Our Kid-Friendly Guide for Your Next Family Day Out in Christchurch

Like anywhere in New Zealand, Christchurch has its fair share of changeable weather, so it always helps to have some indoor activities up your sleeve if inclement conditions strike. Tūranga, the central city library, is a gem of an activity for every family member. Parents, you can get your caffeine fix at Foundation on the ground level, then make your way to the first floor, which is dedicated to children. Bright and colourful, with the perfect balance of curiosity and learning, this floor is bursting at the seams with inner child fun and fellowship, bringing enjoyment for all ages. Read books together and let your imaginations run wild at the creation station.

Not too far from Tūranga is Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū, a jewel in both the city’s cultural and architectural crowns. Wandering around the gallery is a perfect rainy day activity. There are always new exhibitions to explore, and they frequently hold events aimed specifically at families and kids, so keep your eye on their website or socials. Just around the corner is another gallery, CoCA, and they are currently hosting the Canterbury Museum pop-up, while the museum’s permanent home on Rolleston Ave undergoes major redevelopment. Half of the exhibition space is dedicated to revolving exhibits, while the other half displays museum favourites, such as the Antarctic gallery and the much-loved horse that most little ones enjoy riding.

One of the city’s best indoor family-friendly activities, the Air Force Museum, is found out in Wigram. Showcasing the 100-year history of Aotearoa’s Air Force, the exhibits are interesting for all ages and may even sow a passion for future pilots. Museum hunts are regularly run by the museum to encourage tamariki to take a closer look at the displays. They’re great fun to participate in and all the information is at the Welcome Desk.

Whenever the sun is shining, any family with kids knows it’s time to head outside and get that energy out with a side of fresh air. Being the Garden City, Ōtautahi has plenty of green spaces and play structures for your little and not so little ones to charge around. If you are in the heart of the city centre, a trip to the Margaret Mahy Playground alongside the Avon River Ōtākaro, is a must. One of the largest playgrounds in the southern hemisphere, there is plenty to keep all ages entertained for hours. And being in the city centre it is handily located to many a cafe or eatery for some well earned kai after all that play.

Sticking to the city centre, the Botanic Gardens are a treasure trove of activities for families; in the summer time there’s the paddling pool for littlies, perfect for cooling down on a balmy Canterbury day. All year round there’s the fantastic playground and plenty of different garden spaces to explore. Not to mention Ilex Cafe is handily located within the Gardens grounds, so refreshments and sustenance are close by.

Venturing out into the suburbs, found in the Red Zone and nestled within restoration plantings in the Avon-Ōtākaro Forest Park is Te Kohanga Taiao Sensory Nature Play Park. This sensory play area is a bit different to your average playground and encourages imaginative play through environmental elements. Ten minutes down the road in Richmond is a favourite haunt for families, Avebury Park and Richmond Community Garden. Along with a playground and paddling pool, there is a chicken coop for kids to observe, a mud kitchen for creativity and Riverlution Cafe for parents to enjoy a well-deserved coffee.

Christchurch’s beaches also provide endless hours of outdoor fun, even when the weather is less than summery. If you’re in Sumner and need a break from the sand, head to the Scarborough end where there’s an epic playground and paddling pool, so the kids can still get their water fix.

And we would be doing a disservice to the children of Ōtautahi if we didn't include Willowbank – a wildlife reserve that has been going strong for over 50 years. Feed the eels (a rite of passage!), encounter cheeky capybaras and lemurs, and pet Aotearoa's cutest farm animals. 

In Christchurch we are blessed with a thriving hospitality scene and the number of family-friendly options continues to grow and grow. When you’re looking for somewhere to go to suit everyone’s tastebuds; options like Riverside Market and The Welder, where there are multiple eateries in one place, are a sure fire win. With both of these locations there’s plenty of seating, various cuisines on offer and perhaps the biggest win… kids play areas!

If you’re by the seaside, you’re spoiled for choice with kid-friendly cafes; Brighton Beach House is down the North New Brighton/Waimairi beach end and has lots of space, a decent outdoor play area and it’s dog friendly too. Head back along Marine Parade and to South New Brighton and you’ll find Dune Cafe, with their epic cabinet food and warm atmosphere it’s perfect for all ages and there’s plenty to keep the kids entertained. The same can be said for The Lil’Brew Espresso Bar in Redcliffs, with this charming cafe providing plenty of nooks and crannies for the kids to explore and play areas designed just for them.

Out in Lincoln, The Laboratory is a charming destination that is always welcoming to families. There's a kids menu, a lush beer garden to roam around, and even a boutique cinema that can be rented out for special occasions.

Farmers Markets are a great activity for the whole family, it’s a chance to stock up on essentials for the week ahead, the kids can get a wee treat and no matter the weather, it’s an opportunity to get a dose of fresh air. In Christchurch we are quite spoiled with the number of markets we have and they are growing in popularity all the time. The Christchurch Farmers Market at Riccarton House on Saturdays is one of the busiest in the city - and for good reason! With the river on one side and historic grounds and heritage building on the other, the setting is picturesque and the stalls showcase goods from the very best local producers and artisans. Once you’ve filled your market bags with goodies, get the whole family back together and do one of the walks in Riccarton Bush. Nature and good food for your Saturday, what could be better!

Also on a Saturday is the Lyttelton Farmers Market, taking over the main street for a few hours, London Street is inundated with stalls selling all kind of goods. From fresh vegetables and fruits to breads and pastries to flowers and plants. The vibes and energy are always good and there’s so much to tempt your tastebuds with. A great family day out is a visit to the market to stock up on picnic supplies then head to the harbour and catch a ferry to Quail Island or Diamond Harbour. Go for a nice walk, explore and find the perfect picnic spot to enjoy your market goodies.