Does your little one have a birthday coming up? Entertain tiny guests with bespoke soft play hire in Christchurch.
Planning a toddler or preschool birthday party in Christchurch? Soft play hire is one of the easiest ways to keep children aged 1–5 entertained, active and happy, without turning your home into complete chaos.
From pastel ball pits to climbing blocks and mini slides, soft play hire gives little guests a safe space to bounce, crawl and explore while adults can actually enjoy the party too.
Whether you are hosting at home, in a community hall, or at a hired venue, this guide covers the best soft play hire companies in Christchurch, what it realistically costs, and what to check before booking.
Planning the whole party? You might like to read about The Best Venues to Hire for Children’s Birthdays and Celebrations in Christchurch.
Last updated: February 2026
Jump to a section:
- What is soft play hire?
- Why soft play works for toddler parties
- Soft play hire costs in Christchurch
- Best soft play hire companies in Christchurch
- How much space do you need?
- Is soft play hire safe?
- Indoor vs outdoor soft play
- Frequently asked questions
What Is Soft Play Hire?
Soft play hire involves renting padded, toddler-safe play equipment designed specifically for children aged 1–5 years.
Most setups include a mix of:
- Ball pits
- Foam climbing blocks
- Tunnels
- Mini slides
- Safety mats
The equipment is designed to support developing motor skills, balance and coordination, while keeping play contained and safe. For birthday parties, it gives children something to do immediately, which makes arrivals smoother and keeps energy levels manageable.
Why Soft Play Is Perfect for 1–5 Year Old Birthday Parties
Soft play works so well for this age group because it meets kids exactly where they are developmentally.
- Designed specifically for toddlers and preschoolers
- Safer than letting children climb on furniture
- Works indoors year round, which matters in Canterbury
- Encourages free play without constant adult direction
- Setup and pack-down handled by the hire company
For children under five, free play almost always works better than structured entertainment. They can come and go, play at their own pace, and reset when they need a break.
How Much Does Soft Play Hire Cost in Christchurch?
Here is a realistic price guide for soft play hire in Christchurch in 2026:
- Budget hire: $100–$150
- Mid-range packages: $180–$300
- Premium styled setups: $300–$500+
What affects the price:
- Size of the setup
- Length of hire, usually 4–6 hours
- Delivery distance
- Styling, colours or themed extras
- Weekend and school holiday demand
If you are planning a weekend party, booking early is important. Popular dates fill quickly, especially in spring and summer.
The Best Soft Play Hire Companies in Christchurch:
Below are some of the most popular soft play hire companies Christchurch parents regularly recommend for toddler and preschool birthday parties.
Each option suits different budgets, spaces and party styles. The best choice comes down to what matters most for your family.
Rug Rats Soft Play Hire
Best for practical, well-designed setups that work in real homes
Started by a local mum, Rug Rats is a favourite among Christchurch parents looking for soft play that is thoughtfully designed and genuinely functional. Their setups focus on encouraging movement, climbing and exploration without overwhelming smaller spaces.
Why parents love Rug Rats
- Calm pastel and neutral colourways that photograph well
- Equipment that encourages proper play, not just bouncing
- Packages designed for realistic homes and venues
- Options for pick-up or delivery
- Run by a mum who understands toddlers and parents
Packages and pricing
- Baby Bundle under 2s, pick-up only from $159
- Ball pit and toddler bundles from $209 to $309
- Adventure, climber and ultimate bundles from $409 to $509
- White fencing available for an additional $30
Age range: Babies to 5 years
Coverage: Greater Christchurch
Website: www.rugratsnz.co.nz
Pop-Up Party
Best for styled, Instagram-friendly birthday parties
Pop-Up Party is known for beautifully styled soft play setups that feel polished and intentional. If presentation matters to you and you want the whole party to look cohesive, this is a strong option.
Why parents book Pop-Up Party
- Multiple packages to suit different ages and spaces
- Pastel, neutral and brighter colour options
- Ability to bundle soft play with LED signs and candy carts
- Full setup and pack-down included
Soft play packages
- Minimo Package from $289
- Piccolo Package from $299, designed for babies and toddlers
- Mezzo 1 Package from $399 for confident climbers
- Mezzo 2 Package from $499 for more adventurous play
- Grande Package from $649 for larger parties
All packages include 4 hours of party time, with setup before and collection after. Longer or shorter hire periods can be arranged.
Best for: Parents who want a visually polished party
Coverage: Christchurch and wider Canterbury
Website: www.popupparty.co.nz
The Play-Ari
Best for variety and themed setups
If you like having lots of options, The Play-Ari offers a wide range of soft play styles and themes. Their collection suits families who want flexibility and the ability to match a specific party theme.
