You don’t need to remortgage the house to keep the kids entertained. Check out our list of cheap things to do with kids in Christchurch.
We get it. It’s the weekend, the kids are bouncing off the walls, and you’ve already spent your “fun money” on snacks shaped like animals. Again. So if you’re hunting for affordable adventures that won’t break the bank but will burn off some kid-energy, you’re in the right place. Whether your little ones love trains, treasure hunts or just splashing about like a bunch of dolphins on holiday, Christchurch has a whole lot going on for not a lot of money.
Here’s our top pick of low-cost activities to check out this weekend (or any time at all!). Read on for our favourite cheap things to do in Christchurch with kids…
Note: We understand that “cheap” means different things to different families, but we’ve rounded up some activities we hope will inspire you—affordable options to help keep the kids busy.
Read more: 50 Free Things to Do With Kids in Christchurch
Cheap things to do in Christchurch with kids:
Fillin’ Holes Mini Golf – New in Town and Absolutely Ace
Location: Central Christchurch
Cost: $8 adults, $5 kids
Brand new and cleverly themed around the city’s rebuild, Fillin’ Holes is one of those rare unicorns: fun, affordable, and actually designed with families in mind. There are putters in all sizes (no one’s whacking balls into traffic, we promise), space to sit and snack, and bonus activities like colouring and a Christchurch-style cornhole game. No booking needed—just show up and swing.
Free parking, chilled drinks, and the occasional food truck round out the good vibes. A proper win for under a tenner.
QEII Pool – Basically a Waterpark
Location: New Brighton
Cost: $6.70 adults, $3.80 kids, $10.50 kids with slide pass
If your crew loves water, this is a slam dunk. QEII is pretty much a budget-friendly waterpark with something for every age: splash pads and shallow areas for toddlers and babies, a lazy river for those living their best floaty life, and a 130-metre hydroslide for older kids (and gun-ho grown-ups). The inflatable obstacle course on Sundays from 2–4pm is a total hit—just don’t forget the togs and towels.
Pedal Boating at The Groynes – Float Your Boat
Location: The Groynes
Cost: From $7.50 for 30 minutes
Hire a pedal boat, aqua bike, or canoe and paddle around the calm lake at The Groynes. It’s peaceful, it’s scenic, and it’s just enough physical effort to wear the kids out by dinner. Boats start at $7.50 for a single canoe or $15 for a pedal boat. Pro tip: pack a picnic, and make a day of it. Bonus points if you don’t drop your phone in the water.
Mini Trains – Halswell & McLeans Island
Cost: $2 per ride
All aboard the nostalgia train. Literally. These miniature railways are the stuff of childhood joy—and they’re only $2 a pop. If you’re looking for cheap things to do with kids in Christchurch, this one nails it.
- Halswell Miniature Trains run every Sunday 1–4pm.
- McLeans Island Miniature Railway runs the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month from 10:30am–2:30pm.
Both are run by volunteers who are very into trains (in the best way), and kids will be talking about it all week.
Bike Hire at McLeans Island – Wheels for All Ages
Location: McLeans Island
Cost: $15 under 16s, $25 16+ (2-hour hire)
McLeans Island is home to some great family-friendly trails and a surprisingly decent café. Grab a bike from Cycling the Dream—there’s something for everyone, from kids’ bikes to full suspension and even a tandem if you fancy testing your relationship.
The learn-to-ride track is free and great for younger kids, and once they’re tired out, you can reward everyone with an ice cream or flat white.
Read more: Free Library Activities for Preschoolers in Christchurch
Museum Hunt at the Air Force Museum – Budget Gold
Location: Wigram
Cost: Museum entry is free; hunts $5 each or 3 for $10
Sure, museums are great and all, but chuck in a scavenger hunt and it’s suddenly next-level exciting. The Air Force Museum’s “Museum Hunt” features Henry B. Fanshaw, a globe-trotting bear and actual mascot. Kids follow postcard clues, solve puzzles, and earn a prize at the end.
There are three versions of the hunt, and you can grab them anytime from the Welcome Desk. Educational? Yes. Boring? Nope.
Ferrymead Night Market – Friday & Saturday Foodie Fun
Location: 10 Settlers Crescent, Ferrymead
Cost: Free entry
Open from 5:30pm–9:30pm Friday and Saturday, the Ferrymead Night Market is a bustling little gem with international eats, sweet treats, and usually a few kids’ activities thrown in too—think face painting, music, and an indoor play area so you can actually finish your dumplings. Great for a cheap Friday dinner or a cheeky dessert run.
Messy Mates at The Hub, Hornby – Controlled Chaos
Location: The Hub, Hornby
Cost: $18 for one adult + child
Messy play that happens somewhere other than your living room? Yes please. Messy Mates: Big Explorers runs Saturday sessions split by age group (under 5s and over 5s), giving kids a chance to get stuck into sensory activities with zero clean-up for you. Saturday sessions depend on whether there’s a birthday party booked, and bookings are essential—these sessions fill up fast.
Ferry to Diamond Harbour – Cheap as Chips Day Trip
Departs: Lyttelton
Cost: Adults $6 one-way, Kids $4 (Metrocard discounts available), under 5s free
If you’re craving a bit of fresh air and a change of scenery, hop on the Black Cat ferry from Lyttelton and cruise across to Diamond Harbour. It’s one of the sunniest spots on the peninsula, and there’s plenty to do once you’re there: seaside walks, cafés, beach paddling, or a more adventurous hike to Mt Herbert. It’s peaceful, it’s pretty, and it’s honestly a steal for the price.
You don’t need a fat wallet to have a fun weekend with the kids in Christchurch. With a bit of planning and a few gold coins, you can pack your weekend with water play, mini golf, train rides, museum missions, and ferry rides. There’s so much on offer, all without blowing the budget or resorting to another soft play centre (unless that’s your thing—no judgement).
So go on, grab the raincoats or sunhats (or both, because Canterbury), and make some memories.
Hero and image #1 credited to Fillin’ Holes
