If your little one’s birthday falls over winter (or you would rather not chance the rain!), check out our top indoor party venues in Christchurch.
Planning a child’s birthday during winter can feel tricky, especially when outdoor parties are off the table. If you’re searching for indoor party venues in Christchurch, this guide rounds up some of the best options for kids’ birthday parties, from toddlers and preschoolers through to school-aged kids and tweens.
Whether you’re looking for indoor birthday parties in Christchurch with minimal setup, fully hosted experiences, or venues that let kids burn energy while you relax, these local party venues offer a wide range of packages to suit different ages, budgets and interests.
This list is especially handy for winter birthdays, rainy days, or parents who prefer a stress-free indoor option.
Christchurch has no shortage of options when it comes to kids’ birthday party venues, especially during winter when indoor celebrations are often the easiest choice. From high-energy play centres to creative studios and fully hosted experiences, there’s something to suit every age and personality.
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Last updated Feburary 2026
Indoor Party Venues for Toddlers & Preschoolers (Ages 1–5)
Flips & Tumbles – Jungle Room
If your little one loves to run, jump and climb, Flips & Tumbles unique Jungle Room package could be the perfect indoor party venue. Specifically designed for under-fives, its toddler parties include exclusive use of the private room, including a play and food area so that you can easily keep an eye on the group. Throughout the party, tots can enjoy access to balance beams, soft parkour gear, air tracks and a rock climbing wall. Bigger kids looking to celebrate their birthdays might enjoy booking out the downstairs venue instead.
How much: $250 (party bags can be added for an additional $5 per person)
Time: 1.5 hours exclusive use
Capacity: Recommended up to 15 Participants, however additional participants are at no extra cost
More info here.
The Fun Team – Party Barn
The Fun Team’s Party Barn is a great indoor venue for birthday parties of all ages. With plenty of indoor and outdoor space to enjoy, the three-hour venue hire package also includes a bouncy castle, one hour of pony rides, a petting zoo, giant games and table and chairs. This venue is especially popular with families planning preschool birthday parties in Christchurch, thanks to its age-appropriate setup and relaxed environment.
How much: $600
Time: Three hours ($75 per extra hour)
Capacity: Best suited for 20 children, however there is a maximum of 50 people allowed in the venue.
More info here.
Southern Centre: Multi-Sensory Experience
The Southern Centre is an interactive, multi-sensory environment for people of all ages and abilities. A great space to book out for a half hour of sensory play, and spend time engaging in all of the elements followed by food and drinks in a private party room.
How much: $12 per child for the sensory session.
Time: 30 minute sensory session. The pioneer also has a well-equipped party room to use afterwards.
Capacity: Enquire further with Pioneer Recreation and Sport Centre.
More info here.
Chipmunks
A classic birthday party option, Chipmunks does the leg work for you with three packages that can be customised with themes and party add-ons. Spend as long as you like playing and take a break for food and drink in a private party room.
How much: Basic – $295; Bash – $395; Bonanza – $495
Time: Unlimited play time and one hour in the party room.
Capacity: Prices include an entry for 8 children, extra fees of $27.90 per child apply for the basic package.
More info here.
Build-A-Bear Workshop
Choose one of three packages that “fit your budget, invite your guests and let Build-A-Bear Workshop do the rest!” Ideal for intimate parties or those on a smaller scale (although not limited to), watch your child’s eyes light up as they choose a cuddly companion and revel in a special Build-A-Bear experience, including a host, discount vouchers for guests and more.
How much: From $20 per child
Time:
Capacity: A minimum of 5 participating guests is required and a maximum of 4 non-participating guests.
More info here.
Play n’ Tumble at Cowles Stadium & Pioneer
If your tot is a big fan of weekly Tumble Times sessions, a Play n’ Tumble party would be perfect. Bring your own party food, drinks, decorations and cake (or ask about catering options), and invite friends to participate in a 60-minute free-play session that includes mats, soft play equipment and use of a party room.
How much: $140
Time: 60 minutes playing and 60 minutes in the birthday party room after playtime.
Capacity: 20 children
More info here.
