About Brain Play

At Brain Play, we bring the world of technology to Kiwi kids and families through fun and practical learning experiences.

Based in New Zealand and currently servicing Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and online families, we offer STEM-based classes in topics that include: coding, robotics, 3D printing, electronics, science, and Minecraft.

Our mission is to create open, curious, life-long learners and empower communities with essential STEM skills.

What we teach

STEM

STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and maths.

All our topics at Brain Play incorporate at least 2 STEM elements.

Coding

Coding means 'instructions for computers'.

We teach coding languages where students learn concepts e.g. variables, repeat loops.

For younger students this is game & puzzle based, with a focus on ordering instructions.

For older students we learn language rules & write our own code to control game characters, develop games, and design websites.

We have a variety of robotics kits at Brain Play that our students can tinker with!

Robotics

Brain Play has a set of 3D printers for students to learn about and use. We teach students how to set up printers, create their own custom 3D models, and how to prepare these models for printing. As well as our printers, we have 3D pens for students to create 3D drawings and mini models.

3D design + printing

Minecraft is a sandbox game where students can explore, discover, play, craft, and build. Minecraft is hugely popular for students, and at Brain Play we take their passion to the next level by setting up thoughtful challenges, teaching building techniques, and exploring Redstone and commands. We incorporate engineering concepts and physics into every lesson.

Minecraft

Science at Brain Play includes chemistry, biology, and physics. We lead students through hands-on experiments that get them excited about science concepts! We make models, work with chemicals, use microscopes, and investigate hypotheses. Some favourite student experiments include creating kaleidoscopes and PH testing.

Science

We teach different topics every term in our after-school classes to keep things new & exciting for returning students. Our 1:1 classes offer completely customised topics based on the student, for example filmmaking or building computers.

FAQ's

How do bookings work at Brain Play?

After-school booking - you'll need to create an account on our booking site. From here you can select your closest location, and then your preferred after-school session day & time. For more information, navigate to our after-school website page.

School holidays - during holidays we work with other wonderful providers to deliver our programmes. There will be external links on our holidays/events website page for you to book through their site, or email them to secure your booking. We do offer a few in-house holiday programmes which you can book through our booking site.

Events - we work with other wonderful providers to deliver our events. There will be external links on our holidays/events page for you to book through their site, or we may have a booking page up on Eventbrite.

In-school - please get in touch using our contact form. Include a little about your school & we can get your booking started. There is more information on how we work with schools on our schools/organisations page.

Private lessons - please get in touch using our contact form. Include a little about your child and their interests / needs. There is more information on our 1:1 sessions on our private lessons website page.

What are free trials?

Free trials are available for our after-school classes only. Your child can join an already running after-school class of ours to see how much they enjoy Brain Play! This gives us the opportunity to learn about your child too. To book a free trial, please fill out our contact form.

How do I find out when you're working in my area?

The best way to know what's happening in your area is to subscribe to our mailing list. We ask for your postcode so we can send you activities closest to you!

How much does Brain Play cost?

After-school classes: $34 - $39 per session, all equipment provided.

Holiday programmes: $48 - $60 (half day), $68 - $95 (full day).

Events: most often free! But costs do vary. Please see our events/holidays page to read about the event you are interested in.

Private sessions: from $95 + GST (online), in-person has added travel costs as we can visit your child at home, school, or a community space local to your home. We can help you apply for carer support & individualised funding if you are eligible.

In-school: from $7.5 per student. Dependent on location, topic, number of tutors required and booking frequency.

How do I pay?

After-school and holidays - you can pay through our booking portal using direct debit (full amount upfront or weekly payments). We do accept bank transfers too if you request this.

Can I use funding for my child's sessions?

Yes. If you are eligible for disability funding (carer support, individualised funding) you can pay for Brain Play with these methods. Contact our team using the contact form on our website with information on your child's goals, and we can help you with a funding application.

I'm not a parent, what are your wider Brain Play offerings for schools, community spaces, organisations?

Schools - we teach full classrooms at a time, or smaller focus groups of 8 - 16 students. Please get in touch with us so we can learn more about your school and start your booking - use the contact form at the bottom of our site.

Community spaces - we run community events for 8 - 80ish attendees. You can book an event for your community by getting in touch through our contact form with information about your group/event. We often partner with Auckland Council libraries, community centres, and galleries, scout groups, church groups, homeschool groups, and more.

Organisations - we work with many family + youth organisations to run events, particularly in the high and complex needs, and disability spaces. Please get in touch if you are from an organisation and would like to find out more about Brain Play - our contact form is located at the bottom of every page on our website.