Free things to do with kids in Auckland this November

Looking for something free to do with the kids in Auckland this November? NZCPE 2026's public Family Day runs Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 November at the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) in the CBD — free entry, hands-on Chinese craft activities, live cultural performances every hour, and free food and tea tastings. It's part of the New Zealand – China Products Expo, and the public weekend is designed around families.

What free activities are there for kids?

The Family Activity Zone runs two hands-on sessions all weekend:

• Dumpling making — kids and parents fold and steam their own dumplings, guided by demonstrators
• Chinese calligraphy — try brush strokes and take home a piece of your own writing

Alongside the craft zone, there are cultural performances on the hour throughout both days, and a Shaanxi heritage arts showcase featuring terracotta warrior replicas, traditional paper-cut art and porcelain craft demonstrations — a hands-on introduction to Chinese culture that's rare to see outside a museum setting, and free to walk through.

Is it really free entry?

Yes. Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 November are completely free for the public, including children. Registering ahead of time just skips the queue at the door and gets your e-pass emailed to you — there's no cost either way.

When and where is Family Day?

Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 November 2026, 10:00am – 7:00pm both days, at the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC), 101 Hobson Street, Auckland Central. It's an 8-minute walk from Britomart train station, and SkyCity and Federal Street car parks (both within 2 minutes' walk) run a flat $15 weekend parking rate.

What else is on besides the kids' activities?

Family Day is the public weekend of a much larger event — NZCPE 2026 also has free food and tea tastings across the food and beverage zone, show-only retail discounts on Chinese consumer goods (electronics, home goods, gifts and apparel among 13 industry categories), and the wider showfloor to explore. It's a genuine day out, not just a kids' corner bolted onto a trade show.

Is it suitable for young children?

Yes — under-18s are welcome with an adult, and children under 12 attend free with no separate registration. The craft activities (calligraphy, dumpling making) are pitched at a family audience rather than adult collectors or trade visitors, which is why the organisers run them specifically on the public weekend rather than the Friday trade day.

How do I get free tickets?

Register online for a free visitor pass — it takes under a minute and your e-pass is emailed straight to you. You can also just show up at the door on the day; registering ahead only saves you the queue.