Pony Parties & Farmyard Friends
Now offering an indoor party venue option in Christchurch, Pony Parties offers catering and plenty of entertainment options for guests. A $650 package for up to 10 children includes unlimited pony rides, a bouncy castle, animal feeding and petting area, keepsakes for each child, music, bubbles and complimentary tea and coffee. Parties are aimed at ages 1 – 8 years old.
How much: $650 for up to 10 children fully catered and $15 per additional child
Time: 2 hours
Capacity: The party fee includes up to 10 children
More info here.
Messy Mates
If you’re looking for something a little different, Messy Mates offers creative, hands-on indoor birthday parties that are especially popular with toddlers and preschoolers. With options for studio hire, themed picnic-style set-ups with balloons, and custom messy play trays tailored to your child’s interests, parties can be as simple or styled as you like.
Messy Mates can also help coordinate entertainment to suit your age group, taking the pressure off parents who want a relaxed, low-stress celebration while kids explore, squish, pour and play.
This is a great option for families planning preschool birthday parties in Christchurch or winter celebrations that focus on sensory play and creativity rather than high-energy chaos.
How much: Enquire for pricing
Time: Flexible, depending on party package
Capacity: Enquire based on setup and age group
More info here.
Indoor Party Venues for School-Aged Kids (Ages 6–12)
If you’re organising a party for older kids, many of these venues also double as great things to do with school-aged kids in Christchurch, especially during colder months or school holidays.
Clip ‘n Climb
Clip ‘n Climb birthday party packages are perfect for tiny thrill seekers. The indoor venue’s mezzanine looks out over the main climbing wall, where you’ll enjoy food, drink and cake post-climb. With a maximum of one party per climbing session, you can enjoy the space to yourself, with no need to bring essentials as plates, cups, and jugs of water for the table are provided. Bring your food and you’re good to go!
How much: $55 for a dedicated party space hire (BYO food) and $15.50 per preschooler or $18.50 for school-age children.
Time: You will be given a 45-minute window to enjoy the dedicated party space, as well as 45 minutes of climbing.
Capacity: Minimum of 6 children
More info here.
Inflatable World
Spend two hours jumping, bouncing and burning off birthday excitement at Inflatable World in Christchurch Central or Hornby. Inclusive of a private table and chairs, bring decorations, food and drink and play to your heart’s content. These types of venues are ideal if you’re looking for high-energy indoor activities for kids in Christchurch, where children can run, climb and burn off excitement without worrying about the weather.
How much: $185 for 10 kids and 4 adults, additional guests over five $14 and under the age of 5 $8
Time: 2 hours
Capacity: No set maximum
More info here.
Winnie Bagoes – Kids Pizza School
When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie – that’s a party! Budding chefs will love getting covered in flour rolling out their pizzas and choosing toppings before tucking into their creations. $25 for preschool and primary school-age children includes making and eating a small pizza, one soft drink or juice and an ice cream cone.
How much: $25 per child, including making and eating a pizza, one soft drink or juice and one ice cream cone.
Time: 11am or 2pm Thursday – Sunday, or by arrangement
Capacity: Minimum of 6 children and a maximum of 20.
More info here.
Roller Disco at Phatsk8
Suitable for all ages and skating abilities, a Roller Disco is a unique way to celebrate any birthday. Choose your preferred venue, strap on your skates and make the most of disco music, lights, party games and plenty of prizes. All parties can be customised.
How much: $400, including up to 20 kids (additional skaters $5 per person). Price includes skate hire, disco music and lights, party games and prizes.
Time: 2 hours.
Capacity: The party fee includes up to 20 children
More info here.
Crafty Steps
Offering a range of arts and crafts projects to dive into, Crafty Steps is a popular choice for those over six. This two-hour party includes everything required to make a work of art (Acrylic Pouring, Tiny Tea Cup Gardens, Fairy Houses, Dreamcatchers, to name a few), which can then be taken home after the session. Crafty Steps’ studio has all the decorations for the occasion, a table, fridge, microwave and plates – bring along your snacks and cake, and they will take care of the rest.
How much: $40 – $45 per child. This includes the use of the space and all art and craft materials.
Time: 2 hours
Capacity: The minimum number of birthday party guests is 6 and the maximum is 12. Parties are aimed at those aged 6 and above.
More info here.
