Nurture Gumboot Day

February 23rd, 2012 at 9:30 AM @ 316 Pokuru Road, Te Awamutu

The idea of gumboot day is to give children an opportunity to explore the outdoor environment in their own way and time. There will be mud to play in, wood to climb over, sheep to watch, bamboo to hide in, and long grass to crawl through. We will set some porta cots up under the tree's for any babies needing to sleep. All welcome, children, parents, nannies, home based educators, grandparents. Come one, come all. Bring morning tea and a change of clothes! FREE [more]   

Toddler Time - Te Awamutu

February 23rd, 2012 at 10:30 AM @ Te Awamutu & Cambridge Libraries

Toddler time is a weekly activity session held at the Te Awamutu Library on a Thursday morning. It is a great way to introduce children to reading skills, listening and concentration in a group situation. Everyone welcome for stories, rhymes and fun! Not held during the School Holidays FREE [more]   

Mangakara Nature Walk and Podcast

February 24th, 2012 at 9:00 AM @ Pirongia Forest Park, Grey Rd, Te Pahu

The audiovisual podcast of the Mangakara Nature Walk on Mt Pirongia in the Waipa District, Waikato Region is a free outdoor activity. The location for this walk is approximately 30 minutes drive from Hamilton. Produced by Pirongia Te Aroaro o Kahu Restoration Society, an award-winnng local environmental group, the commentary provides in-depth knowledge of our native ecosystems in a beautiful, native forest setting. Start the loop-walk at the upper carpark at the end of Grey Rd, Te Pahu and descend through magnificent, mature specimens of native trees to follow a delightful mountain stream. Allow approximately 1 hour (including return) for the walk, which features some steps and board walks. Sensible walking shoes recommended. Suitable for low fitness levels. Basic toilet facilities available. To download the free podcast visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZO-Gxc1yfWk For more information, visit: www.mtpirongia.org.nz FREE [more]   

Candyland Candy Making Show

February 25th, 2012 at 10:30 AM @ 75 Henry Road, Gordonton

The Shows are held at 10.30am and 1pm, weekends, public and every day during school holidays. Please arrive 15 minutes before hand to be sure of getting a seat as seating is limited and is sold on a first come, first served basis. The shows last about 40minutes to an hour, and take you into the chocolate room to show you how we make our chocolates, then into the candy room to watch us make a batch of rock candy, and you'll get to make your own lolliop from this fresh batch! You will be seated in each room, and have wheelchair access Candymaking Show Prices (includes making your own lollipop!) are $15 adults, and $10 kids under 12 years. Kids under 1 year free unless you want to make a lollipop for them $3. Extra lollipops for friends and family $3 each. [more]   

More FM Kids Carnival

February 25th, 2012 at 11:00 AM @ Garden Place, Hamilton Central

The fourth and final carnival in the MORE FM Kids Carnival Series. This carnival is chock-a-block full of kids entertainment, carnival rides, bouncy castle, face painting and street theatre. Live shows include; Mad Hatter at 12.30pm and Captain Ricardo’s Pirate Show at 2.00pm Garden Place 11am – 3pm FREE [more]   

Free Parenting Programmes with Plunket

February 25th, 2012 at 9:00 AM @ Hamilton Plunket, 12 Richmond St, Hamilton

DID YOU KNOW.... Plunket offers FREE parent education programmes in Hamilton. Designed to support parents through the different stages of their child's early development, Plunket Parent Education groups offer the opportunity to meet, share ideas, enhance parenting strengths and knowledge and make connections with other families. Join Community Karitane, Larissa Newlands for: Your Growing Baby - Parenting from 6 weeks to 1 year When: Begins Monday 20th Feb and runs for 6 weeks Time: Morning session 9:30am - 11:30am or afternoon session 1:00pm - 3:00pm Join experienced Parenting Facilitator, Larissa Jepsen for: Your Active Toddler - Parenting from 1 to 2 years When: Begins Tuesday 13th March and runs for 4 weeks Time: 1:30pm - 3:00pm Your Curious Pre-schooler - Parenting from 2 to 3 years When: Begins Tuesday 21st Feb and runs for 4 weeks Time: 1:30pm - 3:00pm All programmes are held at Hamilton Plunket, 12 Richmond Street To register or find out more information phone Sharron 07 859 7715, email: sharron.taylor@plunket.org.nz FREE [more]   

