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There’s lots to do in Nelson City to keep kids of all ages entertained.

State Cinemas Nelson
State Cinemas

91 Trafalgar Street

Tel: 03 548 8123

Catch all the latest release movies at State Cinemas.  Special family and kids prices and Mum’s & Bub’s movie morning 1st Wednesday of each month.

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Nelson Provisional Museum
The Nelson Provincial Museum

Corner Trafalgar & Hardy Streets

Tel: 03 548 9588

The Nelson Provincial Museum has two main gallery spaces featuring permanent and temporary exhibitions, a classroom, museum shop and rooftop garden. Entry is free for Nelson residents (except special touring exhibitions).

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Centre of New Zealand, Nelson Top Attraction
The Centre of New Zealand on Botanical Hill

A brisk walk up the Centre of New Zealand is a great way to entertain the kids.  Sweeping views over the city and bay from lookout at the top. The main track is suitable for push chairs and buggies.

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Riverside Pool
Riverside Pool

25 Riverside

Tel: 03 546 3221

Swim classes after school, SwimMagic Holiday Intensive programs. Casual swimmers welcome.

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Elma Turner Library
The Elma Turner Library

27 Halifax Street

Tel: 03 546 8100

Pre-school and school age kids activities, story classes, homework help and Teen YAK Club.

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The Theatre Royal
The Theatre Royal

78 Rutherford Street

Tel: 03 548 3840

Dance, theatre, music, special children’s shows.

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The Founder Heritage Park
Founders Heritage Park

87 Atawhai Drive

Tel: 03 548 2649

Discover the unique stories about the people who have shaped the Nelson region. The 31 displays and buildings in Founders Heritage Park are a growing legacy of history for all to enjoy. Many Nelson artists and craftspeople work out of Founders, check the website for more info. The Founder’s Park train is available for hire for 30-minutes excursions and festive occasions such as weddings, birthdays and barbecues.

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Nelson Skate Park
Neale Skate Park

Located off Queen Elizabeth II Drive in Neale Park

The concrete is cast and curvey at Nelson’s premier skatepark. Completed in 2008 to a design shaped by our skating community’s own ideas, it’s the place to skate in Nelson.

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Kid-friendly Eating

The VIC Brew Bar
The Vic Brew Bar

281 Trafalgar Street

Tel: 03 548 7631

http://www.vicbrewbar.co.nz/

Kids menu (kids under 11) includes 6 popular choice with a free soft drink.  Kids desserts also available.

623 in the City
623 in the City

223 Hardy Street

Tel: 03 546 8623

http://www.623.co.nz/

Delicious choice of five meals all under $10 for the kids.  Kids desserts and non-alcoholic drinks.

Lone Star
Lone Star Nelson

90 Hardy Street

Tel: 03 548 1441

http://www.lonestar.co.nz/location/14/nelson.aspx

A tasty range of kid-friendly meals with great names like Road Runner Special and Deputy Dog.  Free Lone Star Mudslide Ice-cream dessert and first fizzy drink, juice or glass of milk FREE (excludes all bottled products).

Events & Festivals

Check out www.itson.co.nz for details of City festivals and events that appeal to children and families.  These include:

  • Summer Events in Nelson
  • Buskerburgoo Buskers Festival (February)
  • Marchfest (March)
  • Tuku Whakatu
  • Te Ramaroa Nelson Light Festival (July)
  • The Nelson Arts Festival Masked Parade (October)
  • The Santa Parade (December)
  • The Lantern Festival (December)

Find out the Event List here.

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