Elliot Neves, age two and a half, and his older brother Wyatt age five had their own idea for celebrating Queen's Birthday Weekend on Saturday afternoon. Accompanied by their mum, Nathalie De Clerck, they set off for a magical time in Coronation Park.

Exploring the waterfall, and climbing boulders and trees, the small grove becomes an exciting place for the imagination to come alive. Young minds open to new discoveries followed quickly by young legs eager to climb every tree and look for every hidden place. Followed closely by a motherly eye, Elliot is keen to keep up with his older brother.

"Instead of plastic toys it's good to give them every day things you can find," says Nathalie. "Sticks and exploring nature. Wyatt has had a piece of string he's been playing with for at least a year now. He attaches it from one toy car to another or uses it for this or that. He spends hours with just a piece of string and you think 'sweet'!"

"Sometimes it can seem like a hard thing to get out of the house and think of what to do with my boys, but once you're out it's easier, because they're happy playing with each other, exploring nature, finding things to do. And they don't fight."

Sabine Hislop, age five years, is also exploring the Coronation Park grotto. She's been over at the market to have her face painted.

Nearby Quinnton Holt, age four, was riding one of Helen Davies's donkeys at the park when Maisie the Mouse popped out of Helen's pocket to say 'hello'.

"Maisie the Mouse is actually a pet rat," says Helen.

"It's an amazing day out for family," says Quinnton's mum Ashley Holt.

"We've just moved here from Taupo. We live in Papamoa and we love it here. There's so many family activities available in Tauranga. The vibe is really cool. Smiles all round!"

Helen Davies and Quinnton Holt, age four, with Maisie the Mouse

Quinnton Holt, age four

Sabine Hislop, age five years

Nathalie De Clerck with sons Elliot Neves age two and Wyatt Neves age five

'Art in the Park' at Coronation Park, Mount Maunganui