Looking for free things to do with kids in Christchurch? This ultimate local guide features 50 wallet-friendly activities across parks, playgrounds, museums, markets and community spaces – perfect for toddlers through to older kids.
Looking for free things to do with kids in Christchurch? This ultimate local guide rounds up 50 wallet-friendly activities across parks, playgrounds, museums, libraries and community spaces, perfect for toddlers through to older kids.
If you’re finding yourself endlessly forking out for annual passes and paid activities, you’re not alone. The good news is there are plenty of genuinely free things to do with kids in Christchurch, if you know where to look. Bookmark this page and come back to it whenever you need an easy, budget-friendly plan.
You might also like our guide to things to do with kids in Christchurch if you’re looking to mix free outings with paid attractions.
Last updated: February 2026
Free museums, libraries and indoor activities
These are ideal for rainy days, preschoolers and slower-paced outings.
- Spend the morning wandering around the Air Force Museum of New Zealand. Explore aircraft, climb inside the Vampire or Macchi jet cockpits, test out the World War Two bomber’s gun turret and play in the interactive Fly Zone.
- Spark creativity at Tūranga’s Imagination Station. Build with Lego and Duplo, grab books and settle into cosy seating areas.
- Stay for one of the free preschool sessions at Christchurch libraries, including Babytimes and Storytimes held across the city.
- Visit Christchurch Art Gallery on the first Thursday of the month for Oh, Baby, It’s Art, a free guided tour designed for parents with young babies.
- Explore Christchurch Art Gallery any day of the week and enjoy its interactive, child-friendly elements.
- Head indoors to shopping malls across the city and enjoy free under-five entertainment throughout the week, including storytimes and character appearances.
- Take a trip to The Arts Centre and explore free exhibitions and Rutherford’s Den, a hands-on discovery space.
- Encourage young readers with the Reading to Dogs programme at Christchurch City Libraries.
Free outdoor adventures and nature walks
Perfect for burning energy and enjoying Christchurch’s open spaces.
- Wander through Christchurch Botanic Gardens and take part in free Discovery Trails during school holidays.
- Ride the Peace Train at the Botanic Gardens on Sundays from September to April.
- Cycle or walk along Te Ara Ihutai Christchurch Coastal Pathway from Ferrymead to Scarborough.
- Visit Riccarton House and Bush and enjoy flat walking tracks and free Friday Story Time sessions.
- Explore Christchurch’s Community Gardens, including New Brighton and Richmond Community Gardens.
- Visit SmileDial Sensory Garden in New Brighton or the sensory space at Rolleston Library.
- Take a magical fairy door walk at one of Christchurch’s fairy forests.
- Spend the day at The Groynes, hopping between playgrounds and walking tracks.
- Picnic and stroll through Mona Vale Garden Park.
- Explore Bottle Lake Forest and discover fairy doors, pump tracks and nature play areas.
- Watch model boats sail on Lake Victoria in Hagley Park.
- Walk the loop at Prebbleton Nature Park and finish at the nearby pump track and playground.
- Forage for fruit in the Edible Red Zone using the community foraging map.
- Visit the interactive Fungi Farm at Richmond Community Gardens.
- Host a fairy picnic at Rāwhiti Domain and explore the Woodland Playground.
- Wander through Kaiapoi Food Forest and enjoy its child-friendly features.
Free playgrounds, splash pools and active fun
These options are especially popular with toddlers and preschoolers.
- Take advantage of free preschool swimming during school hours at Christchurch pools.
- Practice balance bike skills at Westlake Reserve and spot ducks and eels.
- Visit Christchurch Adventure Park for free walking trails, pump tracks and beginner biking loops.
- Join Plunket’s weekly Playground Adventures to discover new playgrounds.
- Cool off at one of Christchurch’s free paddling and splash pools during summer.
- Visit an indoor shopping mall playground enjoy a coffee while kids play.
For more ideas like this, explore our guide to playgrounds in Christchurch.
Free markets, events and community activities
Great for social outings and weekend plans.
- Visit The Seekers Mākete at The Arts Centre and enjoy live music, food stalls and free entertainment.
- Drop into free or low-cost playgroups across the city.
- Join a local walking group for parents and caregivers.
- Attend casual coffee groups that welcome parents with little ones.
- Paint and hide stones with the Christchurch Rocks community.
- Complete the Red Zone Dogs scavenger hunt at Avebury House.
- Listen to buskers in the city and watch ducks and eels along the river.
Easy free outings with toddlers
Low-effort ideas that work well for under-fives.
- Visit Mitre 10 MEGA or Bunnings Warehouse and let kids play in indoor play areas.
- Walk along New Brighton Pier and play at the beachside playground.
- Watch planes take off and land from Aviation Drive near Christchurch Airport.
- Visit pet stores like Redwood Aquatics to watch fish and animals.
- Spend time at Timezone with younger toddlers who enjoy lights and buttons.
- Feed ducks at parks around Christchurch using frozen vegetables.
- Visit Woodham Park Gardens and explore the aviary.
- Plan a street art walk around Christchurch city centre.
- Window shop at The Tannery and explore its historic buildings.
- Take advantage of kids eat free offers at Christchurch restaurants.
You may also like our guide to Things to Do with Toddlers in Christchurch for easy outings with little ones.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best free things to do with toddlers in Christchurch?
Libraries, playgrounds, splash pools, the Botanic Gardens and short nature walks are all great options for toddlers.
Are there free indoor activities for kids in Christchurch?
Yes. The Air Force Museum, Christchurch Art Gallery, libraries and The Arts Centre all offer free indoor experiences.
Are there free activities during school holidays in Christchurch?
Many parks, splash pools, markets and community spaces run free activities during school holidays.
More budget-friendly ideas around Christchurch
Explore more free things to do with kids in Christchurch, as well as Free Activities for Toddlers in Christchurch to help plan your next day out.
