Feeling bored? Say goodbye to lazy days with our ultimate guide to things to do in Christchurch for free this summer. Fun, fresh air, and zero cost—what’s not to love?
Summer has arrived, and so has the perfect excuse to soak up the sunshine with your family! Christchurch is a goldmine of free things to do with kids, offering endless adventures that won’t break the bank. From splash-worthy water play to nature-packed trails, this ultimate guide is your ticket to making memories without spending a cent. Grab your sunnies, rally the troops, and dive into the best family-friendly fun Ōtautahi has to offer; we’ve put together the ultimate list of things to do in Christchurch for free this summer.
Read more: 50 Free Things to Do With Kids in Christchurch
Things to do in Christchurch for free:
Pack a Picnic and Explore Halswell Quarry
This sprawling park has something for everyone—easy walking trails, native gardens, and plenty of picnic spots. Let the kids run wild while you relax with your snacks.
Ride the McLeans Island Bike Track
Bring the bikes or scooters and try the new track at McLeans Forest. This mini road network is a fun challenge, and perfect for a family outing. Check it out here.
Cool Down at Coes Ford Recreation Reserve
Just 30 minutes from Christchurch, Coes Ford is a gem for swimming, fishing, and picnics. Don’t forget to check the water quality before diving in.
Museum Pop-Up at CoCA
A mini-museum experience? Yes, please. Check out this creative space for an immersive twist on history and art.
Splash Pads and Summer Paddling Pools Around Town
Christchurch’s splash pads are lifesavers on hot days. Pack a towel and hit up the free ones like those at Scarborough or the New Brighton Foreshore Playground. Check out the best paddling pools in Christchurch here.
Free Orienteering Adventures
Permanent orienteering courses are set up at Spencer Park, Victoria Park, The Groynes, and Halswell Quarry. Grab a map, get outside, and see who’s the family’s best navigator. More info can be found here.
Ride the Peace Train at the Botanic Gardens
Every Sunday from 10am-1pm (until April), hop aboard this charming mini train for a free, peaceful ride through the gardens.
Walk the Coastal Path to Corsair Bay
Start at Magazine Bay and enjoy this scenic 20-minute walk. There’s a pirate-themed playground at Corsair Bay for a swashbuckling finale.
Riccarton Bush Walk
Perfect for a shady stroll, this buggy-friendly track loops through a stunning, shady forest. It’s an easy 40-minute adventure. Stay for Story Times on a Friday and a free fluffy.
Build Huts at Bottle Lake Forest
Gather sticks, pine needles, and imaginations to create the ultimate cubby in the pine forest.
Avebury Playground and Richmond Gardens
The revamped Avebury Playground has a paddling pool, and nearby Richmond Gardens boasts a mud kitchen and fungi farm for hands-on fun.
The Rhino Walk in Akaroa
The Children’s Bay Walkway leads to a quirky rhino sculpture with stunning views. It’s an hour’s return and totally worth it.
Ohoka Farmers Market Fridays
Wander through stalls of fresh produce and homemade goodies while the kids soak up the community vibes. More info here.
Victoria Park Playground in Port Hills
Take in epic views of the city while the kids climb and swing to their hearts’ content.
Picturesque Picnic Spots
Hagley Park, Mona Vale Gardens, Millbrook Reserve, or Cracroft Stone House—take your pick for a dreamy al fresco lunch.
Host a BBQ
Free BBQ spots are scattered across the city. Bring the sausages, and let the kids run wild while you cook up a storm.
Hagley Parkrun
Kickstart your Saturday with a 5km run or walk. The kids can cheer you on—or join in if they’re up for it.
Sparks Road Wetlands
This new wetland area is perfect for exploring native flora and fauna. Pack a hat and let the kids go wild spotting birds.
Taylors Mistake Rock Pools
Low tide at Taylors Mistake reveals a treasure trove of critters in the rock pools. Bring a bucket and a sense of wonder.
