Play is being celebrated and encouraged across Tauranga this coming week, with a range of fun, family-friendly activities on offer as part of Play Week Aotearoa 2025.

Running from October 20 to 26, this national initiative led by Sport New Zealand in collaboration with Tauranga City Council and Sport Bay of Plenty encourages people of all ages to engage in play.

Explore a variety of playful activities and meet some furry friends at Tauranga Historic Village on October 23. Photo / Supplied

As part of the planned events in Tauranga, adults are asked to challenge their workmates and take part in lunchtime games at Red Square in the city centre or play board games at Pāpāmoa Library.

There’s Tumble Time for toddlers at Haumaru, Mercury Baypark and Pāpāmoa Sports & Recreation Centre; disc golf at Bayfair Reserve; and bingo at Tauranga Library.

Have fun with a bubble-maker, face painting, scavenger hunt, backyard games, giant chess, rock painting and hugging cute lambs at the Historic Village at Bub’s Play Day on October 23. Jump on the Halloween Trail at Tauranga Library on October 25 or check out Nature Play Day at Yatton Park on October 26.

Bub’s Play Day in Tauranga Historic Village on October 23 is part of National Play Week. Photo / Supplied

Play along the way avoiding the “lava” in the city centre by downloading a map from the What’s on Tauranga website. There’s also a downloadable inclusive activity card, developed in collaboration with Parafed Bay of Plenty, offering play challenges for all abilities.

With Tauranga being home to awa (water), ngahere (forest), whenua (land), maunga (mountain), and the moana (sea), the city’s natural environment also offers diverse settings for play.

Celebrate Nature Play Day at Yatton Park on October 26. Photo / Supplied.

“We have Mauao and McLaren Falls right on our doorstep for wonderful options to explore the outdoors, especially now that summer is approaching, and daylight hours are longer,” Deputy Mayor and Mauao/Mount Maunganui Ward Councillor Jen Scoular said.

“These outdoor options really add to the diverse range of playgrounds. walkways, skateparks, and sports courts and fields available across Tauranga.

“Play adds joy, it is fun, and it is great for our physical and mental health. Play can build friendships and a life-long love of being active and learning new skills.

“I encourage the people of Tauranga across all ages to make time for play in their lives and celebrate different ways to do that over Play Week.”The full programme of events is at: whatsontauranga.co.nz/play-week-2025