Your guide to the best Easter school holiday events in Christchurch 2026. We’ll keep adding to this as more events are confirmed, so check back across the holidays.
Easter school holidays are almost here and Christchurch has plenty on for families across the full holiday period, 3 to 19 April 2026. Whether you’re after a big day out or something close to home, we’ve pulled together the best Easter school holiday events happening across Christchurch and Canterbury so you can plan ahead, book early where needed, and actually enjoy the break.
Looking for activities that run all holiday long? Check out our ongoing school holiday activities guide.
Please note: We’ll be updating this article as we discover new and exciting events throughout March and April. However, events sell out quickly and may no longer be available since publication, so book early!
School Holiday Fun | Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre
If your kids have different interests, different ages, and wildly different ideas of fun, the School Holiday Fun programme at Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre might be the most useful thing on this list. It runs from Thursday 2 through to Sunday 19 April and covers pretty much everything, free drop-in activities, creative workshops, live performances, and a full circus school if you really want to commit to a day out.
Free options include Easter I Spy, landscape sketching, and a live choir concert. Paid workshops get more hands-on with puppet-making, ceramics coloured slip making, African drums, and Paint and Sip. Tweens and teens have their own corner of the programme too, with Book (Fight) Club and the Seekers Mākete where they can sell their own creations.
Other highlights include The Orange Box puppet show, movies at Lumière, rocket science, and fudge shape decorating. There are also three free activities (dance, rocket science and mobile making) that explore movement included in the central city children’s trail Te Tou Pīwakawaka.
Worth checking the full programme before you go so you can pick what suits your crew.
When: Thursday 2 to Sunday 19 April 2026
Where: Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre, Christchurch central
How much: Mix of free and paid activities. Full pricing on the website.
Booking: Some activities require booking ahead.
View the full School Holiday Fun programme
There’s plenty more happening at Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre these school holidays. Check out the full lineup of programmes here.
Outdoor Cinema | Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre
There are few better ways to spend an April evening than a movie under the stars, and The Arts Centre Outdoor Cinema is back to make that very easy for you. Every weekend across the first three weeks of April, the North Quad gets taken over by a big screen, blankets, and the kind of crowd that actually gets into it.
The 5pm session is built for families, with crowd-pleasers like Shrek, Paddington, and Matilda kicking things off. If the kids are old enough to stay for the 7pm session, the line-up gets a little more nostalgic with Dirty Dancing, Jurassic Park, Footloose, and The Princess Bride to name a few.
Bring a picnic or grab some hot chips, gelato, and a drink on the night. All films are rated G or PG, and if the weather doesn’t play ball you’ll be refunded minus booking fees.
Tickets start from $5 for kids, which makes this one of the best value evenings out in Christchurch these holidays.
When: 5 and 7pm, Friday 3 to Sunday 5 April, Friday 10 and Saturday 11 April, Friday 17 and Saturday 18 April 2026
Where: North Quad, Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre, Christchurch central
How much: From $5 child, $10 adult, $25 family.
Booking: Book tickets in advance, sessions can fill up.
There’s plenty more happening at Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre these school holidays. Check out the full lineup of programmes here.
Easter Holiday Activities at Chipmunks Playland Papanui
Running across Easter and both weeks of the school holidays, Chipmunks Playland Papanui has a packed programme of free activities included with entry. No bookings required, adults get in free, and children under one are free too, making it one of the most family-friendly options in Christchurch these Easter holidays.
nook families get 20% off entry. Show this post at the Papanui store on arrival.
Easter Activities (3 to 6 April)
- Thursday 3 April to Monday 6 April: Mega Easter Hunt (all day)
Week 1 Activities (7 to 10 April)
- Tuesday: Face Painting (hourly)
- Wednesday: Ice Cream Decorating (hourly)
- Thursday: Mini Games and Prizes (hourly)
- Friday: Mask Decorating (all day)
Week 2 Activities (13 to 17 April)
- Monday: Free Ice Blocks (all day, 1 per paid entry)
- Tuesday: Ice Cream Decorating (hourly)
- Wednesday: Mini Games and Prizes (hourly)
- Thursday: Mask Decorating (hourly)
- Friday: Activity Challenge (all day)
When: 3 to 17 April 2026, activities run hourly 10am to 3pm (all day activities as noted)
Where: Chipmunks Playland Papanui, Christchurch
How much: Standard entry rates apply. Adults free, under 1s free. 20% off for nook families.
