As the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown offers tons of exciting things to do on a family holiday.
The town is known for its exhilarating outdoor activities — jet boating on the Shotover River and racing down Luge tracks, just to name a few. But it’s also home to plenty of indoor attractions that make any rainy day just as exciting.
Are you looking for fun family activities for your next free weekend or trip? We’ve hand-picked 10 of the best things to do with kids in Queenstown all year long.
1. Race down the tracks at Skyline Luge Queenstown
Image credit: skyline.co.nz
Head 480 m up the Skyline Gondola to try the Luge — a worldwide favourite and a must-do family activity in Queenstown. Enjoy a thrilling, gravity-fuelled downhill ride, taking on over 800 metres of banked corners, tunnels and dippers on the Luge tracks. Gentle and leisurely or steep and adventurous? You’re in control!
Children over 6 years old and 110cm can ride on their own. Younger children can ride in tandem with an adult. Enjoyed by all ages and abilities, a Skyline Luge ride guarantees a lot of fun for the whole family!
Address: 53 Brecon Street, Queenstown
Monday – Sunday: Hours vary, see current hours here
Prices: See current prices online
2. Feed all kinds of farm animals at Deer Park Heights
Image credit: southernpr.co.nz
Spend a whole day meeting farm animals at Deer Park Heights!
At $75 per vehicle, you can drive all over the range and enjoy up-close access to red deer, wapiti, fallow deer, goats, donkeys, sheep, and more. Kids will love petting and taking pics with the gentler animals. They can even feed them with sheep nuts, available to purchase on-site.
Best of all, Deer Park Heights offers incredible views of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu. The farm was a filming spot in The Lord of the Rings for a reason!
Address: 432 Peninsula Road, Kelvin Heights, Queenstown
Monday – Sunday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Prices: $75 per vehicle
3. Meet native fauna at Kiwi Birdlife Park
Image credit: queenstownnz.co.nz
The Kiwi Birdlife Park is a wildlife sanctuary that houses over 20 native New Zealand bird species, including the famous kiwi. All entry fees go toward supporting the Kiwi Birdlife Park’s amazing conservation work.
Experience a relaxing break from the busy town centre as you make your way through beautifully landscaped gardens and majestic native flora, closely encountering some of New Zealand’s most treasured and iconic fauna.
Address: 51 Brecon Street, Queenstown
Monday – Sunday: 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM
4. Show off your ice skating skills at Queenstown Ice Arena
Image credit: queenstownicearena.co.nz
No matter the season, there’s always a chance for freezing cold fun at the Queenstown Ice Arena. The Arena offers all-day ice skating with unlimited reentry, live ice hockey viewings, and even ice bumper cars!
It’s a great option if you’re after affordable activities to do in Queenstown with kids.
Address: 29 Park Street, Queenstown Gardens, Queenstown
Wednesday: 12:00 – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 12:00 – 4:00 PM
Friday: 12:00 – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 12:00 – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00 – 5:00 PM
5. Enter another era at Time Tripper Queenstown
Image credit: Time Tripper, Powered by KJet.
Step below the surface of Lake Wakatipu for Queenstown’s only dry underwater experience.
Time Tripper Queenstown takes you back to the age of the dinosaurs, on a journey that captures 90 million years of formation and mythology in under 30 minutes.
After the video experience, stay for the underwater viewing, where you can see diving ducks, native eels, and trout and salmon species living beneath the surface. The kids can even feed the fish!
Address: Main Town Pier, Queenstown
Monday – Sunday: 9:45 AM – 5:00 PM
6. Try a safer, indoor alternative to skydiving
Image credit: Vaughan Brookfield
Even kids can take on the skies at iFly Queenstown!
iFly Queenstown lets anyone over 5 experience skydiving in a specially designed wind tunnel. During your session, you’ll be lifted up for 60 seconds, simulating the experience of an epic 12,000-foot freefall.
With no age limit, this is thrilling indoor fun the whole family will love.
Address: 27 Brecon Street, Queenstown
Sunday – Friday: 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM – 7:30 PM
7. Jet boat ride down the iconic Queenstown rivers
Image credit: KJet.co.nz
If your kids are up for an adrenaline-filled adventure, jet boat riding is a must-do when visiting Queenstown!
