PSA: Preschool parents, save this list of drop-in playgroups around Christchurch.
Bored of the same old activities? We’ve compiled the ultimate list of drop-in playgroups around Christchurch to help you plan the week and schedule some much-needed adult conversation.
Read more: Drop-in Music & Movement Classes for Preschoolers in Christchurch
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/ cease of operation) or for more info. Most playgroups only run during term-time.
Drop-in playgroups:
MONDAY:
Bots Tots
Garden and nature-themed activities for preschoolers, parents and caregivers can bring children in to enjoy simple crafts and activities.
When: 10-11.30am
Where: The Kiosk, Botanic Gardens
How much: $2 Koha per preschooler
More info here.
Christchurch East Community Playgroup
This community-run playgroup welcomes all to join in play experiences including art, music, construction toys, books, dressing up and outdoor play. The venue is carpeted and has a fully enclosed play area.
When: 9-12pm
Where: All Saint’s Church, 305 New Brighton Road
How much: First two sessions are free, then $2 per family per session. Morning tea is provided.
More info here.
Tea and Tots with Tunes
A friendly environment for parents, caregivers and children to form friendships, Tea and Tots has a variety of toys, ride-ons, crafts, puzzles, slides and a sandpit to entertain kiddos. You can also expect music, singing, dancing and special toys for tiny babies and crawlers.
When: Every second and fourth Monday, 10-12pm
Where: St Timothy’s Church, 46 Kendal Ave
How much: No charge. Morning tea is provided.
More info here.
Shirley Sparkling Stars
Music, movement, play and crafts for preschoolers and their families.
When: 9.30-11.30am
Where: MacFarlane Park Centre, 19A Acheson Ave
How much: $3 per family
More info here.
Plunket’s Pukapuka Group
Sing songs, listen to stories and connect with others in the Hornby community.
When: 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: 2-3.30pm
Where: 5 Twigger Street, Addington
How much: No charge
Waikuku Beach Playgroup
Play and learn at Waikuku Beach Playgroup, all families are welcome to attend. There will be occasional outings and guest speakers.
When: 9.30am
Where: Waikuku Beach Community Hall, Park Terrace
How much: No charge. Gold coin donation is appreciated. Email [email protected] to let the organisers know that you plan on attending.
More info here.
TUESDAY:
Ūkaipō – Connecting with our pēpi
Exploring a new topic each week, bring the whole whānau for a catch-up and cuppa in a supportive environment.
When: 10-12pm
Where: Room 2, Phillipstown Hub, 39 Nursery Road, Phillipstown, Christchurch
How much: No charge
More info here.
Play & Pray
Although the playgroup runs with a Christian perspective, all mothers and children are welcome to join this weekly meet-up, regardless of faith. There will be a short devotional alongside a morning tea and play each week.
When: 9.30-11am
Where: The Nest at Grace Vineyard Beach Campus,111 Seaview Road, New Brighton
How much: No charge
More info here.
Ilam Multiples Playgroup
“A playgroup where all are welcome but twins are the norm,” Ilam Multiples is one of the few playgroups running throughout the school holidays, offering weekly themed crafts, activities and explorations for littles.
When: 10-11.45am
Where: Village Ilam Community Centre, Ilam
How much: No charge. Runs throughout the school holidays.
More info here or via Instagram here.
Landsdowne Community Playgroup
This popular community-run playgroup in Cashmere is perfect for burning off that pre-nap energy. Offering a range of play equipment, toys and activities both inside and outside, there’s no need to book. Come and go as you please.
When: 9.15-11.30am
Where: Landsdowne Terrace, Cashmere
How much: $5 per family
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.
*This playgroup is currently on hold until further notice. Keep an eye on the Canterbury Plunket Facebook page for details of when they plan to relaunch.
Spreydon Community Playgroup
Catch up with fellow mums as preschoolers play. Bring a piece of fruit for shared morning tea.
When: 9.45-11.30am
Where: 51 Cobham Street, Spreydon
How much: Koha appreciated
More info here.
Hornby Under 5s Playgroup
Fostering love and friendships, all are welcome to join this community playgroup providing plenty of activities for preschoolers every Tuesday. Each week explores a new topic and range of toys and crafts.
When: 9.30-11.30am
Where: Hope Church, Amyes Road, Hornby
How much: A $3 donation is appreciated. Morning tea is provided.
