U-PLAY Holiday Events

Explore, play, create

U-PLAY is back for the autumn school holidays, with a special guest: the Easter Bunny!

Rain or shine, our programme of free and low-cost events and activities is sure to keep the tamariki (kids) and rangatahi (teens) busy over the holidays. 

Enjoy active fun and play at have-a-go hockey, community netball sessions with the Central Pulse, and a special Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt across Upper Hutt's parks and green spaces. 

We're running the popular Indoor Play event again and H₂O Xtream Aquatic Centre invites you to celebrate its one-year anniversary of re-opening at the epic Birthday Splash Pool Party. For party fun without togs, come along to our disco and dance session at Upper Hutt Libraries.

It's all about board games at creative make-your-own sessions hosted by Whirinaki Whare Taonga and community playdates at the Upper Hutt Toy Library. More creative fun is guaranteed at Dawn Duthie's nature stickers workshop and at Writer's Table, the perfect stop for aspiring young writers.  

Upcoming U-PLAY events

Some of our events are by registration only or require bookings – click on an event to register or book.

Download and view the timetable: U-PLAY Autumn 2026(PDF, 235KB) 

View the timetable (click to expand)

You can also pick up a printed brochure at Upper Hutt Libraries, Civic Centre Building, Whirinaki Whare Taonga, and H₂O Xtream Aquatic Centre from Wednesday, 18 March 2026.

U-PLAY: Kei Hea te Pukapuka (Where Is the Book) at Central Library

Embark on a special quest amongst the shelves. Can you find all the books we're looking for?

U-PLAY: Netball with the Central Pulse

(Limited spaces left.) Get tips and tricks from the pros in this fun community netball session at Heretaunga College. For ages 8 and over. Registration required.

U-PLAY: Indoor Play

Indoor play is back! Jump, climb, and explore our play equipment for a morning of active fun. For ages 3 and over.

U-PLAY: Backyard Buddies at Pinehaven Library

Come on a wild adventure and search for our backyard buddies which we've hidden around the library. Can you spot all of them?

U-PLAY: Mr Fungus

Silliness and fun combine in this delightful show featuring visual comedy, juggling, catchy tunes, and more. Bookings required, $12 per ticket.

U-PLAY: Wallaceville Multicultural Family Day

Join the Upper Hutt Multicultural Council for an afternoon of games and outdoor play, with a bouncy castle and food vendors on site. Nau mai, haere mai – everyone welcome.

StoryTots at Pinehaven

An introduction to books and learning through stories, songs and rhymes.

U-PLAY: Writer's Table

Have a story idea on your mind? Or are your dreaming of becoming the next big-name author? Join us and other young aspiring writers for a creative afternoon. For ages 11 and over.

(BOOKED OUT) U-PLAY: Kids Sticker Workshop

Bzzz, cheep, chirp! Upper Hutt artist Dawn Duthie invites you to make your own nature-themed stickers. Adult supervision and bookings required. $15 per person.

U-PLAY: Lights, Music, PARTY!

It's disco time! Get out your party clothes and accessories, and join us for a boogie, some old-school games, and a whole lot of fun.

U-PLAY: Birthday Splash Pool Party

It's party time! We're marking one year since re-opening with live music from DJ Partya, epic bombing competition, games, and more. Ideal for ages 10-16. Flat rate entry fee applies.

U-PLAY: Pickleball

Give pickleball a go at the brand new local Love Pickle Club! Perfect for trying out one of the fastest-growing sports around. For ages 8 and over, registration required.

U-PLAY: Wellington Hockey Have-a-Go Session

Join us for a fun have-a-go session with the Wellington Hockey Association! For ages 5 and over. Parental supervision and registration required.

StoryTots at Central

An introduction to books and learning through stories, songs and rhymes.

U-PLAY: Backyard Buddies at Central Library

Come on a wild adventure and search for our backyard buddies which we've hidden around the library. Can you spot all of them?

U-PLAY: Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt

Come and explore Upper Hutt's parks and reserves on a special Easter-themed scavenger hunt. Can you find all the hidden eggs? Prize up for grabs for a few lucky searchers!

U-PLAY: Kei Hea te Pukapuka (Where Is the Book) at Pinehaven Library

Embark on a special quest amongst the shelves. Can you find all the books we're looking for?

U-PLAY: Toy Library Board Games Playdate

Game on! Enjoy some board game fun with family friends at the Upper Hutt Toy Library. Choose from our collection or bring your own. Ideal for ages 3 to 7.

U-PLAY: Build Your Own Board Game

Design and build your very own board game. Ready, set, play! Suitable for all ages, all materials provided.

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