Our pick of family-friendly events from 19 – 21 July 2024. Here’s what’s on for kids this weekend…
With a huge lineup of activities happening this Friday and Saturday, the school holidays are coming to a close with a bang. From a cosy storytime session (complete with hot chocolate) to a fun-filled fundraiser at The Lil Brew, Winter Garden City Mākete, and more, keep reading for what’s on for kids this weekend. Plus, don’t forget to take advantage of school holiday deals and promotions before the weekend is up.
Note: Upon publishing, tickets to these events are still available, however, be sure to check as they may have sold out since.
Search our events calendar for more family-friendly events for kids here.
What’s on for kids this weekend:
Sensory Craft for Pēpi
Join Sensory Craft for Pēpi at Ōrauwhata: Bishopdale Library! Bring your littles (ages 2 and under) to create sensory toys and arts and crafts using simple, upcycled materials. Connect with other parents and caregivers while getting ideas for activities to enjoy at home with your little ones. No craft experience needed—all materials provided. This free session is a great opportunity for caregivers to engage creatively with their young children.
When: Friday, 19 July, 10.30-11am
Where: Ōrauwhata: Bishopdale Library, 13 Bishopdale Court, Bishopdale Shopping Centre, Farrington Avenue, Christchurch
How much: Free. No bookings are required.
More details here.
Cosy Storytimes
Cosy up with hot chocolate, blankets, and an Older Fiction short story reading session this last Friday of the school holidays. The session is aimed at children aged 7-13 years to enjoy together in the warmth and comfort of Bishopdale Library.
When: Friday, 19 July, 4.30-5.30pm
Where: Ōrauwhata: Bishopdale Library, 13 Bishopdale Court, Bishopdale Shopping Centre, Farrington Avenue, Christchurch
How much: Free. No bookings are required.
More details here.
Fudge Spectacular
Visit The Fudge Cottage at Christchurch’s Arts Centre for a sweet adventure—design and create your ultimate fudge masterpiece to take home and enjoy. This hands-on experience is perfect for children aged 5 to 12 (older kids are welcome too). Note that no parents or caregivers are permitted to join the session.
When: Friday, 19 July, 9.45- 10.30am
Where: The Fudge Cottage, The Arts Centre, Christchurch
How much: $17.50. Book here.
More details here.
Kids LEGO Impressions Workshop
Creative Avenue‘s LEGO Impressions Workshop is a fun and creative session that combines LEGO building with the art of printmaking. Suitable for kids 8 and over, you’ll use LEGO bricks to design unique patterns and learn basic printmaking techniques like inking and stamping. Their instructors will guide participants through the artistic exploration of printmaking, fostering a playful and enjoyable atmosphere that encourages experimentation and creativity. Each child will take home their original prints—all materials provided.
When: Friday, 19 July, 10-11.30am or 1-2.30pm
Where: 442 Tuam St, Phillipstown, Christchurch
How much: $20. Email creativeavenuenz@gmail.com to secure your spot.
More details here.
Darfield Brick Play Day
Explore a morning of LEGO play at Darfield Primary School Hall, featuring over 150,000 bricks to build with. From DUPLO to TECHNIC sets, including Friends and Jungle themes, there’s something to spark all interests. Secure a spot by booking online, and bring cash for drinks and a sausage sizzle. Parents and caregivers can treat themselves to a coffee from Mug N Bean’s coffee cart while little ones play.
When: Friday, 19 July, 10-12pm
Where: Darfield Primary School, 16 Ross Street, Darfield
How much: $5 per child, caregiver is free. Book here.
More details here.
The Lil Brew Fundraiser for Koru Care Christchurch
Come together as a community to support Koru Care Christchurch, a local children’s charity providing special experiences for kids with medical conditions or disabilities. From 10-1pm The Lil Brew is putting on special activities for kids like a bouncy castle, DIY ice cream sundaes, and a colouring competition while adults can indulge in coffee, scones, and live music. All proceeds from coffee sales and kids’ activities benefit Koru Care. Purchase a Kids Keep Cup from @lilbrewcups to contribute further. Come along, have fun, and make a difference.
When: Saturday, 20 July, 10-1pm
Where: The Lil Brew, 186a Main Road, Redcliffs, Christchurch
How much: Free to attend, all profits from coffee and kids activities will be donated to Koru Care
More details here.
