Our pick of events for littles this KidsFest 2024
Running from Saturday 6 – Sunday, 21 July, Christchurch City Council has produced another great lineup of shows, workshops and events to keep kids busy over the school holidays. From exploring the great outdoors to messy play, arts and crafts and music, we highlight our favourite events for those under five. Read on for our pick of events for littles this KidsFest 2024.
Read more: 50 Free Things to Do With Kids in Christchurch
Our favourite KidsFest 2024 events for under-fives:
A Fairy’s Tale
Performed by the incredible Southern Ballet School, ‘A Fairy’s Tale’ is based on the famous ballet La Sylphide in a children’s fairytale that “tells the love story of a beautiful fairy who meets Jamie.”
When: Wednesday, 17 July – Saturday, 20 July; 2-3.15pm or 6-7.15pm
Where: 108 Carlyle Street, Sydenham, Christchurch
How much: $15 per child and $15 per caregiver. Book here.
Age: 3+
More details here.
Beauty and the Beast
“Hearts will melt as a beast and a young maiden discover that love transcends and ultimately transforms in this beloved fairy tale” performed by the NZ Youth Ballet Company and students from Convergence Dance Studios. Kiddos and parents are invited to stay after the show and meet the cast.
When: Wednesday, 10 July – Friday 12 July. Various timings, click here for more info.
Where: The Piano: Centre for Music and the Arts, 156 Armagh Street, Central Christchurch, Christchurch
How much: $16 per child and $16 per caregiver. Book here.
Age: 0+
More details here.
Bouncy Castle Fun Day
Spend the day bouncing and enjoying fun activities at Selwyn Sports Centre. Expect “themed bouncy castles, cool items” and lots planned for little ones.
When: Wednesday, 17 July, 10-3pm
Where: Selwyn Sports Centre, 70 Broadlands Drive, Rolleston
How much: $5 per child, free for caregivers
Age: 1 – 13
More details here.
CSG Junior Jumpers Trampoline
Christchurch School of Gymnastics invites little ones to join them for a ‘Junior Jumpers’ session, a half-hour taster of learning specific trampoline skills in a fun and age-appropriate way. Led by expert instructors, tots will use an in-ground trampoline to bounce off into a foam pit as they learn to jump safely and build confidence.
When: Tuesday 9 and 16, July from 11-11.30am and 11.30-12pm; Thursday 11 and 19 July from 11-11.30am and 11.30-12pm
Where: 38 Mark Treffers Drive, QEII Park Christchurch, North New Brighton
How much: $10 per child, free for caregivers
Age: 2 – 5
More details here.
The Little Mermaid
Head to The Court Theatre for an enchanting rendition of Disney’s The Little Mermaid. Kids will be transfixed as they follow Ariel, a young mermaid who “longs to leave behind her ocean home—and fins—to live in the world up above.”
When: 9 – 21 of July (every day of KidsFest 2024)
Where: 36B Clarence Road, Christchurch
How much: $25 per child, $30 per caregiver. Book here.
Age: 4 – 17
More details here.
Elements: Farm n Fire
All about children being outside, active and creative, Elements continues hosting their KidsFest programmes this year in a ‘Farm n Fire’ themed nature play session on a local farm. Explore, dig, ‘fish’ and finish with roasted marshmallows.
When: Monday 8 and 15, July from 9.30-12pm; Friday 11 and 19 July from 9.30-12pm
Where: 564 Cashmere Road, Westmorland, Christchurch
How much: $30 per child, second child $25 and young siblings and caregivers are free. Book here.
Age: 2 – 7
More details here.
Fairy Crown & Light Up Wand Workshop
Calling all fairy-fanatics, Imprint Studios is ready and waiting with golden felt crowns to adorn with beads, gems, sequins, ribbons flowers and L.E.D lights in this fun, whimsical workshop.
When: Tuesday, 16 July, 11-12pm and 12.30-1.30pm
Where: Imprint Studio, 78 Nortons road, Avonhead, Christchurch
How much: $22 per child, free for caregivers. Book here. $1 from your ticket will be put towards their “anxiety-friendly” classes.
Age: 3 – 17
More details here.
Insect Scavenger Hunt
A fun, free activity for all, head to the Hope Community Garden and take part in an insect scavenger hunt.
When: Monday, 15 July – Friday, 19 July, 10-12pm
Where: 111 East Belt, Rangiora
How much: Free
Age: 2 – 12
More details here.
Melanie Poppins at Telling Tales
Beloved children’s entertainer, Melanie Poppins will host a morning of magic and face painting at Telling Tales over two Fridays this KidsFest 2024. We are crossing our fingers that her cuddly sidekick Poppy the Rabbit makes an appearance!
When: Friday, 12 and 19 July, 10-12pm
Where: 101 Cashel Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch
How much: Free
Age: 0 – 10
More details here.
Messy Play at Tai Tapu Playcentre
Get messy this KidsFest 2024 in a morning fuelled by slime, paint, sand, playdough and more. Perfect for preschoolers, there will be plenty of messy and sensory play activities to get involved with.
When: Tuesday, 9 July and Thursday, 18 July, 10-12pm
Where: 815 Old Tai Tapu Road, Tai Tapu
How much: $10 per child, free for caregivers. Booking is essential.
Age: 0 – 6
More details here.
Read more: The Best Messy and Sensory Play Classes in Christchurch
Music with Michal
Michal‘s fun and upbeat, interactive music show at The Arts Centre will have kiddos up and dancing, singing and asking for an encore.
When: Wednesday, 10 July – Thursday, 11 July, 10-10.45am and 2-2.45pm
Where: The Arts Centre, 2 Worcester Blvd, Christchurch Central
How much: $5 per child, $10 per caregiver
Age: 0 – 8
More details here.
