Some of Christchurch’s biggest attractions include free activities for preschoolers.
If you’ve made your way through gym classes, playgroups and all the rest, make the most of having an under-five and check out these Christchurch attractions that feature free activities for preschoolers.
Read more: The Best Messy and Sensory Play Classes in Christchurch
Free activities for preschoolers in Christchurch:
He Puna Taimoana Hot Pools
Those aged three and under are free and do not require a ticket.
He Puna Taimoana Hot Pools, 195 Marine Parade, New Brighton, Christchurch, www.hepunataimoana.co.nz
Willowbank
Children under five are free but must be accompanied by an adult ($34.50 for a day ticket).
Willowbank, 60 Hussey Road, Northwood, Christchurch, www.willowbank.co.nz
Christchurch Recreation & Sports Centres
During the school term, up to two pre-schoolers and one caregiver can enjoy free access to all Christchurch Recreation and Sport swimming pools from 9am to 3pm Monday to Friday.
Chipmunks
Adults and under one’s are free.
Chipmunks, 218 Main South Road, Hornby, Christchurch, www.chipmunksplayland.co.nz/wigram
Chipmunks, 472 Cranford Street, Redwood, Christchurch, www.chipmunksplayland.co.nz/papanui
Orana Wildlife Park
Children under five are free but must be accompanied by an adult ($39.50 for a day ticket).
Orana Wildlife Park, 793 McLeans Island Road, Harewood, Christchurch, www.oranawildlifepark.co.nz
Black Cat Cruises
Preschoolers are free when cruising between Quail Island, Ripapa Island and aboard an Akaroa Nature Cruise.
Arion Farm Education Park
Under twos are free to enter the farm, however, pony rides cost $6 for those under six.
Arion Farm Education Park, 890 McLeans Island Road, McLeans Island, Christchurch, www.arionfarmpark.co.nz
Inflatable World
Little ones under 24 months are free at their Hornby location and for under 12 months in Central. Preschoolers five and under are “free” with a paying adult ($16).
Inflatable World Hornby, 81 Buchanans Road, Hei Hei, Christchurch, www.inflatableworld.co.nz/stadiums/hornby
Inflatable World Christchurch Central, 5-7 Iversen Terrace, Waltham, Christchurch, www.inflatableworld.co.nz/stadiums/christchurchcentral
Caddyshack City
Mini golfers under three can play for free.
Caddyshack City, 21 King Edward Terrace, Woolston, Christchurch, www.caddyshack.co.nz
Ferrymead Golf
All mini putt courses are free for under four’s, with a paying adult.
Ferrymead Golf, 68/100 Ferrymead Park Drive, Ferrymead, Christchurch, www.ferrymeadgolf.co.nz
International Antarctic Centre
Children under the age of four are free with a paying adult. General admission includes the Storm Dome, Hägglunds Field Trip, 4D/HD Theare, Penguin Rescue and Husky Zone.
International Antarctic Centre, Corner Roy Place and, Orchard Road, Christchurch Airport, Christchurch, www.iceberg.co.nz
Ferrymead Heritage Park
General admission to Ferrymead Heritage Park is free for those under five. This doesn’t include additional tickets such as train or tram rides.
Ferrymead Heritage Park, 50 Ferrymead Park Drive, Ferrymead, Christchurch, www.ferrymead.org.nz
Christchurch Gondola
Under fives can take in those incredible city views for free with an accompanying paying adult.
Christchurch Gondola, 10 Bridle Path Road, Heathcote Valley, Christchurch, www.christchurchattractions.nz/christchurch-gondola
Punting On The Avon
This 30-minute river tour is free for under five with an accompanying paying adult.
Antigua Boat Sheds, 2 Cambridge Terrace, Christchurch, www.christchurchattractions.nz/punting
Christchurch Adventure Park
Kids under ten years old are free to ride the trails and to use the chairlift (with an adult), however, due to safety reasons, those riding the chairlift must be over 1 metre tall and able to self-load. All can enter the park for free and enjoy the village and uphill walking trail.
Christchurch Adventure Park, 225 Worsleys Road, Cracroft, Christchurch, www.christchurchadventurepark.com
Christchurch Tram
Up to three children under the age of 15 can ride free of charge per paying adult, and tickets can be purchased for $5 each for additional children. Under fives are free.
Christchurch Tram, 109 Worcester Street, Christchurch, www.christchurchattractions.nz/christchurch-tram
Opuke Thermal Pools & Spa
Tots under three years are free with an adult booking the Discovery Pools.
Opuke Thermal Pools & Spa, 35 Mount Hutt Station Road, Methven, www.opuke.nz
Quake City
Children under 15 (accompanied by an adult) are free.
Quake City, 299 Durham Street North, Christchurch, www.quakecity.co.nz
