Have a little one who loves to be hands-on? The magic of sensory play is endless. Check out these unique messy play classes in Christchurch
Looking for the best messy play classes in Christchurch? Whether you’ve got a baby who loves to squish and splash, or a toddler who’s obsessed with textures, slime, or sand, Christchurch has a fantastic range of messy and sensory play sessions. These classes are more than just fun—they’re essential for developing motor skills, encouraging creativity, and helping little ones explore the world through touch, sight, smell, sound, and movement.
Here’s your ultimate guide to messy play classes in Christchurch, perfect for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers.
Read more: Christchurch Cafés and Restaurants With Bouncy Castles for Kids
Why Messy Play Matters
Messy and sensory play supports child development in so many ways—it builds fine motor skills, enhances cognitive growth, supports emotional regulation, and most importantly, it’s fun. These messy play classes in Christchurch give children the chance to explore freely, get creative, and develop at their own pace.
Whether you’re after a regular weekly class, a one-off pop-up event, or a hands-on birthday party idea, this guide to the best messy and sensory play classes in Christchurch has something for every child—and every mess-loving parent.
The Best Messy Play Classes in Christchurch
Messy Mates – The Hub Hornby
Messy Mates has set up shop at The Hub Hornby, and it’s a total win for toddlers and preschoolers. This sensory play studio is all about unstructured, hands-on fun—with themed sessions that let little ones squish, scoop, and splatter to their heart’s content. They also do birthday parties and take-home sensory kits, so the mess doesn’t have to end when the session does. Easy to find, super fun, and perfect for curious kids.
nook NZ Perk: Use code NOOK15 for 15% off your booking!
Wild Wanderers
With six young kids between them, Bree and Lara know firsthand how much tamariki thrive when they’re learning, connecting, and getting messy outside. That’s what sparked Wild Wanderers—casual nature play sessions designed to help Christchurch families enjoy the outdoors together.
Bree brings her expertise as an early childhood kaiako, while Lara adds her event planning magic. Together, they create relaxed, engaging sessions filled with outdoor fun, sensory play, and child-led exploration.
nook NZ Perk: Use Code Nook15 or 15% off Wild Wanderers online shop
Creative Capers Playgroup – Burnside
This weekly drop-in playgroup is a low-cost way to get into messy play. Each Thursday, little ones can explore new textures and themes while caregivers enjoy a complimentary morning tea. No registration is needed—just turn up and get messy.
Where: Elim Church, 193 Grahams Road, Burnside
When: Thursdays, 9.45am–11.15am
Cost: $3 per child
Creative Capers, 193 Grahams Road, Burnside, www.facebook.com/CreativeCapersElim
Born to Play – St Albans
Born to Play is a sensory-rich experience combining messy play with gross motor development. Sessions include tactile bins, themed crafts, and a soft play setup with climbing frames, tunnels, and balance boards. Great for busy toddlers who need to move and explore. Bookings are essential, as spots fill up quickly.
Where: St Albans Uniting Parish, Christchurch
When: Tuesdays, 10.30–11.30am
Cost: $15 per session
www.instagram.com/borntoplay_christchurch
The Buddy Zone
Run by behaviour and therapy professionals, The Buddy Zone offers structured sensory programs for kids of all ages and abilities. Their ‘Mini Zone’ session focuses on sensory exploration for toddlers aged 2–4, ideal for neurodivergent and neurotypical kids alike.
Where: 38B Birmingham Drive, Middleton
When: Fridays, 10.30am–11.30am
Cost: Term bookings required
The Buddy Zone, 38B Birmingham Drive, Middleton, Christchurch, www.thebuddyzone.com
Baby Sensory and Toddler Sense
A favourite across Christchurch, these sessions are designed for developmental milestones. Baby Sensory (birth–13 months) and Toddler Sense (up to 4 years) offer weekly themed sessions packed with music, movement, lights, textures, and props. Pop-up sessions and special events also run throughout the year.
Baby Sensory and Toddler Sense, 462 Tuam Street, Christchurch, www.toddlersense.co.nz/christchurch
Southern Centre Sensory Experience – Somerfield
Located in Pioneer Recreation and Sports Centre, this is a unique multi-sensory environment open to all ages and abilities. It includes a smell machine, bubble column, and shadow wall. While not a traditional class, it’s ideal for sensory play for preschoolers in Christchurch.
Where: Pioneer Recreation & Sport Centre
Cost: $12 per personTo make a booking email [email protected].
Pioneer Recreation and Sport Centre, 75 Lyttelton Street, Somerfield, Christchurch, www.recandsport.ccc.govt.nz/play-sport/southern-centre-multi-sensory-experience
Sensory Time Swimming – Rolleston
Hosted at Selwyn Aquatic Centre, this water-based sensory play session is designed for babies and toddlers to explore in the pool with soft toys, bubbles, and floatation devices. It’s a low-pressure, drop-in option for children aged four months to four years.
Where: Selwyn Aquatic Centre
When: Tuesdays, 9–10.45am
Cost: $3.80 per preschooler and caregiver
Selwyn Aquatic Centre, 71 Broadlands Drive, Rolleston, www.selwyn.govt.nz/recreation-And-facilities/recreation-And-sport/selwyn-aquatic-centre
Tiny Toy Shop Heuristic Play Classes
A boutique sensory play experience for babies under 30 months, Tiny Toy Shop offers heuristic play classes where babies and caregivers explore open-ended objects in a calm, social setting. Each nine-week term focuses on curiosity-led learning.
Where: The Arts Centre, Worcester Blvd
Cost: $200 per term
Tiny Toy Shop, 2 Worcester Boulevard, Christchurch, www.tinytoyshop.nz
Tactile Tamariki
Founded by two local ECE teachers, Tactile Tamariki offers fun, themed sensory play pop-ups in the Selwyn area. These sessions are designed for freedom, creativity and tactile exploration in a safe environment.
Where: Selwyn District, various pop-up locations
Cost: $15 per child
www.instagram.com/tactile_tamariki
There’s no shortage of creative, engaging, and developmentally rich messy play classes in Christchurch. Whether you prefer structured sessions, pop-ups, or sensory playrooms, this city has something for every age and stage.
Bookmark this list and check back often—many of these providers run seasonal holiday programs and special events, so there’s always something new to explore.
Featured image property of nooknz.com, image #1 credited to Messy Mates via Facebook, image #2 credited to Creative Capers via Facebook, image #3 credited to Born to Play via Instagram, image #4 credited to The Buddy Zone via Facebook, image #5 credited to Baby Sensory and Toddler Sense via Facebook, image #6 property of nooknz, image #7 credited to Selwyn Aquatic Centre via Facebook, image #8 credited to Tiny Toy Shop via Instagram, image #9 credited to Tactile Tamariki via Instagram.
