Things to Do with Kids in Christchurch

Right in the central city beside the Ōtākaro Avon River, the Margaret Mahy Family Playground is one of the biggest playgrounds in the Southern Hemisphere and a must for any family day out. Kids can tackle the towering slide tower, climbing nets and in-ground trampolines, and on warmer days the water play area is a hit. When everyone needs refuelling, Riverside Market is just a short walk away.

The Garden City’s crown jewel, the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, are a treasure trove for families. There’s a great playground, wide lawns made for running around and plenty of different garden spaces to explore, and in summer the paddling pool is perfect for littlies on a balmy Canterbury day. Pack a picnic, find a shady tree and make an afternoon of it, or refuel at Ilex Cafe in the Visitor Centre. Entry is free.

Set in the Visitor Centre in the middle of the Botanic Gardens, Ilex Cafe is the perfect pitstop after a morning of exploring. The menu pays homage to local produce, with memorable breakfast, brunch and lunch dishes, while the cabinet is stocked with bagels, sandwiches, cakes, scones and other sweet treats that are easy to take away for a picnic on the lawn. It’s open daily, so refreshments are never far away.

Nestled among the restoration plantings of the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor in the Red Zone, Te Kohanga Taiao Sensory Nature Play Park is a bit different to your average playground. Instead of plastic and paint, it encourages imaginative play through natural elements, with a creek to splash about in, a sensory trail and an accessible picnic area. A lovely spot for little explorers.

Follow the river along Vogel Street in Richmond and you’ll find a community-run eco park that’s a favourite haunt for local families. Richmond Community Garden has chickens for kids to visit, a mud kitchen and nature play areas, while nearby Adventure Ave has a bike track and a tree hut designed with help from local kids. Parents can grab a coffee from Riverlution Cafe, and in summer the real fruit ice cream (made with fruit grown on site) is a winner.

Up in the Port Hills, Christchurch Adventure Park isn’t just for serious mountain bikers. Take the chairlift up for huge views over the city, walk up and ride the chairlift back down, or go hunting for the Fairy Doors hidden around the village (maps are provided). Older kids can try the zipline tour, while the cafe deck overlooks the children’s area and pump track, so parents can relax with a coffee while the kids ride.

New Brighton makes for a classic family beach day. Start with a soak at He Puna Taimoana, the hot pools right on the beach, where the 36-degree pool is just right for the whole family. Then walk the pier, let the kids loose on the seaside playground and grab a bite at Saturdays next door. Further north, Brighton Beach House on Beach Road is across from the park and beach, with plenty of space for families.

We’d be doing the children of Ōtautahi a disservice if we didn’t include Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, a much-loved wildlife park that’s been going strong for over 50 years. Feed the eels (a rite of passage!), spot kiwi, meet the cheeky lemurs and capybaras and pet some of Aotearoa’s cutest farm animals. It’s open daily from 9.30am to 5pm, and the feeding times are well worth planning your visit around.

When the weather turns, Tūranga, the central library on Cathedral Square, is a gem for every member of the family. Head to the first floor, which is dedicated to children: bright and colourful, with the perfect balance of curiosity and learning. Read books together, build with giant blocks and let imaginations run wild at the creation station. Best of all, it’s free.

Not far from Tūranga is Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū, a jewel in both the city’s cultural and architectural crowns. Wandering the galleries is a perfect rainy day activity, there are always new exhibitions to explore and entry is free. The gallery regularly runs events and holiday programmes aimed at families and kids, so keep an eye on their website and socials.

While the museum’s Rolleston Avenue home undergoes a major redevelopment, the Canterbury Museum pop-up is in the CoCA building on Gloucester Street, just around the corner from the art gallery. It showcases highlights from the museum’s collection alongside changing exhibitions, and often runs hands-on activities for kids during the school holidays. Check what’s on before you go.

Christchurch’s huge new central city pool complex opened in December 2025, and it’s already a family favourite. Parakiore has a water adventure playground with more than 30 water toys and a giant tipping bucket, toddler pools, an aquatic sensory pool and a hydroslide park with five slides, including a trapdoor slide for the brave (height limits apply). Preschoolers swim free during school hours with a supervising adult. Check the website for slide times, as they vary through the week.

One of the city’s best indoor family activities, the Air Force Museum of New Zealand in Wigram showcases the history of Aotearoa’s Air Force, and it’s free for New Zealand residents. Kids can pick up a museum hunt, try the free interactive games and climb into a real Mosquito cockpit for a flight simulator mission. It’s open daily from 9.30am to 4.30pm and may even sow a passion in a future pilot.

When you need somewhere to suit everyone’s tastebuds, Riverside Market is a sure-fire win. With dozens of food stalls under one roof, plenty of seating and various cuisines on offer, even the fussiest eaters will find something. It’s a short stroll from the Margaret Mahy Family Playground, so it pairs perfectly with a morning of play.

Housed in stunningly repurposed buildings in the central city, The Welder brings together several eateries in one place, so everyone can choose their own lunch. There’s plenty of seating and a relaxed vibe that makes it an easy option with kids in tow.

A true Christchurch institution, Addington Coffee Co-op feels like a cosy lounge at a good friend’s place, with vintage furniture, big rugs and couches. Best of all for parents, there’s a box full of toys to keep little ones busy while you enjoy excellent coffee and food.

In the heart of South Brighton, Dune Cafe is a true community hub with epic cabinet food and a warm atmosphere. Its sunny courtyard has a children’s play area, and the beach is just a few blocks away, making it a welcome pitstop for families.

Set in an iconic heritage building in Redcliffs, The Lil Brew Espresso Bar is quite possibly the cutest cafe in town, with plenty of nooks and crannies for kids to explore and play areas designed just for them. Afterwards, head along the coast to Sumner, where the Scarborough end of the beach has an epic playground and paddling pool.

Out in Lincoln, The Laboratory is a charming destination that’s always welcoming to families. There’s a kids menu and a lush beer garden to roam around, making it an easy stop on the way to or from the city.

No family day out is complete without a treat. Rollickin’ Gelato on Cashel Street is the biggest of their scoop shops, with out-the-gate flavours, outdoor seating and late opening hours seven days a week. Kids can peer into the ‘fish bowl kitchen’ and watch the cookies, crumbles and ripples being made.

Farmers markets are a great activity for the whole family, and the Christchurch Farmers Market at Riccarton House on Saturday mornings is one of the best. With the river on one side and the historic house and grounds on the other, the setting is picturesque, and the kids can pick out a wee treat while you stock up. Afterwards, take a walk through the native forest of Riccarton Bush next door.

Every Saturday from 10am to 1pm, the Lyttelton Farmers Market takes over London Street with stalls selling fresh fruit and vegetables, breads, pastries, flowers and more. The vibes are always good, and it’s a great place to stock up on picnic supplies before heading down to the harbour for a ferry ride to Diamond Harbour.