Rainy Day Fun: Indoor Activities for Families at and around Fitzroy Beach Holiday Park

New Plymouth’s Fitzroy Beach Holiday Park is a fantastic destination for families, known for its stunning coastal views and outdoor adventures. Generally speaking, New Plymouth has quite a sunny climate, winning the Sunshine Cup for NZ's sunniest city in 2021/22. But what happens when the weather isn’t ideal? Don’t worry! There are plenty of indoor activities and nearby attractions to keep the whole family entertained. Here’s a guide to making the most of a rainy day at and around Fitzroy Beach Holiday Park.

Creative Indoor Activities

Arts and Crafts

Rainy days provide the perfect opportunity to get creative with arts and crafts. Fitzroy Beach Holiday Park has a comfortable communal area where families can gather for some crafty fun. Bring along a variety of supplies like coloured paper, markers, glue, and scissors, or visit local shops to stock up. Here are some fun ideas:

• Beach-themed crafts: Use shells, sand, and driftwood collected from the beach to create unique souvenirs.
• DIY photo frames: Decorate plain frames with stickers, paints, and other embellishments to display your holiday photos.
• Rainy day paintings: Let the kids paint their interpretations of the rainy weather outside. It’s a great way to inspire creativity and pass the time.

Movie Time

Nothing beats a streaming binge or a movie marathon on a rainy day. Fitzroy Beach Holiday Park offers Wi-Fi throughout the park. Settle in with popcorn and blankets for a fun and relaxing rainy day in.

Storytelling, Reading, Journaling, Blogging or Vlogging. 

Rainy days are perfect for diving into a good book. The communal lounge or your cabin at Fitzroy Beach Holiday Park can become a cosy reading nook. Take turns reading aloud from your favourite books or explore new ones. For younger children, picture books and interactive stories are ideal, while older kids and adults might enjoy a thrilling novel or an adventurous tale. A rainy day also offers the perfect chance to Journal, capturing all your wonderful holiday memories in detail, to relive in the years to come.

Cooking and Baking

Utilise the well-equipped communal kitchen at the holiday park for some family cooking or baking. Create simple, fun recipes like homemade pizzas, cookies, or cupcakes. Cooking together is not only a great way to pass the time but also an opportunity to teach kids new skills and enjoy some delicious treats afterwards.

Indoor Scavenger Hunt

Organise an indoor scavenger hunt to keep the kids entertained. Create a list of items to find around your cabin or the communal areas, such as a red pen, a book with a blue cover, or a toy car. This activity can keep children busy and engaged, promoting teamwork and problem-solving.

Lastly, don't forget to bring along a few of your family's favourite board games and puzzles. 

Nearby Indoor Family-Friendly Attractions

Puke Ariki

Puke Ariki is New Plymouth’s premier museum and library, located just a short drive from Fitzroy Beach Holiday Park. This interactive museum offers a range of exhibits that appeal to all ages, from the history of Taranaki to natural history displays and Maori cultural artefacts. The Discovery Centre is particularly engaging for kids, with hands-on exhibits and educational activities. The museum’s library is also a great place to find books and activities to keep the kids entertained.

Govett-Brewster Art Gallery / Len Lye Centre

For families interested in art, the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery and Len Lye Centre are must-visits. This contemporary art museum features innovative exhibitions and dynamic sculptures by Len Lye, a renowned New Zealand artist. The gallery often hosts family-friendly workshops and interactive exhibits that encourage creativity and exploration. It’s a fantastic way to introduce kids to the world of modern art.

Brooklands Zoo

Brooklands Zoo is a small, family-friendly zoo located within New Plymouth’s Pukekura Park. While some exhibits are outdoors, there are plenty of indoor areas to explore, including the aviary and reptile house. The zoo is home to a variety of animals, from farmyard favourites to exotic birds and reptiles. It’s an educational and fun experience that kids will love, rain or shine.

New Plymouth Aquatic Centre

The New Plymouth Todd Energy Aquatic Centre is another great option for a rainy day. This indoor swimming facility offers a range of pools, including a leisure pool with a wave machine, a hydrotherapy pool, and a splash pad for younger children. The centre also has a spa and sauna for parents looking to relax. Swimming is a great way to burn off energy and have fun, even when it’s raining outside.

Bowlarama – Not just Bowling!

Bowlarama is a modern Family Entertainment Centre which has 16 Lanes of Tenpin Bowling,  an 18-hole Black Light Mini Putt course, Underground War Zone themed Laser Tag and Arcade Games.

Indoor “Play” Zones

Kidz Korner, (1-12 years) is the ultimate indoor playground, perfect for keeping physically active in a safe and stimulating environment. MegaBounce Trampoline Arena & Go Wild Indoor Fun Park (11 Years and Under), both at the same location, also provide a great space & fun equipment to burn off some excess energy.

Event Cinemas

EVENT Cinemas New Plymouth strives to keep all film fans happy. You can check out the latest blockbusters on one of their big screens, and they’re also home to the Met Opera Live & National Theatre Live, bringing the best of the stage to the comfort of the cinema.

Rainy Day Fun!

Rainy days at Fitzroy Beach Holiday Park don’t have to mean a dull day indoors. With a variety of indoor activities at the park, from arts and crafts to movie marathons, and nearby attractions like museums, art galleries, and the aquatic centre, there’s plenty to keep families entertained. Embrace the opportunity to create new memories and enjoy the cosy side of your New Plymouth adventure.