Sing, Move, Create
Join Seedlings Music Therapy, The Creative Club, and Music with Michal for a calming, interactive event designed for littles up to 10 years old. The session begins with an art exploration, followed by a guided mindful movement practice. Kids will then enjoy a fun sing-along and conclude with a soothing musical meditation. This event offers a great opportunity for children to engage in creative and mindful activities in a supportive environment.
When: Saturday, 20 July, 10-10.45am
Where: Tūranga, 60 Cathedral Square, Christchurch Central City
How much: $4. Book here.
More details here.
Dress for Change: Tour and Craft
Explore the former home of Kate Sheppard with an engaging kid-friendly tour, perfect for children aged 8 to 12. Learn about her fight for equality and how she convinced politicians to give women the vote. Kiddos can peek into cupboards, find interesting facts, and even learn about the challenges of riding a bike in a long skirt! After the tour, children can design and take home a peg doll, reflecting their expression.
When: Saturday, 20 July, 11-12.30pm
Where: Kate Sheppard House, 83 Clyde Road, Christchurch
How much: $8 per school-age child. Book here.
More details here.
Waimak River Riding Centre Carnival Fair
Families can enjoy exciting games, pony rides, and hot drinks to keep warm. With a $10 entry per person, everyone is in for a great day out filled with entertainment and prizes for the kids. Best of all, every dollar supports Waimak River Riding Centre’s beloved horses through the winter season.
When: Saturday, 20 July, 10-3pm
Where: Waimak River Riding Centre, 219 Coutts Island Road, Belfast
How much: $10. Book here.
More details here.
Midwinter Christmas Mākete
The Midwinter Christmas Mākete is all set to excite with its festive atmosphere! A huge selection of food, live entertainment and hundreds of talented vendors are coming from across New Zealand to showcase what they can do. Kiddos can enjoy face painting and meeting their favourite princesses and superheroes from our faves at Crowntastic Events (we hear Spiderman and The Flash may make an appearance!) while parents and caregivers enjoy picking up some fab bits and pieces.
When: Saturday, 20 July, 1-9pm
Where: Wolfbrook Arena, 55 Jack Hinton Drive, Christchurch
How much: Free entry. Register for your ticket here.
More details here.
Baby & Kids Market by Multiples Canterbury
Multiples Canterbury is presenting a kids & baby gear sale at the Fendalton Community Centre, with families from the Multiples community selling gently used items for all to shop. Everyone is welcome to pop down and check out the sales; particularly valuable for expectant parents of multiples, offering a chance to gear up and chat with experienced parents.
When: Saturday, 20 July, 9-11.30am
Where: Fendalton Community Centre, 170 Clyde Road, Fendalton, Christchurch
How much: Free entry
More details here.
Make a T-Shirt Bag: Without Waste Collab
Join Without Waste and Christchurch Envirokids for an eco-friendly collaboration at the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. They’re turning old t-shirts into stylish, reusable bags in a free workshop on Saturday from 10-1pm at the Kiosk. Just bring your favourite old T-shirt—everything else is provided. Learn some DIY magic, connect with eco-minded folks, and have fun while promoting sustainability. All ages are welcome, so bring your friends and family for a day of creative, environmentally-conscious fun.
When: Saturday, 20 July, 10-1pm
Where: The Kiosk, Christchurch Botanic Gardens
How much: Free. No bookings are required
More details here.
Glow Paint!
Book an afternoon of Glow Painting in Paint & Sip’s Studio! Each painting includes a special extra to make your creation shine in a 1.5-hour session with all materials provided. A fun opportunity to create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece to take home, kids ages 8 and up can paint alone or with friends, while those 7 and under need a parent/guardian present. Book two seats if you want to paint alongside your child. Recommended for ages 6 and up, but younger ones are welcome with a paying adult. Best of all, they clean up!
When: Sunday, 21 July, 1.30-3pm
Where: The Arts Centre, Level 1, 1 Hereford Street, Christchurch
How much: $35 per seat. Book here.
More details here.
Featured image credited to Crowntastic Events, image #1 courtesy of Unsplash, image #2 courtesy of Unsplash, image #3 credited to The Fudge Cottage via Facebook, image #4 credited to Creative Avenue via Facebook, image #5 courtesy of Unsplash, image #6 credited to Music with Michal, image #7 credited to Kate Sheppard House via Facebook, image #8 credited to Waimak River Riding Centre Carnival Fair via Facebook, image #9 credited to Crowntastic Events, image #10 courtesy of Pexels, image #11 courtesy of Pexels, image #12 credited to PaintnSip via Facebook