Booking: No booking required. Just show up.
Visit Chipmunks Playland Papanui
Black Cat Cruises | Easter and School Holiday Adventures
Black Cat Cruises has two brilliant experiences running across the full Easter school holiday period, 3 to 19 April 2026. Whether you’re heading to Akaroa for the day or looking for something a little closer to Christchurch, both are worth building a day around.
Kids Cruise Free, Akaroa Nature Cruise
Head to Akaroa this Easter and the kids cruise free on the Akaroa Nature Cruise. Up to two kids cruise free per full paying adult, making this one of the best value family day trips near Christchurch these school holidays. Please note the Kids Cruise Free offer applies to the Akaroa Nature Cruise only and is not available on the Quail Island Easter Egg Hunt. On the water you’re in genuine Hector’s dolphin territory, the world’s smallest and rarest dolphin, alongside New Zealand fur seals, seabirds and the occasional little blue penguin.
Book online and use promo code FREEKIDS at checkout.
Quail Island Easter Egg Hunt
A Canterbury Easter tradition running all the way through to 19 April, so if Easter weekend is filling up, there’s plenty of time across the school holidays to get out there. Catch the boat from B Jetty in Lyttelton and cruise across to Quail Island, where letters are hidden around the island for kids to find and unscramble into a secret word. Hand in your entry form on the return journey to the Black Cat Crew for chocolate eggs, and scan the QR code to go in the draw to win an Akaroa Nature Cruise.
Adults and children are both $20 return across the full holiday period. Tickets are limited, book ahead.
When: 3 to 19 April 2026
Where: Akaroa Nature Cruise departs Akaroa. Quail Island Easter Egg Hunt departs B Jetty, Lyttelton.
How much: Kids Cruise Free: standard adult pricing, up to 2 kids free per full paying adult. Akaroa Nature Cruise only. Quail Island: adults and children (5 to 15) $20 return, under 5s free. Family passes available. Booking: Online bookings only. Use promo code FREEKIDS for the Nature Cruise. Book both a departure and return time for Quail Island. Tickets limited.
Book the Akaroa Nature Cruise | Book the Quail Island Easter Egg Hunt
Easter Monday Market and Family Fun Day | Glenlothian Farm
If you’re looking for something a little different to round off Easter weekend, Glenlothian Farm is the answer. On Easter Monday, the farm opens its gates for a market and family fun day that’s equal parts browse and explore. Think handcrafted wood products, spinning and wool, plants, 3D models, creative crafts, and plenty more to discover across the stalls.
Before or after you browse, take some time to meet the animals. Glenlothian is home to over 20 species of farm animals, birds, and rare species, and hand feeding them is genuinely one of the highlights of a visit. It’s also one of the few animal education parks in New Zealand to have Bennetts Wallabies, which is always a hit with kids.
There’s an Easter egg hunt for the kids, and when you’re ready to stop and take it all in, food, coffee, and ice cream are on hand. The kind of day that feels genuinely unhurried, and all the better for it.
When: Easter Monday 6 April 2026, 10am to 3pm
Where: Glenlothian Farm, 52 Lawford Road, West Melton
How much: Adults $14, children $6, seniors/students $10, family (2 adults, 4 children) $45. Please note the farm is closed Good Friday and Easter Sunday.
Booking: No booking required.
Easter Fun at Chipmunks Rangiora
Easter weekend is packed with activities at Chipmunks Rangiora, with something for every kid who walks through the door. Every child receives an Easter Hunt card on entry. Find three hidden tokens around the playground, return your completed card to the counter, and claim an instant prize. Every completed card also goes in the draw for a daily Easter egg prize, with one winner drawn each day across the long weekend.
