Our pick of family-friendly events from 18– 21 April 2025. Here’s what’s on for kids this Easter weekend in Christchurch…
Brace yourself, parents—Easter weekend is upon us. And while the weather forecast is looking wetter than a toddler with a leaky drink bottle, there’s still heaps happening around Christchurch to keep the kids entertained (and maybe even tire them out). Whether you’re chasing chocolate, crafting your way through the school holidays, or just looking for a dry spot to hide with coffee in hand, we’ve got you covered.
Here’s what’s on—eggs and umbrellas at the ready.
Search our events calendar for more family-friendly events for kids here.
What’s on for kids this Easter weekend:
Natural Egg Dyeing & Storytime at Riverside Kitchen
Little ones aged 3+ can dye their own Easter eggs using natural, food-based colours (think beetroot pink and turmeric gold), then sit back for a sweet little storytime while the eggs soak. You’ll leave with three beautifully dyed eggs and one very proud child.
When: Mon 14 – Sat 19 April, 10am–10:45am
Where: Riverside Kitchen, Christchurch
How much: $15 per child. Click here to book and pay at the door.
More details here.
Holiday Fun Zone at The Arts Centre
A chilled-out, free family zone with lawn games, beanbags, a bubble machine and heaps of space for the kids to burn off chocolate-induced energy. It’s as low-key as it gets, and smack bang in the city.
When: Mon 14 – Fri 25 April, 11am–3pm
Where: North Quad, The Arts Centre
How much: Free
More details here.
Kia Auaha! Make It! Trail
A crafty treasure trail across six central city spots. Make leaf boats, mosaics, masks, wiggly sculptures and more. You’ll need a few days to get through it all—and maybe a backpack for all the masterpieces.
When: Sat 12 – Sun 27 April, 10am–3pm
Where: Christchurch Botanic Gardens and other locations. Be aware that some locations may be closed for Easter.
How much: Free
More details here.
Quail Island Easter Egg Hunt
Catch the ferry from Lyttelton and head off on a scavenger hunt across the island. Find hidden letters, crack the secret word and trade it for chocolate. Bonus: entry puts you in the draw to win an Akaroa Nature Cruise.
When: Sat 12 – Sun 27 April
Where: Quail Island
How much: $20 return ferry, under 5s free
More details here.
Easter at Willowbank
An egg-hunt with a difference—follow the clues, explore the park, and figure out the secret name of one of Willowbank’s very cute bunnies. Find it and score chocolate. While you’re there, meet lemurs, kea and kiwis.
When: Daily, Sat 12 – Sun 27 April
Where: 60 Hussey Rd, Northwood
How much: Standard entry applies
More details here.
School Holidays in Ocean Alley
An epic line-up of themed days in New Brighton: think pop-up skate ramps, crazy bike days, doggie dress-ups and a beachy vibe even the rain can’t ruin. Check their schedule to see what’s on when.
When: Mon 11 April – Sat 10 May (various days)
Where: Ocean Alley, 56 Brighton Mall
How much: Free
More details here.
Easter Fun at Little High Eatery
Chocolate eggs are hiding, and it’s your job to find them! Hunt down sweet surprises around Little High this Easter weekend, with extra fun on Sunday to keep the good vibes rolling—think face painting, balloon art, and Easter colouring to keep little hands busy.
When: Friday 18 – Monday 21 April
Face painting: Sunday 20 April, 12–3:30pm
Balloon art: Sunday 20 April, 4:30–7:30pm
Where: Little High Eatery, Christchurch
How much: Free
More details here.
Easter Market and Egg Hunt at Brighton Mall
A huge Easter market with local stalls, good food and a massive egg hunt at 11am. Bonus: under 5s get a head start, because we all know how brutal those hunts can get.
When: Saturday 19 April, Market from 10am, Egg Hunt at 11am
Where: 25 Brighton Mall
How much: Free
More details here.
Sock Bunny Heroes at Botanic Gardens
Turn old socks into adorable bunnies, learn about the environmental impact of rabbits, and leave feeling both crafty and conscious. Bring your own sock if you’ve got one lying around.
When: Saturday 19 April, 10am–1pm
Where: Christchurch Botanic Gardens
How much: Free
Meet the Easter Bunny at Westfield Riccarton
The Bunny is hopping around Westfield this Saturday giving out treats and posing for photos. Perfect bribe material to get through the weekly shopping trip.
When: Saturday 19 April, 11am–2pm
Where: 129 Riccarton Road
How much: Free
More details here.
Easter Fun at The Lil Brew
Crowntastic is in the house with free egg decorating and $6 face painting. There’ll be Easter cookies, hot choccies, colouring comps, and the chance to win a meet and greet with a character.
