Whether you’re after free playgroups, music classes, or just a good coffee while the kids burn energy, there’s something perfect for every Monday.
Looking for something fun to do with your preschooler on a Monday in Christchurch? You’re in luck! I’ve rounded up all the best Monday activities that’ll keep your little ones entertained while giving you a chance to connect with other parents. From nature play to ninja training (yes, really!), here’s what’s on offer.
Note: Most sessions only run during term time or can be cancelled due to bad weather, so be sure to check the organiser’s Facebook page or website to confirm before heading out. We do our best to keep things up to date, but it’s always worth double-checking before loading the kids in the car!
Jump to
Playgroups
Cafe and Club Sessions
Movement Classes
Gymnastics and Ninja Training
Music Classes
Library Sessions
Walking Groups
Breastfeeding Support
Monday Preschool Activities in Christchurch:
Playgroups
Bots Tots – Nature Play for Preschoolers is pure magic if you love the outdoors. Running from 10-11.30am at The Kiosk in the Botanic Gardens, this hands-on morning gets kids stuck into simple garden-themed crafts while you soak up those gorgeous garden views. At just $2 koha per preschooler, it’s a bargain that sparks little imaginations.
Christchurch East Community Playgroup runs from 9am-12pm at All Saints Church on New Brighton Road. This community-run gem has arts and crafts, music, construction toys, books, dress-ups, and outdoor play. The carpeted, enclosed space is perfect for any weather. First two sessions are free, then $2 per family. Morning tea included.
Tea and Tots with Tunes happens every second and fourth Monday from 10am-12pm at St Timothy’s Church on Kendal Ave. Features toys, ride-ons, puzzles, crafts, slides, and sandpit, plus music, singing, and dancing. There’s a cosy corner with special toys for babies and crawlers. Free with morning tea provided.
Read more: The Complete Guide to Drop-in Playgroups in Christchurch
Shirley Sparkling Stars runs from 9.30-11.30am at MacFarlane Park Centre on Acheson Ave. Perfect for kids who love to sing, dance, and get creative, with plenty of music, movement, and hands-on activities. $3 per family.
Plunket’s Pukapuka Group offers a lovely 30-minute session from 1-1.30pm at 29 Tower Street in Hornby. Parents and caregivers can actually relax while kids enjoy songs and stories. It’s free and perfect for connecting with other families in the Hornby area.
Christchurch International Parenting Group Playgroup welcomes international parents from 2-3.30pm at 5 Twigger Street in Addington. This relaxed, free playgroup is perfect for meeting new people and sharing experiences while kids play in a safe, friendly space.
Waikuku Beach Playgroup starts at 9.30am at Waikuku Beach Community Hall on Park Terrace. This laid-back coastal playgroup occasionally features special outings and guest speakers. Free with gold coin donations appreciated. Email [email protected] to let them know you’re coming.
Fendalton Asian Plunket Playgroup runs from 1-3pm at 183 Fendalton Road, specially designed for babies under 6 months. Mandarin-speaking facilitator teaches baby massage, music and movement, and simple painting activities. Free but requires essential bookings on 022 123 4099.
Aranui Pukapuka Group offers a quick 30-minute session from 11-11.30am at Aranui Plunket Rooms on Portsmouth Street.
Cafe and Club Sessions
Monday is for Mums at Hornby Club starts at 11am at 17 Carmen Road. Coffee and scone for $8, kids can use indoor and outdoor playgrounds, plus half-price lunch boxes for little ones. Call 03 349 9026 to book. One member of your group must have a membership ($35 per year).
Movement Classes
BABY GYM runs Monday mornings at Selwyn Sports Centre for $4.90. Perfect for babies over 12 weeks to crawlers, it includes age-appropriate soft play equipment, singing, and dancing.
MINI GYM also happens Monday mornings at Selwyn Sports Centre for $4.90. Tailored for older preschoolers and toddlers, these classes focus on motor development and confidence through music and movement. They offer separate sessions for different age groups, including 1-2 year olds and 3-5 year olds.
