22 things to do with kids in Christchurch these holidays

If you’re a lucky Christchurch family (or planning on a family holiday to this beautiful part of NZ) we’ve put together an epic list of fun things to do in Christchurch with kids.

1. Adrenalin Forest

Adrenalin Forest is perfect for those adrenalin-junkie kids with endless energy. There are seven different courses to keep them entertained, with a range of challenges including bridges, nets, barrels, swings and flying foxes.

2. Orana Wildlife Park

New Zealand’s only open range zoo, Orana Wildlife Reserve is home to the country’s only gorillas, as well as a host of other animals to get up close with.

3. International Antarctic Centre

If you’re down to get a bit chilly, head to the International Antarctic Centre for some cool fun. Visit ?Antarctica’ and see if you have what it takes to survive an Antarctic snow story, learn about life on the remote continent and Scott Base, and hang out with some little blue penguins.

4. Willowbank Wildlife Reserve (As pictured above)

Willowbank Wildlife Reserve has one of the best displays of native fauna in the country, so head along to learn all about kiwi, tuatara, takahe, kea and more.

5. Canterbury Museum

There is plenty to learn at Canterbury Museum these school holidays. A hands-on exhibition on sunlight is sure to excite or, if you have an evening free, head to the museum after dark to explore the galaxy.

6. Halswell Miniature Trains

Halswell Miniature Trains have a miniature railway open for rides which is perfect for train-obsessed kids.

7. Airforce Museum

Explore New Zealand’s airforce history at the Airforce Museum. There are loads of exhibitions, galleries and displays to enjoy, as well as hands-on experiences like a museum hunt, or taking the pilot seat in the flight simulator.

8. Playgrounds

The Canterbury region is home to some of the best playgrounds in the country, check these off your list.

9. Walks

If you have a smaller child where long walks involve a pram, no worries, we’ve got you covered with these walks, buggy included.

10. Bike rides

If riding their bikes in the street is getting a bit boring, why not head further afield and let them loose on one of these bike tracks.

11. Christchurch Botanic Gardens

The Botanic Gardens are the perfect place for a wander through a beautiful collection of plants, you could even pack a picnic to have whilst you’re there. Or take part in the family treasure hunt through the gardens, become a dino detective, and make a wish on the wishing tree.

12. Ferrymead Heritage Park

Ferrymead Heritage Park is an early 1900s township featuring restored cottages, a schoolhouse, church and businesses that reflect the time period. There is also a large array of heritage exhibitions and displays to enjoy. Not to mention the railway line which is open for rides on the second Sunday of every month.

13. Christchurch Gondola

See Christchurch from a new level, and head up the Christchurch Gondola for spectacular views of the city, the Canterbury plains, the Southern Alps and the Banks Peninsula.

14. Punting on the Avon

Glide along the Avon River as a skilled punter in traditional Edwardian attire propels you slowly along the water. A fun and different family activity in which to enjoy Christchurch from a new perspective.

15. Mega Air

The indoor trampoline park Mega Air is the perfect place to head to so the kids can burn off some excess energy. Bouncing around and experiencing agility is apparently a great way for kids to learn balance as well.

16. Delta Force Paint Ball

Paintballing and airsoft sports are a great outdoor activity, many teens enjoy the sports and often look into getting their own Starter Kits so they can play off the range. But normally these sports are a bit too impactful for younger children, literally. Often it’s all fun and games until the bruises start showing up. So paintball may seem like a strange activity to take the kids to, but I didn’t bring this up for no reason, that’s because Delta Force have a special kids’ version of paintball called mini ball, which is perfectly safe for kids as young as 7.

17. Mini golf

Mini golf is always a good idea, it’s fun and just a little competitive. What else is there to say?

18. Indoor pools

As the weather cools down, swimming is best done indoors, and Christchurch is home to some awesome indoor swimming pools for all your water fun cravings.

19. Quail IslanD

Once a quarantine station, Quail Island is now a recreational reserve focused on restoring native vegetation, and is home to many native birds including the fantail, kingfisher, silvereye, as well as sea birds, including the rare white flippered little blue penguins, so if you’re up for a day of exploring, Quail Island is the place to go.

20. Christchurch Tram

Journey through Christchurch in style on the Christchurch Tram. Cathedral Junction, the Avon River, Gothic-style Arts Centre, the Canterbury Museum and New Regent Street are just some of the sights to be seen on the 17-stop journey.

21. Horse riding

Head to the Waimak River Riding Centre and go for a trek. The trails are beautiful all year long and no matter what your riding level is, there will be a horse for you.

22. Christchurch adventure park 

If you have kids with a keen sense of adventure, then the Christchurch Adventure Park is where you’ll want to head. There are multiple different attractions including the longest chairlift, mountain biking, zip lining and hiking trails.

Family events in Canterbury : Check out our list of What’s On for families in Canterbury here!

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