Christchurch, Canterbury

An Amazing Place To Visit

The 10 Best Activities to Do with Your Young Kids in Christchurch

International Antarctic Centre
Canterbury Museum (Pop-Up)
Christchurch Botanic Gardens
Jurassic Adventure
Laser Strike
Game Over Christchurch

1. Margaret Mahy Family Playground

Armagh Street, Christchurch Central City | Free entry | Open 24 hours

If you only do one thing with your kids in Christchurch, make it this. Named after the beloved New Zealand children’s author, the Margaret Mahy Family Playground is one of the best free playgrounds in the entire country. Expect towering slides, climbing nets, zip lines, and a hugely popular water play area that’s perfect for hot Canterbury days. There are free electric BBQs on site, food carts nearby, and plenty of picnic space, making it an easy full-day outing. It’s well maintained, frequently buzzing with energy, and beloved by locals and visitors alike.

Tip: Go early on weekdays to beat the after-school rush.

2. Willowbank Wildlife Reserve

60 Hussey Road, Northwood | Open daily 9:30am–5:00pm

For a genuine encounter with New Zealand’s native wildlife, Willowbank is hard to beat. Kids can hand-feed eels, meet farm animals, spot kiwi in the nocturnal house, and come face to face with kea, weka, wallabies, and even capybaras. The reserve has a relaxed, unhurried atmosphere that suits families with young children perfectly, you can easily spend a couple of hours here without anyone getting bored. Staff are knowledgeable and friendly, and the guided kiwi house experience is genuinely special.

Tip: Add on the animal food packs at entry – feeding the eels is an absolute highlight for kids.

3. Ninja Valley

Bush Inn Centre, 20 Waimairi Road, Upper Riccarton | Open daily from 9am–10am

Ninja Valley is one of Christchurch’s most popular indoor play destinations, and it’s easy to see why. The venue is packed with trampolines, foam pits, climbing structures, slides, and ninja-warrior-style obstacle courses. It’s a great outlet for kids who need to burn off serious energy, and the staff are warm, attentive, and clearly love working with children. Off-peak toddler pricing makes it genuinely affordable for families, and the venue is kept impressively clean.

Tip: Thursday “Big Ninja” nights are popular with older kids and adults – visit earlier in the week for a more toddler-friendly crowd.

4. International Antarctic Centre

Corner Roy Place and Orchard Road, Christchurch Airport | Open daily 9:00am–4:30pm

Christchurch is the gateway to Antarctica, and this world-class attraction brings that icy continent to life in a way that captivates children and adults alike. Highlights include the Antarctic Storm Experience (where temperatures plunge and wind roars), a Hägglund all-terrain vehicle ride, blue penguin encounters, and interactive exhibits about polar exploration and conservation. It’s immersive, educational, and genuinely exciting, one of those rare attractions where the whole family comes away having learned something new.

Tip: The storm simulator can be intense for very young children, but you can step out at any time.

5. Messy Mates

Shop 104, 418 Main South Road, Hornby | Open daily from 9:00am

Young children are hardwired to explore with their hands, and Messy Mates is built entirely around that instinct. This dedicated messy play space in Hornby features themed sensory trays, an indoor sandpit, a paint room, a trampoline, and a play hut with a slide. It’s a haven for toddlers and pre-schoolers, run by a passionate owner who clearly loves what she does. You can bring your own snacks, parking is right outside, and best of all, the mess stays at Messy Mates.

Tip: Perfect for rainy days or when you need a couple of hours of genuine toddler-focused fun.

6. Canterbury Museum
(Pop-Up)

66 Gloucester Street, Christchurch Central City | Open daily 9:00am–5:00pm | Free entry

The main Canterbury Museum building is currently undergoing restoration, but a brilliant pop-up experience keeps the magic alive in the meantime. Free to enter, the museum offers fascinating exhibits on Māori culture, natural history, and Antarctic exploration and rotating shows like Dinosaurs: Surviving Extinction have proven a massive hit with young visitors. Staff run hands-on activities that keep kids engaged, and the proximity to the Botanic Gardens makes it easy to combine both into one outing.

Tip: Check the Canterbury Museum website before visiting for current pop-up exhibition details.

7. Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Armagh Street, Christchurch Central City | Free entry | Open 7:00am–8:30pm

The Botanic Gardens are one of Christchurch’s great treasures and they’re completely free. Stroll along the banks of the Avon River, spot ducks and native birds, admire the rose gardens, and let the kids loose in the on-site playground. There’s a lovely café if you fancy a coffee and a bite, and the whole space has a calming, almost enchanted quality that young children respond to naturally. The gardens are also right next to the Canterbury Museum pop-up, making the two a natural pairing.

Tip: The garden café does a decent kids’ menu, and ice creams are available on warmer days.

8. Jurassic Adventure

239A Opawa Road, Hillsborough | Open daily 10:00am–5:00pm

Dinosaur-mad kids will be in their element at Jurassic Adventure, a themed mini-golf and activity complex in the Hillsborough suburb. Along with the 18-hole mini-golf course, populated with life-size animatronic dinosaurs, there’s a raptor maze, a dinosaur dig, and motorised jeeps to drive. It’s a wonderfully kitschy, fun-filled outing that sparks imagination and keeps kids active. Some of the greens could do with a refresh, but the theming and overall experience more than make up for it.

Tip: Allow at least two hours to get through the golf, maze, and dig — there’s more here than it first appears.

9. Laser Strike

32 Byron Street, Sydenham | Open daily from 10:00am

Laser tag is one of those activities that works brilliantly for slightly older kids, from around five or six upwards and Laser Strike in Sydenham is Christchurch’s go-to venue for it. The arena is well set up, the equipment is comfortable and easy to use, and the staff are helpful at getting even nervous first-timers into the swing of things. It’s genuinely fun for adults too, making it a great activity for the whole family rather than just a drop-off experience.

Tip: Book ahead on weekends – it’s a popular birthday party venue and sessions can fill up quickly.

10. Game Over Christchurch

211 Blenheim Road, Riccarton | Open Mon–Wed from 12:00pm, Sat–Sun from 10:00am

Round out your Christchurch family adventure with a visit to Game Over a combined go-kart, mini-golf, and arcade venue that packs a lot of fun into one space. The electric go-karts are a hit with kids (staff are patient and great with younger drivers), the mini-golf course is accessible and enjoyable, and the arcade offers plenty of ticket-earning games. It’s a solid choice for a birthday outing or an afternoon when you want a bit of variety.

Tip: Booking online ahead of time makes check-in quick and easy.

Final Thoughts

Christchurch punches well above its weight when it comes to family activities. From free outdoor spaces like the Margaret Mahy Playground and Botanic Gardens to world-class attractions like the International Antarctic Centre and Willowbank, there’s something here to suit every age, budget, and weather condition. Whether you’re planning a rainy-day escape or a sunny weekend adventure, the Garden City has you covered.

Have a favourite family activity in Christchurch we haven’t mentioned? We’d love to hear about it in the comments below.