Our pick of family-friendly events from 7 – 9 June 2024. Here’s what’s on for kids this weekend…
If you’re yet to start thinking about weekend plans, there is no shortage of things to do with tiny humans – and many are free, too! Grab a complimentary donut to celebrate National Donut Day, listen to some Matariki-inspired bedtime stories at Fendalton Library, eat some delicious food and get crafty. Here’s what’s on for kids this weekend…
Search our events calendar for more family-friendly events for kids here.
What’s on for kids this weekend:
National Donut Day
To celebrate National Donut Day, Original Foods Baking Co. is handing out 2,500 “do-licious’ treats to those who make the trip to their store in Wigram. They’ll give away one donut per person from 7.30am until they’re all gone, so make sure to get there early if you and the kids fancy a Friday pick-me-up.
When: Friday, 7 June, 7.30-3.30pm
Where: 8 Stark Drive, Wigram, Christchurch, New Zealand
How much: Free
More details here.
Bedtime Stories at Fendalton Library
Fendalton Library encourages tots to wear their pyjamas and join story-teller Margot for a Friday night story session where your entire family is invited to listen to Matariki-themed stories, songs and crafts.
When: Friday, 7 June, 6.30-7.30pm
Where: 4 Jeffreys Road, Fendalton, Christchurch
How much: Free
More details here.
Bee Awesome with Envirokids: Pests & Problems Facing Our Bees
Head over to the Kiosk in the Botanic Gardens any time between 10-1pm to join Envirokids in a free exploration of bees. Kids can bring their plastic drink bottles and try making DIY wasp traps, learning how to construct effective wasp traps to help protect the bee population. Ideal for little nature enthusiasts ages 5 – 13.
When: Saturday, 8 June, 10-1pm
Where: Kiosk in the Botanic Gardens, Rolleston Avenue, Central, Christchurch
How much: Free
More details here.
Matariki Decoration Drop-In
When: Saturday, 8 June, 10-2pm
Where: 180 Avonside Drive, Avonside, Christchurch
How much: Free
More details here.
Rangiora Skate Jam
This skating taster session at Dudley Park is a great way to give skating a go if you’re new to the sport. There will be roaming instructors from Cheapskates Skate Skool on hand to direct the kids, a competition with prizes, a DJ and sausage sizzle.
When: Saturday, 8 June, 1-4pm
Where: Dudley Park, 43 Church Street, Rangiora
How much: Free
More details here.
Posh Porridge at The Lil Brew
The Lil Brew is teaming up with Posh Porridge to serve steaming hot bowls of delicious, creamy porridge this weekend. Big bowls for the adults and little bowls for the kiddos, indulge in tasty toppings, grab a coffee and let the kids play in their outdoor and indoor play spaces.
When: Sunday, 9 June, 9-11am
Where: 186a Main Road, Redcliffs, Christchurch
How much: Free
More details here.
Burwood Sensory Nature Play Launch Day
Join The Green Lab, Avon-Ōtākaro Forest Park and Hummingbird, to celebrate the newly-built sensory nature play area on Brooker Ave in Burwood. Promoting a deeper connection with nature, this new space is open for use from Sunday, 9 June and celebrating its completion from 10am with a blessing and a chance to try your hand at weed-mat weaving, building an insect hotel, and creating unique sounds in an installation by students at The University of Canterbury. The sensory space is an educational hub designed to have minimal environmental impact and includes a sound garden and sensory rope trail. Hummingbird will also be dishing out free coffees between 9-11am.
When: Sunday, 9 June, 9-1pm
Where: 49 Brooker Ave, Burwood, Christchurch
How much: Free
More details here.
Slaprea Food Innovation Festival
Slaprea’s eco-friendly community food festival is hosted monthly for food and drink lovers across Christchurch. A family-friendly affair, children under 18 can attend for free with plenty of activities to keep little ones happy. Student teachers will be on hand to look after those in the designated under 5s area, as well as a face painting station, bouncy castles, cookie decorating, and spring roll and matcha-making masterclasses. Adults can enjoy innovative food creations from mushroom lattes to charcoal BBQs, speciality biltong, and speciality desserts.
When: Sunday, 9 June, 10-3pm
Where: 231 High Street, Christchurch Central, Christchurch
How much: Children under 18 are free, adult tickets cost $8 per person, or $5 if you come via bus, EV, bike, or on foot. Gold coin tickets if you come via bus, EV, bike, or on foot and follow and tag Slaprea on social media.
More details here.
Drop-in Artist’s Workshop for Families: Sparkly Happy People
Join in a family-focused Matariki-inspired art-making session with artist, Maungarongo Te Kawa. This creative sewing circle will be working on sparkly fabric art “to light up the darkness for Matariki.” Open to all ages and with no experience needed, choose a star and start making some magic with help from Maungarongo to cut, glue and paste. There will also be a free badge-making workshop to enjoy.
When: Sunday, 9 June, 10.30-12pm
Where: Christchurch Art Gallery, 312 Montreal Street, Christchurch
How much: Free
More details here.
Christchurch Kids Market
Christchurch Kids Market is back this June at Mt Pleasant Community Centre; support young entrepreneurs ages 6 – 16 as they learn to run their mini enterprises. Shop baked goods, treats, pre-loved clothing, toys and books, plants, handmade gifts, and arts and crafts.
When: Sunday, 9 June, 10.30-12.30pm
Where: Mount Pleasant Community Centre, 3 McCormacks Bay Road, Mount Pleasant, Christchurch
How much: Free to attend
More details here.
