Rotorua's Essential 50: Day 29 - Rotorua Lakefront

Activities at the Lakefront attract youngsters and adults year round. Photo/File

If you're looking for a spot with plenty on offer, check out the Rotorua Lakefront.

The lakefront area has lots to do for kids and adults; that's why it's one of Rotorua's must-do attractions during the summer.

The lakefront is home to one of Rotorua's best playgrounds: the Volcanic Playground.

Shaped to reflect the area, the playground is popular with a good range of equipment to entertain everyone from the smallest toddlers to older kids.

As well as the playground, children love watching the helicopters and floatplanes take off as well as the boats coming and going.

During the summer holidays, there's heaps of added attractions, especially during the weekends, with pony rides and other ride-along activities available such as Sparky the miniature fire engine.

The Rotorua Retro Carnival is on the neighbouring village green until Friday adding to the fun and if you head along in the weekend you can check out the market at the Soundshell.

While at the lakefront why not take a walk through the bush and thermal areas to Sulphur Point. It's a great chance to take in the area with thermal streams and plenty of wildlife plus a fairly lengthy boardwalk.

The Rotorua Daily Post Essential 50 lists the city's must-see, must-do and must-try activities and experiences, thanks to reader nominations. We'll be highlighting one every day during summer.