If your toddler no longer naps, or you fancy filling in your afternoons, check out these activities and afternoon classes for preschoolers in Christchurch.
We are spoilt for choice with morning activities for preschoolers, but finding afternoon sessions to help fill in the second (and let’s be real, the hardest) part of the day is not so easy. So, if your tot no longer has a sleep at lunch, or if you’re just looking for something to help you make it to bedtime, read on for our list of afternoon classes for preschoolers in Christchurch.
Read more: 50 Free Things to Do With Kids in Christchurch
Note: We have only listed the afternoon time slots, however the classes and activities below may also have other days and timings available for morning and evenings.
Activities and afternoon classes for preschoolers in Christchurch:
Flips and Tumbles
Tot won’t nap? Explore Flips & Tumbles’ huge play space complete with soft play, gym equipment, trampolines and their Jungle Room during their exclusive Toddler Tumbles sessions. Running Monday – Saturday in the morning, they have now launched an additional two-hour afternoon session between 12.30-2.30pm on Tuesdays, too.
When: Tuesdays, 12.30-2.30pm
Where: 12 Musgrove Close, Wigram
How much: $7 per under five and $7 per adult entering the gym. There is a free-of-charge viewing platform upstairs. Check out the subscription options that allow unlimited entry all week long.
Age: Under five
More info here.
Read more: Drop-in Classes for Active Preschoolers in Christchurch
ICE Trampoline Rangiora: Toddler Time
This fully equipped gymnasium has endless opportunities for toddlers to have fun and work on their motor skills, coordination and balance. Offering two afternoon session times, pick and choose which one works around your toddler’s schedule.
When: Wednesday 12-1pm & 1.45-2.45pm
Where: 28 Edward Street, Rangiora
How much: New member registration required
Age: 1-5 years
More info here.
LEGO Time at Christchurch Libraries:
Unleash your creativity as kiddos explore their local library’s LEGO collection.
Lincoln Library: Wednesdays between 3-4pm
Leeston Library: Mondays between 3.30-4.30pm
Te Ara Ātea Rolleston: Wednesdays between 3.30-4.30pm
How much: Free
Age: All ages, however under 8s will need to be accompanied by an adult.
More info here.
Read more: Free Library Activities for Preschoolers in Christchurch
Family Makerspace
Held at Tūranga on Saturdays, Family Makerspace is an opportunity for families to get creative together, with different activities each week.
When: Saturdays, 2.30-3.30pm
Where: Tūranga Library
How much: Free
More info here.
Plunket’s Pukapuka Group
Sing songs, listen to stories and connect with others in the Hornby community. Sessions run every Monday between 1-1.30pm.
When: Mondays, 1-1.30pm
Where: 29 Tower Street, Hornby
How much: No charge. For more information contact [email protected].
Christchurch International Parenting Group Playgroup
A place for international parents to meet and connect, this playgroup is free of charge and provides a safe play area for young children.
When: Mondays, 2-3.30pm
Where: 5 Twigger Street, Addington
How much: No charge
Fendalton Asian Plunket Playgroup for Under 6 Months
Plunket’s Mandarin-speaking Facilitator/Playgroup Coordinator organises a range of activities such as baby massage, painting, music and movement.
When: Mondays, 1-3pm
Where: 183 Fendalton Road, Fendalton
How much: No charge, however, bookings are essential for this playgroup. Call 0221234099.
Age: Under 6 months
More info here.
Yoga Play for Little Ones
A weekly session held during the term for crawlers up to 5-year-olds, Yoga Play for Little Ones invites exploration of their space featuring soft play equipment for children to develop their movement skills. There are optional circle times with creative yoga, games, storytelling, songs, and breathing activities. Casual drop-in sessions are available for $12 per class or sign up for 9-week term held every Friday.
When: Friday, 26 July, 1.30-2.30pm
Where: Empire Athletics, 5 Kingsford Smith Drive, Rangiora
How much: You can book for a 9-week block for $90 for 1 child, $140 for 2 or $190 for 3 or $12 for a casual session – register and book here.
