Queenstown Indoor Activities // 16 Family-Friendly Ideas for a Rainy Day

Queenstown Indoor Activities

things to do with kids when weather isn’t on your side

Queenstown is the capital for outdoor adventures, but sometimes we need indoor options. When the snow isn’t good enough for ski runs, when the weather is bitterly cold, when the skies open up and pour down, indoor options are necessary especially if you are on holiday with kids. In my many trips down to Queenstown, I’ve experienced all types of weather and having backup options is always great with little ones. Since moving to Queenstown I’ve found so many more options for indoor activities and I’m actually quite impressed with how much there is to do when you want a break from the outdoors.

If you are looking for things to do with kids in Queenstown (more outdoor-focused), click here. For those sans kids, here are my favourite things to do in Queenstown.

Let’s begin.

1. Clip ‘n climb // indoor rock climbing at base camp adventures

It’s no surprise that Queenstown has an indoor climbing gym, but what you may not know, is that a colourfully, creative option exists for kids. Clip ‘n Climb offers a number of themed climbing walls, plus ladders, a race wall, a stairway to heaven and more. The sessions run for an hour-long (starting on the hour) and cost $16.50 for 3 to 4-year-olds and $26.50 for 5 and up. And yes, adults are allowed! We’ve taken our daughter a number of times and we have just as much fun as her!

Find it near Remarkables Park in Frankton.

2. Game over

Just across the way from Base Camp Adventures is another great option for Queenstown indoor activities, Game Over. An expansive warehouse space brimming with arcade games, go-karting and laser tag. They also have a shop selling a range of games to take back to your accommodation if the rain doesn’t quit. Check online for discount package rates and have a fun afternoon playing like a kid or with your kids!

3. indoor skydiving with ifly

Kingpin Bowling in Queenstown

Too nervous to jump out of a plane? Or can’t because of the weather? It’s your time to shine at indoor skydiving. iFly, located on the way to the Skyline Gondola, is a great option for those wanting to experience the feeling of skydiving. Suit up and learn how to “free-fall” in this wild wind tunnel attraction or go and watch others do it for free! It’s mesmerising to watch and although I haven’t partaken in the experience, it’s on my bucket list! Kids 5 and up are able to participate!

4. kingpin

In 2022, a big new complex arrived in Queenstown down the street from the Skyline. Within this new build is our family’s new favourite indoor activity spot called Kingpin offering bowling, escape rooms, arcade and karaoke rooms. Music videos play as you bowl and funny clips pop up each time you score. Get food and drinks delivered to your table and stay awhile. We played here two years in a row on our daughter’s birthday finishing with a big session in the arcade. Play VR with your friends and don’t forget to cash out on your tickets in the prize room. Grab your mates, enjoy a few cocktails then get on the microphone in one of their karaoke rooms or take a chance and try to escape from one of their immersive rooms.

5. time tripper

Did you know you can travel back in time under Queenstown’s Lake Wakatipu? I didn’t even know this activity existed until moving here! Time Tripper is a unique underwater experience that transports you back 90 million years and takes you through how New Zealand was formed. Kids 0 to 2 years old are free and it costs $8 for children and $15 for adults. It’s a great way to kill some time and learn about New Zealand in a fun, exciting way! For more info, head here.

6. Lakes district museum & gallery

If you’re keen for more learning, head over to Arrowtown, Otago’s idyllic gold mining town just a 20-minute drive from Queenstown. Open every day from 9am to 4pm, it’s a great way to learn the history of the region and see some local artwork!

7. Queenstown ice arena

If you don’t mind being somewhere cold, the ice rink is right in town and always open! Take the kids ice skating or for those not a fan of skating, you can try ice bumper cars. There is also a cafe onsite and the arena is located in the beautiful Queenstown Gardens. Family passes are available and they also have night skates on the weekends. If the weather lets up, you can hire discs for disc (frisbee) golf and enjoy the free course that is dotted through the gardens.

8. site trampoline park

Need to get some wiggles out? Spend a few hours at Site, a massive indoor trampoline park that takes you to new heights. You can book in a session with instructors to learn cool tricks, ideal for those wanting to hit the snow park in winter and they also have an indoor mini skateboarding ramp for those looking to gain more confidence on their board. For parents with little ones, Site offers $10 sessions for 5 and under (includes a parent) every Tuesday and Friday from 9am to 10:30am. It’s located next to Base Camp Adventures in Frankton.

9. Queenstown events centre - alpine Aqualand

Everyone loves a pool day, and lucky for you, Queenstown has a pretty great one for all ages. Located in the Queenstown Events Centre (also a gym), the Aqualand has a large shallow pool, water sprays, a toddler paddling area, a lazy river, hydro slides, lanes and a big spa pool for Mum (or anyone above the age of 16). It’s a great place to hide from the rain and there is also an onsite cafe with delicious offerings. It’s $8 entry for adults, $4 for kids, free for 4 and under, and extra for the slides.

10. to the cinema

Ok, this sounds like a no-brainer, but an afternoon at the movies is always a delight. Pick from the Reading Cinemas in downtown central Queenstown or make the drive to Dorthy Browns boutique theatre. Relax in super comfy seats, grab a local beer or wine and enjoy the cosy vibes.

11. ice bar

Sure it’s a bit gimmicky, but in a ski resort town, an Ice Bar is always going to be an option, I went back in 2016 with family and we actually had a great time. Laughing as we sipped our drinks and took photos in our giant parkas. There are three in town and sometimes when booking another experience, you’ll get free entry! It’s an experience everyone should do once and yes kids are welcome!

12. thrill zone

Another Queenstown indoor activity spot is Thrill Zone. Situated on Shotover Street in town, this place is known for its Virtual Reality Games including VR Escape Rooms. They also have indoor glow-in-the-dark mini golf, a 12D Motion Theatre and a race car simulator.

13. odyssey sensory maze

I will admit, I haven’t done this yet, but after researching it, I want to! Get lost in an array of colours, optical illusions and strange sensations as your wander through the maze, more details here. If you do it before I do, let me know how it is! Details here.

14. fear factory

For those brave enough, go and face your fears at Fear Factory. An indoor haunted house experience that will get your heart racing. Tickets start at $20 and family packages are available, but I’d leave the younger kids at home for this rainy-day adventure.

15. chipmunks

I won’t lie to you, this is probably my least favourite place in all of New Zealand and if you’re a parent in New Zealand, you’ll probably agree. Now don’t get me wrong, it’s an epic place for a kid. Ball pits, slides, soft-play mats, inflatable slides and much more are squeezed into this colourful playland, but be warned, it gets packed on school holidays and rainy days. I love that it has dedicated age areas and fun for both my one-year-old and five-year-old, but it’s usually impossible to pull your kids out of there without a tantrum and they are probably coming home with this week’s virus. So if you do head there, go knowingly and prepare an exit strategy.

16. the library

Where are all my book lovers? If you are like me at all or you have kids who love the library like mine, this is a great FREE place to spend a few hours. You can head to the main Queenstown Library right in town next to the rugby field, drive out to the more modern Frankton Library (we love their egg chairs) or make your way to Arrowtown Library, a cute and quaint library with a great kids area. We rotate between them all but always find ourselves spending the most time in the main one. The staff are wonderful and colouring is always set up. They often put scavenger hunts on and offer free activities like Story Time and Wriggle and Rhyme. Check their calendar for what’s on.

And there you have it! 16 Queenstown indoor activities to do with your family or friends or even solo! Let me know if I forgot anything below and please share your favourite Queenstown indoor activity :)

Happy Traveling!

Tor