Our pick of family-friendly events from 30 August – 1 September 2024. Here’s what’s on for kids this Father’s Day weekend…
The year is flying by and Father’s Day is just around the corner. Whether you’re going all out for the occasion or keeping it low-key, plenty is happening in Christchurch to honour dads and the father figures in our lives. Here’s what’s on for kids this Father’s Day weekend.
Read more: Shop These Small NZ Businesses This Father’s Day
Search our events calendar for more family-friendly events for kids here.
What’s on for kids this Father’s Day weekend:
The Darfield Bricktactular 2024
The Darfield Bricktacular LEGO® Event returns on Saturday at Malvern Recreation & Social Centre. Families can enjoy LEGO® displays by former LEGO® Masters NZ contestants, play areas for all ages, and fun competitions with great prizes. There’ll also be craft stations, LEGO®-themed gear, and tasty food trucks, with proceeds supporting a new playground for the school. It’s a cash-only event, so bring the family and enjoy a day full of LEGO® fun.
When: Saturday, 31 August, 10-2pm
Where: Malvern Recreation & Social Centre, 92 North Terrace, Darfield
How much: $5 entry per person (under 2’s free). Book tickets here.
More info here.
Halswell Night Train Rides
Mark your diaries for a fun night at the miniature railway riding in the dark — a totally different experience! Bring a picnic dinner, bundle up (it gets chilly), and hop on board these night rides. Tickets are $2 each, with sweet deals for multiple rides. Closed shoes are a must, and kids under 12 need to bring along an adult or responsible older buddy for safety. Expect a few queues, but it’s all part of the fun.
When: Saturday, 31 August, 5-8pm
Where: Halswell Domain, Christchurch
How much: $2 per ride
More info here.
WDP Whānau Festival
Head down to the WDP Whānau Festival on Saturday on Ferry Road, Woolston. There’s a free sausage sizzle, arts and crafts, kite making, face painting, and more. The kids can dig through the rummage table, play some sports, and join in on a treasure hunt.
When: Saturday, 31 August, 10-2pm
Where: 497 Ferry Road, Woolston, Christchurch
How much: Free to attend
More info here.
Daffodil Day Fun Run
Join the annual Daffodil Day Fun Run/Walk on Saturday, 31 August, with a 2km or 6km loop around Springfield. This event supports the Cancer Society’s Annual Fundraiser, helping honour those affected by cancer through exercise and community support. Bring your friends, family, and pets for a morning of movement and social connection.
When: Saturday, 31 August, 10am
Where: Springfield Donut, 5678 West Coast Road, Springfield
How much: Entry is by donation—look for the Cancer Society’s collection bucket on the day or donate online via this link.
More details here.
Templeton School Fair
The PSG is hosting the first Templeton School Fair on Saturday between 11-3pm at the Templeton Community Centre. Expect over 40 market stalls, food trucks, a chocolate wheel, coffee, face painting, ice cream, and second-hand clothing. It’s a great chance to check out what the community has to offer and enjoy a relaxed day out, kids in tow.
When: Saturday, 31 August, 11-3pm
Where: 64 Kirk Road, Templeton, Christchurch
How much: Free to attend
More info here.
Rangatahi Boogie
Bring the whole family to the Edmonds Band Rotunda by the Ōtākaro Avon River for an afternoon of stories and songs! Join in the fun with performances by Greg Malcolm & Jenny Ward, and Anika Moa (Ngāpuhi, Te Aupōuri), dance and sing along to some great tunes. It’s a free event, so just come along and enjoy the vibes with WORD Christchurch.
When: Saturday, 31 August, 2-3.30pm
Where: Edmonds Band Rotunda, 230 Cambridge Tce, Christchurch
How much: Free
More info here.
Glenlothian Farm Family Day
Glenlothian Farm is reopening for spring, and they’re kicking things off with a family day on Father’s Day. From 10-3pm, you can enjoy food stalls, face painting, and crafts, as well as hand-feeding their beloved animal residents. It’s a relaxed day out for the whole family, with plenty to keep the kids entertained and hot coffee to keep you going.
When: Sunday, 1 September, 10-3pm
Where: Glenlothian Farm,
How much: Adults: $14; Children: $6
More info here.
Weka Pass Railway Father’s Day Train Rides
Celebrate Father’s Day on the rails! This Sunday, bring Dad and the family along for a scenic train ride with Weka Pass Railway. Trains leave from Glenmark Station, Waipara at 11.30am and 2pm heading to Waikari.
When: Sunday, 1 September, 11.30am and 2pm
Where: 113 Glenmark Drive, Waipara, New Zealand
How much: $35 for adults, $15 for kids, $87 for a family, and $2 for preschoolers on laps. Book here.
More info here.
Baby Sensory Father’s Day Weekend Special
Celebrate Father’s Day Weekend with a special Baby Sensory class designed just for dads. Whether it’s your first Father’s Day or simply looking for a fun way to bond, this is your chance to join other dads and their little ones for a memorable experience. The weekend features two sessions at two locations: Burwood on Saturday, 31 August and at the WOW Sensory Centre on Tuam Street on Sunday, 1 September. Each class is $30 per baby, with up to two adults included. Perfect for babies aged 0-13 months.
When: Burwood- Saturday, 31 August at 9.30am or 11am; WOW Sensory Centre – Sunday, 1 September, 9.30am or 10.45am
Where: 95a Sawyers Arms Road, Papanui or The Wow Centre, 462 Tuam Street
How much: $30 per baby, per class. Book tickets for Burwood classes here and Wow Sensory Centre classes here.
More info here.
Featured image property of nook NZ, image #2 credited to Halswell Miniature Trains, image #8 credited to Weka Pass Railway