Think you know how many eggs are in the jar? Take a guess and the closest answer takes the whole jar home.
The colouring wall is filling up fast too. Grab a sheet in-store, get creative, and add it to the wall of fame before draw day. One standout entry wins the Ultimate Easter Prize Pack.
When: Friday 3 to Sunday 5 April 2026. Please note Chipmunks Rangiora is closed Easter Monday.
Where: Chipmunks Rangiora, 39 Kingsford Smith Drive
How much: Standard entry rates apply.
Booking: No booking required. Just show up.
Visit Chimpunks Playland Rangiora
Easter at Ferrymead Heritage Park
Ferrymead Heritage Park has a packed Easter programme running across the long weekend, with something for every age. Get creative with Easter arts and crafts, follow the Easter worksheet trail for a chance to win a family pass to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and meet the Easter Bunny on Sunday afternoon.
Classic cars are on display on Good Friday, and pizza from L’artigiano is available on both Sunday and Monday to keep everyone fuelled up.
The trains are running on Good Friday and Easter Sunday only, departing from Moorhouse Train Station within the park between 11am and 3pm.
When: Good Friday 3 April to Easter Monday 6 April 2026
Where: Ferrymead Heritage Park, Christchurch
How much: Adults $20, children $15, family (2 adults, 3 children) $60. Train rides extra: adults $8, children $5, family $22.
Booking: No booking required for general admission. Train tickets purchased at Moorhouse Train Station within the park.
Good Friday Family Drive-In Night – The Lion King
Looking for something a bit different this Good Friday? Firefly Cinemas is bringing the magic of the drive-in to South New Brighton Domain for a family night out that goes well beyond just the movie.
Arrive early and let the kids loose on the bouncy castle, zipline and skatepark while you grab something from the food trucks. Then as the sun sets over the domain, get the blankets out, settle into your car or set up outside with picnic chairs and bean bags, and watch one of the most beloved films of all time on the big outdoor screen. It’s the kind of evening that feels a little bit special.
This is a fantastic option for families with kids of all ages, and with car packages available, it’s easy to make it an affordable night out too.
When: Friday 3 April 2026. Gates open 6:30pm, movie starts 8:00pm, approx. finish 10:00pm
Where: South New Brighton Domain, 74 Beatty Street, South New Brighton
How much: Per person: $15 | 1 car, 2 people: $30 | 1 car, up to 6 people: $50 | 2 cars, up to 8 people: $65
Easter Drive-In Movie Night – Zootopia 2
If you caught the Good Friday event and loved it, you’re in luck. Firefly Cinemas is back at South New Brighton Domain just over a week later with Zootopia 2 on the big screen, and the full setup returns with it.
Get there early and the kids will have plenty to keep them busy before the film starts, with food trucks, a skatepark, zipline and playground all on site. Then once the movie gets underway, kick back from your car or set up outside for a relaxed community night under the stars. Zootopia 2 is brand new, fun for all ages, and this is honestly one of the nicest ways to watch it.
Whether you’re looking for something to break up the second week of the holidays or just want a reason to get out of the house, this one is well worth booking ahead for.
When: Saturday 11 April 2026. Gates open 6:30pm, approx. finish 10:00pm
Where: South New Brighton Domain, 74 Beatty Street, South New Brighton
How much: Per person: $15 | 1 car, 2 people: $30 | 1 car, up to 6 people: $50 | 2 cars, up to 8 people: $65
nook pick
School Holiday Deal | Laser Strike Christchurch
School holidays and laser tag are a combination that basically sells itself. Laser Strike Christchurch is running a cracking deal across the Easter school holidays with three games for $20. At that price, you could honestly do a few rounds and still call it a bargain.
The new two-level cyberpunk arena is worth the visit alone, and with kids from age 5 welcome, it’s a great one for the whole family. Teens and adults, you’re very much invited too.