What they offer
- Multiple colour and theme options
- Soft play combined with extras like candy dispensers
- Payment options including Afterpay and Laybuy
Soft play options
- Baby soft play sets from $300
- Colour themes including grey, blue, pink, rainbow pastel and jungle styles
- Most standard soft play sets priced between $300 and $370
Best for: Parents who enjoy customising the look and feel of the party
Coverage: Christchurch and Canterbury
Website: www.theplayari.co.nz
The Fun Team
The Fun Team is ideal if you want a hands-off approach. They handle delivery, setup and pack-down, and their equipment is designed specifically for younger children.
Why parents choose The Fun Team
- Four hour hire included as standard
- Equipment suited to children aged 1 to 5
- Reliable service with a strong local reputation
- Option to bundle soft play with other entertainment
Soft play pricing
- Small soft play bundle from $250
- Extra large soft play bundle from $400
Best for: Parents who want everything handled
Coverage: Christchurch
Website: www.thefunteam.co.nz
The Moments Event Styling and Hire
Best for combined styling and soft play
The Moments offers soft play as part of a broader event styling and hire service. This is a good option if you want to combine play equipment with backdrops, balloons or party styling.
Available soft play bundles
- Happy Playtime Bundle in pink or blue from $300
- Ultimate Playtime Bundle in pink or blue from $400
Bundles are suitable for children aged 0 to 3 and include a standard four hour hire.
Best for: Parents wanting soft play and styling together
Coverage: Christchurch and surrounding areas
Website: www.themoments.co.nz
Wiggle & Giggle Soft Play Hire
Best for pastel themed baby and toddler play zones
Located in Selwyn, Wiggle and Giggle creates soft play setups designed specifically for babies and toddlers. Their style leans toward calm pastel tones and smaller scale layouts, which work well for younger age groups.
Current packages
- Essential Package from $330
- Classic Package from $400
- Ultimate Package from $475
They now also offer smaller setups.
Important note
Wiggle and Giggle is currently accepting bookings until mid April 2026. Their website is temporarily offline while they reassess the future of the business due to family commitments. If you are interested, it is best to enquire directly and book early.
Best for: Babies and young toddlers
Coverage: Selwyn and surrounding areas
Website: www.facebook.com/p/Wiggle-Giggle-Soft-Play-Hire-Christchurch
How Much Space Do You Need for Soft Play?
Before booking, it is important to measure your space properly.
Most standard soft play setups need:
- At least 4m x 4m of clear floor space
- Ceiling height of 2.5–3 metres
- Clear access for delivery and setup
- Nearby power if inflatables are included
Community halls and indoor venues are often easier than homes, especially if you are inviting a larger group.
Not sure where to host? Read about The Best Birthday Party Venues in Christchurch.
Is Soft Play Hire Safe?
Reputable soft play hire companies in Christchurch:
- Hold public liability insurance
- Clean equipment between hires
- Provide age-appropriate layouts
- Supply safety mats
Children should always be supervised during play, particularly around slides and climbing equipment. Soft play is designed to reduce risk, but active play still needs adult eyes nearby.
Indoor vs Outdoor Soft Play
Most soft play equipment is designed for indoor use. Some companies can set up outdoors in dry, calm conditions, often with protective matting underneath.
Because Christchurch weather can change quickly, indoor venues are usually the safest option. If you are planning an outdoor party, always ask about wet weather plans before booking.
Planning an outdoor party for older kids as well? Read our feature on the Best Bouncy Castle Hire in Christchurch
FAQs About Soft Play Hire in Christchurch
How far ahead should I book soft play?
For weekend parties, 4–6 weeks ahead is ideal. During school holidays, booking even earlier is recommended.
What ages does soft play suit best?
Soft play is best for children aged 1–5. For older children, bouncy castles or structured entertainment usually work better.
How long should I hire soft play for?
Most parties work well with 1.5 to 2 hours of active play within a longer hire window.
Can soft play work for small parties?
Yes. Even small setups give toddlers something to focus on and help the party feel organised.
Is soft play worth it?
For this age group, absolutely. It reduces stress, keeps kids engaged, and makes parties far easier to manage.
Planning the full party for kids in Christchurch?
Soft play is just one piece of the puzzle.
Explore more Christchurch party planning resources:
Unique Party Favour Ideas for Kids
Best Indoor Birthday Party Venues in Christchurch
Best Children’s Birthday Party Entertainers in Christchurch
The Ultimate Party Guide for Tweens and Teens in Christchurch
Christchurch families have excellent options when it comes to soft play hire, from simple budget setups to fully styled experiences.
The key is choosing something that suits your space, your budget and your child’s age. Book early, measure properly, and remember that for toddlers, simple play is usually the most successful.
When kids are happy and busy, everyone enjoys the party more.
A quick note on availability
Soft play hire in Christchurch is in high demand, particularly for weekends and school holidays. If you have a specific date in mind, it is worth enquiring with your preferred provider as early as possible.
