School holidays are a good opportunity for children to spend time painting, making things and experimenting with materials they might not use at school.
Auckland has several art centres and creative organisations offering holiday workshops, from drawing and ceramics to sewing, sculpture and filmmaking. Some run full-day programmes, while others focus on shorter sessions built around a particular project.
Here are four places to explore for the next school holidays.
TAPAC Holiday Programmes
Location: Western Springs, Auckland Age: 5–17 years, depending on programme
TAPAC (The Auckland Performing Arts Centre) is a little different from a traditional art studio. Its holiday programmes focus on performing and screen-based arts, including acting, circus skills and filmmaking.
For example, its Make a Movie workshop gives children aged 8 and over the opportunity to develop characters, write scripts, act and direct scenes on camera. Participants work together to create a short film, which they can share with their families afterwards.
Other holiday workshops may explore movement, storytelling or different performance techniques.
TAPAC is worth considering for children who enjoy creating stories, experimenting with characters or working on a project with others rather than focusing on drawing or painting.
holiday programme
TAPAC
Circus Arts (Ages 8+) December
Auckland
Mon, 21 Dec 2026
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
2 days
$70.00
per day
Ages 8-15
holiday programme
TAPAC
Santa's Crafting Workshop (Ages 5-7)
Auckland
Mon, 21 Dec 2026
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
$70.00
per programme
Ages 5-7
Creative Matters Holiday Art Workshops
Location: Multiple Auckland locations Age: 5–13 years
Creative Matters runs full-day art workshops where children work on creative projects using different materials and techniques.
Each day follows a particular art theme. Previous workshops have included mosaics, three-dimensional sculptures, imaginative landscapes and mixed-media artwork.
The workshops are developed by qualified educators and taught by practising artists and experienced teachers. Rather than asking every child to produce an identical piece, the sessions encourage participants to interpret the theme and make their own creative choices.
Practical details: Workshops typically run from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, with a maximum of 13 children per educator. Materials are supplied unless a particular project requires children to bring a recycled item.
Creative Matters is particularly suited to children who enjoy spending time on a detailed art project and exploring their own ideas.
Locations and workshop themes change between holiday periods.
Mairangi Arts Centre School Holiday Programme
Location: 20 Hastings Road, Mairangi Bay, North Shore Age: 5–17 years, depending on workshop
Mairangi Arts Centre offers day-long holiday art classes covering a range of visual art techniques.
Children can choose from activities such as painting, drawing, ceramics, textiles, jewellery-making, comic design and mixed-media projects, depending on the holiday schedule.
The variety makes it a useful option for children who already have a particular interest. Someone who enjoys drawing characters might prefer a comic-design workshop, while a child interested in making physical objects could try clay or jewellery-making.
Each workshop has its own theme and age requirements, so families can choose individual sessions based on what their child wants to explore.
UXBRIDGE Holiday Art Workshops
Location: 35 Uxbridge Road, Howick, East Auckland Age: Varies by workshop
UXBRIDGE Arts & Culture offers school holiday workshops built around specific creative projects.
Past programmes have included painting on canvas, decorating tote bags, creating glow-in-the-dark artwork and experimenting with sculpture and mixed media.
For the January 2027 school holidays, announced workshops include Sew It, Sling It, Style It! and Sew a Funky Cushion, where children can practise sewing techniques while making something to take home.
Unlike a general full-day holiday programme, many UXBRIDGE workshops focus on completing one project during a shorter session. Some holidays also include options combining morning and afternoon workshops.
This format may suit children who want to try a particular technique without committing to several days of classes.
Which Art Holiday Programme Should You Choose?
Each organisation offers a slightly different experience:
For full-day visual art projects: Creative Matters focuses on exploring techniques and developing individual ideas.
For drawing, ceramics and mixed media: Mairangi Arts Centre offers a variety of art forms and project themes.
For shorter, project-based workshops: UXBRIDGE has options such as sewing, painting and craft activities.
For filmmaking and performing arts: TAPAC offers an alternative for children who prefer storytelling, movement and collaborative projects.
Before booking, check the age range, session length, materials included and whether the workshop runs for a single day or several days.
Find More School Holiday Programmes in Auckland
Looking for something beyond art? Auckland also offers holiday programmes in music, dance, drama, sports and other activities.
