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News | 30 June 2023
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Friday Five: Ways to play this winter

The fun never stops in our vibrant city. Winter is a great time to explore the outdoors. Here are some of our favourite ways to play in Wellington this winter.

The backs of three small children running towards some short cut stepping logs in a shady pine forest with pin needles on the ground.

Indoor nature play

Collect leaves, sticks, and stones of various sizes and colours for art and play at home.

Messy outdoor play

Playing in muddy banks, bushy undergrowth, hunting for bugs and sliding through wet grass are all great ways to ensure kids get a full range of sensory play.

Nature watching

Touch damp moss and glossy leaf litter, bird watch, and visit the glow worms before bedtime – find them in the Botanic Garden, Khandallah Park, Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush, or Trelissick Park.

Puddle jumping

Allowing a bit of silly, joyous play is healthy. We are often quick to stop our kids from getting dirty and wet, but splashing and playing in water is a sensory wonderland.

Tree climbing

Finding a solid climbing tree is a fond memory for many kiwi kids and learning a safe climbing technique helps a child assess a risky situation and builds confidence.

Pārekareka is a movement to promote and advocate for children’s rights to play in Pōneke. To find out more about Pārekareka, visit wellington.govt.nz/play

Watch out each Friday for a fun list of five great activities to do, places to explore, or things to discover in our awesome city.