More info here.
Move and Groove Playgroup Parklands
A fun music session followed by morning tea, crafts and play.
When: 9.30-10am
Where: Parklands Baptist Community Church, 180 Queenspark Drive, Parklands
How much: $3 per family
More info here.
Shirley Plunket Playgroup
Plenty of indoor and outdoor play in a safe environment.
When: 10-12pm
Where: 166 North Parade, Shirley
How much: Koha appreciated
More info here.
Burnham Neighbourhood Playgroup
From baking and messy play to stories, music and field trips, each week brings a new activity.
When: From 9.30am
Where: 1 Pukeko Street, Rolleston
How much: Gold coin donation
More info here.
Sumner Playgroup
An opportunity for plenty of free play, arts, crafts and activities within the Sumner community.
When: 9.15-10.30am
Where: 14 Wakefield Avenue, Sumner
How much: No charge
More info here.
Fendalton Asian Plunket Playgroup for Under 6 Months
Plunket’s Mandarin-speaking Facilitator/Playgroup Coordinator organises a range of activities such as massage, painting, music and movement.
When: 1-3pm
Where: 183 Fendalton Road, Fendalton
How much: No charge, however, bookings are essential for this playgroup. Call 0221234099.
More info here.
Fun with Music Playgroup Rangiora
Music, morning tea and play sessions run by John Knox Church.
When: 9.30-12pm
Where: Trinity Methodist, 176 Kings Street
How much: $3 per family per week, or $15 per term if paid in the first 3 weeks.
More info here.
Waka-iti Playgroup Kaiapoi
Every week activities are set up so that parents and caregivers can enjoy spending time with their little ones painting, building, drawing, creating and reading.
When: 9.30-11.30am
Where: 67 Fuller Street, Kaiapoi
How much: $1 entry. Children under one are free.
More info here.
Diamond Harbour Playgroup
Free play and plenty of toys to engage with.
When: Every second Tuesday, 10-11.30am
Where: Diamond Harbour Church Hall, 85 Marine Drive
How much: No charge
More info here.
WEDNESDAY:
Templeton Tots Playgroup
The perfect place for preschoolers to burn off energy indoors.
When: 9-11am
Where: Templeton Community Centre, 64 Kirk Road, Templeton
How much: No charge. Koha is appreciated.
More info here.
Pasifika Mamas
A safe space for fellowship, sharing tips, resources and friendships, parents of Pasifika babies are welcome to join this weekly playgroup. Join the Facebook page for details.
When: 10am
Where: New Brighton
How much: No charge
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.
Halswell Plunket & Playgroup
Parents, caregivers and children will explore seasonal themes, educational topics and plenty of water, messy and free play.
When: 9.30-11.30am
Where: 16 Fern Drive, Halswell
How much: A gold coin donation is appreciated
More info here.
Addington Playgroup
A supportive parent-led playgroup where children are encouraged to learn through play. There are plenty of exciting and inviting areas for the children to interact with – physical climbing, art, puzzles, books, blocks, play dough, messy play, bikes, sad pits and slides.
When: 9.30-11.30am
Where: Conductive Education Building, Simeon Street, Addington
How much: No charge
More info here.
Plunket Playground Adventures
Explore a new playground in Christchurch every week.
When: 10-11am
Where: A new playground is explored each week, check Canterbury Plunket’s Facebook page for details.
How much: No charge
More info here.
Fendalton Asian Plunket Playgroup for Over 6 Months
Plunket’s Mandarin-speaking Facilitator/Playgroup Coordinator organises a range of activities such as painting, music and movement.
When: 10-12pm
Where: 183 Fendalton Road, Fendalton
How much: No charge, however, bookings are essential for this playgroup. Call 0221234099.
Movin’ to Music Prestons
Music, grooving, dancing, and free play.
When: 10am
Where: 420 Prestons Road, Prestons
How much: No charge
More info here.
THURSDAY:
Rolleston Playgroup
A relaxed group for under five, this weekly fun, unstructured session includes ride-on toys, bikes, sports equipment, play-dough, crafts, toys, tea and coffee.
When: 9.15-11.30am
Where: Rolleston Community Centre, 94 Rolleston Drive, Rolleston
How much: $3 per child, capped at $5 per family
More info here.
