The Best School Holiday Programmes in Auckland (Spring School Holidays 2026)
Finding a school holiday programme that your child genuinely looks forward to can be challenging. The best programmes don’t just fill time—they help children build confidence, make friends, learn new skills, and come home excited to tell you about their day.
Whether your child loves music, sport, creativity or adventure, Auckland has plenty of fantastic options during the school holidays.
Here are some of the best school holiday programmes to consider this spring.
1. Lila School of Bands Holiday Intensives
If your child is passionate about music, the Lila School of Bands Holiday Intensives offer something completely different from a traditional holiday programme.
Over two days, students are placed into a band where they:
- Write an original song together
- Learn how professional songwriting works
- Record a high-quality demo
- Perform their song for parents
- Have the option to release their music on Spotify afterwards
The focus is on creativity, teamwork and confidence—not just learning songs that already exist.
Whether your child sings, plays guitar, drums, bass, keyboard or another instrument, they’ll spend two days creating something they’re genuinely proud of.
Many parents say it’s one of the most memorable holiday activities their children have attended.
Learn more about the programmes here:
2. Auckland Council Holiday Programmes
For families looking for a broad range of activities, Auckland Council runs holiday programmes through many of its Pools and Leisure Centres across the city.
Activities often include:
- Swimming
- Sports
- Crafts
- Team games
- Excursions
- Ice skating and movie outings
Programmes run at multiple locations, making them a convenient option for many Auckland families.
3. The Village Square Holiday Programme
The Village Square has become one of Auckland’s most established general holiday programmes.
Parents can choose between on-site activities or “Adventure Seeker” days featuring trips throughout Auckland.
Highlights include:
- Arts and crafts
- Outdoor adventures
- Games
- Day trips
- Flexible booking options
4. Selwyn Community Education Holiday Courses
If your child enjoys learning practical skills, Selwyn Community Education offers a wide variety of specialist holiday workshops.
Popular options include:
- Cooking
- Sewing
- Languages
- Art
- Creative workshops
Rather than an all-day holiday programme, these are ideal for children wanting to explore a specific interest.
5. Speech & Drama Holiday Workshops
For children who enjoy performing or want to build confidence, several Auckland organisations run speech, drama and public speaking workshops during the holidays.
These programmes focus on:
- Communication
- Confidence
- Acting
- Public speaking
- Leadership
They’re particularly valuable for children who enjoy performing or want to become more confident speaking in front of groups.
Choosing the Right Holiday Programme
Every child is different, so the “best” holiday programme depends on what excites them.
If your child enjoys:
- Music and creativity: Lila School of Bands Holiday Intensives
- General activities: Auckland Council Programmes
- Adventure days: The Village Square
- Cooking and specialist skills: Selwyn Community Education
- Confidence and performance: Speech & Drama Workshops
The most rewarding holiday experiences are usually those where children leave having learned something new, made new friends, and built confidence along the way.
Looking for a Music Holiday Programme?
Lila School of Bands runs holiday music programmes every school holidays for young musicians aged 7–19.
Students spend two inspiring days writing, recording and performing original music with professional musician mentors.
Find upcoming dates and register here: