The Margaret Mahy Family Playground is a large public playground in the central city at 177 Armagh Street, named after the beloved New Zealand children's author. The tourism board describes it as having massive slides, a flying fox and interactive water play areas, and it is free to enter, which makes it one of the best ways to give children a break from sightseeing. It is built on a big scale, with plenty of climbing and sliding equipment for different ages, and the water features are especially popular on hot days. The playground is part of the rebuilt city centre and shows how public space has been reimagined, with an emphasis on play and families. For parents it offers a chance to sit down and let children burn off energy, and for visitors with older children it is a useful stop between the more serious attractions in the centre. It is best on a sunny day, when the water play comes into its own.
What to do
Let children lead, because the equipment is varied enough for toddlers and older children alike. The slides and the flying fox suit adventurous children, and the water play is a good way to cool off, so pack a spare set of clothes and a towel. Bring sun protection in summer, because shade can be limited. The playground is a good place to meet local families, and it is easy to combine with a picnic or snacks from nearby cafes.
Planning
The playground is outdoors and free, and the tourism board does not list opening hours, so check the council's information for any seasonal restrictions on the water features before you plan a visit. Water play areas can be closed in cooler months, and equipment can be closed for maintenance, so have a plan B nearby. It sits in the central city on Armagh Street, within walking distance of the tram and the main sights. Supervise children closely, because the equipment is large and the area is open.
Fitting it in
Allow an hour or two, depending on how much your children enjoy it. It pairs naturally with Tūranga, the central library, which has a children's floor and is a good wet-weather alternative, and with the Botanic Gardens for a second green stop. A day with this playground, a tram ride and an ice cream makes a good rhythm for families with young children, and it balances the heavier history of Quake City and the memorial. If the weather turns, move indoors to the library or the Antarctic Centre.
What to expect
The experience
A free outdoor playground with large slides, a flying fox and interactive water play in the central city.
Best time
Go on a sunny day when the water play is open and children can cool off.
How long
One to two hours, depending on the children.
Tips
Pack spare clothes and sun protection, and have an indoor alternative nearby in case of rain.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families with children who need to burn off energy during a sightseeing trip.
- Families
- Built for families, with equipment for a range of ages and water play for hot days.
- Couples
- Not a couples activity, though it can be a pleasant stop for a parent pair.
- Pair with
- Pair it with Tūranga library, which has a kids floor, and the Botanic Gardens.
- Time needed
- One to two hours.
Good questions
Where is the playground?+
It is at 177 Armagh Street in the central city.
Is it free?+
Yes, it is a public playground and free to enter.
What is there to do?+
Large slides, a flying fox and interactive water play areas, according to the tourism board.
When is the water play open?+
The tourism board does not list hours or seasons, so check before you go, especially in cooler months.
What is nearby for rain?+
Tūranga, the central library, has a kids floor and is a short walk away.