Playful Generations – Community Drop-in
This community playgroup encourages intergenerational play. Whether you’re a grandparent, parent, or little one, drop in any time between 9.30-11am during term time to enjoy a variety of crafts and toys as well as complimentary morning tea.
When: 9.30-11am
Where: The Village, 460 Papanui Road, Christchurch
How much: No charge. Gold coin donation for a barista-made coffee!
More info here.
Māmā 4 Māmā
An open mums group run by mums, for mums. Come from 10am for morning tea, a hot drink, play area for kids and an opportunity to connect with other mums and make some friends.
When: 10am
Where: A location is given via the Facebook group each week.
How much: No charge.
More info here.
Manuka Cottage Addington Community House Playgroup
Toys, crafts, biscuits and a hot cuppa. Family Kaimahi is available for those in need of support.
When: 10-12pm
Where: 70 Harman Street, Addington, Christchurch
How much: No charge
More info here.
Christchurch Irish Society Parents and Preschoolers
There is no need to be a member, the hall is open to all for free play, a hot drink and some much-needed adult conversation.
*This playgroup is currently on hold until further notice. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for details of when they plan to relaunch.
When: 10-11.30am
Where: 29 Domain Terrace, Spreydon
How much: No charge
More info here.
Beach Tots
Activities, art, toys and messy play are centred around weekly themes.
When: 9.30- 11.30
Where: 111 Seaview Road, New Brighton
How much: $2 Koha. Hot drinks and morning tea are provided.
More info here.
Creative Capers Messy Play Playgroup
Love messy play but hate the cleanup at home? Creative Capers is a weekly playgroup that encourages all kinds of mess and sensory exploration.
When: 9.45-11.15am
Where: 193 Grahams Road, Burnside
How much: A gold coin donation is appreciated
More info here.
The Playful Club
An hour session for toddlers, babies and their parents to explore play and movement, connection and confidence through song, dance and storytelling
When: 9.30-10.30am
Where: The Bridge Community Centre, South New Brighton
Cost: A gold coin donation is appreciated
More info here.
Burwood Playgroup
Burwood playgroup hosts different activities for the kids to get involved in, including plenty of outings to discover new places around Christchurch.
When: 9.30-12.30pm
Where: 269 Hills Road, Burwood
How much: No charge
More info here.
Rachel’s House Trust Playgroup
Coordinated and Run through Rachel’s House Trust, this is a safe playgroup for babies and preschoolers to meet and relax.
When: 10-11.30am
Where: Gables Arcade “The Loft”, 96 High Street, Rangiora
How much: A $2 donation is appreciated
More info here.
FRIDAY:
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: 1 – 2.30pm
Where: Rolleston Plunket Room, 1 Johns Street
How much: No charge. For more info email [email protected]
Age: 0 – 12 months
The Church of St Martins Playgroup – Spreydon
Each week there are different activities for the kids and barista coffee, tea, and biscuits for the adults.
When: 9.30-12pm
Where: 50 Lincoln Road, Spreydon
How much: A gold coin donation is appreciated. Morning tea and hot drinks are provided.
More info here.
Nature Play Ōtautahi
Organising weekly play sessions in nature, “Nature Play Ōtautahi” explore parks and reserves around Christchurch.
When: 10am
Where: New location every Friday, join their Facebook group for details.
How much: No charge
More info here.
Twinkle Tots
Singing and dancing sessions for little ones up to four years. Morning tea followed by free play in a safe environment.
When: 10.30-11.15am
Where: St Mary’s Church Village Hall, 40 Martindales Road, Heathcote Valley
How much: Gold coin donation
More info here.
Story Times at Riccarton House
Half an hour of stories, bubbles, songs and free fluffies at the historic Riccarton House.
When: 10.30-11am
Where: 16 Kahu Road, Fendalton, Christchurch
How much: Gold coin donation is appreciated
SATURDAY:
Christchurch Envirokids
These free weekly events are perfect for little ones interested in all things environmental. The Envirokids programme provides a chance to join a range of activities and meet other children.
When: 10-1pm
Where: Kiosk, Botanic Gardens
How much: No charge.
More info here.
Saturday Stars
This weekend playgroup is a great chance for working parents to play and connect with their children and other like-minded caregivers.
When: First and third Saturday of each month, 9-10.30am
Where: 16 Fern Drive, Halswell
How much: Koha appreciated
More info here.
This list will be continuously updated. If you run or know of a drop-in playgroup 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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