Plunket Newsletter Spring 2013 | Page 15

activity review Photo courtesy of the Auckland Art Gallery The Auckland Art Gallery – Toi O Tamaki By Jo Simmonds Open daily 10am – 5pm Corner of Kitchener and Wellesley Streets – it’s also free! www.aucklandartgallery.com A great place to take your little ones, with large open spaces. Some children will love to look at paintings while others will be happier to see two or three of the more impressive installations before heading outdoors to Albert Park for a run around. The Auckland Art Gallery actively encourages children’s enjoyment of art, and most children will love the Learning Centre on the mezzanine floor where they can create their own art. The Art Gallery staff are very helpful and happy to point out works that are most likely to appeal to littlies. The café is child friendly, with a lovely balcony. If you want to keep costs down we recommend packing a picnic lunch and heading out to Albert Park or the Khartoum Place steps and water fountain across the road. There is also the Atrium and another balcony on Level 2 of the Art Gallery where you can get outside for a picnic or even a quick snack and run around time. The Auckland Art Gallery website provides great ideas for planning your trip to the Gallery with children. Also read about their school holiday programme, free events, and find a useful ‘Survival Kit’ with tips on how to plan your visit. Check out what’s on: www.aucklandartgallery.com/whats-on And Family tips: www.aucklandartgallery.com/ learning/families-and-children Getting there: Parking is available, but $$$. 15 minute walk from Britomart, and the City LINK and Outer LINK buses both stop nearby. Pram friendly: Yes, self opening doors at entrance and elevators within. Change facilities: Yes, though toilet doors are a bit harder to push the pram through. Breastfeeding: Welcome. Café: $4 coffees, $8 for a sandwich. Children’s menu available at about $10.50 for a meal. Plunket Ponsonby / Herne Bay / Westmere / Grey Lynn / Pt Chevalier Newsletter