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School Holidays can be a welcome break for kids, but for working parents, they often come with a challenge—how to keep children engaged and entertained while juggling work commitments.

That’s where School Holiday Programmes come in. These structured activities provide a fun, safe, and educational way for kids to make the most of their break. Especially for working parents, these programmes can be a real life-saver.

From sports camps to creative workshops, there’s something for everyone. Here’s what you need to know about finding the right programme for your family.

If you’re not familiar with how School Holidays work in New Zealand? Check out this guide on what to expect during School Holidays and how they affect workplaces, travel, and daily life.

What Are School Holiday Programmes?

School Holiday Programmes are organised activities that run during the two-week breaks between school terms, offering a mix of outdoor adventures, arts, science, and sports.

Designed mostly for children aged 5–14 years, these programmes help keep kids active, learning, and socialising. Some programmes are age specific, but there are many where there will be a wide range of ages where you’ll often see the older kids helping to coach the younger ones. For kids between 3-4, there are usually expanded programmes at the local Kindy or preschools.

Many local councils run affordable holiday programmes, and some schools even host their own on-site, meaning your child may be able to attend a programme in familiar surroundings.

In Wellington, there are fantastic School Holiday Programmes available at:

• Te Papa Museum – Offering interactive workshops, exhibitions, and hands-on activities.
• Wellington Public Library – Hosting storytelling sessions, creative writing workshops, and art-based activities.
• Capital E – Providing drama, music, digital storytelling, and creative play experiences.
• Martin the Toymaker (Petone) – Kids can learn simple woodworking skills and bring home a wooden toy they’ve made themselves—a unique, hands-on experience.

However, these programmes are not full-day care—most run between 9am and 3pm, similar to school hours. Sports camps often last just 2–3 days, and many other programmes run for only 1–2 days.

That means parents will often have ‘uncovered’ days where they need to:
Line up multiple programmes to cover the full two weeks.
Ask to work from home on certain days if childcare isn’t available.
Coordinate with family or friends for childcare on gap days.

Looking for exact School Holiday dates? Check out this article with a full list of public holidays and school breaks for this year and next.

Types of School Holiday Programmes

There’s a wide variety of programmes available, so whether your child loves sports, creativity, or STEM, there’s an option to suit their interests:

1. Sports & Outdoor Adventure

Perfect for kids with energy to burn, these programmes focus on team sports, hiking, swimming, and outdoor challenges. Popular options include:

• Multi-Sport Camps – Basketball, football, rugby, and more.
• Adventure Programmes – Rock climbing, kayaking, trampolining.
• Surf Schools & Outdoor Survival Courses – Ideal for older kids.

2. Arts, Drama & Creativity

For kids who love painting, acting, and storytelling, creative programmes provide hands-on experiences:

• Drama & Theatre Workshops – Acting, improv, and stage production.
• Art Camps – Pottery, painting, and DIY crafts.
• Dance & Music Lessons – Ballet, hip-hop, guitar, and singing.

3. STEM & Educational Programmes

These programmes focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, making learning fun and interactive:

• Coding & Robotics Camps – Build and programme robots.
• Science Labs & Engineering Challenges – Chemistry experiments, bridge-building contests.
• Astronomy Workshops – Learn about stars and planets through interactive exhibits.

4. General Activity Programmes

Many community centres, museums, and libraries host all-round School Holiday Programmes that mix crafts, movies, games, and day trips for a well-rounded experience.

How to Choose the Right Programme

Before booking a School Holiday Programme, consider these factors:

• Programme Duration – Many sports camps only run for 2–3 days, while other programmes might only cover 1–2 days, meaning you’ll need multiple options to cover the full two weeks.
• Location & Accessibility – Look for options near home or work for convenience.
• Age Suitability – Ensure activities match your child’s age and skill level.
• Reviews & Safety – Check feedback from other parents and programme safety policies.
• Cost & Availability – Some popular programmes book out early, so plan ahead.
• After-School Care Providers – Many offer holiday programmes, making them a convenient option.

Tip: School Holiday Programmes are not always well advertised—it’s worth asking at your child’s school or checking local community message boards well in advance.

The Takeaway

School Holiday Programmes help kids stay active, learn new skills, and make friends, while giving parents peace of mind during the break. These programmes fill up quickly, so it’s important to find out what’s happening in your area, and get your registration in.