Our pick of family-friendly events from 21 – 23 June 2024. Here’s what’s on for kids this weekend…
With plenty of family fun in store this weekend, there’s no danger of being stuck for things to do. From the awaited return of Tīrama Mai at The Arts Cente to an under-the-sea sensory session, Matariki Fun Day and more, we’ve rounded up the best events for tots to tweens. 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:
Tīrama Mai Returns to Christchurch
Celebrate Puaka-Matatiki with Tīrama Mai, a free cultural festival in Christchurch, produced by Christchurch City Council. Enjoy a trail of illuminated artworks, projections, music soundscapes, and interactive installations. Featuring new works and favourites from past years, the event hub is at The Arts Centre, with displays along Worcester Boulevard, Riverside Market, and Te Pae by the Ōtakaro Avon River. Opening night includes kapa haka performances and live storytelling.
When: Friday, 21 June – Sunday, 30 June, 5-10pm
Where: The Arts Centre, 2 Worcester Boulevard, Christchurch
How much: Free
More details here.
Parent to Parent Support Group
Parent to Parent invites parents and carers of disabled, neurodivergent children, or children with health impairments to their regular Parent Support Groups in Christchurch. Holding a session on Friday, 21 June at Black and White Coffee Cartel in Sydenham, this relaxed coffee morning offers a safe, judgment-free space to share experiences, challenges, and successes. Enjoy free coffee while connecting with others who understand your journey. Children are welcome, and no RSVP is needed—drop in for as long as you like. Whether you need support, want to celebrate, or chat, this group is for you.
When: Friday, 21 June, 9.30-11am
Where: Black and White Coffee Cartel, 1/145 Colombo Street, Sydenham, Christchurch
How much: Free (including free coffees!) Contact Rebecca Honeybone for more information at [email protected].
More details here.
Messy Mates: Under the Sea
Messy Mates is putting on a ‘splashing good time’ at their latest sensory play session in Rolleston. Explore a variety of textures in this fun under-the-sea theme for littles.
When: Friday, 21 June, 10.30-11.30am
Where: Rolleston Scout Den,
How much: $16 for one adult and child ticket
More details here.
Matariki With Loopy Tunes
Celebrate the Matariki season with children’s music duo, Loopy Tunes, at The Arts Centre on Friday, 21 June from 11-11.45am. This event is perfect for the whole family, featuring plenty of kanikani (dancing) and waiata (songs).
When: Friday, 21 June, 11-11.45am
Where: The Arts Centre, 2 Worcester Boulevard, Christchurch
How much: Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children (free for under 1 year old).
More details here.
Create Your Own Matariki Stained Glass Lantern
Book in for a fun, hands-on workshop to create stained glass lanterns for Matariki at Ballantynes. Partnering with local entertainment experts Crowntastic Events, this event is perfect for children aged 5-12. Costing $22 per child, participants will decorate their lanterns to take home and learn about Matariki through storytelling. Since it could get messy, bringing an apron is recommended!
When: Saturday, 22 June 10-10.45am
Where: Tearooms, Ballantynes Department Store Cashel Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch
How much: $22. Book your ticket here.
More details here.
DIY Tiny Worlds With Woodland Escape
Pop in between 10am and 1pm to join Woodland Escape and Christchurch Envirokids in a unique Tiny Worlds workshop, “where children are invited to unleash their imagination and build their miniature natural wonderland.” Children will be given materials to construct their tiny worlds in sand-filled boxes.
When: Saturday, 22 June, 10-1pm
Where: Kiosk in the Botanic Gardens, Rolleston Avenue, Central, Christchurch
How much: Free
More details here.
City Mission OP Shop Donation Drive
Families are invited to join the Donation Drive at St Mark’s Church car park in Opawa on Saturday, 22 June. The event, organised by the City Mission Op Shops, welcomes donations of good quality clothing, footwear, furniture, linen, electrical items, books, tools, homeware, plants, toys, antiques, and sporting goods. Look for the truck and sign! Larger items can be collected for free by contacting 03 365 0633 or [email protected]. All proceeds support the Christchurch City Mission’s work. Bring your donations and help make a difference.
When: Saturday, 22 June, 10-1pm
Where:101 Opawa Road, Opawa, Christchurch
How much: Free. All proceeds support the Christchurch City Mission’s work.
More details here.
Mid-Winter Market
Wrap up warm and join the Winter fun at New Brighton Seaside’s Mid-Winter Market! Enjoy Christmas music, fun activities, your favourite stall holders, and delicious food. The event promises to bring festive cheer and community warmth despite the chilly weather.
When: Saturday, 22 June, 10-2pm
Where: Brighton Mall, 25 Brighton Mall, Christchurch
How much: Free
More details here.
Matariki Fun Day
Join the Greater Hornby Residents Association in a spectacular Matariki celebration at South Hornby School. Running between 11-2pm, experience the magic of Matariki with indoor cultural performances, arts and crafts, delicious food stalls, and cultural craft activities. This event is a wonderful opportunity to honour the Māori New Year together as a community.
When: Saturday, 22 June, 10-2pm
Where: South Hornby School, 35 Amyes Road, Hornby, Christchurch
How much: Free
More details here.
Kids Night Out: Neon Lights
Kiddos are invited to a special Neon Lights Edition of Kids Night Out on Saturday, 22 June from 4-8pm. Structured like other Kids Night Out sessions at Flips & Tumbles, this event features glow sticks, candy floss, lolly scrambles, a photo booth, games, obstacle course races, free play, a pizza dinner, and a Nerf/movie session. Suitable for children aged 5 and up, younger kids are welcome if toilet-trained. Complimentary popcorn and juice are provided.
When: Saturday, 22 June, 3.30-8pm
Where: Flips & Tumbles, 12 Musgrove Close, Wigram, Christchurch
How much: $55
More details here.
Featured image courtesy of Unsplash, image #1 credited to Christchurch City Council, image #2 courtesy of Pexels, image #3 credited to Messy Mates via Facebook, image #4 credited to Loopy Tunes via Facebook, image #5 credited to Crowntastic Events, image #6 courtesy of Unsplash, image #7 courtesy of Pexels, image #8 courtesy of Pexels, image #9 courtesy of Pexels, image #10 credited to Flips & Tumbles via Facebook.