When: Friday 19 April, 10am–12pm
Where: 186a Main Road, Redcliffs
How much: Free to attend
More details here.
The Christchurch Easter Show
Rides, markets, food trucks, animals and the Easter vibes dialled to 100. Expect crowd faves like Empire Chicken and mini donuts, plus lots to see and do.
When: 18–21 and 25–27 April, 10.30am–4.30pm
Where: Canterbury Agricultural Park, Wigram
How much: Free entry
More details here.
Easter Bunny Hunt at Christchurch Gondola
Search for hidden bunnies at the top of the Gondola and unscramble a secret word for an Easter treat. Hunt is free with entry—but you’ll need a Gondola ticket to play.
When: 18 & 19 April, 10am–5pm
Where: 10 Bridle Path Road
How much: Hunt is free, standard Gondola entry applies
More details here.
School Holiday Inflatables at Jellie Park
Jump, slide, and bash your way through the inflatable obstacle course in the pool. Hydroslide included. Towel essential.
When: 18, 19, 21, 25–27 April (times vary)
Where: Jellie Park Rec & Sport Centre
How much: General pool admission
More details here.
Easter Enchanted Woodland Forest
Free egg hunt, face painting, colouring and Bunny selfies—perfect for kids who don’t like waiting in line for chocolate.
When: 18–21 April, 11am–2pm daily
Where: 30 Durey Rd, Christchurch Airport
How much: Free
More details here.
Lincoln Easter Market
Egg hunt, live entertainment, and all the stall action you could want—crafts, produce, plants and, of course, Hot Cross Buns.
When: Saturday 19 April, 10am–1pm
Where: Gerald Street, Lincoln
How much: Free
More details here.
Easter Basket Making Workshop at Ballantynes
Decorate your own Easter basket, meet the Easter Bunny and go on a fun egg hunt through the Children’s Department. Hosted in partnership with the magical team from Crowntastic.
When: Saturday 19 April, 9:30–10:15am
Where: Ballantynes, Christchurch City Centre
How much: $30 per child (includes all materials, a photo with the Easter Bunny, a small chocolate/candy gift, and the egg hunt). Book here.
More details here.
Easter Eggstravaganza at Riverside Market
The Bunny is back for egg hunts, colouring comps and general sugar-fuelled chaos from 3–5pm daily.
When: 19–21 April, 3–5pm
Where: 78 Cashel Street
How much: Free
More details here.
Arion Farm Easter Event
*Due to rain forecasted, this event has been postponed to Saturday, 26 April*
A proper Easter Monday outing—egg hunts, bouncy castles, princesses, pony rides, face painting, food stalls, and farm animals galore.
When: Monday 21 April, 10am–3pm
Where: 890 McLeans Island Road
How much: Entry fees apply
More details here.
Tai Tapu Hotel Easter Family Day
A family-friendly morning with face painting, balloon twisting, colouring comp, crafts and a big ol’ egg hunt. Bookings essential.
When: Monday 21 April, 11am–1pm
Where: 780 Old Tai Tapu Road
How much: Free. Reserve a table here.
More details here.
Halswell Raceday at Motukarara
Harness racing with a family spin—bring a picnic and enjoy kids’ entertainment alongside the ponies.
When: Monday 21 April, 11am–5pm
Where: Motukarara Raceway
How much: Free.
More details here.
Easter at Ferrymead
A full school holiday programme with games, trails, crafts, baking and a vintage village to explore. Hunt for treasures and soak up some old-school charm.
When: 14–21 April, 10 am–3pm
Where: Ferrymead Heritage Park
How much: $10–$15
More details here.
Circus Kids
Flip, tumble and juggle your way into the world of circus in this fun intro session at Altiora, Christchurch’s newest performing arts hub. A playful hour of aerials, acrobatics, clowning, games and more—perfect for curious kids keen to try something new.
When: Monday 21 April, 4–5pm
Where: Altiora (The Gym), The Arts Centre
How much: $20 (For ages 6–9). Book here.
Messy Mates at The Hub Hornby
Get stuck into some seriously fun sensory play these school holidays! Messy Mates are popping up at The Hub Hornby with all the gooey, squishy, creative goodness kids love. Expect hands-on activities that spark imagination, build confidence, and embrace the mess—without you having to clean it up. No bookings, no pressure—just drop in and play.
When: Monday 21 – Thursday 24 April
Sessions: 10am–12pm (ages 0–6) & 1–3pm (ages 4–11)
Where: The Hub Hornby
How much: Free
More details here.
