31 Things to Do on Rarotonga with Kids 👪 2025

Last Updated: 11 June, 2025

The Top Family Activities on Rarotonga

We know how hard it is to get the family, time and finances together for an unforgettable holiday to Rarotonga. Let us make the rest easy for you, such as listing all of the best things to do on Rarotonga with kids! That’s right, we’ve picked a whopping 35 activities that kids love; all you have to do is pick your favourites.

From guided lagoon tours to free inland experiences, we have family activities on Rarotonga to suit a variety of tastes and budgets.

Before we get started, be sure to bookmark The Complete Travel Guide to Rarotonga for Families and 20 Best Family Resorts & Accommodations on Rarotonga to help plan more of your vacation.

1. Jump on a Lagoon Cruise

A fun day out for the whole family, the cruises on the Muri Lagoon are varied enough to capture even the shortest attention spans. Choose from either Captain Tama’s Lagoon Cruizes or Koka Lagoon Cruises, both offering ample snorkelling time, a larger-than-life crew and a show on the same uninhabited motu (literally, just down the beach from each other).

Our advice? Go with the one that gives you the best deal on the day, or compare in the 10 Best Day Cruises in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.

Location: Muri Beach.

35 Things to Do on Rarotonga with Kids 👪 [2025]

2. Head Out on a Family Kayaking Excursion

With so much sheltered lagoon to explore and the abundance of kayaks to enjoy, you can’t take the kids to Rarotonga and not do some kayaking. Kayaks are a staple of beachfront accommodations on Rarotonga, while kayak rentals are also available with Adventure Cook Islands, KiteSUP and Captain Tama Aquasportz.

Ask your host for the best places to go from your chosen accommodation, and don’t forget to take some snorkelling gear to enjoy the tropical marine life below.

Location: All over Rarotonga – See a comprehensive list of accommodations in Where to Stay on Rarotonga: The Best Rarotonga Accommodations or kayak rentals in the 5 Best Kayak Tours & Rentals in the Cook Islands.

30 Things to Do on Rarotonga with Kids ???? [2023]

3. Be Mesmerised at an Island Night

With fierce dancing from the island’s warriors and energetic booty shaking from the island’s princesses, a cultural show on Rarotonga is a must-do for all ages. Also known as “island nights”, Raro’s cultural shows can be found in various resorts or at the historical site of Highland Paradise or the overwater venue of Te Vara Nui Village.

All come complete with a buffet of traditional umu kai, as well as plenty of options for fussy eaters. Te Vara Nui accepts both cash and credit card payments at the table. Bar tabs can also be arranged with management approval by leaving a credit card at the bar. That said, we found it easiest to simply bring enough cash for drinks.

Location: Find the locations in the 10 Best Island Nights in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.

30 Things to Do on Rarotonga with Kids 👪 [2025]

4. See the Muri Lagoon Light Up on a Night SUP Tour

Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is fun with the family no matter the hour, but at night with your SUP’s LED lights illuminating the lagoon waters beneath you… Oh boy!

Both King Dryden’s Aqua Ventures and KiteSUP offer wonderful night SUP tours on Rarotonga; King Dryden’s is a more intimate experience with clear SUPs and kayaks, while KiteSUP takes you out to one of the lagoon islands. Both conclude with an awesome fire show.

Learn more about the SUP experiences in the 5 Best Paddleboard Tours & Hires in the Cook Islands and book your night SUP experience on King Dryden’s website.

Location: KiteSUP watersport centre and King Dryden’s Aqua Ventures are on Muri Beach, the east side of Rarotonga

5. Hit the Hottest Snorkelling Spots

With plenty of safe swimming spots and hundreds of fish surrounding the coral bommies of Rarotonga, you’ll have trouble trying to get your kids (and yourselves) out of the water – trust us! Rarotonga has no lack of snorkelling spots to be enjoyed together, from the lively Aroa Marine Reserve to the famous Fruits of Rarotonga site.

Find out more about the snorkelling hotspots in The Best Snorkelling in Rarotonga: Top 10 Places to Snorkel or compare tours in the 6 Best Snorkelling Tours in Rarotonga.

Location: Refer to the links above for snorkelling locations.

6. Let Them Loose at a Resort’s Kids’ Club

Let the kids have their holiday while you do one of the more grown-up adventure or relaxation activities on Rarotonga by taking them to a kids’ club. Available at the Pacific Resort Rarotonga, Edgewater Resort & Spa and The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium, kids’ clubs involve fun cultural and marine activities.

