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Winter days are made for getting out and doing something that feels easy, fun, and memorable. Across Hamilton central city this July school holidays, you can book hands on creative workshops, jump into family friendly shows, explore museum programmes, catch a movie for a great price, or settle in for cosy games and treats.
Plan a full day or just pick one highlight. Either way, you’ll find plenty happening right in the heart of the city.
Get moving (and level up your skills)
Soccer United (ATS Football Training Centre) | 443 Anglesea Street
One on One indoor training (1 hour sessions)
School holiday bookings are now open for one on one sessions focused on core fundamentals including agility, technique, and spatial awareness, with training developed in house and overseen by experienced coaches. Find details here: ATS Football Training
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Big screen family time
Lido Cinema Hamilton
If you’re after something the whole family can enjoy, Lido is running three family movies across the school holidays, with a special deal where kids tickets are$12.50 and adults tickets are also $12.50. There are plenty of sessions scheduled across the holidays, and booking is recommended. See sessions and book here: Lido Cinema Hamilton
Puzzles, escape rooms, and board game nights
Escapist | 36 Bryce Street
If your crew loves problem solving (or you just want a warm indoor activity that keeps everyone engaged), Escapist has you covered across the month with escape room deals and themed gaming nights.
15% off escape rooms on Tuesdays
Book any escape room on a Tuesday and your team receives 15 percent off. More info: Solve and Save
Wednesday monthly games
Escapist runs a rotating set of Wednesday night events across the month, including low sensory nights, Meeple Mixer, demo nights, and a family game night.
Find more information on the Wednesday games nights here.
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Make something creative (art, sewing, printing, and making)
Waikato Society of Arts at Artspost | 120 Victoria Street
July School Holiday Programme | 6 to 17 July
A well established programme with experienced tutors, small group sizes (no more than 8 students per tutor, maximum 16 per day), and different activities each day for ages 5 to 12. Runs 9am to 12pm, Monday to Friday. Details: WSA July School Holiday Programme
Sip and Sew | The Riverbank Lane, 298 Victoria Street
Kids and teens sewing workshops with all materials included, led by a trained registered primary school teacher (sometimes with a skilled assistant). Kids workshops include fabric, tools and equipment, plus a hot chocolate and snack from a local cafe.
Week 1: Monday 6 July to Thursday 9 July; Week 2: Monday 13 July to Friday 17 July. Sessions run 9:30am to 12:30pm and 1:30pm to 4:30pm.
Ages: Kids 8 to 12; Teens 13 to 16. Details: Sip and Sew Kids Workshops
Hamilton Central Library (Te Koopuu Maania o Kirikiriroa) | 9 Garden Place
A brilliant option for hands on creativity in the middle of town:
Te Paataka Open Day | 6 July, 10am to 12pm | Free
Explore a new Level 2 space and enjoy an interactive Maaori art installation. Activities include making a taonga puoro, making a simple badge, and getting a temporary moko kanohi. Info: Te Paataka Open Day
Walking with Mammoths (One Frame at a Time!) StopMotionLAB | 6 July, 2pm to 3:30pm
For young people aged 8 to 12, designed for beginners with all materials provided (tablets available, and students can bring their own device if they want to). Note: Children under 14 must be accompanied by a caregiver. Info: StopMotionLAB
Matariki Stars T shirt Printing | 6 July, 3:30pm to 5:30pm
Print Matariki stars on your favourite dark coloured t shirt or hoodie. Bring your own clothing item (cotton and natural fibres work best). Info: Matariki Stars T shirt Printing
For more Central Library events: Event Calendar
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Museum holiday programmes (hands on and story led)
Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum and Gallery | 1 Grantham Street
Matariki at the Museum (School Holiday Programme)
Two hands on experiences inspired by nature, culture, and creativity. $55 per child, per day, with limited spaces (register online or at the front desk).
Week One: Eel y Good Fun! | 6 and 8 July, 9am to 3pm | Ages 8 to 14
Explore freshwater eels through science, art, and play, then create a soft sculpture tuna.
Week Two: Taonga Puuoro | 13, 15 and 17 July, 9am to 3pm | Ages 8 to 18
A hands on introduction to taonga puuoro and traditional Maaori instruments.
Details: Te Whare Taonga
Mystery After Dark: Fossils and Secrets
Event by Confinement at Te Whare Taongao Waikato Museum & Gallery
17 July, arrive by 4:45pm for a 5pm start.
An after hours, clue solving mission through the museum galleries (teams of 2 to 6). Open to all ages, but children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. The museum closes at 5pm and latecomers are not admitted after doors close. Book here: Mystery After Dark
Details and to book here
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Live theatre and holiday challenges
Clarence Street Theatre | 69 Clarence Street
The Bubble Spectacular | 7 July, 11am
A bubble filled show with audience participation and plenty of laughs. Details: The Bubble Spectacular
Details here.
The Meteor Theatre | Victoria Street
The Hunt for the Giant’s Heart | 14 July and 17 July 10:30am, plus 1pm shows and character meet and greet
A 60 minute theatrical adventure suitable for all ages. The document notes that the Friday 1pm show is a relaxed performance. Details: The Hunt for the Giant’s Heart.
Details here.
School Holidays Colouring Competition (closes 8 July)
Download the colouring pages, complete your artwork, then drop it to The Meteor during gallery hours Wed to Sat, 11am to 2pm, or use the mailbox outside those hours. Download here.
Questions: kiaora@themeteor.co.nz
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Food, treats, and holiday fun
Le Rendez Vous | 113 Alexandra Street
Crepes, Games and French Fun | Tuesdays and Wednesdays during the July school holidays, 2pm to 3pm | Ages 8 to 12
For $25 per child, each participant receives a classic crepe, juice, French themed games, beginner language activities and colouring (facilitated by a French teacher), all materials, and a certificate of completion. Parents can stay and enjoy something from the menu (seating limited and subject to availability). Book here: Crepes, Games and French Fun
Book here.
Crave Cafe | 130 Rostrevor Street
Holiday Cake Decorating Workshop | 18 July, 9.30am
Join Crave Cafe & Catering for a fun-filled Cake Decorating Workshop on 18th July!
Let your child unleash their creativity as they decorate their own delicious bento cake and take it home to enjoy with family and friends.
Registration Fee: $45 per child. Age Group : 2+ Years
To Register: email Cravecafe2022@gmail.com or find details here.
Hamilton Hotel | 170 Victoria Street
Ride Te Huia and Kids Dine Free
Hamilton Hotel is running a family discount programme in conjunction with Waikato Regional Council for families travelling from Auckland to Hamilton on Te Huia this school holidays, with free kids dining at the Hamilton Hotel Bistro (terms and conditions apply). Contact Hamilton Hotel for further information.
Iguana Bar & Restaurant
$12 Kids menu during the school holidays
Includes main course and dessert.
Details here.
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An indoor glow in the middle of winter
GLOtron! | Centre Place, Level 1, 501 Victoria Street
Open 6 days a week throughout the school holidays from 10am to 3pm, GLOtron! is an indoor experience featuring giant puppets, science, sound effects, and glow in the dark magic. Details: GLOtron!
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