Movies magic for rainy holidays - what kids think of the holiday movies

Friends Keegan Shaw, 5, from Mt Maunganui (left) and Ashlee Orbell, 4, from Auckland, loved Toy Story 3. Photo / Sarah Ivey

Foul weather on the first day of the school holidays drove many parents to the cinemas.

For those parents wanting a movie they will enjoy, Shrek and Toy Story 3 got two thumbs-up from the mums as well as the kids at Event Cinemas (formerly SkyCity) in Central Auckland.

Mother Asih Bell enjoyed Shrek, which she said was inspiring for children and had a good moral story.

Karen McNally, who had brought her four kids, said Toy Story 3 was hilarious.

"There was plenty of parent humour. I heard all of the mothers laughing out loud."

Among those watching Toy Story 3 - and giving it top reviews - were 5-year-old Keegan Shaw and Ashlee Orbell, 4.

"I liked that the toys came alive," said Keegan, who would recommend it to his friends.

The rain is expected to last most of the week and is presenting an extra challenge for parents trying to entertain their children over the holidays.

Mrs McNally, who was up for a few days from Hamilton, had filled the rainy days by going to Motat and the Sky Tower.

Mrs Bell said the bad weather meant she would be taking her children to the library.

Another mother, Elaine Pathoumphanh, said school holidays were becoming more expensive as she battled to find activities to entertain the children.

She was planning trips to SnowPlanet, as well as shopping trips and movies.

For those stuck for things to do, some special school holiday events have been organised.

Auckland Museum is holding night events called Food Glorious Food! and Auckland Zoo is running a series called Pet Detectives, with activities aimed at testing detective skills - as well as special animal encounters - every day during the holidays.

Meanwhile, if you can brave the weather today, go and see the Springboks train and get their autographs at Onewa Domain on the North Shore between 10am and 11.30am before the Tri Nations clash with the All Blacks on Saturday.

Zirka Circus is also running most days of the holidays at Alexandra Park, Epsom.

On Toy Story 3:

* "I liked the ending because they're trying to escape from the daycare, but
they got caught by a teddy bear." Finn McNally, 9

* "I liked the Barbies and the cat." Sophia McNally, 3

On Shrek:

* "My favourite character was Shrek." Karta Atawhai Paea, 5

* "My favourite part was when Fiona was the leader of the rebels." Rongo Quai Sofyan Paea, 7