Kids typically come back with their homemade floral ei, with facts about the all-powerful coconut and stories of crab racing, traditional dancing, basket weaving and more.

Location: See The Best Kids’ Clubs in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands for locations of all of Raro’s kids’ clubs.

7. Check Out the Underwater World and a Shipwreck on the Raro Reef Sub

Dive into Rarotonga’s vibrant marine world with Raro Reef Sub, offering a unique semi-submersible adventure from April to December/January. This 1 hr 30 mins tour takes you to the outer reef, where you’ll spot large pelagic fish, turtles, sharks, and possibly even whales.

Explore the mysterious RMS Maitai shipwreck and discover underwater marvels usually out of reach for kids. As a bonus, a portion of your fare supports local conservation efforts, making this an eco-friendly choice for ocean enthusiasts.

Location: Tours depart from Avatiu Harbour, Avarua, the northern side of Rarotonga.

8. Have a Cultural Experience with Raro’s Friendliest Warrior!

Tumutoa Tours offers three immersive cultural experiences on Rarotonga, each focusing on traditional food preparation, storytelling, and local village life. The most comprehensive option is the “Umu Feast Stringband & Fireshow”, a 4 hrs 30 mins adventure held Mondays and Thursdays from 3 pm to 7:30 pm.

You’ll learn to prepare an umu (earth oven) feast, weave your own food basket, and husk coconuts to make coconut cream for ikamata. As you cook, enjoy string band entertainment, culminating in a shared feast and fire show.

For a different experience, try the “Umu Feast & Discovery Walk” on Fridays from 2 pm to 6:30 pm. This tour combines cultural food prep with a guided walk through Inave Village, where you’ll explore edible and medicinal plants, hear local legends, and savour the umu feast you’ve helped prepare.

Location: Main Road (Ara Tapu), Arorangi, western side of Rarotonga. Well signposted off the main road.

9. Get Competitive at Aumata Mini Golf

You know the deal: mini golf has been entertaining families for millennia (or not quite), and it’s no different on Rarotonga! Enjoy 18 holes of fun challenges under the shade of the mango trees and wrap up the experience with a pizza at the cafe.

The course is open 7 days a week, from 10 am to 9 pm, and 1 pm to 9 pm on Sundays. See more golfing highlights in The Complete Guide to Golf in the Cook Islands.

Location: Inave Road, Arorangi (well signposted off the main road).

10. Do a Family-Friendly Island Hike

Walking the verdant jungle trails is one of the best ways to explore the interiors of Rarotonga, but what’s the best option with kids in tow? One of the easiest and most rewarding hikes is Hospital Hill. The 2 km (1.2 mi), 30-40 mins return walk starts from the Hospital car park and steadily ventures up an easy-to-follow dirt road to a viewpoint overlooking Nikao Beach, the lagoon and the airport.

If you have older kids with lots of energy to burn, check out the 10 Best Walks in Rarotonga for more trails.

Location: Top of Hospital Hill Road, Nikao. The dirt track can be found behind the hospital buildings.

11. Have a Swim at the Papua Waterfall

Cool off and take some cool photos at the Papua Waterfall. Also known as Wigmore’s Waterfall, the falls can be found in a forest clearing, complete with picnic tables, to make the most of your visit. The waterfall is at its best when there hasn’t been a dry spell (which isn’t often on Rarotonga), and swimming is best done in the bottom pool (not on top where the water pipes are).

Remember to take some insect repellent with you. Finally, avoid climbing the sides where rocks are known to fall. Once you’ve got all of the health and safety aspects in mind, you’ll have a good time visiting this natural attraction.

Location: End of Papua Road, Vaimaanga. Note that the dirt road all the way to the waterfall is in bad condition – suitable for 4WD or SUVs only. If you’re unsure, park at the SPCA car park and walk from there (6 mins walk). You may be asked to pay an entry fee, which is approximately NZ$2 for scooters and NZ$5 for cars and trucks.

12. Get Educated at the Discover Marine Wildlife & Eco Centre

A rainy day must-do, the Discover Marine Wildlife & Eco Centre is Raro’s most family-friendly all-weather activity. This compact centre is packed with fascinating displays, from rehabilitated seabirds and coconut crabs to intriguing whaling and shipwreck artefacts.

