5 Fun Things to do in Queenstown with Kids

Known as the Adventure Capital of the World, Queenstown offers activities for everyone, including families travelling with kids.

Being a mountain town, Queenstown has four very distinct seasons; long warm summers, beautiful autumn colours, crisp winters surrounded by snow-capped peaks with a backdrop of blue skies, and springs that are bursting with new life.

There is a range of unique experiences for family travellers in each of the four seasons, but we have hand-picked 5 activities you can enjoy with kids all year round!

The top 5 things to do in Queenstown with kids include:

1. Ride the Luge at Skyline Queenstown
2. Spot a Kiwi at the Kiwi Birdlife Park
3. See Dinosaurs at Time Tripper
4. Go Jet Boating
5. Indoor Go Karting at Game Over

The Skyline Luge has become a worldwide favourite and a must-do 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 are in control!

Children over 6 years old and 110cm height can ride on their own, and younger children can ride in tandem with an adult. Enjoyed by all ages and abilities, the Skyline Luge guarantees a lot of fun for the whole family!

Open: Hours vary, see current hours here
Location: Brecon Street, Queenstown
Tickets: You can purchase tickets from the bottom of the Gondola, at Skyline Direct or buy online.

Found in the heart of Queenstown, the Kiwi Birdlife Park is a wildlife sanctuary that displays over 20 species of native New Zealand birds, including the famous kiwi.

You and your kids will experience a relaxing break from busy downtown Queenstown as you make your way through beautifully landscaped gardens, majestic native flora, and experience close encounters with some of New Zealand's most treasured and iconic fauna.

And to top it off, all entry fees go toward supporting the Kiwi Birdlife Park's amazing conservation work.

Open: 7 days, from 9am – 4:30pm
Location: Brecon Street, Queenstown

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.

Take a seat and watch your kid's awe-struck eyes walk between dinosaurs, before discovering the beginnings of the Southern Alps, Lake Wakatipu and stories of forbidden love in Maori mythology.

After the video experience, stay for the underwater viewing where you can see diving ducks, native eels, along with the trout and salmon species that live beneath the surface. The kids can even feed the fish too!

Time Tripper Queenstown is knowledge and fun for all ages!

Open: 7 days, every 30 minutes from 10am - 7pm
Location: Main Town Pier, Queenstown

If your kids are up for an adventure involving speed and adrenaline, jet boat riding is a Queenstown must-do!

KJet Queenstown is just one of a handful of Queenstown jet boating operators. A ride with KJet takes you on a 60 minutes high-speed jet boat ride across 3 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, and so long as your kids can fit into one of their life jackets, they are able to ride!

Open: 7 days, from 10am - 6pm
Location: Main Town Pier, Marine Parade, Queenstown

If your family has a competitive streak, then a session at Game Over Queenstown is a must-do.

The 290-metre track is one of the best in the country and has it all: a bridge, a LED-lit tunnel, challenging turns and long straights. All karts can be programmed to a variety of pre-set speeds to accommodate guests of all skill levels, which makes it an amazing option for kids from 8 years old.

Open: 7 days, from 10am - 7pm
Location: 14 Red Oaks Drive, Frankton

Visiting Queenstown is a must-do for Kiwi's exploring their back yards (the people, not the birds), and anyone setting off to New Zealand on an international trip.

There's never a bad time to visit the Adventure Capital of the World - all of the above activities can take place all year round. We look forward to seeing you and your family in Queenstown soon, on your adventure trip of a lifetime!

Now that you have a few ideas for activities in Queenstown that the whole family can enjoy...

Read on to plan your Queenstown trip-of-a-lifetime: