A free, fun day out for the whole family is on offer this Sunday, March 3, as Tauranga City hosts a hive of performances, face painting, arts and craft activities, superheroes and more to celebrate National Children’s Day.

Organised by Tauranga City Council, this year’s event will include six different activity zones spanning across the waterfront, the Cargo Shed, Willow St and He Puna Manawa-Tauranga Library.

Kids will have a the chance to practice their circus tricks, sit in a police car or take a sneak peek inside the Civic Precinct construction zone – there will be something for everyone to enjoy!

TCC city development and partnerships general Manager Gareth Wallis says our children and mokopuna are our future – and Children’s Day is about bringing whānau together to celebrate and acknowledge the important contribution we all make to creating an environment where they can thrive.

It’s also an opportunity to thank the community for their patience and understanding while the city transformation is underway, and to showcase how quickly some developments are progressing. 

“The annual Children’s Day event is a huge hit with families – and this year there will be even more activities across the city.

“It’s heart-warming to see the city centre come alive with people, which ultimately, is what all the construction and development is about – creating better places to spend time with friends and whānau, right in the heart of our city.” 

Children’s Day 2024 will include six activity zones.

The Cargo She will be an Arts and Crafts Zone.

Here kids can enjoy arts and crafts activities throughout the day, have their face painted, and say ‘Cheese’ in the photobooth.

 The Strand will have an Event Zone.

This is where youngsters can get up close to emergency service vehicles, take part in a history scavenger hunt, play mini golf and meet a superhero.

The Strand will also have a Performance Zone.

Here, families can listen, dance and watch local groups perform such as Fuse drumming, Rise Dance Company, cultural performances and more.

The Tauranga Waterfront green space will be an Activity Zone.

Here kids can learn to juggle, test their circus skills, play a musical instrument and even perform for the crowd!

The Te Manawataki o Te Papa site off Willow St will be a Construction Zone.

Here the council is opening the Te Manawataki o Te Papa construction site to the community for the first time. The construction zone is not to be missed! 

 Lastly, He Puna Manawa-Tauranga Library will be a Dinosaur Zone. Families can meet Dinosaur Darren and Rista the Raptor Handler and get their hands on some amazing fossils – maybe even meet a baby dinosaur.

All the fun is on offer for free to all, along The Strand, Tauranga City Centre, this Sunday, March 3, from 10am-3pm. To find out more details, see:https://www.mytauranga.co.nz/its-on-in-our-city-centre