MoveX Trampoline and Ninja Park offers preschooler specials Monday through Friday from 9.30am-1pm for $10. Includes access to all arena facilities plus a dedicated jumping area for tots with smaller trampolines, foam pits, and toys. Under 1s free. Located at 230 Maces Road, Bromley.
Momentum Studios in Ravenswood offers a Mums & Bubs Restorative Pilates class on Mondays at 10:30am. Designed for postnatal recovery, this gentle session supports pelvic floor healing, core strength, and overall wellbeing. Run by local mum Talita, it’s a calm and welcoming space for māmās to move, breathe, and connect. Casual and weekly payment options available.
Read more: Drop-in Classes for Active Preschoolers in Christchurch
Gymnastics and Ninja Training
Olympia Gymnastic Sports runs casual preschool sessions on Mondays from 9.30-10.15am at 29 Springs Road in Wigram. Kids participate in warm-up games and free play using beams, bars, rings, and trampolines in a 45-minute, semi-structured class for $10 per child.
Wigram’s Flips & Tumbles offers Toddler Tumble sessions from 9.30-11.30am at 12 Musgrove Close. Features two free-roaming spaces with equipment, plus an upstairs Jungle Room with trampolines. $7 per under-five and $7 per adult, with free viewing platform upstairs.
Launch Pad runs Toddler Time from 10am-12pm at 43 Langdons Road in Papanui. This two-hour session gives under-fives free access to the whole venue, including the scooter and bike pump track, for $12 (admits one child and one parent).
Affinity Gymnastics Academy offers drop-in sessions at 80 Detroit Drive in Rolleston. The Explore Class runs from 10-10.30am for $5, perfect for younger ones to see what gymnastics involves. The Structured Class follows from 10.45-11am for $10.
Ninja Valley runs extended Lil’ Ninja Sessions during term time only. Little ninjas under 6 can explore the entire Ninja Arena with flexible start and end times within the 2-hour session. Online booking gets you $15 versus walk-in pricing.
Music Classes
Oxford Music and Movement runs at 9.30am at Baptist Church on High Street in Oxford. Small-town vibe with gold coin donations making it accessible for everyone. Morning tea included.
Fun with Music Playgroup Rangiora offers music from 10-10.45am followed by free play until noon at Trinity Methodist on Kings Street. At $3 weekly or $15 per term, it’s perfect if you want structured activity plus social time.
Mainly Music Avonhead runs at St Christopher’s Church on Avonhead Road. Contact Stephanie on 021 055 2349 for availability.
Read more: Music and Movement Classes for Preschoolers in Christchurch
Library Sessions
Redwood Library hosts Sensory Hour from 5-6pm on Mondays, where environmental stimulants are reduced and special sensory toys and lego are available.
Tūranga offers Wā Pēpi Babytimes at 10.30am on Mondays, plus Sensory Hour from 6-7pm with reduced environmental stimulants and special sensory toys.
Upper Riccarton Library runs Wā Kōrero Storytimes at 10am on Mondays.
Leeston Library hosts LEGO Time from 3.30-4.30pm on Mondays.
Rangiora Library offers Babytimes at 10.30am on Mondays.
Read more: Free Library Activities for Preschoolers in Christchurch
Walking Groups
Halswell Walk & Talk Group meets at 10am at Te Hāpū: Halswell Centre, perfect for exploring local walking routes while meeting neighbors in this rapidly growing area.
New Brighton Walk & Talk Group starts at 10am at New Brighton Library on Marine Parade. The coastal location offers stunning scenery and fresh sea air.
Waimak Wanderers meets at 10.30am at Northbrook Wetlands in Rangiora for those happy to venture north.
Read more: Walking Groups for Christchurch Mums
Breastfeeding Support
The Mother4Mother programme runs breastfeeding support groups from 10am-12pm at Aranui Library on Aldershot Street. This trusted local initiative supports breastfeeding parents across Canterbury.
Read more: Breastfeeding Support Groups in Christchurch
Mondays in Christchurch are absolutely packed with options for preschoolers and their caregivers. Whether you’re after active play, quiet story time, music and movement, or just a good coffee while the kids burn energy, there’s something perfect for every family. Most activities are incredibly affordable or free, making it easy to try different options until you find your Monday favourites.
