From mud kitchens and musical paths to chicken feeding and secret veggie patches, these community gardens in Christchurch prove that dirt and fun go hand in hand.
Looking for somewhere to take the kids that doesn’t involve a screen, a snack aisle meltdown, or another trip to the same old playground? Community gardens are having a bit of a moment—and for good reason. They’re green, grubby (in a good way), and full of things to touch, taste, and explore. Here are some of the best kid-friendly community gardens in Christchurch where little hands can dig, pick, play and even pat a chicken or two.
Read more: These Christchurch Playgrounds Are Fully-Fenced
Richmond Community Gardens
Richmond Community Gardens isn’t just a garden—it’s an entire experience. There’s a neighbouring nature play area with communication tunnels that mimic the way fungi talk underground (yep, seriously), and Fungi Farm that lets kids get curious about mushrooms, including how to grow them. The mud kitchen is a hit with budding chefs, and there are chickens to feed and an active beehive to peek at. Events run year-round, and with the café right next door, you can caffeinate while they get muddy.
Where: 46A Vogel Street, Richmond
Kaiapoi Food Forest
This one’s a winner if you’re after a low-effort day trip. Just 20 minutes from the central city, Kaiapoi Food Forest is packed with fresh produce to nibble and plenty of play value. There’s a cubby house, a pirate ship (battle-tested by toddlers), and summer raspberries ripe for the picking. Pair it with a visit to Trousselot Playground, a riverside stroll, and a pint or kids’ meal at The Platform Brew Bar to round out the day.
Where: Corner of Cass & Meadow Streets and Oram Place, Kaiapoi
Ōtākaro Orchard
You know that patch of green near the Margaret Mahy Playground? That’s Ōtākaro Orchard—an urban food forest and community garden right in the middle of town. It’s got a learning centre, an outdoor amphitheatre, a restaurant, and public gardens where anyone can lend a hand on Saturdays. The Avon River adds duck-spotting to the list, and Moa Reserve Playground is a toddler-friendly bonus.
Where: Cambridge Terrace, Central City (beside the Avon River)
MacFarlane Park Community Gardens
This place is a hidden gem. Tucked into Shirley, it has veggie patches, fruit trees, and a vibe that feels a bit like your grandma’s backyard—if your grandma also had a slackline and a wooden fort. There’s a children’s book fridge for impromptu story time, and while the flying fox is currently out of action (moment of silence), plans are in the works for a mud kitchen and loose parts play pod. Bonus: the Shirley Birdsong Trail is just across the road.
Where: Acheson Avenue, Shirley
Children’s Gardening Club – Shirley Community Trust
Every Tuesday during term time, kids get their hands dirty in the best way. The Children’s Gardening Club at South MacFarlane Park teaches kids about growing things, sharing kai, and working as a team. Afternoon tea is provided, and numbers are limited, so register in advance. It’s low-key wholesome and totally free.
Where: South MacFarlane Park, off Jebson Street, Shirley
When: Tuesdays, 3:15pm–4:00pm (term time only)
Rolleston’s Sensory Garden (Te Ara Ātea)
Rolleston’s Te Ara Ātea Library is already a go-to for families, but the sensory and community garden next door seals the deal. There are musical instruments to bang, a sound bridge to stomp across, and plenty of quiet, calm space to unwind. Add in peg walls, table tennis and a playground nearby, and you’ve got yourself a zero-cost afternoon that ticks all the boxes.
Where: 56 Tennyson Street, Rolleston
Lyttelton Community Garden
Take the kids to Oxford Street Playground (fenced, shady, and with sea life murals), then head up the back stairs to find Lyttelton’s best-kept secret: a rose garden, community veggie patch, and a flock of resident chickens. This is the kind of place where you can sit with a book while the kids potter about, or simply wander through the greenery and soak up the peace.
Where: Behind Oxford Street Playground, Lyttelton
Opawa Community Garden
It’s all about the hens here. They’re clucky, friendly, and always happy to be fed. There is often some soaked wheat for you to treat them with. There’s a cute kids’ playhouse and picnic tables, so pack some snacks and make an outing of it.
Where: 275 Fifield Terrace, Opawa
New Brighton Community Gardens + SmileDial Sensory Garden
New Brighton Community Gardens are full of charm, colour, and space to roam—and yes, there’s even a pirate ship. Right next door, you’ll find the SmileDial Sensory Garden, packed with musical paths, herbs to sniff, and textures to touch. It’s a low-key local gem that’s just a stone’s throw from Rawhiti Domain, one of the city’s best nature playgrounds.
Where: 136 Shaw Avenue, New Brighton
Bryndwr Community Garden
This one’s simple, sweet, and great for younger kids. The community garden shares space with a local playground—think swings, space to run, and low-key vibes. Perfect for a short stop after school or a sunny afternoon stroll.
Where: 35 Morley Street, Bryndwr
Packe Street Park & Community Gardens
Part park, part garden, all community vibes. This St Albans spot has a swing set and picnic tables for chill snacks or stories under the trees. Volunteers are usually around Mondays and Thursdays for a chat and cuppa, and everything is spray-free and homegrown.
Where: 125 Packe Street, St Albans
Common Ground South New Brighton
A dreamy combo of coffee and community. Common Ground in South New Brighton is perfect for catching up with mates while the kids browse he garden, flick through books, or make their own fun in the toy area. Kraken Coffee brings the brew, and Dune Cafe is just across the road for post-play snacks.
Want more ideas like this? Check out our nature playground guide or best kid-friendly cafes to keep the little ones happy while you get that caffeine hit.