You’ll love browsing the aquarium, with its fascinating stonefish, and learning about the formation of the Cook Islands. Don’t miss the new Lickity Splitz Ice Cream Parlour for a sweet treat! It is open Monday through Friday from 9:30 am to 4 pm and on Saturdays from 10:30 am to 4 pm.

Location: Main Road (Ara Tapu), Arorangi.

13. Do a Reef Walk with Ariimoana

A fascinating eco-tour that gets you exploring the reef safely, Ariimoana has you joining a local family, Kura, Jacapo and their daughter Mahi, to discover marine creatures that you’d otherwise miss.

They are a wealth of knowledge about Rarotonga and its marine life, giving you an insight into local conservation efforts, as well as giving kids a chance to hold interesting marine creatures found along the way.

Location: Main Road (Ara Tapu), Vaimaanga.

14. Explore Mairie Nui Gardens

Cross the quaint footbridges and into seven acres of botanical paradise at Mairie Nui Gardens. These gorgeous tropical gardens, just outside of Muri, provide a stunning place to explore with kids among the lily ponds, intriguing plants, and a backdrop of the dramatic mountain landscape.

You can also stop by the Café & Grill with food flavoured with the garden’s homegrown herbs and spices. Entry to the gardens is by donation, making it one of the 20 Free & Cheap Things to Do on Rarotonga.

Location: Main Road (Ara Tapu), Titikaveka.

15. Enjoy Tropical Treats at the Punanga Nui Market

The vibrant Punanga Nui Market is a feast for the senses, offering a delightful array of tropical fruits, smoothies, and local treats. Kids will love exploring the food stalls, while adults can peruse colourful pareu (sarongs) and island shirts for unique souvenirs.

Don’t miss the east side food sheds. Animal lovers can even pet puppies near the SPCA shop. The market is also a great place to book tours, making it a one-stop shop for your Cook Islands adventure.

Location: Main Road (Ara Tapu), west end of Avarua. Open on Saturdays from 7 am to 12 pm.

16. Create Colourful Fabrics in Rarotonga Fabric Arts

Unleash your creativity at Rarotonga Fabric Arts, a hands-on tie-dye workshop that’s perfect for all ages. Running six days a week (Sunday to Friday) from 10 am to 3 pm, this 1 hour and 30 minutes session offers a unique opportunity to paint your own bedspread, tea towel, or pareu using a wide selection of stencils and custom-made blocks.

Choose your garment (prices vary depending on your selection) and let your imagination run wild! Once you’ve finished your masterpiece, you can pick up your creation just an hour later – a perfect souvenir of your time in paradise. All you have to do is give it an iron to set the colours, making it machine washable.

Location: Main Road (Ara Tapu), Takitumu, southeast coast of Rarotonga. Well signposted along the main road.

17. Visit the Historic Site and Explore the Rock Pools at Black Rock

A volcanic outcrop amidst the sand, Black Rock is not only a historical site but also a great place to snorkel or go reef walking. The rock is said to be where Rarotonga’s spirits would depart to the afterlife, which you can learn more about on the interpretation panel erected in front of the rock.

At low tide, the rock pools are interesting to investigate, while it’s also a fun snorkelling spot at high tide. Check out more interesting historical places of interest in the 10 Best Historical Sites in Rarotonga.

Location: Main Road (Ara Tapu), Nikao.

18. Enjoy a Cycling or Walking Tour with Storytellers Eco Cycle Tours

Storytellers Eco Cycle Tours offers an exciting way to explore Rarotonga on two wheels. Their cycling tours begin with a briefing, allowing you to choose your preferred focus: food, history, art and culture, or a bit of everything. With bikes available for all ages, there’s no excuse not to join in on the fun!

Pedal past charming villages, learn about the island’s rich history along the ancient Ara Metua coral road, and enjoy tastings of local fruits discovered en route. The “Discover” tour is designed for beginner cyclists, while the “Explore” tour is ideal for more experienced riders. Both tours conclude with a delicious local lunch.

For those preferring to explore on foot, Storytellers also offers the “Afternoon Stroll” walking tour. This leisurely walk offers a unique perspective on the island’s beauty and culture.

Location: Transfers are included in the tour price.

32 Things to Do on Rarotonga with Kids 👪 [2025]

19. Treat the Tastebuds at Rarotonga’s Family-Friendly Cafes and Restaurants

No family holiday is complete without food. Although self-catering is a fantastic option for sticking to your budget (we list the best accommodations for this in the 10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in Rarotonga), you can be forgiven for treating yourself and loved ones to a meal out. It’s your holiday too, after all!

Family-friendly options include Charlie’s, which offers watersports equipment hire, Castaway Beach Bar, featuring toys for young children and a fun beachfront setting, and the Coconut Crab Cafe, boasting giant board games and a marine eco-centre (see point #11). See them all and more in The Food Guide to Rarotonga: Places to Eat & Food Tours.

Location: Charlie’s Cafe – Main Road (Ara Tapu), Titikaveka. Castaway Beach Bar – Main Road (Ara Tapu), Arorangi. Main Road (Ara Tapu), Arorangi.

20. Help Out Paws at Rarotonga’s SPCA Shelter

For a family-friendly activity that teaches children about compassion and animal care, head to the SPCA’s Waggy Tail Walking Experience. The dogs in Rarotonga are iconic, and there’s a heartwarming way you can help them out. Between 9 am and 10 am, Monday to Friday, visitors can pop into the SPCA to take a friendly pup for a walk – no appointment necessary! Turn up, sign a waiver, and you’re good to go.

It’s a fantastic way to support the local animal shelter while enjoying a stroll in a tropical setting. The shelter operates without government funding, electricity, or running water, relying heavily on donations and public support. You can choose between bush or beach walks, making it a delightful experience for both you and your four-legged companion.

Location: Wigmore’s Waterfall Road, Vaimaanga, southern side of Rarotonga. No toll charge at the entrance if you mention you’re going to the SPCA.

31 Things to Do on Rarotonga with Kids 👪 [2025]

21. Get Muddy on a Raro Buggy Tour

Let loose on an off-roading vehicle with your little one in the passenger seat (no younger than four years old) and get muddy exploring the inland tracks of Rarotonga. You’ll definitely be eased into the chaos, however, with the 1 hr 30 mins to 2 hour buggy tour starting with a slow-paced yet interesting history tour before heading inland to plantations and dirt tracks, including a stop at the Papua Waterfall (Wigmore’s Waterfall).

Find out more about the excursion in The Best Off-Road Tours in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.

Location: Departure is from Wigmore’s Superstore, Main Road (Ara Tapu), Takitumu.

22. Let Someone Else Handle the Off-Roading on Raro Safari Tours

For a unique tiki tour of the island, join Raro Safari Tours. Their wacky safari Land Rovers, topped with Cook Islands flags and coconuts, will take you literally up mountain peaks on an excursion of Rarotonga’s inland roads. With a great emphasis on history and culture, you’ll explore both the island’s interior and outer coastal road.

The tour operates Monday to Friday, offering a perfect blend of adventure and local insights. While it might not be every family member’s cup of tea, it’s an excellent way to discover hidden gems and learn about Rarotonga’s rich heritage without the hassle of driving yourself.

Location: Transfers are included on this tour.

23. Build Sandcastles or Go Hermit Crab Hunting on the Beach

Oh yeah, there’s a whole lot of beach on Rarotonga. If a bucket and spade are part of your children’s holiday must-haves, then make sure they bring them to Rarotonga, where hours can be spent creating the most fabulous sand kingdom! You’ll also find plenty of hermit crabs on the shores, so it can be something to keep an eye out for when beachcombing.

Location: All over Rarotonga! Check out the 10 Best Beaches in Rarotonga.

24. Relax and Learn Something New at the Te Ara Museum

One of the most impressive museums on Rarotonga, Te Ara Museum, makes for a relaxing activity that will only take an hour or so out of your day. See grand exhibitions about the early Polynesian navigators who made it to Rarotonga and trace their journey across the world, learn about European influence, and explore displays on the present and future of the Cook Islands.

You’re welcome to stay for light refreshments at the cafe and browse the 100% locally made gifts in the shop.

Location: Main Road (Ara Tapu), Muri.

25. Try Some Treats at the Muri Night Market

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of the Muri Night Market, a culinary hotspot in Rarotonga. Open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday evenings from 5 pm, this market brings together a delightful array of food trucks in the heart of Muri Beach Village.