When: Monday to Friday throughout the Easter school holidays, 7 to 17 April 2026
Where: Laser Strike Christchurch, 32 Byron Street, Sydenham, Christchurch 8011
How much: 3 games for $20
Booking: Book here.
Easter at Lil Brew | Redcliffs
Lil Brew in Redcliffs is one of those spots that just does things well, and their annual Easter Egg Hunt is no exception. Collect your Treasure Map from the cafe from 10am and head five minutes down the road to the Old Redcliffs School Playground to hunt for the mystery word. Head back to Lil Brew to claim your reward, and if you’re lucky enough to find one of the five hidden golden eggs, there’s an extra prize waiting for you too.
Back at the Brew, Crowntastic will be on hand for face painting, plus there are DIY Easter cookies and colouring in to keep little ones busy while the grown-ups enjoy a coffee in one of Christchurch’s loveliest spots.
And while you’re there, keep an eye out for a brilliant Easter deal in-store. Buy one of the selected bunnies and friends from Snuggle Bunnies or Lily and George Toys and take home a Lil Brew Keep Cup for free, valued at $21. First in, first choice.
When: Sunday 5 April 2026, 10am to 12pm
Where: Lil Brew, 186 Main Road, Redcliffs
How much: Free
Captain Jack Seagull and Face Painting | South City Shopping Centre
If you’re heading into South City the first week of school holidays, make sure you time it right. Every day from Tuesday 7 to Friday 10 April, the fun kicks off early with face painting from 11.30am near the food court, a brilliant way to get the kids warmed up before the main event.
At 1.30pm, Captain Jack Seagull takes over with a magic and adventure show that’s equal parts silly and spectacular. Think swashbuckling storytelling, surprises, and the kind of wide-eyed reactions that remind you why live shows for kids are so good. Free to attend, no booking required, and no excuse needed to browse around South City while you’re at it.
When: Tuesday 7 to Friday 10 April 2026. Face painting 11.30am, magic show 1.30pm.
Where: South City Shopping Centre, near the food court
How much: Free
Booking: No booking required. Just show up.
Melanie Poppins Magic Show | South City Shopping Centre
She’s back, and she’s bringing the magic. Melanie Poppins returns to South City Shopping Centre for the second week of the school holidays with a free show every single day near the food court, and if you’ve never seen her perform, you’re in for a treat.
Think dazzling tricks, enchanting surprises, and a performer who genuinely knows how to hold a room full of kids in the palm of her hand. The kind of show where little ones go completely quiet for all the right reasons, and then immediately ask when the next one is. It runs every day at 11am from Monday to Friday, which makes it incredibly easy to build a morning around. Head in, grab a coffee while the kids get completely spellbound, browse a little, and call it a very successful school holiday outing.
Free, no booking required, and honestly one of the most effortless activities on this list.
When: Monday 13 to Friday 17 April 2026, 11am daily
Where: South City Shopping Centre, near the food court
How much: Free
Booking: No booking required. Just show up.
More Easter Events for Kids in Christchurch
Things to Do Over Easter Weekend (3 to 6 April)
Hop and Hunt at The Palms | Shirley
Pick up a hunt form from customer service, follow the clues to find 12 eggs around the centre, and collect a free Easter egg on completion. The Easter Bunny will also be making appearances throughout the week with free treats.
When: 1 to 7 April 2026, 9am to 6pm (closed Good Friday and Easter Sunday)
Where: The Palms Shopping Centre, 18 Marshland Road, Shirley
How much: Free
nook NZ x Grizzly Hot Cross Bun Hunt | Christchurch
We’ve partnered with Grizzly Baked Goods to hide voucher boxes for their famous hot cross buns at some of Christchurch’s best family spots. The final drop is Good Friday 3 April, with the location revealed via a clue on our Instagram stories. Follow along to play.
When: Good Friday 3 April 2026
Where: Location revealed via Instagram clue on the day
How much: Free. Follow @nooknz and @grizzlybakedgoods to play.
Market in the Park | Victoria Park, Rangiora
A community market day in Victoria Park with a wide range of market stalls, food vendors, live music, busking, circus workshops, inflatables, and craft workshops. Entry by voluntary donation, with all funds going back into the event.
When: Good Friday 3 April 2026, 11am to 3pm
Where: Victoria Park, Rangiora
How much: Voluntary donation at the gate
Christchurch Easter Show | Canterbury Agricultural Park, Wigram
Free entry, free parking, and a full day of rides, markets, food, live music, face painting, craft zones, and an Easter egg hunt. One of the biggest family events of the Easter weekend.
When: 3 to 6 April 2026, 10.30am to 4.30pm
Where: Canterbury Agricultural Park, Curletts Road, Wigram
How much: Free entry and parking
Easter Eggstravaganza | Riverside Market
Collect a clue sheet from the Riverside Collective and hunt for hidden eggs throughout the market. Hand in your completed form at Riverside Pantry for a prize and entry into the main Easter prize draw. There’s also a colouring competition running across the weekend with four prize packs up for grabs. The Easter Bunny will be making daily appearances throughout Easter weekend handing out free chocolate eggs.
When: Friday 3 to Monday 6 April 2026, from 4pm
Where: Riverside Market, 78 Castle Street
How much: Free
Easter Egg Hunt | Chipmunks Rolleston
Eggs are hidden all around Chipmunks Rolleston across Easter weekend. Find them, trade them, and win prizes. Golden eggs mean instant wins.
When: Thursday 3 to Monday 6 April 2026
Where: Chipmunks Rolleston
How much: Standard entry rates apply
Easter Weekend at The Halswell | Halswell
Something for everyone across the Easter weekend. Good Friday fish and chips for $19, an Easter Egg Espresso Martini on Saturday, and a kids Easter egg hunt and colouring competition on Sunday lunchtime. Bookings essential.
When: 3 to 6 April 2026
Where: The Halswell, 344 Halswell Road
How much: Varies by activity
Easter Egg Hunt | Foster Park and Selwyn Sports Centre
Pick up a card from Selwyn Sports Centre and hunt for 12 colourful wooden eggs hidden around Foster Park and the Sports Centre. Return your completed card for a small Easter treat and go in the draw to win an Easter prize pack. Keep an eye on the Selwyn Sports Centre Facebook page for clues.
When: 3 to 19 April 2026
Where: Foster Park and Selwyn Sports Centre, Selwyn
How much: Free
Easter chillFest | Selwyn Sports Centre, Rolleston
Selwyn’s newest Easter event has an artificial ice rink, nine giant bouncy castles, free games and activities, a Saturday mini indoor market, and food trucks all weekend. Entry to the festival is free, with paid sessions for skating and the inflatable zone.
When: 3 to 6 April 2026, 9am to 8pm
Where: Selwyn Sports Centre, Rolleston
How much: Free entry. Ice skating $12 to $15, inflatable zone $6. Book online.
Book ice skating | Book inflatable zone
Easter at Little High | Little High Eatery, Christchurch
Easter weekend at Little High has something for the whole family across all 11 eateries. Join in an Easter egg hunt, grab a kids colouring pad, get your face painted on Easter Saturday, and stay for live music in the evening. Free entry.
When: Thursday 3 to Monday 6 April 2026, 11am to 10pm. Face painting Easter Saturday 12pm to 3.30pm, live music Easter Saturday 6pm to 9.30pm.
Where: Little High Eatery, 181 High Street, Christchurch
How much: Free entry
Easter Egg Hunt | Mitre 10 Mega Prestons
Pop in for a free mini bucket and Easter egg for the kids. A quick and easy Easter activity while you’re out and about.
When: Saturday 4 April 2026, 10am to 2pm
Where: Mitre 10 Mega Prestons
How much: Free
Easter Weekend Crafts with Crowntastic | Ballantynes, Christchurch
Make your own sock bunny with Crowntastic at Ballantynes. Kids craft and customise their bunny, meet the Easter Bunny, and receive an Easter treat. Limited spaces, book ahead.
When: Saturday 4 April 2026, 9.45am to 10.30am and 10.45am to 11.30am
Where: Childrenswear Department, Ballantynes Department Store
How much: $30 per child. Parents must stay for the duration.
Meet the Easter Bunny | Westfield Riccarton
The Easter Bunny is roaming around Westfield Riccarton on Easter Saturday. Track them down for a free Easter treat.
When: Saturday 4 April 2026, 11am to 2pm
Where: Westfield Riccarton, 129 Riccarton Road
How much: Free
Easter Market and Egg Hunt | Brighton Mall
A community Easter market with a massive sponsored Easter egg hunt. Under 5s get a head start this year. Egg hunt runs at 11am.
When: Saturday 4 April 2026, from 10am
Where: Brighton Mall, 25 Brighton Mall
How much: Free
Riccarton House Farmers Market | Riccarton
The market is open Easter Saturday as usual, with all your favourite stallholders, fresh produce, breakfast options, local treats, and great coffee by the river. A lovely relaxed start to Easter weekend.
When: Saturday 4 April 2026, 9am to 12pm
Where: Riccarton House, 16 Kahu Road
How much: Free entry
Easter Egg Hunt | Launch Pad
Launch Pad has hidden chocolate eggs around the park this Easter Sunday for kids to discover while they bounce, play, and explore. The perfect way to burn off some Easter energy.
When: Easter Sunday 5 April 2026
Where: Launch Pad, 43 Langdons Road, Papanui
How much: Standard entry rates apply
Easter Egg Hunt at St Bernadette’s School | Hornby
A free Easter egg hunt for local Hornby children, with free hot cross buns for accompanying adults.
When: Sunday 5 April 2026, 12pm
Where: St Bernadette’s School, Hornby
How much: Free
Arion Farm Easter Event | McLeans Island
A full day at the farm with free face painting, princess and superhero characters, the Easter Bunny, Easter egg hunts, free bouncy castles, pony rides, food stalls, and all the farm animals.
When: Monday 6 April 2026, 10am to 3pm
Where: Arion Farm Park, 890 McLeans Island Road
How much: See event page for pricing
Music with Michal | Ballantynes, Christchurch
A live interactive performance for preschoolers with singing, dancing, bubbles, and books. Little ones will be up on their feet the whole time. Limited spots, book ahead.
When: Tuesday 7 April 2026, 10am to 10.45am
Where: Childrenswear Department, Ballantynes Department Store
How much: $10 per child. Parents must stay for the duration.
During the Easter School Holidays 2026:
Storytime at Riccarton House | Riccarton
Books, songs, and bubbles in the Fine Dining Room with Tracey. Gold coin entry. Grab a large coffee and get a free fluffy for the kids from The Quarters. Runs every Friday across the holidays.
When: Fridays 3, 10, and 17 April 2026, 10.30am to 11am
Where: Riccarton House, 16 Kahu Road
How much: Gold coin
Imagination Playground | Christchurch Art Gallery
Build, create, and collaborate with the iconic imagination playground blocks. Drop in and make weird and wonderful sculptures and spaces with the family. Free and no booking required.
When: Saturday 4 to Sunday 19 April 2026, 10am to 5pm
Where: Foyer, Christchurch Art Gallery
How much: Free
Dress Smart Easter Egg Hunt | Dress Smart Christchurch, Hornby
Grab a form from the kiosk and hunt for Easter eggs hidden in store windows around Dress Smart. Return your completed form to reception for a chocolate egg, and go in the draw for a bigger prize. A good excuse to keep the kids entertained while you browse.
When: Tuesday 7 to Friday 10 April 2026, from 5pm
Where: Dress Smart Christchurch, 409 Main South Road, Hornby
How much: Free
LUSH Easter Workshops | Northcote, Christchurch
Make your own bath bomb or bubble bar to take home, hunt for the hidden Rockstar Rabbit in-store, and enter the Colour-In Competition. Three sessions available across the holidays.