KJet Queenstown is just one of a handful of Queenstown jet boating operators. A ride with KJet takes you on a 60-minute high-speed jet boat ride across three waterways: Lake Wakatipu, the Shotover River and the Kawarau River. Experience 45 kilometres of 360-degree spins, panoramic views and local knowledge from your driver. And not to forget… a lot of fun.
Family packages are available, so your kids can ride — as long as they fit into a life jacket!
Address: Main Town Pier, Queenstown
Monday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
8. Taste-test handmade fudge at the Remarkable Sweet Shop
Image credit: Jamie Cobel
One of New Zealand’s most iconic confectionery chains, The Remarkable Sweet Shop, is a nostalgia-infused haven for sweet tooths.
Kids can discover old-timey Kiwi favourites, the trendiest candies worldwide, and the Sweet Shop’s very own handmade fudge and nougat. Each of the three stores offers free fudge tasting while you browse the sugary delights. Yum!
Address: 23 Beach Street, Queenstown (also open in Arrowtown and Queenstown Airport)
Monday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
9. Go head-to-head in an epic go-kart competition
Image credit: queenstownnz.co.nz
Have a competitive streak? A go-kart session at Game Over Queenstown is a must-do with kids in Queenstown.
The 290-metre track is one of the best in the country and has it all: a bridge, an LED-lit tunnel, challenging turns and long straights. Karts can be programmed to various preset speeds to accommodate guests of all skill levels, making it an amazing option for kids aged 8 years old and up.
Address: 14 Red Oaks Drive, Frankton, Queenstown
Monday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
10. Be a beekeeper for a day at Buzzstop Honey Centre & Cafe
Image credit: BuzzStop
For another sweet activity to do in Queenstown with kids, visit The Buzzstop Honey Centre! The Honey Centre is a working bee farm that presents the inner workings of Mānuka honey production.
Try a hands-on beekeeping experience and hold a frame filled with hundreds of bees! Or spin your own honey to take a jar back home. Crafty kids will love making their own beeswax candles or soap as well.
Address: 26 Hansen Road, Frankton, Queenstown
Monday, Wednesday – Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Frequently asked questions
What are some cheap or free things to do in Queenstown with kids?
Some cheap or free family-friendly activities in Queenstown include:
- Queenstown Gardens: Explore the park or try the free frisbee golf challenge (you can hire discs from the nearby Queenstown Ice Arena)
- Mountain biking: Rent a bicycle and take on one of Queenstown’s many biking tracks for riders of all experience levels
- Nature walks: Discover some of the best short walks in Queenstown, such as Bob’s Cove (20 minutes) and the Tiki Trail (1 hour)
What are some things to do in Queenstown with a baby?
With a baby on board, you can still explore much of Queenstown:
- Walter Peak Farm: Take the historic steamship to a gorgeous farm and join a guided tour of the flora and fauna
- Kiwi Birdlife Park: See New Zealand’s most iconic native wildlife, including kiwi, kākā, and kea — all just minutes away from downtown Queenstown
- Deer Park Heights: Meet dozens of animals in a vehicle-accessible setting with amazing views
What are some things to do in Queenstown with teenagers?
Queenstown offers heaps of exciting things to do with teenagers on a family holiday. We recommend:
- Skyline Luge: Race down two tracks filled with twists and tunnels, totalling 1,600 m in all
- iFLY Queenstown: Try skydiving in a safer, indoor environment with just as much thrill as the real thing
- Skiing or snowboarding: Spend a day skiing or snowboarding down one of Queenstown’s four ski fields — Cardrona, Coronet Peak, Treble Cone, and the Remarkables Ski Field
Where can I park in Queenstown?
Many Queenstown family activities take place in the town centre, but finding a good parking spot doesn’t have to be hard! Check out our guide to Queenstown parking for more info.
Discover more Queenstown family activities
There’s never a bad time to visit the adventure capital of the world – all of these Queenstown activities for families take place year-round.
Are you looking for more things to do as a family in Queenstown? Check out our multi-day Queenstown itinerary or explore the travel blog.