The FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 is in full swing, and the excitement has got Kiwi sports fans - and even those who thought they didn't care about sport - hooked.
There are so many ways to get amongst the action, but short of being at the game in person, your best bet is to head along to one of the Fan Festivals in host cities across Aotearoa.
Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington and Dunedin are all set up with Fan Festival sites that are not only a perfect place to watch the game on a massive screen, but can keep you and the kiddos entertained for hours.
Just ask More FM's very own Flynny, who took his 8-year-old son Alex along to the Auckland Fan Festival.
"When you walk in, you can buy all the different merch and you can buy a Football Ferns shirt or one for any of the other countries," he explained.
"There were a lot of international fans walking around wearing their team kits."
Flynny added that there are heaps of cool things for kids to do, including a stepping game which teaches them how to be light on their feet, and another interactive experience where you try your hand at saving goals, represented by beams of light.
"Alex was just having the best time," he said.
"There's also an artificial pitch and the kids can all have a go at being the goalie, kicking the goal and kicking a ball around with other kids. He made a friend, it was quite cute actually."
Once you're tired out from all that carry-on, there's face-painting, poi workshops as well as silent discos, football raves and Zorb Football fun to be had.
It's not all about the wee ones though, there's delicious food and beverages (including bars for the grown-ups), as well as a mega line-up of bands, artists, DJs, comedians, speakers and other live performances.
You could see the likes of Bic Runga, Robinson, Ladyhawke, Maisey Rika, Cassie Henderson, Ladi6, Hollie Smith, JessB, Troy Kingi, and more - all for free.
Did we mention ALL of the above is free? Too good.
The FIFA Fan Festival venues are as follows:
- Auckland/Tāmaki Makaurau: The Cloud
- Hamilton/Kirikiriroa: Claudelands Event Centre
- Wellington/Te Whanganui-a-Tara: Shed 6
- Dundedin/Ōtepoti : Dunedin Town Hall and Glenroy Auditorium
For everything else you need to know, including opening hours, match screening times and transport info, go here.
