Michal Bush has been making catchy, feel-good music for kids since 2012, and as a local mum of three, she knows exactly what little ones love. Read on as we chat with her about her top child-friendly picks in Christchurch!
If you’ve got kids, chances are you’ve come across Music with Michal. Michal Bush has been making fun, catchy songs for little ones since 2012, and her music has become a go-to in homes and classrooms around the world. With four albums, a bunch of lively YouTube videos, and a knack for writing songs that kids (and parents) actually enjoy, she’s a favourite in the children’s music scene.
As a local mum of three, Michal knows exactly what kids love—and what parents can handle on repeat. Her music is all about wellbeing, kindness, and learning in a way that feels fun and natural. She even works with teachers and experts to make sure her songs are packed with good stuff. Whether it’s a singalong at home, a dance break in the lounge, or a way to make car rides a little less chaotic, Music with Michal brings joy, energy, and heart.
So, who better to ask for kid-friendly recommendations in Christchurch? Read on for Michal’s top picks!
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Hi Michal! Tell us a bit about yourself…
How many kids do you have? Three daughters
What age are they? 7, 10 and 12
How many years have you lived in Christchurch? My whole life!
Tell us a bit about what you do for work: I’m a children’s musician and YouTuber who writes and performs songs for preschoolers and young primary-aged children. I’ve published 6 books, released 3 albums and am currently producing a YouTube series funded by NZ On Air.
We’re spoilt for choice with great eateries in Christchurch, and even better when they cater for kids! Tell us, what is your favourite…
Child-friendly cafe in Christchurch: We love a good cafe! Our current favourites are also dog friendly so the whole family can come (except our cat…sorry Pikelet). We love Dune Cafe, The Welder and North Beach Coffee Shed!
Child-friendly pub/beer garden in Christchurch/ Canterbury: One Good Horse
Place to go for a fluffy: My girls have grown out of fluffies (take me back!) but we used to love going to the North Beach Coffee Shed and sitting on the beach – once the fluffy is consumed you can play cafes with the empty cup!
Ice cream spot: Rollickin Gelato is our kids favourite – hot tip – we buy one cup with three scoops and make them share because it’s way cheaper than getting them one each.
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Bakery to take the kids to: We get bread every Saturday morning from Jerry and George at the New Brighton Market. They love the cheese sticks. Also Grizzly at The Welder.
Farmers market to potter around – kids in tow: Riccarton Bush farmers market is definitely a happy place for us.
Restaurant/Cafe to go to treat the kids: Our kids love One Good Horse in Parklands because of the playground. We also love The Burger Joint in New Brighton for a family dinner and playing board games. Or for a really special treat we have gone to C1 for a hot chocolate with their face on it and fries from the chutes. Our ultimate post show treat is going to The Creperie at Riverside Market!
We’re always on the hunt for cool, child-friendly spots and things to do in Christchurch, tell us, what is your favourite…
Shopping mall to take the kids to in Christchurch: We frequent The Palms and Westfield.
Free thing to do: Margaret Mahy Playground, beach time or a walk to the fairy houses in the forest, and Tūranga Library.
Attraction to take little ones to: we love going to the theatre! The Court Theatre, Little Andromeda and The Arts Centre to see their holiday shows or outside theatre offerings.
Place to feed the ducks: Botanic Gardens.
Spot for a family picnic: The beach or the Botanic Gardens.
Child-friendly hike/walking trail: We aren’t a huge walking family but we recently enjoyed the cave walk in Redcliffs. We love taking the dog for a walk around Hagley Park.
Destination for a day trip: Hanmer Springs
Pool or splash pad to hit during summer: New Brighton Splash Pad – or we used to love Woodham park and botanic gardens pools when they were younger. Now that our children are older they fizz at going to Jellie Park.
Community Garden to explore: New Brighton Community Garden is very sweet.
Creating playful content is a big part of your growing community, so we’d love to know some of the best places that you have found and top play spots in The Garden City. Shout out your favourite…
Playground to take the kids to in Christchurch: Woodham Park, Sumner Playground and New Brighton are old favourites but our local playgrounds are what we hit up the most. Any in walking distance.
Place to go on a rainy day: Used to be The Museum! We miss it!! But these days the movies, the art gallery, Tūranga Library or jackets on and a walk through the forest.
Nature play area or walk: Walking the dunes in New Brighton.
Place to play in the snow near Christchurch: No idea! We need to explore snow more!
Local toy shop: I recently discovered Whimsy and Wonder in Merivale shopping for my niece.
NZ small businesses for kids: Honeysticks and Zazi have gorgeous products for little ones.
Venue to hire or place to book for birthday parties: Feels like we have done it all at this point! We just did an awesome Build-a-Bear pop-up for my girls 10th birthday at The Crossing for just $10 per child! Each child got a bear which was pretty amazing.
Pump/scooter track: We found a really little one in our neighbourhood which we have been loving! It’s on Cameo Grove in Burwood.
Beach for making sandcastles: North New Brighton
At-home activity for keeping kids entertained: Water play, sprinkler under the trampoline and LEGO. And my girls love making up dances to perform for us. We’ve seen a lot of dances. So. Many. Dances.
Place to go… when you just don’t know where to go: The City Centre – I love our city!
And of course, we parents need some TLC. Shout out your fave…
Date night activity/restaurant: Go see a show at Little Andromeda and grab food at Riverside.
Place to go for a night out with the girls: Delilah for cocktails
Place to go for some ‘me’ time: I love time solo at a cafe with a book.
Spa in Christchurch: Nicola Quinn
Nail salon in Christchurch: Nine Moons in Merivale or Detail Nail Art in Parklands
Instagram accounts for some mindless scrolling... I love a mindless scroll! I just let Instagram take me on whatever wild journey it wants to. Recently, Shabazsays reacting to grammy outfits has been a great laugh.
Parenting hack: My ultimate hack has been to make my girls part of my work! When I’m doing weekend or holiday shows they are involved and it turns work into family time. That’s pretty niche though…
Any other child-friendly gems that we MUST know about? Music with Michal concerts of course! Haha.
You can follow Music with Michal on Instagram here.
Images courtesy of Michal Bush.
