Air Playground
Saturday 31 October 2026 – Sunday 28 February 2027
Entry by donation
Whoosh, swirl, gust, squish, flow, float and more in Air Playground.
Air Playground gives curious kids of all ages the chance to play with air. Experience the science of aerodynamics and the amazing invisible elemental force of air through interactive exhibits. At Air Playground, curious kids and families have fun with air – an invisible elemental force.
Explore the science of aerodynamics through experimental play: float objects in mid-air, release material in a fast-flowing airstream and launch your own paper plane design.
Learn about the complex physics of air by challenging your friends to an ‘aircade’ game, tinkering with the speed and direction of airflow or collaborating to create a spinning, flapping air show!
Developed by a team of Scienceworks experts from Museums Victoria, this exhibition is jam-packed with hands-on interactive experiences.
Proudly supported by Controlled Building Services.
Proudly toured by Museums Victoria
Plan your visit
Planning a visit to Air Playground? Take a moment to read our conditions of entry, understand any restrictions, to make your experience safe and enjoyable.
Conditions of entry
Air Playground is a space to explore, play, and learn together. To help keep everyone safe and happy, you will need to follow these rules:
- Always stay with your grown-up.
- Take turns and share.
- Use gentle hands.
- Listen to our helpers and staff.
- Walk, don’t run.
Please don’t:
- Climb on any part of the exhibits.
- Eat or drink inside the exhibition.
Restrictions
The inflatable sculpture (Squish) can only be used by visitors aged 3 to 18 years who are taller than 100cm and weigh less than 100kg. All other interactives can be used by children under 3 and adults.
Before you bounce on Squish, you will be asked to:
- Take off your shoes.
- Take off any jewellery (including earrings and studs) and any accessories (including belts, glasses, and hair clips).
- Keep pockets empty of sharp or hard items.
Pop’s Treasures – 35 Years of CSSD
31 Oct – 1 Nov 2026 | Various Times
Tickets from $15.00
CSSD Celebrates 35 Years! For this milestone anniversary, we’ve discovered Pop’s old treasures from years gone by.
Tickets for this show are only available to purchase with a unique code.
Book here: https://www.iticket.co.nz/events/2026/oct/35-Years-of-CSSD
The Heartbeat of Home – SENIOR SHOW
7 – 8 Nov 2026 | Various Times
Tickets from $17.00
Come and support our SENIOR SHOW dancers, as they perform to the artists of Aotearoa.
Full of nostalgia, sing-alongs, and heart-warming performances, our dancers will make you feel the heartbeat of home!
We have separate Senior and Junior shows – please ensure you are buying for the right show.
Please note:
- One dance has a small amount of strobe lights
- Our night-time shows tend to have the loudest audience support! If you prefer a quieter audience, please book an earlier day-time show.
Book here: https://www.iticket.co.nz/events/2026/nov/the-heartbeat-of-home-senior-show
The Heartbeat of Home – JUNIOR SHOW
8 Nov 2026 | Various Times
Tickets from $12.00
Come and support our JUNIOR SHOW dancers, as they perform to the artists of Aotearoa. Full of nostalgia, sing-alongs, and heart-warming performances, our dancers will make you feel the heartbeat of home.
The Junior Show is split into 2 casts – please ensure you are buying for the right cast.
Book here: https://www.iticket.co.nz/events/2026/nov/the-heartbeat-of-home-junior-show
Cinderella – 2026 Danzworx Show
13 – 14 Nov 2026 | Various Times
Tickets from $22.00
Step into a world of magic and music as the timeless story of Cinderella comes to life through dance!
Follow Cinderella on her enchanting journey from rags to riches, complete with a sparkling Fairy Godmother, a handsome Prince, a Royal Ball and, of course, one very special glass slipper. Featuring talented dancers of all ages, dazzling costumes and exciting choreography. A spectacular dance show for the whole family!
Book here: https://www.iticket.co.nz/events/2026/nov/cinderella
Calculated Mayhem
Heretaunga Players’ end-of-year production is a Comedy Showcase we’re calling ‘Calculated Mayhem’, directed by Louise Brodie and Sara MacIntyre. The Showcase is comprised of 9 short plays and skits linked together by ‘Hutt Happenings’ news anchors Emma Wishman and Tilly Reynolds.
The news stories are equally bizarre and nutty, ranging from archive footage of two confused code-speaking spies from 1952 to the courtroom trial of Wee Willie Winkie!
The plays are written by Stuart Ardern, Damian Trasler, Hugh Smith, Robert Scott, Jos Biggs, Susie Casson, Mark Niel, and Liz Dobson.
Performance dates are 26 November – 5 December, 2026.
Book here: https://www.iticket.co.nz/events/2026/nov/calculated-mayhem
Source: Whirinaki Whare Taonga / iTICKET
26/10/26
