Things to Do in Christchurch with Kids
New Zealand’s newest and oldest city, Christchurch, has a plethora of family activities — inside, outside, for toddlers and teenagers alike. Whether you’re after wildlife encounters, outdoor adventures, free playgrounds or rainy-day attractions, this guide covers the best things to do in Christchurch with kids, put together by the team at Scenic Hotel Cotswold.
Yes, you tram!
Christchurch Tramway is a sure fire winner for kids – hop on and off as you please so you can explore the city at your leisure. Grab an ice cream down New Regent Street, feed the ducks on the Avon River or grab lunch at the Riverside Farmers Market – the city is your playground and the tram is a great way to get your family around it.
High stakes
Adrenalin Forest is perfect for your older kids – and maybe a brave parent or two! Navigate your way through this high ropes treetop course, test your abilities, your confidence, and push you and your kids to take that leap!
Where the Wild things are
For animal lovers there are some great ways to spend a day, from rhinos to kiwis, lions to wetas. Visit Africa at Orana Wildlife Park, and feed giraffes, see silverback gorillas or even—if you dare—get up close and personal with one of the majestic lions in the Lion Encounter. If keeping it a little closer to home if more your thing, then Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is home to a huge range of native wildlife; most of which kids can feed with themselves.
Closest you’ll get to the frozen planet
Christchurch is one of the world’s main gateways to Antarctica, with international bases located close to the airport, and the special Hercules planes are a common occurrence during the summer months as crew fly in and out. It is also home to the International Antarctic Centre, an interactive attraction that takes you on an Antarctician journey through the real life Hagglund rides, ice room, 4D experience, and rehabilitation centre for blue penguins.
Free and low-cost things to do in Christchurch with kids
Play time!
There are hundreds of parks and playgrounds in Christchurch, which is why it is known as the Garden City. One of the most popular ones, and the largest inner-city playground in the Southern Hemisphere is the Margaret Mahy Playground. Young or old, there is something for every kid, and kid at heart!
A night (or day) at the Museum
The Canterbury Museum is well worth a visit, with displays that will pique any interest. Open daily from 9am, it is a fantastic day out for the whole family.
Is it a bird? Or a Plane?
Yep, it is likely to be plane rather than superman! And if it is planes your little one is into, then the Air Force Museum is going to have them buzzing. See a huge range of real planes that served in the Air Force, as well as an opportunity to get into the cockpit of a fighter jet. With barista coffee and free parking… all adds up to a great activity for the whole squadron.
More family activities in Christchurch
Quake City
Quake City is a truly unique attraction aimed at informing and engaging visitors about the Christchurch earthquakes. From an active liquefaction volcano to captivating true life stories there is something to fascinate all ages.
Riccarton Market
Riccarton Market offers a great atmosphere where you can wander around and relax looking at what all the various stalls have to offer, from fresh fruits and vegetables to clothing, art, plants and trees, and food and beverages.
Barnett Park Walk
Located in the suburb of Redcliffs near Sumner, the Barnett Park Walk is an easy walk with an amazing view from a hillside cave as a reward at the end. You will also pass various waterfalls and native bush.
Sumner Beach
The popular coastal suburb of Sumner is the perfect place to cruise on down to for food, boutique fashion, vintage antiques, movies, arts and crafts and of course, the beautiful beach! We recommend grabbing an ice cream and walking along the beach watching all the surfers!
CaddyShack City
CaddyShack City is Christchurch’s best indoor mini golf experience. Each of the 18 holes incorporates a different theme and offers different skill challenges and fun!
Ferrymead Heritage Park
Ferrymead Heritage Park features an early 1900’s Edwardian township with exhibits such as houses, a theatre, school classroom, church, jail, railway station, lodge hall, post office, general store and more! There are also heritage museums and displays that are often open for viewing displaying collections full of tractors, fire engines, aeroplanes, trams, trains and much more.
Model train rides at Halswell Domain
Head to Halswell Domain on a Sunday afternoon between 1-4pm, weather permitting for a ride on the Halswell Miniature Trains for just $2 a ride. The site is easy to access with two entry points: park off William Brittan Avenue, or follow the signs from the main entrance on Halswell Road. EFTPOS is available for added convenience.