Imagination Station
The ultimate party for those who love to build and tinker with LEGO, Imagination Station hosts hands-on and engaging parties that take the stress out of organising. With the option to add extra activities such as challenges and stop-motion animation, kids will be entertained from start to finish. All packages include an Imagination Station party invitation template, free of charge.
How much: Prices start from $110, including up to 10 children and 2 adults. Extra children are $10 each, additional adults are $3 each. Activity extras can be included for an additional fee per child – take a look here.
Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Capacity:
More info here.
Christchurch School of Gymnastics
Often booking out months in advance, Christchurch School of Gymnastics is one of the most popular indoor party venues in Christchurch for kids. Accommodating larger groups, packages start from $185 including an hour of gym play and an hour in their party room. Choose from Nerf battles and Ninja Gym parties or gymnastic free-play sessions that include a jump-in sponge bit, bars, rings, trampolines, balance beams and more – all under the guidance of qualified coaches.
How much: Party packages start from $185 for 10 guests
Time: Packages include a one-hour gym session and one-hour party room hire
Capacity: 21+
More info here.
Airforce Museum
Fully hosted and filled with fun activities, “zip up your flight suit and jump in a real aircraft, or life raft” or older ones can experience a troop patrol exercise. The first hour is filled with fun things to do, followed by their party food, cake and present opening time, and a special certificate for the birthday boy or girl. Make the most of your visit and take the time to explore the rest of the museum until closing. A ‘goodie bag’ for each child is included in each birthday party, containing age-appropriate activities based on the booked party theme and age range.
How much: A catered party costs $35 per child, including hosted activities and food. If you do not require catering, the cost is $18.50 per child, covering hosted activities and a party bag for each child.
Time: Allow 45 minutes to 1 hour for the activity portion of the party. Once finished, you can stay as long as you like until closing at 4.30pm.
Capacity: Minimum of eight children and a maximum of 15.
More info here.
Alice in Putterland
This whacky-themed mini golf course is perfect for parties of all ages, with its flexible schedule that allows you to choose when you would like to play the 18 holes, eat, drink and cut cake. Bring along food and decorations, while Alice in Putterland supplies colouring pages for the children to use while waiting for all the party guests to arrive. Working alongside a local small business, ‘A Crafty Parcel’, you can opt for unique party favour boxes including two craft activities and a birthday-inspired ‘I Spy’ page for $7 per child.
How much: Party table hire costs $50 for two hours (bring your own catering, cake and table decorations). 18 holes of mini golf costs $10 per child and $15 per adult. Spectators are free.
Time: Two hours
Capacity: 15 children can be seated at the party table.
More info here.
Creative & Themed Indoor Birthday Parties in Christchurch
Periwinkle
This whimsical location is the perfect place for all parties pretty in pink. Offering two all-inclusive packages to choose from, Periwinkle in Leeston takes the stress out of party planning.
Fairy, Princess & Unicorn Parties
Themed to your child’s preference, Periwinkle provides a range of crafts and activities that can be taken home with them at the end of the day. The package also includes a host, face painting and access to their costume wardrobe filled with fairy, princess, and pirate dress-up items. Opt to be fully catered by the local cafe, or bring your party food.
How much: $365
Time: 2.5 hours
Capacity: 8 children
More info here.
Glitz & Glam Pamper Party
Pamper the birthday child with a ‘Glitz & Glam’ party that transforms Periwinkle into a spa for the day. Inclusive of theming, catering set up and venue hire, a pamper package will have everyone enjoying nourishing hand treatments and diamanté nail art, foot soak, bubble hair braids and face painting – all while wearing a fluffy bathrobe!
How much: $425 for 8 children, $38 per extra child for up to 10 girls.
Time: 3 hours
Capacity: 10 children
More info here.
Pinot & Picasso
“Let the little Picassos explore their creativity with fun art activities for kids” at a party that encourages creativity and the painting of their canvas with friends. Bring your drinks and snacks, or let Pinot & Picasso do the work for you and partner with local catering companies to provide locally sourced grazing boards or pizza and graze packages. From $49 per guest, the fee includes all art materials and choices from a range of artworks perfect for 6-year-olds to 16-year-olds.
