Our pick of family-friendly events from 8 – 10 August 2025. Here’s what’s on for kids this weekend in Christchurch…
Looking for something fun to do with the kids this weekend? Whether you’ve got a little bookworm, a budding gardener, or a cupcake-loving face-paint enthusiast, there’s a bit of everything happening around Christchurch. Read on for what to do with kids this weekend…
Search our events calendar for more family-friendly events for kids here.
What’s on for kids this weekend:
Sow Spring Flowers at the Kiosk
Here’s one for your green-fingered crew. Envirokids and the Canterbury Horticultural Society are helping little gardeners kickstart spring with a hands-on activity at the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. Kids can pot up a mini garden using egg cartons, soil and spring seedlings – then take it home and watch it grow. No booking needed, no mess at your place. Win-win.
When: Saturday, 9 August, drop in anytime between 10am–1pm
Where: The Kiosk, Christchurch Botanic Gardens
How much: Free
More details here.
Books Come Alive!
Te Ara Ātea is bringing the magic of children’s books to life with a full day of storytimes and activities. Expect readings, live illustrations and plenty of whānau fun with some of the country’s top authors and illustrators, including finalists from the New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young People. If your kids love books, this one’s a no-brainer.
When: Saturday, 9 August, 10.30am–2.30pm
Where: Te Ara Ātea, 56 Tennyson Street, Rolleston
How much: Free
More details here.
Quake City Free Weekend
If you haven’t taken the kids to Quake City yet, this weekend’s a good time. Canterbury Museum’s earthquake exhibition is free on both Saturday and Sunday. It’s a powerful, hands-on way for tamariki to learn about what happened here in 2010 and 2011 – from the shaking to the rebuilding – with real objects like the top of the cathedral spire and those iconic stopped clocks.
When: Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 August, 10am–5pm
Where: 299 Durham St N, Christchurch Central
How much: Free
More details here.
Messy Mates x Rug Rats Pop-Up
Get ready to embrace the chaos. Messy Mates and Rug Rats are teaming up for a weekend of soft play and messy fun. Expect mud, paint, giggles, and probably a need for wet wipes. One ticket includes entry for one child and one adult. Ideal for under-5s who love getting their hands (and everything else) involved.
When: Saturday and Sunday, 10 August, from 10am
Where: Location details usually provided on booking
How much: $25 for one child and one adult
More details here.
The Brew Turns Two
Redcliffs’ favourite local is celebrating its second birthday and everyone’s invited. There’ll be cupcakes and face painting for the kids, a doggy ice cream giveaway for the four-legged guests, and a prize wheel with weird and wonderful prizes for the grown-ups. Keep your phone handy for a snap – there’s a photo comp too.
When: Sunday, 10 August, 10am–1pm
Where: The Brew, 186a Main Road, Redcliffs
How much: Free to attend
More details here.
