Things To Do in Queenstown with Kids
Andrea Thackwray 
23 May 2025 
Are you planning a family holiday to Queenstown? The town is known as the adventure capital of New Zealand and offers an unforgettable adventure. From lakeside walks to adventure sports and cultural tours, there are a lot of things to do in Queenstown with kids.
Whether you are travelling with toddlers or teens, the place is the home of family fun with experiences tailored for everyone. There are so many fun activities for you to explore with your kids. From indoor skydiving, water activities, scenic drives, and even snow, the sky is your limit!
Family-Friendly Activities in Queenstown
We have listed some of the best recommendations for you to enjoy and experience in Queenstown.
iFLY Indoor Skydiving Queenstown
If you’ve always wondered what it’s like to fly, here is your chance to find out what it's like! iFLY Indoor Skydiving Queenstown makes the dream of flying reality.
Choose between the popular 2 and 4 flight pa ...iFLY Indoor Skydiving Queenstown
Queenstown
Let your kids fly! Literally. At iFLY Indoor Skydiving, you can experience the thrills of flight without a plane or parachute. This indoor skydiving adventure lets your whole family experience the thrill of freefall in a safe and controlled environment. This is ideal for kids as young as 5 years old, making it one of the sought-after family-friendly activities in Queenstown.
You also do not need to account for the weather while planning to do this activity, as it is set indoors. This indoor fun activity makes it perfect for all weathers and seasons. It is also great for short school holidays. Each flight is guided by expert instructors so that both children and adults can enjoy flying without any fear.
Puzzling World
Puzzling World is an iconic, unique & award winning attraction that since 1973 has fascinated people of all ages keen to engage in a fun, challenging and sensory experience. With the world’s first 'Mega Maze', a h ...Puzzling World COMBO admission
Wanaka
Puzzling World, as the name suggests, is a world full of optical illusions, quirky architecture, and puzzles at every nook and corner. You can take a short day trip from Queenstown to reach Wanaka. With the COMBO admission, the whole family can access both the Illusion Rooms and the Great Maze.
The Illusion Rooms have holograms, a tilted house, and great visual tricks to engage your kids and leave them wondering what’s real. The Great Maze is a great family activity where you can work with your kids to find the exits.
Whether you're travelling with young children or curious teens, this attraction is one of the top things to do in Queenstown with kids, even if it’s a short drive away.
Coronet Peak
Snow Touch : Coronet Peak 12pm-2pm
Queenstown
Get ready for an exhilarating winter experience with our Snow Touch Adventure at Coronet Peak! Join our exclusive 2-hour small bus group service, departing from The Station Building (corner of Shotover & Camp Streets ...
There is nothing more exhilarating and fun for kids than snow. Coronet Peak provides a magical winter experience for families visiting Queenstown. With a short scenic drive from the town centre, you can experience soft snow and breathtaking scenery.
It’s ideal for young children, first-timers, or anyone in general looking for fun family activities in the snow. Whether you want to build a snowman with your kids, help them slide around on a sledge, or simply enjoy the amazing views over the southern hemisphere’s iconic mountain landscapes, this is the perfect place.
This visit to the Snow Touch can be a gentle introduction to alpine fun and can be one of the most memorable family adventures.
Family Rafting at Shotover River
Family Adventures Rafting
Queenstown
Family Adventures specialise in soft adventure trips, rafting the upper reaches of the famous Shotover River near Queenstown. Our trip by bus and raft is a unique way to experience the wonderful backcountry we have close ...
For families who want to be a little more adventurous without compromising on safety, rafting on the Shotover River might be your next adventure. This activity is designed especially for children aged 3 and up. The rafting maintains the perfect balance of splash and thrill without extreme water currents.
Set against the stunning backd-r-o-p of the Shotover River canyon, this half-day adventure includes a scenic drive from downtown Queenstown, followed by a calm float through beautiful landscapes. With expert guides leading the way, your whole family can enjoy fun activities like water fights, wildlife spotting, and even floating through small rapids in a safe environment.
This can be ideal for family holidays or school holidays, offering a chance to explore the great outdoors.
Glenorchy and Paradise Valley
All About Paradise Half Day Expedition
Queenstown
Mystical morning & afternoon half-day expeditions to Glenorchy and the famous Paradise Valley! Take in the Spectacular Dart River, discover our storytelling and learn about Maori Mythology. Enjoy our kiwi style morni ...
You can reach Glenorchy and the surrounding Paradise Valley with just a day trip from Queenstown. This can be your ideal holiday destination if you want a peaceful retreat in nature, wrapped in cinematic scenery. This region also boasts stunning landscapes, forests, and open valleys that were also seen in movies like The Lord of the Rings.
