fun for free: Auckland Botanic Gardens

I thought to round off the summer I would do a short series of posts of places to go with your toddler in Auckland. You may or may not know there are a number of fun places to go with your family for free! I do so love a good freebie. There are hopefully a few good weeks of weather left and getting outside is a great plan. Winter is coming.

oops, not for touching...

We visited the Auckland Botanic Gardens the beginning of summer and loved wandering about the various regions of the world represented in plant life. There is a sculpture walk over summer ponds with birds and fish and of course many plants to keep your inquisitive toddler entertained. We will hopefully go again soon as teh sculpture walk is great and only there until February 28th. This time we will probably go as early as possible to avoid the heat of the day and now Olive can crawl about a bit rather than suffer the squirms in the front pack as she fights sleep! (I love when they are finally awake long enough to go somewhere and get home again without a melt down. Ada loves wide open spaces she was in heaven here.

The gardens are in Manurewa, take the Hill Road exit when coming from the city, from there you can follow the signs. Easy! For a refuel/adult moment there is also a nice wee cafe at the entrance that serves a lovely Italian espresso.

Where do you take your small children in Auckland?  Look out for my next installment of free fun.

You may also like to know some kid friendly cafes.