Waiwhakareke Plant and Bash

February 25th, 2012 at 9:00 AM @ Waiwhakareke Natural Heritage Park, Opposite Hamilton Zoo, Brymer Rd, Hamilton

A 60 hectare wetland in the heart of Hamilton, Waiwhakareke is an award-winning natural heritage park and New Zealand’s largest inland restoration project. It's a great cause in the heart of Hamilton which relies on volunteers like you to make it happen. Regular Plant and Bash working bees are held on the last Saturday of every month. So pack your sunscreen and gumboots and bring a friend for a morning of weed bashing and planting native trees. All welcome! For more information, visit: www.waiwhakareke.co.nz FREE [more]   

Excite

February 25th, 2012 at 9:00 AM @ Waikato Museum, 1 Grantham St, Hamilton

Jam-packed with fun ways to learn about science. Including Mario Kart racers and the speed throw. [more]   

Hamilton Zoo - Up close & personal

February 25th, 2012 at 12:00 PM @ Hamilton Zoo, Brymer Rd, Hamilton

Every day of the week the zoo run a different animal encounter - guaranteed to be a once in a lifetime experience. Ever dreamed of getting up close to a cheetah or tiger, or hand feeding lemurs? For just $10 per person in addition to the normal zoo entry charge, you get a unique opportunity to enjoy an intimate, close-up look at the animals. Feed the lemurs or capuchins, or watch the keepers feed the big cats! It is the photo opportunity of a lifetime and an experience you'll never forget. Maximum of 10 people per encounter. Please contact the zoo for times. [more]   

Bike Wise Month

February 26th, 2012 at 9:00 AM @ Various Places around Hamilton

From free bike checks and uni cycle challenges to face painting, tasty food and live music. Everyone that turns up on a bike at events 1, 3 & 4 will receive free cycle safety equipment and will go into the draw to win spot prizes. Plus, we're giving away an adults commuter bike and a kids Mongoose bike. So arrive on your bike and be in to win! 1. Crawshaw/Nawton Bike Wise Day Feb 12th (Dominion Park) 2. A talk from Roger Geller Feb 17th (Hamilton City Council) 3. Mayoral Challenge Feb 19th (Garden Place) 4. Hamilton East Bike Wise Day Feb 26th (Steel Park, Grey St) For full event details visit: www.hamilton.co.nz/sustainable_travel_events [more]   

Sunset Symphony

February 26th, 2012 at 7:00 PM @ Rhododendron Lawn, Hamilton Gardens, Cobham Dr, Hamilton

The pinnacle event - Trust Waikato Symphony Orchestra and Festival Choir are joined by amazing violinist Fiona Pears, under Musical Director Rupert D’Cruze. Exciting music for the whole family, ending with a Fireworks Spectacular. Bring friends and family and a picnic dinner. Experience some of the world’s great music outdoors. BYO Seating. For more information, visit: www.hgaf.co.nz FREE [more]   

Book Worms

February 26th, 2012 at 10:00 AM @ American Modernist Garden, Hamilton Gardens, Cobham Dr, Hamilton

Hey all you little book worms! Come and join us to meet some of New Zealands favourite storywriters. Listen to some fabulous tales while dipping your twinkle toes in the pool. Sharon Holt Sunday, 26 February 2012 @ 10:00 a.m. Sharon Holt lives in Kihikihi in the Waikato. She can't remember a time when she didn't dream of writing children's books. She is a full-time author and her latest publication is a warm and wryly amusing bedtime story about the bond between mothers and their babies ; Your Mother Didn't Do That! Elena de Roos Sunday, 26 February 2012 @ 11:00 a.m. Elena lives in a rather chaotic house with her husband, three teenage children, their granny and a cat. Since she was little she has always enjoyed making up stories. Her beautiful book, The Rain Train was winner of the Picture Book category at the 2009 New Zealand Post Children’s Book Awards. For more information, visit: www.hgaf.co.nz FREE [more]   