This area is perfect for kids to run free, breathe fresh mountain air, and connect with the great outdoors. Along the way, enjoy views of Lake Wakatipu and explore the start of the Routeburn Track. If your kids have a knack for photography or storytelling, Paradise Valley will not disappoint them with its breathtaking views.
You can enjoy a peaceful picnic and a short walk along the Arrow River with your whole family. It’s one of the most rewarding family-friendly outdoor activities near Queenstown with kids.
Milford Sound
Milford Sound Explorer
Queenstown
If you are short on time but want to see all the beauty of Milford Sound and the Earnslaw Burn, then this is the trip for you.
The things to do in Queenstown with kids wouldn’t be complete without exploring the famous Milford Sound. This place is also called the “eighth wonder of the world”, all thanks to its lush rainforests, waterfalls, and towering cliffs. This place offers one of the most breathtaking views in all of New Zealand.
You can s-e-l-e-c-t a cruise option to enjoy the lake and fjord waters, where you can spot seals, dolphins, or even penguins. This is a great pick for kids who love native wildlife.
Routeburn Track
Nomad Safaris - Queenstown
Queenstown
Experience New Zealand’s most spectacular quad bike rides, off road 4WD adventures, guided walks for all abilities including the Great Walks “Routeburn Track”. As Queenstown’s #1 transport tour provider in Quee ...
The Routeburn Track is an unforgettable place to experience New Zealand’s true and raw beauty. One of the country’s Great Walks, this trail offers a fantastic mix of waterfalls, alpine meadows, and mountain views. While you might need several days to cover the full track, you can opt for shorter sections that are ideal for family adventures with kids.
You can enjoy a short walk to the Routeburn Flats or take in breathtaking views from the trailheads near Glenorchy. The walk features ancient forests along the crystal-clear Arrow River and glacial valleys that give your whole family a true taste of the great outdoors.
This is a perfect option for active families during school holidays, especially if you’re looking for fun activities that blend adventure and education.
Queenstown Tour on a Segway
Queenstown Tour
Queenstown
Segway on Q’s tours are a great way to see the town and have lots of fun along the way. The Queenstown Tour provides a full tour of the town with interesting information along the way. It's 2 joyful hours of Segway fun ...
If you want to explore downtown Queenstown and the Queenstown lakefront in a fun and futuristic way, we have the perfect option for you. The Queenstown Tour on a Segway is a super fun activity for the family where you can effortlessly glide along Beach Street, through the town centre, and around scenic spots like Lake Wakatipu and the Queenstown Gardens.
It’s one of the best family-friendly activities for older kids and teens, where adventure mixes with sightseeing. The Segways are easy to ride, and our guides ensure that everyone is comfortable, safe, and confident before setting off on the tour. You can learn local stories, enjoy amazing views, and make unforgettable memories along the way.
Queenstown Highlights Tour
Sit back, relax and soak up the scenic sights on this fun and informative morning of guided sightseeing.Queenstown Highlights Tour
Queenstown
If you are pressed for time but still want to explore Queenstown, the Queenstown Highlights Tour is designed to let you explore the top attractions and local gems effortlessly. This comfortable, family-oriented ride takes you to stunning locations like Lake Hayes, the Queenstown Gardens, and Bob's Peak, where you’ll enjoy breathtaking views over the lake, mountains, and town.
The knowledgeable local guides provide entertaining and educational commentary, making it a great way to discover Queenstown’s history, culture, and natural beauty. Plus, we’ve carefully timed stops for photos, short walks, and even a sweet treat from the Remarkable Sweet Shop, which is always a hit with the kids!
All About Paradise Half-Day Expedition
All About Paradise Half Day Expedition
Queenstown
Mystical morning & afternoon half-day expeditions to Glenorchy and the famous Paradise Valley! Take in the Spectacular Dart River, discover our storytelling and learn about Maori Mythology. Enjoy our kiwi style morni ...
If you have half a day, this can be the perfect opportunity for you to discover the beauty of Glenorchy and Paradise Valley. This is perfect for families who are nature enthusiasts. In this expedition, you get to go through some of the most photogenic places that are also captured and used in films like The Lord of the Rings and The Chronicles of Narnia.
Along the way, you can enjoy the peaceful Lake Wakatipu, ancient beech forests, and peaks, all the while listening to stories about the area’s cultural heritage. This makes the perfect family getaway as the place is great for short walks and family photos. The tour also gives you information on native wildlife, Māori legends, and local conservation efforts.
The storytelling system on the expedition is like one you have never experienced before. The use of themed music and voices makes it popular among the young crowd as well.
3-HOUR SHARED CHARTER
3 HOUR SHARED CHARTER
Queenstown
A lot can happen in three hours… and joining a small group on this charter, fishing alongside seasoned fishermen, will prove just that. With local knowledge of target areas, our crew are excellent fishing mentors to an ...
