Ever wonder what’s on at the Christchurch Arts Centre for kids? Check out our family-friendly guide to The Arts Centre.
A Christchurch gift that keeps on giving to the local community, we love The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora for its plethora of events, galleries and exhibitions, but did you know about its other family-friendly offerings? From a beautiful onsite toy shop to delicious bites to eat and weekly markets, we’ve put together a guide to the Christchurch Arts Centre for kids for you to scroll through on your next trip to town.
Read more: Free Library Activities for Preschoolers in Christchurch
Family-friendly dining options at Christchurch Arts Centre for kids:
Frances Nation Grocer
Fuel up with top-notch coffee from Frances Nation before strolling around the grounds of The Arts Centre. Focussing on supporting local producers, kiddos will love the variety of fresh bread, sandwiches, real fruit ice cream and buttery pastries, perfect to enjoy in the courtyard. PSA to parents: the cafe stays open late as a wine bar over the summer months.
Ground floor, Boys’ High, Worcester Boulevard, www.francesnation.co.nz
The Fudge Cottage
Not only whipping up irresistible, handcrafted fudge made from New Zealand milk and cream, family-owned business, The Fudge Cottage, is often involved with school holiday programmes and events which give little ones the chance to get hands-on and decorate their sugary masterpiece.
Ground floor, Boys’ High, Worcester Boulevard, www.fudgecottage.co.nz
Zen Sushi & Dumplings
If you have a sushi fan on your hands, Zen Sushi & Dumplings would be a delicious lunch stop for littles. Using free-range chicken, free-range eggs, Marlborough King Salmon, and locally sourced ingredients, have fun picking out your sushi from the cabinet or grab a pre-packed box. The dumplings are equally tempting and are free from MSG and additives.
Ground floor, Registry Additions, Montreal Street, www.zensushidumplings.co.nz
Food Trucks
If you’re looking for casual fare, The Arts Centre is home to several delicious on-site food trucks sure to fill hungry little bellies. Whether you’re after homemade pies, Thai, Philipino, or Korean-inspired delights, or healthy wraps, there is something for everyone.
Market Square, Worcester Boulevard
Family-friendly shopping at the Christchurch Arts Centre for kids:
Tiny Toy Shop
It is worth a visit to The Arts Centre for the Tiny Toy Shop alone, kids could (and will!) spend hours in here exploring its shelves packed full of beautifully high-quality, sustainable toys and tinkering with their open-ended play setups for littles both inside and outside the shop. Trust us when we say it will be hard to resist walking away without one of their cool finds.
First floor, Boys’ High, Worcester Boulevard, www.tinytoyshop.nz
The Custard Square Book Shop
The Custard Square Book Shop‘s quaint, vintage caravan is home to a treasure trove of beautiful books. All the books are just five dollars, and full of exciting stories of adventure, including a colourful reading nook of child-friendly picks that are guaranteed to delight avid little readers.
5/35 Worcester Street, www.instagram.com/thecustardsquarebookshop
Absolution
Striving to “offer a clean, safe, and inclusive environment for all clients,” Absolution has a brilliant reputation, and, in our opinion, a top choice for those first ear piercings. Offering earlobe piercings to those over 10 years old (identification is required for both the child and the parent/legal guardian), they use only the highest quality, implant-grade body jewellery and expert piercing techniques, never using an ear piercing gun. Ear piercings cost $60, plus the additional cost of jewellery.
Ground floor, Boys’ High, Worcester Boulevard, www.absolution.co.nz
Frances Nation Home
Specialising in “Aotearoa New Zealand-made homewares and gifts,” Frances Nation Home is chock-full of quality pieces and cute kid-friendly finds. Stocking brand favourites such as Lamington and Honeysticks, there are plenty of beautiful handmade baby products, clothing and books to browse.
Ground floor, Boys’ High, Worcester Boulevard, www.francesnation.co.nz
Things to do at Christchurch Arts Centre for kids:
Paint & Sip Studio
With child-friendly public sessions held on Saturday and Sunday afternoons (times vary, see calendar for details), let the littles get those creative juices flowing in a unique Paint & Sip workshop. Afternoon Art for Kids classes run each school term for various age groups.
School of Art, Hereford Street, www.paintnsip.co.nz
Tiny Toy Shop Heuristic Classes
Alongside its collection of unique toys, Tiny Toy Shop hosts a 10-week heuristic play class for babies and toddlers. Specially designed to foster and build relationships between parents and children, and using open-ended play materials, these cosy classes help them explore their imaginations and construct their own understanding of everyday items.
More info here.
Read more: The Best Messy and Sensory Play Classes in Christchurch
The Seekers Mākete
Head to The Seekers Mākete every Saturday between 10-4pm to potter around various local talent and food stalls. From artisanal crafts to gourmet grub and live entertainment, the market is a hive of activity on the weekend and a great family-friendly outing for all. Free entry for all.
Market Square, Worcester Boulevard, www.instagram.com/seekersmakete
Walk Around the Galleries and Installations
The Arts Centre isn’t called that for nothing, take your time wandering around the different galleries and exhibitions held onsite throughout the month. Connecting talented artists with the community, there are plenty of spaces and installations to explore – keep your eye on their website for child-friendly activities too. It is a great opportunity for kiddos to get involved and appreciate many artists.
Play a Retro Video Game
The latest installation by Gap Filler in their series of Urban Play projects, this giant retro video game links up to a TV screen where those visiting The Arts Centre can save ” Christchurch from an invasion of alien road cones.” The game graphics feature the streets of Christchurch and local personalities and the huge console is plenty of fun for the kids to tinker with.
Market Square, Worcester Boulevard
Explore Rutherford’s Den
This scientific and historic place of discovery is brought to life by its multi-sensory displays and hands-on experiences. Rutherford’s Den is a free exhibition open daily between 10.30am-2.30pm.
Clock Tower, Worcester Boulevard
Attend One of Many Family-Friendly Events Throughout the Year
From cultural festivals to performances and even stargazing, plenty is happening at Christchurch Arts Centre for kids throughout the year. Keep up to date with their ‘what’s on’ page here.
Featured image and image #1 are credited to The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora, all other images are property of nook NZ.
