ten Things to Do with Your Kids in Christchurch These School Holidays (that you probably haven’t done before)
School holidays are upon us. Again. Which means the kids are bouncing off the walls, the house looks like a war zone, and you’ve already used up all your best excuses for why the TV mysteriously “isn’t working today.” So, instead of quietly weeping into your coffee, why not try something new? Here are 10 fresh (and vaguely sanity-saving) things to do with your kids in Christchurch these spring school holidays.
1. Quail Island Pirate Hunt
Sat 20th - Sun 5th Oct
Ahoy, matey! The Quail Island Pirate Hunt returns for the Sept/Oct holidays. The pirates have misplaced their tools all over Quail Island and they need your help.Catch the ferry from Lyttelton, follow walking tracks, use your treasure map to find 6 hidden pirate tools (on big posters), then show your completed map on the way home to claim your chocolate bounty. Adult tickets are just at kids’ prices too - just make sure to book your spot online first as some times are already sold out! Great for a proper family adventure.
2. Try an Indoor Playground You’ve Never Been To
Christchurch weather is about as stable as a jelly sandwich, so sometimes you need somewhere indoors where kids can bounce off the walls without you worrying about rain or wind. Use the Roam app - you’ll find deals like free slushies or coffee at Launch Pad Trampoline Park, free coffee at MoveX, and plenty of playgrounds hidden around the city. Fun, warm and zero chance of sunburn.
3. Do Some Springtime Flower Exploring
Nothing like a bit of blossoms, gardens, and fresh air to renew your faith in humanity (and to bribe the kids with ice creams) while you get your step count up. You could wander the Botanic Gardens, Mona Vale or Ilam Gardens. For something a bit less obvious, try the Sister City Gardens in Halswell Quarry Park - spots to roam, ponds to peer into and interesting, themed sculptures from a range of cultures.
4. Explore the Arts Centre
Got a sweet tooth and a curious mind? The Arts Centre is your place. Decorate fudge at the Fudge Shop (bookable online), or wander the Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities then let them loose in Rutherford’s Den (both free entry and give you that smug ‘we’re a cultured family’ feeling). Bonus: there’s a toy shop AND a cute new lolly shop that just opened! Coffee or hot chocolate afterwards, obviously - fuel necessary for small humans.
5. Catch a Cheap Movie
Head to Reading Cinemas at The Palms - their $10 tickets are legendary for some of the cutest (and least terrifying) films this school holiday season. Check their listings for some cool kids movies!
6. Grab a Sweet (or Savoury) Treat While They Play
The Christchurch food scene is growing faster than kids’ appetites, and Roam App cafés with play areas are gold. Explore the app and try somewhere new, then let the kids slide or draw while you sip (heaven). Consider it your reward for surviving parenting.
7. Head to the Beach
Those sunny days are popping back now and then for spring, so if it happens - make the most of it and head straight to the beach! Sumner Beach has the most incredible beachside playground and the best selection of ice cream shops. New Brighton Pier is great for a wander with that salty breeze, plus the pirate-ship playground and some cool cafes (or even fish and chips). Don’t forget the sand castle kit!
8. Playground Hunt
Got your favourite playgrounds? Great. Time to switch it up. Use the Roam App to find some new and exciting (undiscovered!) playgrounds. Some are epic for toddlers, others for older kids who like climbing, balancing or doing non-stop action. Pack snacks. Be prepared. We love Avebury Park (a new-ish playground near the coffee shop at Riverlution Eco Hub), Lyttleton Playground (epic view) and Harrington Park, which has a real old digger kids can climb on plus play equipment for all ages.
9. Mini Day Trip!
Sometimes you just need to get out of town. Luckily, you don’t have to drive far. Jump in the car and explore just outside Christchurch! Try Lyttelton (incredible cafés, harbour views, quirkiness) or Halswell Quarry Park, or take a cheap ferry to Diamond Harbour (because what kid doesn’t love a boat!) for stunning views, a little playground, and ice cream of course. Or opt for a fuller day trip and head to Methven for hot pools, a fairy forest and Station Café with the coolest kids play area. It’s only a one hour drive - make sure to book the pools in advance as they book out!
10. Christchurch City Fun
The city centre gets overlooked sometimes, but it’s full of surprises. Stroll by the Avon River, indulge in some delicious (and affordable) lunch at Riverside, then head to the Christchurch Art Gallery and the Canterbury Pop Up Museum. It’s lively, it’s free in places, and it feels like a proper day out without needing to pack a week’s worth of supplies.
