you’re looking for something fun, educational and easy to plan these holidays, Stardome Observatory is a great option for families.
Their school holiday programme includes a range of planetarium shows for different ages, plus a hands-on robotics workshop, so you can choose what suits your child best.
Here are five reasons to add it to your list this April.
1. Affordable and great value
Most school holiday planetarium shows are priced at $10 or $12 per session, depending on the programme.
It’s a simple way to plan a meaningful outing without it becoming too expensive, especially if you’re visiting more than once.
2. Shows for different ages and interests
The programme is thoughtfully designed with age groups in mind.
Younger children can enjoy gentle, shorter shows like The Accidental Astronauts (ages 3–6) and Perfect Little Planet (ages 3–9).
There are also options for older kids, including Astronaut (ages 8+) and The Great Solar System Adventure (ages 6+), as well as family-friendly shows like Moonbase: The Next Step.
3. A mix of space, science and storytelling
Not every show is purely about space facts.
Alongside space-themed experiences, there are programmes like T.REX and Dinosaurs of Antarctica, which bring in storytelling and different perspectives on science that many kids find especially engaging.
4. The full experience goes beyond the shows
A visit to Stardome isn’t just about the planetarium.
There’s a space gallery to explore, and a lovely shop with space-themed souvenirs and gifts.
If you’re visiting, it’s worth trying the freeze-dried ice cream. It’s surprisingly tasty and comes in a fun, unusual format that kids usually love, making it part of the experience rather than just a snack.
5. A hands-on robotics workshop option
For ages 7–14, there’s also a half-day robotics workshop where kids can build a LEGO Mars rover, learn about rover design and try basic coding.
Each workshop runs for around 4 hours and costs $60, making it a more immersive option if your child wants something more hands-on.
Good to know
- School holiday programmes run from early to mid April
- Each show has its own age recommendation
- Multiple dates are available for most sessions
- Booking ahead is recommended, especially during busy periods. You can view available sessions and book tickets on the Stardome website.
Photo by Freepik.