Raglan Creative Market

February 26th, 2012 at 10:00 AM @ Raglan Old School Arts Centre, Stewart St, Raglan

The Whaingaroa Creative Market reflects the Raglan lifestyle by showcasing the friendly, creative, healthy and alive atmosphere of the area. A place to relax, soak up and enjoy the beautiful things in life: * Seasonal organic produce, homemade pesto’s, fresh baked italian breads and delicious kai. * Exquisite woven flax-ware, funky kids accessories, original fashion clothing and jewellery. * Paintings & photography by known artists, healing arts and readings, music, entertainment and much much more! * Raglan Creative Market is proud of New Zealand-made and the array of undiscovered emerging talent in Raglan-Whaingaroa. Come check it out for yourself! [more]   

Pirongia Market

February 26th, 2012 at 8:30 AM @ Pirongia Memorial Hall

Country Market with local produce, crafts & art exhibition. Last Sunday of every Month. FREE [more]   

Summer Collection at the Sculpture Park

February 28th, 2012 at 10:00 AM @ The Sculpture Park @ Waitakaruru Arboretum,207 Scotsman Valley

‘Summer 2011: sky above, earth below’. Guest curator Andrew Clifford has selected a fascinating range of works that will excite and intrigue visitors to the Park. Be prepared for a wonderful day of diverse visual experiences when you visit the Sculpture Park @ Waitakaruru Arboretum, the ‘art place to be’ just east of Hamilton in the lush Waikato countryside. Café facilities are available on weekends and on request. Please visit our website www.sculpturepark.co.nz for details. For more information, visit: www.sculpturepark.co.nz $10 per Adult $5.00 per child (5-14) [more]   

Aqua Play Gym

February 29th, 2012 at 9:00 AM @ Waterworld & Gallaghers Aquatic Centres

Come on in, the pools are heated. Develop your child’s love for water by learning through play. We have lots of toys in the water that create a fun environment for little ones. Aqua Play gym is recommended for ages 6 months to 6 years. An accompanied parent or caregiver is required with the child at all times. Normal admission prices to the pools apply, no extra cost involved. Ph 958 5860 for more information. Run every Wednesday from 9.00-11.00am during primary school terms. [more]   

Morrinsville Country Market

March 3rd, 2012 at 8:30 AM @ Canada Street, Morrinsville

The Country Market has been operating in Morrinsville for the last few years and is a combined event Morrinsville Lions and Rotary Club of Morrinsville event. Come along for local produce and arts and crafts. 1st Saturday of every month Held the 1st Saturday of every month FREE [more]   

Miniature Train Rides

March 3rd, 2012 at 10:00 AM @ Minogue Park, Tui Ave, Forrest Lake, Hamilton

Currently operating Every Sunday from 10.30am to 3.00pm (weather permitting) and will always welcome visitors from other clubs. We take public passengers for $2.00 per person per ride, a Concession book is available of 10 Tickets for $15. [more]   

CraftMad - Craft & Design Market

March 3rd, 2012 at 10:00 AM @ St Johns Methodist Church, 20 Wellington St, Hamilton

Fantastic Craft Fair where you can get lots of awesome crafts by local artists. Held on the 1st Saturday of every month FREE [more]   

Children's Day - Monster Madness

March 4th, 2012 at 10:30 AM @ Waikato Museum, 1 Grantham St, Hamilton

Join us for a day of Monster Madness at Waikato Museum! From 10.30am - 4.30pm we have lots of FREE fun activities for the whole family. So... Dress up in your best monster outfit and enjoy face painting; join Monster Theatre Sports; go on a Howling Hamilton Tour; take part in the Monster Ball; listen to monster stories; try your hand at pottery and enjoy science talks and other exciting activities. Plus you could WIN great prizes! Entry to Children's Day is free*. So join us at the museum where we are opening our doors for a day of fun. FREE [more]   

