There’s lots to do in Nelson City to keep kids of all ages entertained.
91 Trafalgar Street
Tel: 03 548 8123
http://www.statecinemas.co.nz/
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.
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).
86 Bridge Street
Tel: 03-548 1699
Pampered Princess spa packages and teen skincare workshops.
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.
http://nelson.govt.nz/recreation/recreation/parks-and-reserves/centre-of-nz/
25 Riverside
Tel: 03 546 3221
http://www.clmnz.co.nz/riverside/
Swim classes after school, SwimMagic Holiday Intensive programs. Casual swimmers welcome.
27 Halifax Street
Tel: 03 546 8100
http://www.nelsonpubliclibraries.co.nz/
Pre-school and school age kids activities, story classes, homework help and Teen YAK Club.
15 Selwyn Place
Tel: 03 548 1662
Situated in the heart of Nelson city centre, Roadhogs is destined to become a place to gather and have some fantastic fun on the road-themed minigolf course, be awestruck by the glow in the dark section. If you’re a little peckish Roadhogs has a range of snacks, drinks and icecreams to choose from.
78 Rutherford Street
Tel: 03 548 3840
http://www.theatreroyalnelson.co.nz/
Dance, theatre, music, special children’s shows.
87 Atawhai Drive
Tel: 03 548 2649
http://www.founderspark.co.nz/
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.
Located off Queen Elizabeth II Drive in Neale Park
http://nelson.govt.nz/recreation/recreation/parks-and-reserves/skate-parks/
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.
Kid-friendly Eating
281 Trafalgar Street
Tel: 03 548 7631
Kids menu (kids under 11) includes 6 popular choice with a free soft drink. Kids desserts also available.
223 Hardy Street
Tel: 03 546 8623
Delicious choice of five meals all under $10 for the kids. Kids desserts and non-alcoholic drinks.
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:
- Buskerburgoo Buskers Festival (February)
- Light Nelson (July)
- The Nelson Arts Festival Masked Parade (October)
- The Santa Parade (December)
- The Lantern Festival (December)