For a relaxed sailing experience, the 3-Hour Shared Charter is the perfect cruise option. This experience lets families enjoy the beauty of Lake Wakatipu together. The sailing starts from Queenstown lakefront and offers a panoramic view of the most scenic landscapes in the southern hemisphere.
This laid-back adventure gives you breathtaking views of Sunshine Bay, Lake Hayes, and the peaks that surround Queenstown. You also get to learn about the local history, geography, and fish alongside other fishermen.
Whether you're visiting Queenstown during the school holidays or planning a weekend escape, this cruise delivers a balance of leisure, nature, and fun. It’s a memorable way to explore the lake and connect with New Zealand’s stunning wilderness from the water.
E-bike hire
E-Bike Hire
Queenstown
Hire an Electric Mountain Bike and explore the stunning Queenstown Trail network
If your family loves adventure and enjoys riding bikes, hiring an electric bike is the best way to explore Queenstown’s great outdoors. E-bikes are easy and accessible for children, teens, and adults to cover more ground without getting tired very quickly.
You get to ride through the Queenstown Trail network with your family while enjoying stunning views. The route is well-maintained, making the ride easy and safe. On this trail, you get to ride along the lake, over the suspension bridge, past vineyards, and through Lake Hayes and Sunshine Bay.
You can enjoy a short scenic ride, or if you want more, you can continue towards Arrowtown or Gibbston Valley. This is a super fun and eco-friendly way to see the town while making lasting memories with the family.
Valley of the Vines Bike Tour - Arrowtown to Gibbston
Valley of the Vines Bike Tour - Arrowtown to Gibbston
Queenstown
Valley of the Vines Bike Tour - Arrowtown to Gibbston Return Shuttle from Queenstown Starting at $99. Ride time 2 Hours. Easy, fun, hassle-free wine-drinking experience over the breathtaking Twin Rivers Trail. A must-do ...
The Valley of the Vines Bike Tour offers one of the most scenic family adventures. The guided ride starts in Arrowtown and follows the Arrow River, crossing magnificent suspension bridges and exploring the breathtaking landscapes of the Gibbston Valley wine region.
This tour can be enjoyed by older children and teenagers, along with parents who love longer rides. Parents can enjoy the amazing views while the children marvel at the natural surroundings. The trail is flat and smooth, making it an easy ride for all age groups.
There are plenty of stops for you to enjoy local food and take photos. Whether you are a cycling enthusiast or simply want something new for this family holiday, this is the perfect option for you.
More Family Activities to Do in Queenstown with Kids
A family trip to Queenstown doesn’t necessarily need to break the bank. Queenstown offers lots of free and family-friendly activities that let you enjoy the scenery, fresh air, and the outdoors.
I have listed some of my favourite and fun activities that the whole family will enjoy, and that too without any spending.
Queenstown Gardens & Free Frisbee Golf
One of the great places for a walk with the family or a relaxing picnic is the Queenstown Gardens. The place is beautifully landscaped with native trees and has a lot of open space that is perfect for children to run around and play freely.
You also can’t miss the free frisbee golf course, which can be a super fun way to enjoy some friendly competition with the whole family.
Stroll Along the Queenstown Lakefront
To enjoy the calm and breathtaking views of Lake Wakatipu, you can take a walk along the Queenstown Lakefront. You can either take a stroll or even hire some bikes.
Watch the boats, feed the ducks, or grab an ice cream with your children on Main Street nearby. It’s a must-do while visiting Queenstown.
Sunshine Bay Track
Another great place for a peaceful walk with some amazing views is the Sunshine Bay walking track. The track follows the edge of Lake Wakatipu, which is ideal for nature lovers and for parents looking for a quiet moment.
Ride or Walk the Frankton Track
This flat lakeside ride or walk is perfect for young cyclists, strollers, or just stretching your legs. You can start near the town centre and go all the way to Lake Hayes or Frankton. It’s a local favourite for both children and adults.
Street Performers at the Town Centre
The town centre is always buzzing with fun! Kids will love watching talented buskers and street performers along Beach Street and around the lakeside. It’s an exciting and spontaneous way to enjoy some family fun in downtown Queenstown.
Picnic at Lake Hayes
A short scenic drive from Queenstown, Lake Hayes is a tranquil spot surrounded by mountains. There’s a walking trail, plenty of space to throw a frisbee, and lovely picnic areas. It’s perfect for a half-day escape into nature with the whole family.
Conclusion
From the peaceful shores of Lake Hayes to high-flying thrills at indoor skydiving, Queenstown with kids is an unbeatable choice for your next family holiday. With a huge range of family-friendly options, breathtaking nature, and year-round adventure, you’re guaranteed to find fun for the whole family.
Andrea Thackwray