Age: 0-5
More info here.
Pitter Patter Dance
An “early introduction to dance and creative movement,” Pitter Patter Dance classes cater for preschoolers age 2-4 years. With the aim to build confidence, learn instruction and technique, classes use a variety of props, imagination, play and movement to teach littles the fundamentals of dance.
When: Mondays 1.25 – 1.55 pm (2-3.5 years); 2- 2.40 pm (3.5 – 5 years); Tuesdays 1.25 – 1.55 pm (2-3 years); 2-2.40 pm (4 years)
Where: Mondays at Rolleston Community Centre, 94 Rolleston Drive and Tuesdays at Somerfield Community Ctr, 47 Studholme St
How much: $95 per term
Age: 2-4
More info here.
The Little Dance Co
Enroll your preschooler in a wide range of themed classes that encourage toddlers to use their imagination through costume, props, music and movement. Each class is 30 minutes and has been specifically designed to “enhance your childs cognitive and social skills” and prepare them for school life. Special guests have also been known to make an appearance in the studio, including little ones’ fave, Emma Memma!
When: Tuesday, 3.30-4pm
Where: 12 Bath Street, Sydenham, Christchurch
How much: $85 per term
Age: 2.5 -5.5 years
More info here.
Olympia Gymnastic Sports
During casual sessions, children will have the chance to participate in warm-up games, and free play using beams, bars, rings and trampolines in a 45-minute, semi-structured class guided by a coach. Termly Playskills classes are a structures session “that encourages independence, while increasing agility, strength and flexibility.” Skills and equipment is adjusted according to the age group.
Where: 29 Springs Road, Wigram
Age: Casusl sessions (walking to 5 years)
When: Fridays, 1-1.45pm
How much: $10 per child, per session
Age: Playskills (2-3 years)
When: Fridays, 2-2.45pm
How much: $151 per term
Age: Playskills (4-5 years)
When: Mondays, 2-2.45pm
How much: $151 per term
More info here.
Christchurch School of Gymnastics
Develop your child’s physical and social skills in a fun and safe environment, Christchurch School of Gymnastics offers plenty of afternoon classes for varying ages throughout the school term.
Where: Mark Treffers Drive, North New Brighton
Age:Tiny Tumblers (2-4 years)
When: Tuesdays, 12.30-1pm
How much: $99 per term
Age: Rising Stars (2-4 years)
When: Mondays and Friday, 1-1.50pm
How much: $142 per time
Age: Mini Ninjas (3-5 years)
When: Mondays, 1-1.50pm; Wednesday, 1.30-2.20pm; Thursdays, 12.30-1.20pm
How much: $142 per term
Age: Shooting Stars (4 years, no parents)
When: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1-2pm
How much: $150
Age: Junior Jumpers (4-5 years)
When: Saturdays, 12.30-1pm
How much: $99 per term
More info here.
Amelia’s Ballerinas
Teaching the next generation of budding balerinas, enrol in baby and junior ballet classes designed for little dancers. Introducing “basic ballet moves using lots of imagination, props, and giggles,” each lesson is 30 minutes and is held Monday and Tuesdays at 3.30pm.
When: Mondays and Tuesdays, 3.30pm
Where: Mondays at 341 Halswell Road and Tuesdays at Rolleston Community Centre, 94 Rolleston Drive
Age: Baby Ballet (2.5 – 4); Junior Ballet (3.5-5)
More info here.
Plunket Rolly Pollys
Designed for babies 0 – 12 months, Plunket’s new Rolly Pollys group is a great opportunity for parents of similar-aged children to connect with other families and bond over shared experiences.
When: Fridays, 1 – 2.30pm
Where: Rolleston Plunket Room, 1 Johns Street
How much: No charge. For more info email [email protected]
Age: 0 – 12 months
Wetland Walkers
Grab the pram and head to the Wetlands for a walk with fellow mums and bubs. Stay for coffee and chat at Burwood Plunket Rooms post-stroll.