- Wed 8 April, 10.30am: Comforter Bubble Bar
- Fri 10 April, 6pm: Toby’s Magic Cow Bath Bomb
- Sun 12 April, 3pm: Intergalactic Bath Bomb
Where: LUSH, 55 Main North Road, Northcote
How much: $18 per child. Parents must remain nearby.
Wooden Bunny Buddy Workshop | Papanui
Primary-aged kids can make their very own wooden bunny buddy to take home. All materials provided, adult supervision required. Spaces are limited so call ahead to reserve and pay to secure your spot.
When: Wednesday 8 April, 11am to 11.30am and 1pm to 1.30pm. Thursday 9 April, 11am to 11.30am and 1pm to 1.30pm.
Where: The Christmas Hut, 39 Sawyers Arms Road, Papanui (next to Northlands Mall)
How much: $5 per child
Booking: Call 03 354 0265 to reserve. Full payment required to secure your place.
K-Pop Live | Isaac Theatre Royal, Christchurch
A high-energy concert for kids and families, packed with colourful costumes, choreography, and the biggest K-Pop hits. Directed by Rina Chae, host of the K-Pop Academy TVNZ series. A ticketed event, worth booking ahead.
When: Wednesday 8 April 2026, sessions at 2.30pm and 6pm
Where: Isaac Theatre Royal, Christchurch
How much: Ticketed. See Ticketek for pricing.
Bubbles and Squeak Magic Show | Rangiora
A fun-filled magic, games, and laughter show from Funtime Parties for kids. Book your spot in advance by messaging the number below.
When: Wednesday 8 April 2026, 1pm
Where: Rangiora Methodist Church Hall
How much: $5 per child, cash on entry
Booking: Message 027 585 6637 to reserve a spot
Creative Bricks Community Day | St Mary’s Church Hall, Halswell
Over 100,000 LEGO bricks to play with, from DUPLO to Technic. Two sessions available. Adults are free and must stay to supervise. Suitable for ages 2 to 101. A Children’s University Learning Destination, earn up to 60 minutes for your passport.
When: Thursday 9 April 2026. Session one 9am to 10.30am, session two 11am to 12.30pm
Where: St Mary’s Church Hall, 329 Halswell Road, Halswell
How much: Free to $5
Oxford A&P Show
A Canterbury classic. The 121st Oxford A&P Show is heading to the Oxford A&P Showgrounds on Saturday 11 April, with a full day programme of events for the whole family.
When: Saturday 11 April 2026, from 7am
Where: Oxford A&P Showgrounds, 26 Bay Road, Oxford
How much: Adults $15 | Children 5–15 $5 | Under 5s free | Parking free
School Holiday Fun | Riverside Market
Riverside is buzzing with family activities across the school holidays. Hop on a free Peace Train ride, take on giant games spread throughout the market, and make a full day of it.
When: Saturday 11 April 2026, 10am to 3pm
Where: Riverside Market, 78 Castle Street
How much: Free
Ice Cream Party on Ice | Alpine Ice
One free ice cream with every paid entry during the public sessions on Saturday 11 April. A fun twist on a school holiday skate session.
When: Saturday 11 April 2026, 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 4pm
Where: Alpine Ice
How much: $20 with skate hire, $16.50 with own skates
Steam Extravaganza | McLeans Island
A weekend of steam-powered machinery and vintage engines at McLeans Island. A unique outing for curious kids and families.
When: Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 April 2026, from 4pm
Where: 621 McLeans Island Road
How much: See event page for pricing
Preloved Baby and Kids Market | Halswell Rugby League Club
Buy and sell quality preloved kids clothing, toys, shoes, books, baby gear, and nursery items. Free entry for shoppers.
When: Sunday 12 April 2026, 9am to 12pm
Where: Halswell Rugby League Club
How much: Free entry
Messy Mates Holiday Activation | Messy Mates Studio
Messy Mates is bringing something special to the studio these school holidays and details are being kept under wraps for now. What we do know is that it’s limited spots, lots of fun, and exactly the kind of thing kids talk about for days afterwards. Worth grabbing a spot early.
