If you’re looking for something to do with your under 5, check out these free library activities for preschoolers in Christchurch.
Libraries are an amazing resource for kids. Not only for its huge selection of books and reading materials but also its array of free library activities for preschoolers in Christchurch, Selwyn and North Canterbury. Running regular, weekly sessions to entertain under 5s, read on to see what’s on at your local library (and don’t forget to check out their events too).
Note: Dates and times for each session are subject to change. Be sure to check directly with your local library before heading over. Most of the free library activities for preschoolers do not run during school holidays or on public holidays.
Free library activities for preschoolers in Christchurch:
Read more: 50 Free Things to Do With Kids in Christchurch
Library activities for preschoolers in Christchurch:
Click here for Christchurch Library events.
Akaroa Library
Wā Pēpi Babytimes: Fridays at 10.15am for children under two, including stories, music, movement and rhymes.
Aranui Library
Wā Pēpi Babytimes: Tuesdays at 10.30am
Wā Kōrero Storytimes: Runs on the first Wednesday of the month at 11am, for children two and over, including stories, music, movement and rhymes.
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Fendalton Library
Wā Pēpi Babytimes: Thursdays at 10.30am
Wā Kōrero Storytimes: Tuesdays at 10.30am
Bedtime Stories: Wear your pyjamas and tuck in for themed stories, songs and simple crafts on the first Friday of the month between 6.30-7pm. All ages are welcome, but the activities are best suited for ages 4-7 years old.
Linwood Library
Wā Pēpi Babytimes: Fridays at 11am
Wā Kōrero Storytimes: Thursday at 10am
Gamezone: Enjoy weekly crafts and activities including colouring, crafts and games with Linwood Library’s local librarians. All are welcome but best suited for ages 4-7, running on Thursdays between 3.30-4.30pm No bookings are required and activities change weekly.
Lyttelton Library
Wā Pēpi Babytimes: Thursdays at 10.30am
Wā Kōrero Storytimes: Tuesdays at 11am
Matatiki Hornby Centre
Wā Pēpi Babytimes: Fridays at 10.15am
Wā Kōrero Storytimes: Wednedays at 10.30am
Matuku Takotako: Sumner Centre
Wā Pēpi Babytimes: Fridays at 10.30am
Wā Kōrero Storytimes: Wednesdays at 10.30am
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New Brighton Library
Wā Pēpi Babytimes: Wednesdays at 10.30am
Wā Kōrero Storytimes: Tuesdays at 10.30am
Papanui Library
Wā Pēpi Babytimes: Wednesdays at 11am
Wā Kōrero Storytimes: Thursdays at 11a,
Parklands Library
Wā Pēpi Babytimes: Fridays at 10.30am
Wā Kōrero Storytimes: Thursdays at 10.30am
Redwood Library
Sensory Hour: An hour dedicated to those with sensory sensitivities where environmental stimulants will be reduced and special sensory toys and lego will be available to play with. Held on Mondays, 5-6pm.
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Shirley Library
Wā Pēpi Babytimes: Thursdays at 10.30am
Wā Kōrero Storytimes: Wednesdays at 10.30am
Saturday Storytimes: All the usual stories, songs and rhymes, as well as crafts on every first Saturday of the month between 10.30-11am.
South Library
Wā Pēpi Babytimes: Thursdays at 11am
Wā Kōrero Storytimes:Tuesdays at 11am
Spreydon Library
Wā Pēpi Babytimes: Wednesdays at 10.30am
Wā Kōrero Storytimes: Fridays at 10.30am
Te Hāpua: Halswell Centre
Wā Pēpi Babytimes: Wednesdays at 11am
Wā Kōrero Storytimes: Thursdays at 11am
Tūranga
Wā Pēpi Babytimes: Mondays at 10.30am
Wā Kōrero Storytimes: Wednesdays at 10.30am
Te Reo Māori Storytimes: Runs Tuesdays at 10.30am for children aged 2-5 years old.
Mandarin Storytimes: Runs every second Saturday of the month from 11-11.30am during term time. Suitable for children aged 2-5 years old.
Wā Kōrero – Whānau Storytimes: Stories, songs an rhymes suitable for the whole whānau every Sunday from 10.30-11am.
Family Makerspace: Hosting different activities each week, get creative on Saturdays between 2.30-3.30pm.
Sensory Hour: An hour dedicated to those with sensory sensitivities where environmental stimulants will be reduced and special sensory toys and lego will be available to play with. Held on Mondays, 6-7pm and Tuesdays, 3.30-5pm.
Imagination Station: Running all day during opening hours at Tūranga, Imagination Station is an independent charity that encourages children of all ages to get creative and hands-on with LEGO, Technic, and aDUPLO for younger children.
Upper Riccarton Library
Wā Pēpi Babytimes: Tuesdays at 10am
Wā Kōrero Storytimes: Mondays at 10am
Library activities for preschoolers in Selwyn:
Click here for Selwyn Library events.
Darfield Library
Rhymetimes: Aimed at ages 1 – 3, Rhymetimes are designed to assist with early language development while listening to stories, songs, rhymes and plenty of bubbles. Tuesdays between 10-30am.
Storytimes: Fridays at 10am
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Lincoln Library
Rhymetimes: Tuesdays at 10am
Sensory Babytimes: Babies from birth to one year old can share interactive songs, sensory boards, stories and bubbles in half-hour sessions designed to cultivate language development and fine motor skills. Held on Wednesdays at 10am.
LEGO Time: Unleash your creativity as kiddos explore their local library’s LEGO collection. Under 8s will need to be accompanied by an adult. Wednesdays between 3-4pm.
Storytimes: Thursdays at 10am
Leeston Library
LEGO Time: Mondays between 3.30-4.30pm
Rhymetimes: Tuesdays at 10am
Storytimes: Fridays at 10am
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Te Ara Ātea Rolleston
Storytimes: Tuesdays at 10am
Rhymetimes: Wednesdays at 10am
LEGO Time: Wednesdays between 3.30-4.30pm
Sensory Babytimes: Fridays at 10am
Library activities for preschoolers in North Canterbury:
Click here for North Canterbury Library events.
Rangiora Library
Storytimes: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10am
Babytimes: Mondays at 10.30am
Kaiapoi Library – Ruataniwha Kaiapoi Civic Centre
Toddler Times: Puppets, songs and poems for 2-4 year olds with a new theme every term. Wednesdays at 10.30am
Babytimes: Fridays at 11am
Oxford Library and Service Centre
Toddler Times: Tuesdays at 10.30am
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