Our pick of family-friendly events from 6 – 8 June 2025. Here’s what’s on for kids this weekend in Christchurch…
If you’ve made it to the end of the school week with everyone (mostly) dressed, fed, and where they needed to be on time, then congratulations — you deserve a medal. Or at least a weekend plan that doesn’t involve frantically Googling “things to do with kids Christchurch” at 7am on Saturday.
We’ve rounded up the best events happening this weekend for families in Christchurch— from glow-in-the-dark taniwha to budget book hauls and hands-on Matariki workshops. There’s something for every age, every energy level, and every parent who just wants someone else to make the decisions for once.
Here’s what’s on for kids this weekend — all you’ve got to do is pick your adventure (and pack the snacks).
Search our events calendar for more family-friendly events for kids here.
What’s on for kids this weekend:
Friday 6 June
Messy Mates x Rug Rats
If your toddler’s idea of a good time involves soft play, oobleck, and absolutely no regard for clean clothes, this is their moment. Messy Mates and Rug Rats have teamed up for a 90-minute sensory play session packed with creative chaos — the good kind. Expect plenty of hands-on fun for your little explorer, and maybe a quiet nap afterwards (no promises).
When: Thursday 6 & Friday 7 June, sessions at 9.30am, 11.30am and 1.30pm
Where: Location provided on booking
How much: $25 for one adult + child. Use the code NOOK15 for 15% off your tickets.
More details here.
Saturday 7 June
Matariki for Tamariki Concert for Kids
Waiata, storytelling, and a concert that actually holds young attention spans? Count us in. This 40-minute performance kicks off the Matariki celebrations with Loopy Tunes’ signature sound — upbeat, bilingual songs from their latest album Mā: Matariki for Tamariki. Short enough for toddlers, entertaining enough for school kids, and indoors (bless), this one’s a no-brainer for a cosy winter’s morning.
When: Saturday 7 June, 11–11.40am
Where: The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora, 2 Worcester Boulevard
How much: $8–$12
More details here.
Selwyn Libraries Book Sale (Day One)
If your bookshelves are looking suspiciously like they haven’t been refreshed since 2018, this one’s for you. There’ll be withdrawn books, puzzles, and magazines up for grabs at truly excellent prices — ideal for stocking the kids’ book baskets or your “rainy day” stash. Just don’t forget your bags or boxes… the bargains have a habit of multiplying.
When: Saturday 7 June, 10am–3pm
Where: Te Ara Ātea, 56 Tennyson Street, Rolleston
How much: Free to browse, pay by book
More details here.
Sunday 8 June
Matariki Glow Show
Big. Bright. Glow-in-the-dark. This touring theatre show does Matariki with puppets, lights and one very large taniwha (he’s five metres long, in case you’re wondering). Perfect for tamariki aged 3–10, but younger babies are welcome to come along on a parent’s lap. It’s 40 minutes of colour and storytelling magic that leaves the little ones wide-eyed and buzzing.
When: Sunday 8 June, 10–10.40am & 12–12.40pm
Where: Isaac Theatre Royal, 145 Gloucester Street
How much: $11
More details here.
Tī Rākau and Poi Workshop for Kids
If your kids love getting hands-on, this one ticks all the boxes. Aimed at 5–9 year olds, they’ll get to decorate their own pair of Tī Rākau (Māori sticks used in rhythmic games), learn actions and a Poi waiata, and then perform a mini concert for whānau at the end. It’s creative, cultural, and active — everything you want in a kids’ workshop.
When: Sunday 8 June, 11am–Midday
Where: The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora, 2 Worcester Boulevard
How much: $15
More details here.
Selwyn Libraries Book Sale (Day Two)
If you missed day one (or went and now need “just one more book”), the final few hours of the Selwyn Book Sale are still well worth a rummage. You never know what gems are hiding in the last-minute shuffle.
When: Sunday 8 June, 10am–1pm
Where: Te Ara Ātea, 56 Tennyson Street, Rolleston
How much: Free entry
More details here.