How much: From $49 per child; food packages start from an additional $25 per head.
Time: 90 minutes
Capacity: Get in touch with Pinot & Picasso for more details.
More info here.
Canterbury Children’s Theatre
Let the birthday girl or boy take centre stage and book a fully-themed party at The Malthouse. Choose from Under The Sea, Enchanted Forest, Dragons, Pirates, Harry Potter, Star Wars and Alice in Wonderland themes, inclusive of a party host (storyteller extraordinaire, silly games aficionado and all-round entertainer), music, games and prizes.
How much: Minimum fee of $350 for up to 10 children
Time: 1.5 hours
Capacity: 15 children
More info here.
Circotica Circus School
Tailored for those ages 5 and up, Circotica promises an hour of exciting circus activities and games that cater to the birthday child’s preferences. Aerial silks, tumbling and more await.
How much: $250
Time: 1.5 hours
Capacity: 10 children
More info here.
Indoor Party Venues for Tweens & Unique Experiences
Hoyts Riccarton
A great, no-fuss option for movie buffs and cinema-loving littles, HOYTS invites you to celebrate your child’s next birthday with three foodie packages. All packages include tickets to a movie of your choice, choose as few or as many snacks as you prefer, as well as optional access to the party room and a gift voucher for the birthday child.
How much: $24.90 – 34.90 per child (dependent on the package selected)
Time: Movie duration and access to the party room for cake
Capacity: Minimum of 10 children
More info here.
Lush
Lush is treating birthday guests to a fun and unique in-store party experience. Book directly with any Lush shop and choose from two themes – energetic “Fun & Games” and laid-back “Treat Yourself”. Each party includes tailor-made games and activities, a product-making kit of your choice and an exclusive party product for each child. Games involve treasure hunts, bubble tower challenges, lip scrub flavour tasting, inventing a Lush product and more.
How much: $55 per child
Time: 1.5 hours
Capacity: If you are booking a party during the day, the minimum number is 6, and if you are booking an out-of-trade hours time slot, the minimum number is 8.
More info here.
Cat Nap Cafe
Older cat-loving children can explore private parties at Christchurch’s unique Cat Nap Cafe. Choose to book out the whole venue for a two-hour petting session, or go for a movie or board game night amongst the cafe’s resident kitties. The cat area must remain a calm, quiet environment so guests must be over the age of five.
How much: $300
Time: 1.5 hours. Starting at 6:30pm and is available on Saturday evenings.
Capacity: Up to 12 guests
More info here.
Apollo Lincoln at The Laboratory
This cute, boutique cinema in Lincoln makes for a one-of-a-kind birthday party. Book out the whole cinema for a private screening of new or old favourite movies. Consisting of invitations, lollies, pizza and popcorn, choose a package that fits your budget and enjoy the film.
How much: $225 cinema hire; Kids Snack Party $10pp; Kids Meal Part $22pp; Kids Pizza Party $22pp
Time: Movie duration, plus meal before or after the film
Capacity: 15 children
More info here.
Many families use indoor party venues as inspiration for other outings too, especially when looking for rainy day activities for kids in Christchurch or planning winter weekends and school holiday fun.
Frequently Asked Questions About Indoor Party Venues in Christchurch
What are the best indoor party venues in Christchurch for winter birthdays?
Indoor play centres, climbing gyms, museums and creative studios are popular winter birthday options in Christchurch, offering weather-proof fun for kids of all ages.
Are there indoor party venues suitable for preschoolers in Christchurch?
Yes, Christchurch has many indoor party venues designed for toddlers and preschoolers, including soft play centres, sensory spaces and hosted activity parties.
Do indoor party venues in Christchurch offer fully hosted packages?
Many venues offer fully hosted birthday party packages that include activities, setup, and sometimes food, making them a low-stress option for parents.
If you’re in full party planning mode, you may also like these articles:
- Soft Play Hire in Christchurch: The Best Options for Toddler Birthday Parties
- The Ultimate Party Guide for Tweens and Teens in Christchurch
- Where to Hire Bouncy Castles in Christchurch
- The Best Venues to Hire for Children’s Birthdays and Celebrations in Christchurch
Featured image courtesy of Pexels, all other images credited to respective businesses.
