Thames with Kids: A Family Day Out

A rainbow over the flat Hauraki Rail Trail near Thames — The flat Hauraki Rail Trail is an easy, safe ride for families. Photo: Saintchanel (CC BY-SA 4.0) / Wikimedia Commons.

Thames is a relaxed, affordable spot for a family day out on the Coromandel. With a flat cycle trail, gold-mining history kids can get hands-on with, river swimming and a weekend market, there is plenty to keep all ages happy without breaking the bank. Here is how to do Thames with kids.

Ride the Hauraki Rail Trail

The flat, off-road Hauraki Rail Trail is ideal for families and e-bikes, with no big hills and plenty of places to stop. Start with an easy out-and-back from town and turn around whenever little legs get tired. Bike hire is available locally.

Discover gold-mining history

Kids love the Goldmine Experience, where they can see a working stamper battery and head underground, plus the hands-on displays at the Thames School of Mines and the Bella Street Pumphouse. Our historic Thames guide has the details.

Easy walks and river swimming

Camping and native forest in the Kauaeranga Valley near Thames — The Kauaeranga Valley has short, easy walks and river swimming for families. Photo: Photos by Angela (CC BY-SA 2.0) / Wikimedia Commons.

Short forest walks in the Kauaeranga Valley suit little explorers, and the river swimming holes are a summer favourite. The valley is also a great spot for a picnic. See the walks and tracks guide for family-friendly options.

Market treats and ice cream

The Saturday Thames Market has street food and buskers that kids enjoy, and Pollen Street has ice cream and family-friendly cafes. See where to eat and drink.

Explore the wider Coromandel

A scenic Coromandel Peninsula landscape near Thames — Thames is the gateway to the wider Coromandel, an easy family road trip. Photo: Ingolfson (public domain) / Wikimedia Commons.

Thames makes an easy base for family day trips north up the Pohutukawa Coast toward Coromandel town, with beaches and picnic spots along the way.

Rainy-day ideas

If the weather turns, the museums, the School of Mines and the shops along Pollen Street keep everyone busy and dry.

Where to stay with kids

Family-friendly holiday parks and motels make it easy to stay over. Compare options in where to stay in Thames, and see more things to do in Thames.

Frequently asked questions

Is Thames good for a family day out?

Yes. Thames offers the flat Hauraki Rail Trail, hands-on gold-mining attractions, easy river walks and swimming, and a Saturday market, all family-friendly and low-cost.

What can kids do in Thames?

Kids can ride the rail trail, explore the Goldmine Experience and School of Mines, swim in the Kauaeranga River, and enjoy the Saturday market.

Is the Hauraki Rail Trail safe for children?

Yes. The trail is flat and largely off-road, making it one of the safest cycle trails for families, though young children should still be supervised near road crossings.

Where can kids swim near Thames?

In summer, families swim at Hoffman's Pool and the Kauaeranga River swimming holes east of town.