When: 1pm, Thursdays
Where: Meet at the Burwood Plunket Rooms at 12.45pm. Stay for a coffee and chat at 1.30pm
How much: Free to attend. For more info contact Sarah at 027 582 5816 or email [email protected]
Read more: Walking Groups for Christchurch Mums
Pop Up Play
Popping up for four weeks at a time (so be sure to check Canterbury Plunket’s Facebook page the new location each month), Plunket’s Pop Up Play is a half-hour session of music, stories and play for little ones and their caregivers.
When: Thursdays, 12.30-12.30pm
Where: Russley Plunket Rooms, 18 Pinehurst Cres, Russley
How much: No charge or bookings required. For more info contact [email protected]
More info here.
Indian New Baby Group
Led by Health Worker, Kara, this is a supportive group for Indian mums of new babies, a variety of topics and activities will be covered each week.
When: Tuesdays, 1pm
Where: 5 Twigger Street, Addington
How much: No charge. Contact Kara 027 240 7083
More info here.
PIPS Bumps & Bubs
Pregnant mamas and parents or caregivers with young babies are welcome to attend this weekly Wednesday playgroup run by PIPS. Stay for a hot cuppa, delicious baked goods and connect with your peers. A new topic, speaker or activity is set up each week.
When: Wednesdays, 1-2.30pm
Where: 56A Shortland St, Wainoni, Christchurch
How much: No charge
Age: Young babies
More info here.
Babies Can Play & SPACE Groups
Run by Playcentre, Babies Can Play and SPACE are unique weekly groups for babies to freely explore through sensory play, stories, music and crafts while parents and caregivers connect and share experiences.
When: Afternoon sessions are run at some locations, check online for locations close to you
Where: Various locations in Canterbury
How much: $35 per term
Age: 0 -1 (SPACE) 0 – 18 months (Babies Can Play)
More info here.
Hartley School of Performing Arts
Running preschool classes for ages 4-6, Harley School of Performing Arts covers “creativity, communication, poetry, characterisation, physicality, simple singing and music among other things.” Small in class size, they aim to help creative little ones build confidence and adapt to a classroom environment while working with other children. They will also take part in a production as part of the class!
When: Tuesdays 3.30-4.10pm
Where: : 62 Ashley Street, Rangiora
How much: $17.50 per class
Age: 4-6
More info here.
Expressions Dance Company
Tiny ballerinas can enrol in Baby Ballet classes focusing on “developing correct technique whilst having fun using imagination games and exercises to develop our inner ballerina.”
When: Mondays, 3.30-4pm
Where: 2/81 Magdala Place, Wigram, Christchurch
How much: $100 per term; for 2024, boys dance for free in any class.
Age: 3-5 years (Baby Ballet)
More info here.
Reading to Dogs
Read to a team of friendly dogs in an hour-long session designed to help reluctant readers gain confidence in a non-judgemental environment and audience. Available to book for ages 5-12 year. ,
When: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 3.30-4.30pm
Where: Tuesdays at Matatiki Hornby Centre, Thursdays at Papanui Library
How much: Free. Bookings are required.
Age: 5+
More info here.
MoveX Trampoline and Ninja Park
MoveX is running extended ‘preschooler specials’ on weekdays between 9.30-1.pm for just $10. The ticket price includes access to all arena facilities and dedicated jumping area for tots which has smaller trampolines, foam pits and toys.
When: Monday – Friday between 9.30am – 1pm
Where: 230 Maces Road, Bromley, Christchurch
How much: $10 for preschooler and parent/caregiver. Under 1’s free.
Age: Preschoolers
More info here.
To the best of our knowledge, all information is accurate at the time of posting. Make sure to check the respective Facebook pages/websites before attending (in case of cancellations or schedule changes) or for more info. Most playgroups and drop-in sessions only run during term-time.
This list will be continuously updated. If you run or know of afternoon classes for preschoolers in Christchurch that we haven’t listed, please get in touch at [email protected] so that we can share it with our nook community.
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