Our pick of family-friendly events from 31 October – 2 November 2025. Here’s what’s on for kids this weekend in Christchurch…
There’s a full line-up of spooky fun, sweet treats, and family adventures across the city this weekend. Whether your little ones prefer fairies or fright nights, there’s something for everyone.
Search our events calendar for more family-friendly events for kids here.
What’s on for kids this weekend:
31 October 2025
UV Halloween Party
If you prefer your scares with a side of sparkle, the UV Halloween Party in Rolleston is the place to be. Think black lights, neon décor, and glowing costumes that turn the whole venue into a luminous wonderland. There’ll be games, dancing, prizes, and plenty of snacks to keep energy levels high. It’s family-friendly, full of fluorescent fun, and the perfect way to shine bright this Halloween.
When: Friday 31 October, 5pm–7pm
Where: Selwyn Sports Centre, 70 Broadlands Drive, Rolleston
How much: $8 per person (children under 10 require supervision)
More details here.
Riverside Trick or Treat
Riverside Market is calling all mini monsters for its Halloween Trick or Treat afternoon. Collect your ticket and goodie bag at the Cashel Mall entrance, then set off on a sugary scavenger hunt through 10 lolly stations marked with black or orange balloons. There’s a photo booth for spooky selfies, prizes for the best costumes, and all proceeds support Ronald McDonald House Charities NZ. A $5 ticket gets you treats, fun, and a warm fuzzy feeling knowing you’re helping a great cause.
When: Friday 31 October, 2.30pm–6pm
Where: Riverside Market, 96 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch Central
How much: $5
More details here.
Halloween Spooktacular at The Arts Centre
The Arts Centre is transforming into a Halloween carnival bursting with games, dancing, and mischievous fun. Kids can collect stamps from carnival games, trade them for a goodie bag, and show off their best costumes while balloon animals and spooky tunes fill the air. It’s perfect for ages 4–12, with a bar nearby for the grown-ups. Stick around later if you dare—the After Dark event takes things up a notch for the adults.
When: Friday 31 October, Family Frights 5.30–7pm
Where: The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora, 2 Worcester Boulevard, Christchurch Central
How much: See event page for ticket details
More details here.
Halloween Trick or Treat at Ferrymead
Ferrymead Heritage Park is opening its gates for one of the most popular family events of the year. Bring your treat bag and explore the park’s lollie stations, hop on the train or tram, and enjoy plenty of eerie excitement in a safe, family-friendly setting. Food stalls will be onsite if you need to fuel your little monsters between sugar runs.
When: Friday 31 October, 4pm–8pm
Where: Ferrymead Heritage Park, 50 Ferrymead Park Drive, Ferrymead
How much: See event page for ticket prices
More details here.
Glow in the Dark Halloween Party
Chipmunks Wigram is going full glow for Halloween night. Expect a glowing disco, free face painting, games, prizes, and the ultimate lolly scramble with Charlie Chipmunk. There’s even a best dressed contest for those who like to show off their spooky style. Adults can sip coffee while the kids dance it out in the glow room.
When: Friday 31 October, 5.30pm–8pm
Where: Chipmunks Wigram, 218 Main South Road, Wigram
How much: $20 single entry or $30 two-for-one deal (1–11 years, adults free)
More details here.
1 November 2025
Maleficent’s House of Tricks and Treats
The dark fairy herself is opening her doors at Silhouette Studios for a Halloween adventure packed with magic, music, and mischief. Kids can trick or treat their way through themed rooms, collect goodies, and meet Maleficent, Princess Aurora, and a few surprise guests. Every corner is brimming with Halloween spirit, making it a must-do for little villains and heroes alike.
When: Saturday 1 November, 9.30am–1.15pm
Where: Silhouette Studios NZ, 6 Sheffield Crescent, Burnside
How much: Child $40, family pass $99, sibling $35, under 1s $3.77
More details here.
Selwyn Fireworks Spectacular
End the weekend with a bang at the Selwyn Fireworks Spectacular, the biggest community night out of the year. Expect a massive fireworks display lighting up the sky, heaps of food stalls, and a totally free kids’ corner packed with games, rides, and face painting thanks to Robbie’s Bar & Bistro. There’ll be music, laughter, and that unbeatable small-town buzz as everyone gathers for the show. Make sure to grab tickets online, as there are no gate sales this year.