Styx River Springs
Follow the bubbling springs on to a playground for a relaxed, nature-inspired day out.
#ChristchurchRocks
Paint, hide, and find rocks around the city. It’s creative, fun, and a great way to explore new places. Have a look at the Facebook page here.
Kids Pump Track at Christchurch Adventure Park
Little thrill-seekers will love the free family pump track. Don’t forget to search for the fairy doors scattered around the park.
Kids-Only Fishing Spots at The Groynes
Bring a rod, bait, and a licence to one of the kids-only fishing areas.
Kaiapoi Food Forest
Forage for fresh produce while the kids explore the pirate ship and cubby house.
Summer Theatre at the Botanic Gardens
Pack a picnic and enjoy family-friendly performances in the heart of the city. Details can be found here.
World Buskers Festival
The kids will love the wild acts, and you’ll love that it’s free. Scroll our family-friendly guide here.
Sensory Gardens in New Brighton and Rolleston Library
These interactive spaces are perfect for kids to touch, smell, and explore.
Orton Bradley Park
This hidden gem offers walking tracks, play areas, streams to splash in, biking tracks and plenty of space to roam. There is a small fee to visit the private park, but $35 will cover you for the whole year.
Ilam Gardens
Wander through this historic, lesser-known garden, and cross bridges over the Avon River. It’s peaceful and a little magical.
Upshot Cafe in Heathcote
Grab a coffee while the kids watch horses graze. Have a peek at our Instagram reel here.
Mamlambo Fossils
Open Sundays between 10am-2pm, this hands-on fossil dig is a hit with budding palaeontologists.
Waikuku Beach
Spend a day exploring the estuary, dunes, and paddling pool at the domain.
Lincoln Wetlands
Stepping stones, reeds, and birdlife make this walk an adventure for little explorers.
Ashley Gorge Reserve
Splash, picnic, and hike—Ashley Gorge is perfect for a summer escape.
Slacklining at Kakaha Park
Bring your bikes, scooters, and balance skills to this unique park.
Red Zone Dogs Scavenger Hunt
Help clean up the Red Zone while hunting for hidden treasures. Download/print it here or pop into the office at Avebury House between 9-1pm and they can help you to print a copy.
Westlake Reserve
Scoot around the lake, feed the ducks, and play on the swings.
Feed Eels at Oxford Terrace
Bring some meat scraps and watch the eels slither up for a snack.
Agents of Discovery App
Solve outdoor challenges using augmented reality. It’s educational, sneaky fun. Details here.
Leithfield Fairy Land
Wander through this enchanting spot, then hit the nearby pebbly beach for a picnic. Looking for more fairy fun? View our list of trails and walks here.
Abberly Park
Home to New Zealand’s first scented garden for the visually impaired, with fragrant plants and a paddling pool.
Model Yachts at Halswell Domain
Watch tiny boats glide across the water—a surprisingly calming activity.
Brownlee Reserve (Clifton Terrace) Morning Tea
Sip your coffee under the shade of giant trees and soak in some of Sumner’s best views while the kids explore the playground.
Travis Wetland Nature Heritage Park
Climb the observation tower for a bird’s-eye view of this wetland paradise.
Governors Bay Foreshore Track
Hunt for crabs along this scenic coastal trail. This 30-minute shared track follows the coastline from Governors Bay to Teddington
Scavenger Hunt at the Botanic Gardens
Pick up a free scavenger hunt sheet at The Kiosk and set the kids loose to explore the gardens.
Spencer Park
Playgrounds, beaches, lagoon walks—Spencer Park has it all.
Margaret Mahy Playground
Love it or loathe it, the water play area is unbeatable on a scorching day.
Indoor Playgrounds
Escape the summer heat (or dodge a surprise downpour) at Christchurch’s indoor mall playgrounds. These pint-sized adventure zones are perfect for burning off energy while you enjoy a coffee or tick off the shopping list. Bonus: they’re air-conditioned and completely free!
