Auckland offers a range of baby and toddler activities, from free library sessions and music groups to sensory play, dance and swimming.
For families with children aged 0–3, there are options to enjoy together across the city. Some offer a regular weekly group; others are an opportunity to try something new without joining a full course.
Here are some places to explore with your little one.
Free baby and toddler activities at Auckland Libraries
Auckland Libraries offers free sessions for young children and their parents or carers across Auckland. Programmes include Wriggle and Rhyme, Wā Pēpē Babytime and Rhymetime, bringing together songs, rhymes, actions and movement.
Babytime focuses on younger babies, while Wriggle and Rhyme commonly caters to children aged two and under. Rhymetime offers songs and actions for toddlers and preschoolers, with age guidance varying between sessions.
Library sessions are a useful option for a short outing with your child, with no course commitment. Many run during school terms, so check the individual listing before visiting during the holidays.
Sensory activities give babies and toddlers different sounds, textures and materials to explore. Auckland providers offer both guided classes with music and props and messy play sessions where children can follow their own interests.
Messy Rainbows
Messy Rainbows runs messy and sensory play sessions where children can explore textures, colours and materials at their own pace. There is no expectation that every child will join in straight away, making room for little ones who prefer to watch before getting involved.
The provider also runs Sensory with Sapphire, a separate guided class with songs, movement and interactive props, without the messy play. These give families a choice between hands-on messy exploration and a music-led sensory session.
For messy play, bring spare clothes and ask about materials in advance if your child has allergies.
Baby Sensory offers classes for babies from birth to 13 months, with music, movement, visual experiences and exploratory play. Parents and carers take part alongside their babies throughout the session.
Music groups offer songs and movement to enjoy together, often with time for children to play and parents to meet other families.
mainly music
mainly music runs weekly sessions for babies and young children with their parents or carers. Sessions usually include songs, actions and movement, followed by play and refreshments.
Groups are hosted by local churches and welcome all whānau. The play time after the music session gives parents a chance to chat and get to know other families.
Movement classes bring together physical play, music and activities for children who enjoy being active. Depending on the programme, parents may help their children use equipment or join in with songs and dance.
Flow Academy of Motion
Flow Academy of Motion offers Flow Toddlers classes with music, dance and equipment-based activities. The sessions focus on active play and developing physical skills, with opportunities to explore different ways of moving.
Flow Toddlers is for children aged 1–3½, and families can book a free trial.
babyballet introduces young children to dance through movement, play and song. Its Tots and Tinies classes involve parents and carers, so families take part together.
With schools across Auckland, it offers an introduction to dance for babies and toddlers. Available stages and trial arrangements depend on the local school.
Toddler Sense combines sensory experiences, active play and themed adventures for toddlers. The sessions suit children ready for more movement and exploration alongside sensory play.
Swimming programmes offer a regular pool activity for young children and their carers, with groups based on age and water experience.
Fulton Swim School
Fulton Swim School offers baby swimming lessons with an adult taking part in the water. Its baby programme introduces families to swimming activities together, with different groups for younger and older babies.
SwimTastic offers baby and toddler swimming groups, with an adult accompanying the child in the water. Its programme has several levels, from young babies through to toddlers gaining more confidence in the pool.
Before booking swimming lessons, check swim nappy requirements, changing facilities and the policy for missed sessions.
Play and parent groups at Playcentre
Playcentre offers early childhood education where parents and whānau stay and play alongside their children. Families can explore different play activities while becoming part of a regular local community.
Its infant programmes include Space, with weekly play experiences and facilitated conversations about parenting, and Babies Can Play, which brings older babies and their parents together for play and discussion at selected centres.
Contact your local centre about visiting, available programmes and what is involved in joining.
Alongside regular classes, Auckland has family spaces and activities for a change of scene.
Auckland Art Gallery
Te Aka Matua | The Creative Learning Centre at Auckland Art Gallery is a free family space with hands-on activities. Toddlers can explore with help from an adult, without signing up for a weekly programme.
The activities change, so check what is on when planning your visit.
Tamariki Time at Auckland Zoo offers wildlife stories and themed activities for children under five. It can be included in a zoo outing for toddlers who enjoy animals and stories.
A zoo ticket or membership is required, with an optional koha for the session.
Explore more baby and toddler activities in Auckland
Whether you are looking for a weekly class, a free local outing or somewhere to meet other families, there are activities across Auckland to enjoy with your little one.
