Capital E

Taking play to new levels of fun and creativity, tamariki (children) are at the heart of Capital E.

Capital E puts kids at the centre of everything it does. It has spaces, experiences, and events designed to inspire, entertain and educate. The next generation of artists, scientists, explorers, makers, and doers will find inspiration here.

Described as the intersection of creativity and play, Capital E ignites and fuels the creative spark in children. It offers theatre, interactive play areas, and immersive digital education experiences.

PlayHQ, the free interactive play area, is a fun, safe environment for children under five to draw, dance, crawl and create. The colourful indoor playground is often reimagined to offer new and exciting ways for tamariki to explore their budding creativity.

Accompanying the imaginative play space are free workshops with a different one held each day. Stretch, move, and wiggle every Monday with Yoga for Kids. Join Lala for Music on Tuesday to celebrate sounds from around the world. On Wednesdays get crafty with Little Creators. Fill your kete of knowledge with Professor Inventus at his Thursday Science Jam. And put on your dancing shoes for Friday’s Spin Around with Adventure Adam.

Theatre for kids, by kids

Capital E is also home to the National Theatre for Children. Each year it creates two productions, which are toured across Aotearoa. The tours reach thousands of children and young people. Capital E offers a ‘Pay-It-Forward’ ticket option as well. Ticket purchasers can opt to buy a ticket to help a child from a low-decile school experience a live performance for the first time.

Every two years, Capital E hosts the National Arts Festival, curated especially for children. The festival boasts an impressive assortment of high-quality, homegrown performances and overseas talent.