Plan your family adventure at Hamilton Gardens
A Waikato hidden gem: Why Hamilton Gardens is the perfect family adventure
Looking for an exciting and memorable outing that will keep the whole family entertained? Here are our top recommendations of the best family-friendly spots at the Hamilton Gardens.
Hamilton Gardens is a must-see attraction to visit with children, with a garden-themed playground, interactive gardens for all ages and picturesque picnic spots, this is the perfect day out for the whole family.
Imagination reigns at Hamilton Gardens playground
The Hamilton Gardens playground is full of activities designed to spark your child’s imagination.
Located right next to the stunning Rogers Rose Garden, you’ll discover a modern playground where everyone is welcome! This inclusive space offers stroller and wheelchair-friendly paths, making it perfect for a fun-filled exploration for children of all abilities.
Children can enjoy a storytelling stage for impromptu performances and imaginative play and a whimsical treehouse, along with swings and play equipment. Relax and unwind under our shaded seating while keeping an eye on your little ones as they explore.
The Hamilton Gardens playground also has amenities close by with drinking fountains and accessible toilets with changing facilities a short walk away.
You can find free parking next to the playground, located near Gate 2 on Cobham Drive. We recommend arriving early to get a carpark, particularly during the peak spring and summer months. Our carparks are busiest between 11am and 3pm every day.
Kids love exploring Hamilton Gardens interactive gardens
The Hamilton Gardens have a variety of gardens that are designed to be interactive. Let your little ones explore – pick up a kid’s Discovery Trail map for an extra adventure.
With so many spaces for children to enjoy, here’s just a few favourites from our youngest visitors.
- The Huddleston Airship is chock-full of industrial gadgets and mechanical steam engines. It arrives from a time when steam power ruled the world and can be spotted hovering beside the Concept Garden in Braithwaite Court.
- The Alice in Wonderland sculpture is a fan-favourite! With an orchid representing the Tropical Garden, a melting clock symbolising the Surrealist Garden and a bow tie directing you to the Chinoiserie Garden.
- Children love the twisting, turning ‘Trons’ in the Surrealist Garden. A world unlike any other, this garden features unusually sized objects and plants around every corner that many of our youngest visitors enjoy.
Other areas to explore
The Valley Walk is a lovely wide pathway in the outer areas of the Gardens with mature native/indigenous plants that children love to explore. This wide walkway is easily accessible for prams, strollers and wheelchairs and leads to the Suffrage Pavilion, and ideal for children and adults alike.
Experience the fragrance of world-class Rogers Rose Garden at Hamilton Gardens located next to the Hamilton Gardens children’s playground - these roses look like they're from a fairy tale! Walk through the different sections to see all the different shapes, sizes, smells and colours.
Our friendly staff at the Visitor Centre and Gift Shop can also offer garden recommendations and you can collect a Hamilton Gardens map to help guide you on your exploration.
Pack a picnic and head to these family-friendly picnic spots
Pack a delicious lunch for the family and find your ideal spot amidst the gardens with this list of the best places for picnicking at Hamilton Gardens.
Rhododendron Lawn
The location for one of Hamilton’s most popular food events, Gourmet in the Gardens, the Rhododendron Lawn is a vast grassy lawn bordered by mature trees and beautiful rhododendrons – the perfect place for a picnic with plenty of room to spread out and run off some energy in clear sight.
Hillside Lawn
Hillside Lawn is a popular spot for events such as Kite Day, and is the ideal location for a friend or family picnic with its expansive lawn. This expansive lawn is a particularly stunning sight in early spring as daffodils burst into bloom. Another great spot for children to run around, play and roll down the gentle slopes.
Rogers Rose Garden
Rogers Rose Garden offers a beautiful space for picnicking. Spread your picnic blanket in this picturesque garden to enjoy a treat amidst the colourful award-winning roses. With lots of different rose species to enjoy, your children will love roaming around the roses, soaking up the smells of these fragrant flowers.
Governor's Green
One of the more spacious and open areas within Hamilton Gardens, Governor's Green provides an inviting setting for larger gatherings or a more expansive picnic setup. Surrounded by trees and greenery, this spot offers a sense of seclusion despite its open layout.
Imagine enjoying a delightful meal surrounded by vibrant blooms or under the shade of ancient trees.
Travelling to Hamilton Garden with children
If you’re travelling to the Hamilton Gardens with kids, here are some tips to make your journey easy.
We recommend parking at Gate 2 carpark off Cobham Drive on State Highway 1. Gate 2 offers spacious parking and is a great option for people who will be driving to the Hamilton Gardens with children, due to its proximity to Hamilton Gardens Playground.
If you’re arriving with a pram or stroller, please we recommend parking at the bottom carpark, rather than the Camellia Carpark as the Camelia Carpark path is steeper and may not be suitable for mobility scooters, wheelchairs and prams.
For those who would like to park closer to the main entry of Hamilton Gardens or near the Hamilton Gardens Café, there are plenty of parking spots available at Gate 1, accessed from Hungerford Crescent off State Highway 1.
At peak times and if you simply prefer a family walk to Hamilton Gardens, there are multiple trails that are also pram-friendly alongside Waikato River. Find out more about Hamilton’s shared trails.
Make long-lasting memories for the whole family
Hamilton Gardens offers you a chance to head outdoors, ditch the screens and build long-lasting memories with the whole family.
With its variety of family-fun activities, exciting interactive gardens, and stunning landscapes for a delicious picnic, Hamilton Gardens provides the perfect entertainment for the whole family.
So pack a picnic, unleash your imagination, and prepare to be dazzled by the magic of Hamilton Gardens.