Indulge in a whirlwind of tastes, from local delicacies to international flavours. It’s the perfect spot for dinner and dessert, offering a more authentic dining experience than traditional restaurants. Remember to bring cash, as the stalls don’t accept cards. For more market experiences, check out the 5 Best Markets in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.

Location: Main Road (Ara Tapu), Muri, eastern side of Rarotonga.

26. Look Out for Whales

Between July and October, the flukes of humpback whales can be seen diving into the deep beyond the reef. While it’s possible to spot whales from any shore of the island, some of the best places include the resorts lining the beach in Arorangi.

There are also boat tours, such as Rongohiva Watersports and Raro Reef Sub, that can bring you closer to the action on the water. Find out more about tours in the 10 Best Whale Tours in the Cook Islands.

Location: Check out the best locations in the 10 Best Places for Whale Watching in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.

27. Go for a Family Road Trip Around the Island

Forget about “Are we there yet?” There’s so much to see on Rarotonga, as well as being so close to everything, that it’s impossible to get bored on a family road trip. Hit the historical maraes, stop by quaint cafes and food trucks, and head to the beach for a snorkel.

All you need is to hire a car using The 10 Best Car Rentals in Rarotonga, hit the sights mentioned in A Self-Guided Day Trip Around Rarotonga and enjoy the rest of your journey!

Location: Refer to the links above for locations.

28. Drink from a Coconut

Ok, so this isn’t the most imaginative item on this list of things to do on Rarotonga with kids, but it’s a fun experience nonetheless! Available at stalls along the ‘Opu’anga Rā Roadside Market or at many cafés, nu (drinking coconuts) are readily available for a refreshing treat. You’ll just need to order the one, however, as those bad boys hold a lot of juice!

Location: Opuanga Ra Roadside Market – Main Road (Ara Tapu), between Aroa Beach and Arorangi.

29. Get Some Pool Time

What is a family holiday without a splash in the pool? You’ll struggle to find accommodation on Rarotonga that doesn’t have a pool for the kids to splash around in. Check out the listings in the 20 Best Family Resorts & Accommodations on Rarotonga for just a few ideas.

Location: For accommodations with a swimming pool, please refer to the link above.

30. Hit the Island’s Playgrounds

Kids are always happy to see playgrounds, even on an isolated island in the South Pacific! A hotspot is the playground by the Punanga Nui Market, but you can also find one at the YWAM in Vaimaanga. Add them to your itinerary when you do that road trip around the island, as mentioned in point #28.

Location: Punanga Nui Market – Main Road (Ara Tapu), west end of Avarua. YWAM – Main Road (Ara Tapu), eastern end of Vaimaanga.

31. Get a Rarotonga Family Photoshoot

Capture your family’s island memories with a professional photoshoot. Steele from Experience Cook Islands will ensure everyone feels relaxed and happy during your session. Now, the whole family can be in the picture! These talented photographers know how to showcase Rarotonga’s stunning scenery, creating lasting memories of your tropical getaway.

Location: Take a look at the link above to see the meeting and pick-up points.

More Things to Do on Rarotonga with Kids

That’s it for our mega list of things to do on Rarotonga with kids! If, for some crazy reason, you didn’t find everything you were looking for on this list, then check out these other recommendations:

Finally, if there’s any part of your family vacation that you haven’t planned, you’re likely to find the right advice in The Complete Travel Guide to the Cook Islands for Families and 30 Tips for Your Family Rarotonga & Cook Islands Vacation with Kids.

Sources:

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across the Cook Islands and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

Cook Islands Tourism Corporation (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
SPTO (Pacific tourism advice - Updated [2025])
Cook Islands Meteorological Service (Weather forecast and warnings - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Finance & Economic Management (Border restrictions advice - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Agriculture (Biosecurity advice - Updated [2025])
Cook Islands Statistics Office (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Transport (Transport operators and licenses - Updated [2025])
Safe Travel (New Zealand travel advisory for the Cook Islands - Updated [2025])
Smart Traveller (Australia travel advisory for the Cook Islands - Updated [2025])

At Cook Islands Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About the Author

Laura S.

This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor-in-chief and co-founder of Cook Islands Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in the South Pacific over 10 years ago with nothing but a backpack and a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to explore a paradise such as the Cook Islands. She knows the islands inside out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience Raro’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also the editor of several other South Pacific travel guides.

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31 Things to Do on Rarotonga with Kids