ten Epic Things to Do in Christchurch These School Holidays 

Written By Renata Wiles

Let’s be completely honest: the Christchurch winter school holidays are easily the hardest ones to face. There are only so many hours you can spend trapped inside watching your living room get systematically dismantled before everyone loses their minds (and only so many kids movies on at the cinema).

Thankfully, Christchurch is famous for our crisp, clear blue sky days (at least we aren't the windy city, right?). Whether you need to bribe them out of the house into the winter sunshine or escape a rainy morning entirely, this list will hopefully save the day.

1. Tram and Gondola: KIDS GO FREE at these 2 Christchurch attractions

If you love a brilliant local deal, this one is a total no-brainer. For the winter holidays, kids go completely free on both the Christchurch Tram and the Christchurch Gondola. You can score up to three free children's tickets with every single paying adult.

Massive Pro-Tip (Wednesday 8 July only): They are running their annual Winter Pyjama Collection for The Salvation Army between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM. If you bring a brand-new pair of pyjamas (men’s, women’s, or kids') to the donation tram parked at Cathedral Square (Stop 2), they will hand you a FREE adult Tram ticket as a thank you. You can use it right then or save it for another day, and yes, it fully stacks with the Kids Go Free promo! Check the full setup on the Winter Pyjama Collection Page.

2. Rainy Day Sanctuary: The Air Force Museum of New Zealand

When the weather turns bleak and miserable, pack the kids in the car and head straight to Wigram. General museum entry is entirely FREE, and they’ve just added two massive new plane tails to see and learn about - including a giant one from a Hercules.

The interactive zones are brilliant: kids can hop inside a real fighter jet cockpit or try flying a virtual plane on-screen using just their arms. For a cheap thrill, you can pay $8 to hop into the Mosquito flight simulator where they get to use the proper steering controls.

  • The Parent Win: There is a fantastic on-site café run by Meshino. You can drink a hot coffee in peace while they burn off some energy.

3. Burn the Energy: Go on a Long Playground Safari

When those crisp, stunning blue-sky winter days hit, rug everyone up and go tick off some of the city's newest play spaces. Christchurch has had an absolute explosion of incredible new playgrounds lately.

The undisputed heavyweights right now are the massive new destination setups at QEII and Cass Bay. Cass Bay in particular features a gorgeous beachfront park that pairs perfectly with a crisp coastal track walk. If you want to plan an exact route with caffeine close by, check out the full breakdown on theRoam With Kids Playground Blog to find the 10 best new parks and the closest cafes for a hot choc or fluffy. 

4. The Meltdown-Free Lunch: Little High Eatery

Taking kids out for a meal in winter can feel like an extreme sport, but Little High completely eliminates the "I don't want that" argument. They’ve recently had a beautiful upgrade, extending their outdoor courtyard area and fully covering it with roaring heaters.

Everyone can order exactly what they want from some of the best food spots in the city. Our personal family absolute favourites are Base Pizza and the OG Bacon Bros Burgers (possibly the best fries in town), followed by exceptional dumplings, sushi, and incredible authentic Italian gelato from Paleta.

  • Keep an eye out for: The massive cat mural outside - it's always a hit for a quick photo op.

5. Imaginations Running Wild: Tiny Town Sessions at The Palms

If you have younger ones (ideally ages 1 to 6), Tiny Town is taking over the airwaves at The Palms shopping centre. It's a beautifully designed miniature town where kids get to dive into immersive role play. They can act as little construction workers, shop the supermarket aisles, work a shift at the salon, or deliver mail at the post office.

This year, they’ve even launched a brand new Tiny Town Radio Station supported by More FM, where future little broadcasters can actually take the mic and go live.

  • The Perks: Sessions are 45 minutes long, and tickets are just for the participating kids (adults stay to watch for free). Even better? Every single booking includes $10 in Tiny Town Lunch Money to spend at The Palms food court right after. (Note: These sessions are incredibly popular and sell out fast, so double-check availability on their site before heading down! Book here: https://thepalms.co.nz/tiny-town-live-at-the-palms/ )

6. The Perfect Splash Zone: Parakiore Recreation Centre

You might already know about the terrifyingly giant hydroslides here, but if you’re looking for something a bit friendlier for smaller kids (and less brave parents), Parakiore actually has an elite setup.

They have three milder slides perfectly designed for little ones, including two open-tube slides that are fantastic for parents to ride down together with their kids, plus a short, easy little-kid slide. The pools are beautifully warm, spacious and perfect for a long winter soak.

  • Lunch sorted: There's a great little café on-site with reasonably priced cabinet food for when they inevitably build up a massive post swim appetite.

7. Disneyland but Christchurch: Princesses in the Park (Sunday 19 July)

If you have a child who is completely princess-obsessed, cross everything out of your calendar for the final Sunday of the holidays. This is easily the event of the year and a fairytale dream.

Ferrymead Heritage Park is transforming into a Winter Wonderland from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Kids can meet seven magical characters (including Elsa, Anna, Kristoff, Ariel, and Rapunzel), join a cozy storytime with Belle next to a crackling fire, watch a live performance from Elsa, and take part in a mini princess parade.

8. Creative Hands: Winter Workshops at The Arts Centre

If you want to inject a bit of culture and hands on creativity into the break, The Arts Centre has a massive lineup of school holiday and KidsFest activities specifically designed to keep little hands busy.

The historic precinct is hosting super cool interactive sessions, including fudge shape decorating workshops, celestial star-making classes, and plenty of cosy indoor crafts. It's the perfect excuse to explore the stunning architecture on a brisk winter afternoon. Plus there are a couple phenomenal cafes, the famous lolly shop (with Harry Potter vibes) and the delicious fudge shop - also great for chocolate lovers. Check out the full calendar and book your slots viaThe Arts Centre What's On Page.

9. Meet the Newest Local: Orana Wildlife Park

On a crisp, clear winter morning, there is nothing better than rugging up in your thickest layers, throwing on some walking shoes, and heading out to Orana Park. The biggest drawcard this winter? They have just welcomed a gorgeous baby zebra foal named Maggie! She is now about six weeks old and is already an absolute crowd favourite. If you catch a spot of winter sunshine, you'll likely spot her laying about in the grass soaking up the warm rays. It’s the ultimate way to clock up your daily step count while keeping the kids entirely captivated.

10. Cosy & Completely Free: Christchurch City Libraries

Never underestimate the power of our local libraries. They are an absolute sanctuary when it’s freezing outside and you just need a change of scenery that won't cost you a cent. Libraries right across Christchurch have an absolute mountain of free events, craft workshops, interactive holiday competitions, and discovery spaces running throughout the entire two week break. It’s the perfect place to spend a quiet couple of hours playing, creating, and letting them hunt out a fresh stack of winter bedtime stories. You can find the full localized timetable on the Christchurch City Libraries Holiday Page.

Renata Wiles
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