What’s On For Kids This Weekend: Kids Go Free at the International Antarctic Centre, Riverside Multi-Cultural Festival and more

Our pick of family-friendly events from 2 – 4 August 2024. Here’s what’s on for kids this weekend…

After a week of rain, we’re hopefully due some sunshine this weekend to get out with the family and enjoy a lineup of cultural events and great deals. From free tickets for kids at the International Antarctic Centre to keeping our seas plastic-free in Sumner (in exchange for coffee!), multi-cultural events festivals and more, 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:

Kids Go Free at the International Antarctic Centre This August

International Antarctic Centre

Throughout August, children go free at the International Antarctic Centre when you book tickets online! Take advantage and treat the kids to a day of immersive experiences that ” allow you to see, touch, feel and fall in love with Antarctica.”

When: August 2024
Where: Corner Roy Place and, Orchard Road, Christchurch Airport, Christchurch 
How much: Kids go free with a paying adult (up to three children per adult). Tickets must be booked online.

More info here.

The Great Sumner Beach Clean Up

The Great Sumner Beach Clean Up

This fab “Plastic-Free July” initiative by Beach Bar Sumner is being extended throughout August, encouraging families, locals and visitors to grab a bucket from inside the restaurant and fill it with rubbish from the beach in return for a free coffee! A great way to keep kids entertained and get them involved with taking care of the environment – and some much-needed caffeine for us!

When: August 2024
Where: 25 Esplanade, Sumner, Christchurch
How much: No charge to participate. Grab a bucket, fill it and receive a free coffee!

More info here.

Bedtime Stories at Fendalton Library

Bedtime Stories at Fendalton Library

Rug up in your PJs and join Fendalton Library’s Margot this Friday evening for themed stories, songs and simple crafts. This monthly event is aimed at ages 4-7 but the whole family is welcome to head down, tuck in and listen.

When: Friday, 2 August, 6.30-7.30pm
Where: Fendalton Library,  4 Jeffreys Road, Fendalton, Christchurch 
How much: Free. No bookings are required.

More info here.

Read more: Free Library Activities for Preschoolers in Christchurch

Riverside Multi-Cultural Festival

What's On For Kids This Weekend: Riverside Multi-Cultural Festival

Riverside is coming alive this weekend in a multi-cultural affair celebrating 30 Years of the Taiwanese Hwa-hsin Society in Christchurch. Expect music, choir performances, dragon lion dances, Taiwanese cooking demonstrations, crafts and more.

When: Saturday, 3 August, 2-4pm
Where: Riverside Market, 96 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch
How much: Free admission

More info here.

Christchurch Africa Day 2024

Christchurch Africa Day 2024

Christchurch’s annual Africa Day event is making waves at the Christchurch Multicultural Recreation and Community Centre this Saturday. From 10-5pm families can immerse themselves in the vibrant cultures of the African continent and enjoy live performances, arts and crafts, food stalls, poetry, and fashion. Hosted by Canterbury African Communities, this expo-style celebration offers a full day of excitement and discovery and is a great opportunity to experience the rich diversity of African cultures.

When: Saturday, 3 August, 10-5pm
Where: 455 Hagley Ave, Christchurch Central, Christchurch
How much: Free

More info here.

Monthly Fungi Whānau Event at Fungi Farm

Richmond Community Gardens Fungi Farm

Join the Monthly Fungi Whānau Event at Richmond Community Garden’s Fungi Farm for an educational family day out. Held on the first Saturday of every month, this event invites families to explore the fascinating world of fungi in guided tours, hands-on activities, and interactive workshops that teach about fungi’s important role in our ecosystem. Kids will love the chance to learn about nature while exploring the outdoors.

When: Sunday, 4 August, 10.30 -1pm
Where: Richmond Community Garden, 235 River Road, Richmond, Christchurch
How much: Free

More info here.

Read more: Our Favourite Nature Playgrounds, Parks and Sensory Gardens for Christchurch Kids

Featured image property of nook NZ, image #1 credited to International Antarctic Centre via Facebook, image #2 credited to Beach Bar Sumner via Instagram, image #3 courtesy of Unsplash, image #4 courtesy of Pexels, image #5 courtesy of Unsplash, image #6 credited to We Are Richmond.

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About the author

Picture of Lexi Davey

Lexi Davey

New to Christchurch with two kids and a dog, founder of nook, Lexi, has been hunting for family-friendly activities and unique things to do in the city since moving from Hong Kong in 2022. Finding herself endlessly Googling the same old articles, only to come up empty-handed, Lexi wanted to create a platform where parents across New Zealand could scroll with their morning coffee and be inspired to get out and explore (toddlers in tow).

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