Laura Baker is the founder of Born to Play, a sensory and active exploration experience designed for babies and toddlers—and as a mum, she knows the power of play. Read on as we chat with her about her top child-friendly picks in Christchurch!
If you’ve ever searched for fun and engaging baby and toddler activities in Christchurch, you’ve likely come across Laura Baker. Laura is the founder of Born to Play, a weekly sensory and active exploration session designed for little ones aged six months to four years.
With a passion for child-led play, Laura creates immersive sessions where kids can explore at their own pace. Each session has a unique theme and features thoughtfully designed sensory trays, small-world setups, and heuristic play experiences. Plus, there are plenty of high-quality toys and wooden climbing equipment—slides, ladders, tunnels, and balance beams—to encourage movement and active exploration.
Beyond Born to Play, Laura shares playful inspiration on her Instagram, Born to Play Kids, where she documents creative ways to keep little hands and minds busy at home. Her goal? To help families bring more play into their everyday lives.
So, who better to ask for kid-friendly recommendations in Christchurch? Read on for Laura’s top picks!
Hi Laura! Tell us a bit about yourself…
How many kids do you have? Two children.
What age are they? Brodie is six years old, and Isla’s three-years-old.
How many years have you lived in Christchurch? My whole life. Christchurch is firmly home.
Tell us a bit about what you do for work: I run Born to Play, weekly sensory and active exploration sessions for babies and toddlers. I also create content for my Instagram page, Born to Play Kids, where I share what the kids and I get up to in our playroom at home. My aim is to inspire others to live more playfully.
We’re spoilt for choice with great eateries in Christchurch, and even better when they cater for kids! Tell us, what is your favourite…
Child-friendly cafe in Christchurch: Ilex Cafe in the Botanic Gardens. We grab a seat outside so the kids can run around on the grass while we wait. If you go, you have to try their vegan brownie, it’s insanely good. After, it’s a short walk along the river to the playground.
Place to go for a fluffy: It might sound crazy, but the Columbus Coffee at Mitre 10 MEGA Papanui is our favourite spot to hang out with a fluffy and flat white. The indoor playground is really good, clean and large enough that my oldest still finds it exciting. Plus I can use the outing to pick up something from Mitre 10 we no doubt need.
Ice cream spot: It has to be Rollickin Gelato on New Regent St. We team it with a visit to Margaret Mahy playground and the pump track across the road to burn off the sugar.
Farmers market to potter around – kids in tow: You can’t beat a stroll around Christchurch Farmers Market at Riccarton House and Bush. We all love a visit to its ancient forest.
Read more: Our Favourite Family-Friendly Markets in Christchurch
Restaurant/Cafe to go to to treat the kids: It’s possibly more of a treat for mum and dad than the kids, but we all love the food at Untouched World Kitchen. The quality of the food is phenomenal. It has outdoor seating with a small stream running through, which is lovely on a nice day.
We’re always on the hunt for cool, child-friendly spots and things to do in Christchurch. Tell us, what is your favourite…
Free thing to do: McLeans Forest Pump Track.
Attraction to take little ones: We’re big fans of Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. The season pass is brilliant value for money. My son is mad for trains, he’ll tell you the best thing to do in Christchurch is ride the trains at Halswell Miniature Trains.
Place to feed the ducks: The Botanic Gardens – our happy place.
Spot for a family picnic: The Groynes. It has multiple playgrounds, and on weekends, you can hire a peddle boat for a spin on the lake.
Child-friendly hike/walking trail: Styx Mill Conservation Reserve. An easy walk through pretty wetlands.
Destination for a day trip: Hanmer Springs.
Pool or splash pad to hit: Taiora QE2. The kids love its indoor water playground. Plus, under 5s and their caregiver get in free during school hours.
Creating playful content is a big part of your growing community, so we’d love to know some of the best places that you have found and top play spots in The Garden City. Shout out your favourite…
Playground to take the kids to in Christchurch: Bishopdale Park, known by most as the Elephant Park.
Place to go on a rainy day: The Air Force Museum or Turanga Library.
Nature play area or walk: Spencer Park Adventure Playground and the neighboring wetland walkway.
Local toy shop: The Canterbury Playcentre Shop! I can’t rave about this place enough. It seems to be a bit of a hidden gem because I’m always coming across people who haven’t heard of it. If you haven’t visited, please go!
NZ small businesses for kids: Local Christchurch business Play Systems is producing some unique, beautifully-made kids furniture and toys, while up north, MagMe produces magnetic wall decals.
Venue to hire or place to book for birthday parties: My children are a bit lucky as I’ve thrown them Born to Play-style sensory parties, so we haven’t had a lot of experience with party providers.
Pump/scooter track: McLeans Forest Pump Track.
Beach for making sandcastles: Spencer Beach.
At-home activity for keeping kids entertained: Cafes! I’ll set out a small table with pots of lukewarm fruit tea, cups, spoons, etc and plates of snacks, normally crackers, sliced fruit and mini marshmallows. I’ll team this with our wooden shopfront I bought from Bunnings. Then the two of them will spend hours deep in elaborate role play, taking orders, serving tea and food.
Place to go… when you just don’t know where to go: The Groynes Dog Park. Oliver, our dog, is always up for a run, and the fresh air will blow out that brain fog.
And, of course, we parents need some TLC. Shout out your fave…
Date night activity/restaurant: Our favourite restaurant is King of Snake, it’s our go-to birthday/anniversary destination.
Place to go for some ‘me’ time: Going for a walk alone is my ‘me time’ – the life of a busy parent! I love walking through Hagley, but I’m not fussy.
Spa in Christchurch: Caci Merivale.
Nail salon in Christchurch: Nine Moons in Merivale.
Instagram accounts for some mindless scrolling: I love seeing what fellow play content creators are up to. There are many inspirational accounts, I’d say @Beyondtheclassroomwithkayla is my current fave.
Parenting hack: Kids in a funk? Just add water or fresh air; one of them is bound to lift their mood and yours, too!
You can follow Laura on Instagram over at @borntoplay_christchuch and @borntoplay_kids.
