Minus 5° ICE BAR (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Minus 5° ICE BAR?
What makes it 62% Kids-Friendly: Kids up to 12 may love the ice sculptures and mocktails and get warm gear, but sustained –5 °C, no play zone, and ordinary toilets without child facilities demand close supervision and limit comfort.
Positives:
- Central Location: Located on Steamer Wharf, it’s a short walk from other lakefront attractions.
- Free Cold-Weather Gear: Parkas, boots and gloves are provided for all ages, including children.
Challenges:
- Cold Temperatures: The interior stays at –5°C; limit time to avoid child discomfort.
- ID Required for Drinks: Children need mocktails only, but adults must show ID for cocktails.
What is Minus 5° ICE BAR?
- A themed bar in Queenstown carved entirely from sculpted ice—walls, seating, bar counter and drinkware all fashioned from over 18 tonnes of ice
- Interior climate held at –5°C by specialized refrigeration equipment, with integrated LED lighting to highlight detailed ice carvings
- Rotating exhibition of professional ice sculptures featuring wildlife motifs and abstract designs, regularly refreshed by expert ice artists
What is so special about Minus 5° ICE BAR for with kids?
- See 18 tonnes of ice sculptures from chairs to castles
- Enjoy mocktails served in ice glasses with a family pass
- Fun scavenger hunt and ice-glass smashing finale
- Free parkas, boots and gloves keep kids safe and warm
- Central lakefront spot easily combines with other Queenstown attractions
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: This covers gearing up, the ice bar session (about one hour), and photo time without tiring younger children.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Minus 5° ICE BAR
Explore Ice Sculptures:
Walk among chairs, swans and glacier scenes carved from 18 tonnes of ice.
Tip: Hold kids close on slippery floors and snap photos by the ice swans.
Sip Mocktails in Ice Glasses:
Kids enjoy two free mocktails served in ice glasses with the family pass.
Tip: Warm hands inside jacket pockets between sips to stay comfortable.
Photo Scavenger Hunt:
Find and pose by hidden sculptures like the ice unicorn or castle.
Tip: Ask staff for a scavenger list to keep children engaged.
Smash Your Ice Glass:
End your visit by breaking your ice glass in the bin for a playful finale.
Tip: Let older kids smash under supervision and guide younger ones.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Minus 5° ICE BAR
- Book Early Slots: Morning or early afternoon visits have fewer crowds and more photo time.
- Layer Up: Wear thermal layers under the provided parka to keep kids warmer longer.
- Use Nearby Facilities: Visit Steamer Wharf restrooms with baby-change tables before entry.
Reviews of Minus 5° ICE BAR
Cheryl Cordier
Awesome ice bar, jackets and gloves provided. Beautiful ice sculptures. Range of mocktails and cocktails. Smash your glass when done. Kristine was fun and made our visit perfect as we had a birthday celebration.
ezavsp
Minus 5 Ice Bar was such an amazing experience! The customer service was a solid 10/10 – from the counter staff to those inside the bar. Everyone was super friendly and even offered to take photos for guests, which was a thoughtful touch (especially for couples wanting some memories together). We chose the Adult Signature Package, which included entry and two cocktails/shots, and I’d say that’s a...
Buddina Ward
What an awesome and 'cool' experience!!! We pre-purchased entry + 2 drinks, great value and the cocktails were so YUM! Jackets & gloves provided by the wonderful staff. Shout out to Olivia who was fantastic, happy to take pics for everyone while serving up the drinks too! The ice sculptures are really impressive, music was pumping, drink glasses are made from ice and a fun touch at the end is gett...
Aleks Grujic
Great friendly staff and service, we ordered tickets online which made things smoother. Our session had a lot of people, close to 20 people, so it made it a very tight squeeze inside as the room is quite small. The ice sculptures were amazing and the drinks very tasty, however difficult to get good photos or a seat initially due to crowding. The staff came around and took group photos for everyone...
Alyssa Neal
We did this very quickly for the experience because I do not enjoy being cold. We grabbed a couple of quick drinks with great service and then got out to warm back up. It was a fun experience, and I'm grateful we gave it a try.
When is the best time to visit Minus 5° ICE BAR (Queenstown, New Zealand)?
Book online during winter ski season and summer school holidays to secure a time slot and avoid queues.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Family pass (2 adults + 2 kids, incl. drinks) | NZD 99 |
| Souvenir (per item) | NZD 15 |
| Total Estimated | NZD 114 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Minus 5° ICE BAR
Address: 88 Beach Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
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About Minus 5° ICE BAR
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+64 21 193 7966Explore Popular Things to Do
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