Purple Walk for Endometriosis Awareness

March 14th, 2012 at 5:45 PM @ Innes Common, Lake Domain, Hamilton

Co-ordinated by Insight Endometriosis (formerly known as Endometriosis Waikato), the walk will be held at 5:45pm, around Hamilton Lake (Zumba warmup beforehand). The first 500 paid adult pre-registraions will receive an awesome goody bag! An anticipated 500 participants dressed in purple will raise awareness of this significant condition. Spot prizes will be awarded at the end. Group registrations are encouraged, with a prize for the “Most Spectacular Group" & also a prize for the "Most Spectacular Teen Group". $10 Adult, Under 13 FREE [more]   

Te Aroha Street Market

March 17th, 2012 at 8:00 AM @ Whitaker Street North, Te Aroha

Awesome Market held on the 3rd Saturday of every month Free ($10 to have a Stall) [more]   

A Day in the Domain - Te Aroha

March 18th, 2012 at 9:00 AM @ Te Aroha Domain, Te Aroha

A Day in the Domain is a fun and affordable family day out in the beautiful, historic Te Aroha Hot Springs Domain. With free entry and entertainment throughout the day there is something to delight young and old and everyone in between. In recent years we’ve had a real variety including the Adrenalin Run, Newfoundland Dogs and Water Walkers, along with perennial favourites, the Balloon Man and the Puppeteer. Every year there is a Teddy Bears picnic where our talented story teller keeps the littlies enthralled while they sip on juice and munch their goodies with Teds big and small. For the big kids we’ve had the Gunge Bucket, Dunkin Dunnee and Vertical Bungee. A Day in the Domain provides an opportunity for local non-profit organisations and community groups to fundraise and raise awareness of their group. For those who want to just sit back and enjoy the atmosphere there is musical entertainment in the Rotunda all day long as well as the visual displays down on the petanque court…and food, did we mention food? From wood fired pizzas to South American pastries and the good old kiwi sausage sizzle – There’s so much food you’ll be spoilt for choice! FREE to watch [more]   

The Meridian Season of Angelina Ballerina's Big Audition

March 31st, 2012 at 10:30 AM @ Founders Theatre, 221 Tristram St, Hamilton

After hugely successful tours of Australia and the UK, Royal New Zealand Ballet is delighted to be performing this enchanting production, originally created by English National Ballet, throughout the country between March and May. Angelina loves to dance and dreams of becoming a famous ballerina. Miss Lilly is her ballet teacher and Alice Nimbletoes, her best friend – characters that cannot fail to charm with their love of colour and pretty costumes. Angelina Mousling is a fictional mouse and the star of some twenty enormously popular children’s books, which became an animated TV series in 2002, then a musical and now a ballet. In this production Angelina prepares for her most important performance ever… in front of the Camembert Academy judges. Definitely one for all those budding ballerinas and we guarantee you’ll love it too! "Guaranteed to charm an army of small children – boys, note, as well as girls" - The Times An English National Ballet Production. $35 Premium $25 A Reserve [more]   

Tamahere School Pumpkin Night

March 24th, 2012 at 4:00 PM @ 37 Devine Road, Tamahere, Hamilton

Pumpkin Night is a fun-filled annual family event. The fields are transformed into a country carnival with something for everyone to enjoy including games & rides, face painting, sweet treats, raffles, art stalls, live entertainment, and fabulous food options to purchase. Come along to this great community event for an afternoon and evening of entertainment, gourmet food, beer & wine, and loads of affordable activities for kids of all ages. [more]   

Balloons over Waikato, Night Glow

March 31st, 2012 at 6:00 PM @ University of Waikato, Hamilton

Hamilton's biggest night out at the Nightglow at The University, where the balloons glow to orchestrated music finishing with the best fireworks display in town. FREE [more]   

Ben 10 Live: Time Machine

April 16th, 2012 at 11:00 AM @ Clarence St Theatre, 59 Clarence St, Hamilton

In Cartoon Network’s Ben 10 Live: Time Machine, fans get to see their favourite characters from all three of Cartoon Network’s hit shows’ Ben 10, Ben 10 Alien Force and Ben 10 Ultimate Alien come together in one live theatre event with the coolest costumes, rad stunts, awesome effects and heaps of laughs for the whole family. $25 standard, $90.00 family of 4 [more]