When: Saturday 1 November, 5pm–10pm
Where: Foster Park, Rolleston
How much: Family pass $40, adults $15, kids $10, under 5s free
More details here.
Original Foods Seconds Sale
A Christchurch favourite returns with trays of sweet deals. Head to Wigram for the Original Foods Seconds Sale and stock up on cakes, donuts, brownies, and slices at prices that make Christmas prep a breeze. Perfect for lunchboxes, afternoon teas, or a sneaky treat when the kids aren’t looking.
When: Saturday 1 November, 9am–2pm
Where: 8 Stark Drive, Wigram
How much: Free entry
More details here.
Elim Belfast Community Light Party
Swap the spooky for something bright at Elim Belfast’s annual Light Party. It’s a free afternoon packed with bouncy castles, games, music, and face painting. Bring your best costume and enjoy a wholesome celebration of community, joy, and all things good.
When: Saturday 1 November, 2pm–4pm
Where: Elim Church Belfast Campus, 803 Main North Road, Belfast
How much: Free
More details here.
Ferrymead Heritage Park Night Market
Ferrymead turns into a lively night market filled with food, crafts, and music. Every visit supports the preservation of the park and local education programmes. Enjoy a family evening wandering the historic streets, sampling local bites, and maybe sneaking in a quick train ride while you’re at it.
When: Saturday 1 November, 4pm–8pm
Where: Ferrymead Heritage Park, 50 Ferrymead Park Drive, Ferrymead
How much: $5 adults
More details here.
Baby Sensory Pumpkin Special
It’s all about the tiniest pumpkins this weekend at Baby Sensory Christchurch North. These themed sessions are bursting with textures, lights, and gentle sensory play designed to delight babies and calm parents. Expect soft autumn hues, plenty of giggles, and maybe a little pumpkin costume competition too. It’s a lovely way to make memories and meet other new families.
When: Saturday 1 November, 10am & 11.30am
Where: All Saints Church, 305 New Brighton Road, Burwood
How much: $30 per baby (includes up to 2 adults)
More details here.
Kids Market Rolleston
The Rolleston Community Centre will be buzzing with mini entrepreneurs this Saturday. The Kids Market is a fun afternoon where children buy, sell, and swap pre-loved treasures. From books and toys to sports gear and games, it’s a great way for kids to learn the ropes of business, earn a few dollars, and find new-to-them goodies.
When: Saturday 1 November, 2pm–4pm
Where: Rolleston Community Centre
How much: Free entry
More details here.
DINOvember at Te Hāpua: Halswell Centre
Dinosaurs are taking over Halswell this weekend for a roar-some DINOvember celebration. Join the fun at 11am for a dino-themed Storytimes session filled with prehistoric tales, songs, and rhymes. At 11.30am, experts from Canterbury Museum will bring real and replica fossils for kids to see and touch – yes, even fossilised poo. There’ll also be colouring in and a badge maker so every little palaeontologist can take home their own dino creation.
When: Saturday 1 November, 11am–1.30pm
Where: Te Hāpua: Halswell Centre
How much: Free
More details here.
TLC Day for the Fairy Forest
Bottle Lake Forest is getting a sprinkle of fairy dust this weekend as families help give the fairy houses some TLC. Kids can paint, build, and decorate while enjoying storytelling, crafts, and free face painting. It’s a lovely day to slow down, connect with nature, and add a little extra magic to the forest.
When: Saturday 1 November, 12.30pm
Where: Bottle Lake Forest, Christchurch
How much: Free
More details here.
2 November 2025
The More FM Life Education Trust Annual Duck Race
Line the Avon and cheer on your favourite feathered competitors at the Life Education Trust Duck Race. Ducks big and small will race their way down the river to raise funds for children’s wellbeing programmes. There are prizes, fun activities, and the chance to meet Harold the giraffe. A great day out for families and an even better cause.
When: Sunday 2 November, 12pm-2pm
Where: Bridge of Remembrance, Oxford Terrace, Christchurch Central
How much: $10 per duck
More details here.
