Wait out the bad weather with happy and entertained tots at these top indoor activities for kids.
Looking for rainy day activities in Christchurch that will actually keep the kids entertained?
When the playground is soaked and the house feels smaller by the minute, it helps to have a proper plan. Whether you need free indoor activities, high energy trampoline sessions, cosy cafes with play corners or something educational to fill a long afternoon, this guide covers the best indoor activities in Christchurch for kids of all ages.
From toddlers to tweens, here are the most reliable wet weather ideas across the city.
If you are also looking for ideas at home, see our guide to The Best Things to Do with Kids at Home When It’s Raining
Quick Guide to Rainy Day Activities in Christchurch
Short on time? Start here:
• Best indoor playground: Northlands Shopping Centre
• Best toddler session: Flips & Tumbles weekday slot
• Best free option: Tūranga Library
• Best high energy burn: Ninja Valley or MoveX
• Best cosy cafe stop: C1 Espresso
• Best educational outing: Air Force Museum
Now let’s break it down properly.
Indoor Playgrounds and High Energy Activities
If you need a place for kids to run, jump and climb while you stay dry, these are your top picks.
Trampoline Parks and Active Zones
• Flips & Tumbles, Wigram – toddler sessions during term time and access to both trampoline zones.
• Ninja Valley, Bush Inn – climbing walls and obstacle zones.
• MoveX – weekday preschooler sessions.
• Launch Pad – trampolines and soft play for littlies.
• Alpine Ice Sports Centre – indoor skating for all ages.
• Supa Karts – indoor go karting for older kids.
• Laser Strike & Zone Bowling – bowling and laser tag fun under one roof.
These are brilliant options if you want to burn energy indoors when it is raining in Christchurch.
Indoor Playgrounds in Christchurch Shopping Malls
Shopping malls are one of the easiest rainy day solutions. For a full breakdown of play spaces located inside malls, see our detailed guide: Indoor Playgrounds in Christchurch Shopping Malls
• Northlands Shopping Centre – big play area next to the food court.
• Westfield Riccarton – toddler friendly play space.
• The Palms – slides and tunnels near cafes.
• South City Shopping Centre – bigger climbing and play structure.
Free Rainy Day Activities in Christchurch
You do not need to spend money to survive a wet afternoon.
Libraries and Story Sessions
• Tūranga Library – Imagination Station, Lego pits, dress ups and regular storytimes.
• Te Ara Ātea, Rolleston – interactive play and preschool sessions.
• Local library Babytimes & Storytimes – free weekly events.
• Reading to Dogs programme – confidence building for young readers.
Looking for more free things to do with kids in Christchurch in wet weather? See our list of Library Activities for Preschoolers
Cosy Cafés and Sweet Treat Stops
Sometimes the best way to ride out rain is with comfort food and play.
• C1 Espresso – hot chocolate with photoprint magic.
• The Welder – coffee, pastries and space for kids.
• She Chocolaterie Malthouse – indulgent hot chocolate.
• Waffle Haus – upstairs play area and treats.
These ideas make a rainy day feel relaxed, not rushed.
Educational and Creative Indoor Activities
When you want something enriching for curious minds.
• International Antarctic Centre – animal encounters and indoor exhibits.
• Quake City – interactive earthquake displays.
• Telling Tales Children’s Bookshop – Duplo play nook and reading space.
• Arts Centre Rutherford’s Den– interactive museum
These options can stretch an afternoon or fill a whole day.
Unique Rainy Day Experiences
For something memorable or a little different.
• Codebreakers Escape Rooms – team thinking fun.
• Catnap Café – coffee and cats for kids who love animals.
• PhatSk8 Roller Discos – retro skating sessions.
• Kid’s High Tea at The Store (Tai Tapu) – special treat outing.
• He Puna Taimoana Hot Pools – warm swim while it rains outside.
Low Effort Rainy Day Winners
Sometimes you just need something easy that everyone enjoys.
• Indoor pools across Christchurch with free kids sessions during term time.
• Toy Library – borrow something new to keep the afternoon fresh.
• Bunnings / Mitre 10 – indoor browsing + mini trollies + coffee.
• Riverside Market – wander, eat and use the upstairs play area.
• Cinema sessions such as Prams at the Pix.
And when all else fails… cosy blankets and Disney Plus absolutely count.
Even More Rainy Day Ideas in Christchurch
Still need more options? Here are even more indoor activities in Christchurch to keep up your sleeve when the forecast looks bleak.
Alice in Putterland for glow-in-the-dark mini golf with a whimsical twist
• Caddyshack City for classic indoor mini golf that suits a range of ages
• Archie Brothers for arcade games, dodgems and bowling under one roof
• SWEET in Papanui to watch handcrafted rock candy being made
• The Cookie Time Factory Shop for discounted treats and rainy day movie snacks
• The Tannery for a warm wander followed by coffee at Mitchelli’s Café Rinato
• Kate Sheppard House for a gentle indoor history visit
• Build-A-Bear Workshop at Northlands for a special rainy day memory
• The Lego Store building wall at Westfield Riccarton
• Kid’s High Tea at The Store in Tai Tapu for something a little bit fancy
• Redwood Aquatics to admire colourful fish and reptiles up close
• Dress Smart for outlet browsing plus coin-operated rides for little ones
• Copenhagen Bakery for a pig fluffy treat stop
• Delante Artisan Bakery in Lincoln for toddler-friendly wood-fired pizza watching
• A pet store visit to see rabbits, fish and small animals up close
• Selwyn Sports Centre’s indoor mezzanine walking track for pram-friendly movement
• A cosy afternoon thrift shopping for second-hand books, puzzles and toys
FAQ About Rainy Day Activities in Christchurch
What are the best rainy day activities in Christchurch for toddlers?
Libraries, mall playgrounds, toddler trampoline sessions and indoor pools are great options.
Are there free indoor activities in Christchurch?
Yes. Libraries, shopping mall play areas and some museum pop-ups are free.
Where can I take kids in Christchurch when it rains?
Indoor play spaces, trampoline parks, museums, recreation centres and family friendly cafes.
Planning Your Next Rainy Day in Christchurch
Rain does not have to mean boredom.
Christchurch has a huge range of indoor activities for kids, whether you want free, active, educational or cosy.
Bookmark this guide and build your rainy day plan before cabin fever kicks in.
You might also enjoy:
