Our pick of family-friendly events from 23 – 25 January 2026. Here’s what’s on for kids this weekend in Christchurch…
The weekend is shaping up with that familiar end of school holiday mix of energy, snack requests and plans that may or may not survive the weather. Christchurch has delivered a solid lineup of family-friendly events, with plenty happening indoors and out across the city and surrounds. From teddies and bugs to beach kites and live performances, there’s something for most moods and ages.
A quick note before you pack the bag and promise the kids anything. The forecast is looking a bit wobbly, so it’s worth checking event pages on the day in case plans shift or move indoors.
Search our events calendar for more family-friendly events for kids here.
What’s on for kids this weekend in Christchurch:
Friday 23 January 2026
Selwyn Teddy Bears’ Picnic
The beloved Teddy Bears’ Picnic is heading indoors this year, setting up at Selwyn Sports Centre with all the fun intact and a little extra shelter for good measure. Families are encouraged to pack a lunch, bring a reusable coffee mug and arrive ready for a relaxed morning of entertainment and play.
There’s live entertainment, farmyard friends, crazy bikes and plenty of space for kids to explore. The Teddy Bear Parade wraps things up and usually steals the show, especially for children who take their teddy selection very seriously.
When: Friday 23 January, 10.30am to 1.30pm
Where: Selwyn Sports Centre
How much: Free
More details here.
Bugs and Books at Brooker Forest – Red Zone Mānuka Stories
This one is a great option for kids who love getting hands-on and a bit muddy. Bugs and Books at Brooker Forest invites families to explore the Te Kohanga Taiao Sensory Nature Play Park alongside park rangers, outreach librarians and the creative team from Green Lab.
Children can hunt for bugs, explore with the GoBOTS app and its AI guide Bugbot, try sensory challenges, get crafty and learn more about what lives in the forest using real tools like sweep nets and beating trays. There’s also time to curl up with a bug-themed book from the outreach library van.
When: Friday 23 January 2026, 10am to 2pm
Where: Te Kohanga Taiao Sensory Nature Play Park, Brooker Avenue, Burwood
How much: Free
More details here.
Saturday 24 January 2026
Kite Day 2026
New Brighton Beach fills with colour for Kite Day, with the sky taken over by creatures, characters and classic designs of all shapes and sizes. Families are welcome to bring their own kites or settle in to watch experienced flyers launch impressive collections in coordinated displays.
It’s a relaxed afternoon that pairs well with beach swims, sandcastle building and a picnic if the weather plays along. Local cafés and shops nearby make it easy to turn this into a longer outing. Sun protection is essential, dogs stay at home and everyone’s asked to take rubbish away with them.
When: Saturday 24 January 2026, midday to 4pm
Where: New Brighton Pier, Marine Parade, New Brighton
How much: Free
More details here.
Karyn and the Magic Crystal
For families looking for an indoor option, Karyn and the Magic Crystal offers interactive theatre with plenty of adventure. Styled like a family-friendly Indiana Jones story, the show follows Karyn and her best friend Maddy as they search for Karyn’s missing dad and a powerful crystal hidden deep in a cave.
With a run time of around 55 minutes, it’s well suited to younger audiences and keeps things moving with audience interaction and plenty of action. Multiple showtimes across the weekend make it easy to fit around other plans.
When:
Saturday 24 January 2026, 11am to midday
Saturday 24 January 2026, 2pm to 3pm
Sunday 25 January 2026, 11am to midday
Where: Elmwood Auditorium, 31 Aikmans Road, Merivale
How much: $9
More details here.
Running all weekend and beyond
World Buskers Festival
The World Buskers Festival is back in central Christchurch, bringing ten days of comedy, circus, cabaret and street performance to the city. From spontaneous pop-up acts to scheduled shows, the atmosphere is lively, unpredictable and very much part of summer in Ōtautahi.
With performances happening across various locations from morning through to evening, it’s easy to dip in for half an hour or build an afternoon around what catches your eye. Some shows are free, others ticketed, and all add to the buzz around the city.
When: 22 January to 1 February 2026, 10am to 10pm
Where: Various locations across central Christchurch
How much: Free and ticketed events available
More details here.