When: 13 to 17 April 2026
Where: Messy Mates Studio
How much: $10 per child
Slime Workshop | The Hub Hornby
If your kids love getting their hands into something gloriously messy, this one is for them. Messy Mates is hosting a one-hour slime workshop at The Hub Hornby where kids mix, stretch, and create their own slime from scratch, then take it home at the end. At $5 a ticket it’s one of the best value activities on this list.
When: 13 April 2026, 12.45pm
Where: The Hub Hornby
How much: $5 per child
Gruffalo Walk | Bottle Lake Forest Park
A self-guided 2.3km walk through Bottle Lake Forest where little ones become ‘mouse’ and explore the deep dark woods, meeting snake, fox, owl, and of course the Gruffalo along the way. Suitable for preschoolers and pushchairs. No dogs please.
When: Monday 13 April 2026, 10am to 2pm
Where: Bottle Lake Forest Park, Waitikiri Drive
How much: Free
Teddy Bear Hunt at Rolleston Square
If your kids love a good hunt, Rolleston Square has one running all Easter. Spot all 9 teddy bears hiding in the shop windows, pick up an entry form from outside the Management Office (between Couplands and Hachi Hachi) or from a participating store, fill it in, and drop it in the entry box for your chance to win a giant teddy bear or one of the nine window bears.
When: Monday, 13– Monday, 20 April
Where: Rolleston Square, Rolleston
How much: Free to enter
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt | Walter Park Playground, Mairehau
A 1km muddy walking adventure through swishy grass, squelchy mud, forest and a bubble snowstorm. Groups depart every 15 minutes. Gumboots recommended, pushchairs welcome, mud and water can be avoided if needed. No dogs please.
When: Wednesday 15 April 2026, 11.30am to 1pm
Where: Walter Park Playground, Mairehau
How much: Free
Discover the Pathway for Play | Bromley Community Centre
Pick up a map from the Bromley Community Centre and follow a self-guided 1.7km trail linking Bromley, Linwood and Woolston. Complete challenges along the way, visit the Libraries Outreach van, and finish at a pop-up play space in Linwood Park. Submit your completed map to win prizes.
When: Wednesday 15 April and Friday 17 April 2026, 9am to 1pm
Where: Bromley Community Centre, 45 Bromley Road
How much: Free
Fairy School | Periwinkle, Preston
A whimsical school holiday programme for little ones who love fairy gardens, crafts, nature, and all things magical. Very limited spots, so book ahead.
When: Wednesday 15 April 2026, 9am to 3pm
Where: Periwinkle, 98 Hugh Street, Preston
How much: See website for pricing
Hooray for Hat! Story Walk | Richmond Community Garden
Start with a craft activity then walk, hop, and skip through the Richmond Community Garden and surrounding red zone with Elephant and Friends. Visit the library van and borrow books along the way.
When: Thursday 16 April 2026, 10.30am to 12pm (rain check Friday 17 April)
Where: Richmond Community Garden, 235 River Road
How much: Free
Under Fives Soft Play | West Melton Community and Recreation Centre
A warm, safe, and welcoming soft play session for preschoolers and their parents. Bookings required.
When: Thursday 16 April 2026, 10am to 10.45am
Where: West Melton Community and Recreation Centre
How much: $5 per child
Wild Autumn Days | Liffey Springs Reserve, Lincoln
Child-led nature play in the outdoors at Liffey Springs Reserve. Arts and crafts, a mud kitchen, seeds to take home, and plenty of space to explore. Suitable for ages 0 to 12.
When: Friday 17 April 2026, 10am to 12.30pm
Where: Liffey Springs Reserve, Lincoln
How much: $20 per child. Under 1s free when attending with a paying sibling.
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This article includes a mix of advertorial and editorial selections. Advertorial inclusions are paid partnerships with local businesses. All editorial recommendations are chosen independently by the nook team.
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