7 Halloween Events and Outing Ideas in Christchurch
HOW good is Halloween with kids? Growing up in NZ in the 90s we just ran around the neighbourhood with supermarket bags while parents let us knock on random strangers' doors, then watched Hocus Pocus from Video Ezy. But the world has changed a bit since then and thank god there are actual events now (plus very cool and inexpensive kids costumes).
Christchurch is into it again this year, which makes life a lot easier and means we don’t need that parent anxiety of walking the streets asking random people for lollies (at their own home, in THIS economy). Some neighbourhoods are into it and that’s awesome, but here’s where to take the kids if you need an alternative or for full Halloweenmaxxing.
1. Riverside Trick or Treat Hunt
Details: Saturday 31 October, 10am - 1pm, $5 ticket bookings essential.
Riverside Market is running their trick-or-treat hunt again, and it is honestly such an easy win if you want a bit of structure. For $5 a kid, they get a treat bag, a map, a stamp card, and ten different treats to hunt down. Even better, all ticket proceeds go to charity to help children in hospital. Love this.
You just follow the map to ten different stalls marked with black and orange balloons, collect the goods, and get your stamp. There are also spot prizes for best dressed and a photo comp if you want to snap a pic by the decorations. Sessions run in half hour blocks during the day, so you can smash it out and still get home for more evening fun.
2. Halloween at Ferrymead Park
Details: Saturday, October 31, 10am onwards, $22 ticket bookings essential
Ferrymead’s Halloween event is a full family day out with trick-or-treating, characters, bouncy castles, face painting, messy activities, market stalls, food trucks, and a Monster Mash Disco.
The best part is the flexibility. Your ticket lets you hang out all day, so you can rock up in the morning or afternoon depending entirely on your kid's mood. Plus, meeting their favourite characters gives them an experience like actual Disneyland. This event is the best excuse to get great costumes!
Find out more and grab tickets here
3. Halloween Mākete at the Arts Centre
Details: Friday 30th & Saturday 31st October, 4pm - 9pm, The Arts Centre square, free entry
The Mākete is back for two proper Halloween night markets at the Arts Centre (which is a great spot in itself - full of treats to explore!). This one is bringing together over fifty local makers and creatives. Expect incredible food trucks, face painting, spooky decor, and a great excuse to get the whole family dressed up.
It is such a cool vibe for an evening out (especially for older kids), you get some amazing local food, plus browse all the stalls and support local creators.
Check out their website for more info.
4. Spooky Town with Tiny Town
Tiny Town is running special spooky sessions from October 23rd to 31st with a fully themed town, their super popular potion-making station, heaps of fun costumes to play with, and a treat for every child.
It is carefully curated to be cute rather than terrifying, which is a massive lifesaver if your toddler is currently scared of normal things, let alone actual ghosts. Just note that the Halswell sessions on Labour Day have already sold out, and the Rangiora sessions on actual Halloween are at a brand new venue.
5. Halloween Storytime at Riccarton House
Details: Friday 30th October, 10:30am, Riccarton House (Gold Coin Donation Entry)
Tracey is running a special Halloween morning at Riccarton House! It’s your usual Friday storytime with silliness, stories, songs and bubbles in a gorgeous historic setting.
Costumes are heavily encouraged - tiny witches, ghosts, pumpkins, princesses and dinosaurs are all 100% welcome. It's a gold coin koha, making it ideal for preschoolers and their caffeine-fueled grown-ups (the cafe on site is great) who just want a chill morning out.
6. Spooky Storytimes at Halswell
Details: Friday, October 30 from 4.30pm to 5.30pm Te Hāpua (Free!)
Another win for an easy outing is happening over at Te Hāpua on Friday, October 30 in the late afternoon. Come along for fun stories, rhymes, songs, and crafts, with full permission to chuck on their favourite costume. Everyone is welcome, and best of all, it's totally free with no registration required, just rock up and join in.
7. Halloween Sweet Treats
If you want a fancy sugar hit, the gorgeous Sweet Soul Patisserie on Cashel Street (right opposite Riverside) has three specialty Halloween treats on offer for the next three weeks, including a ghost, a skull and a monster cake. They honestly almost look too good to eat.
Alternative plan: If your kids aren't really the fancy cafe type and would rather just pick out their own lollies, skip the patisserie and head straight to the Lolly Shop at the Arts Centre instead so they can choose their own adventure!
