Our pick of family-friendly events from 5 – 7 July 2024. Here’s what’s on for kids this weekend…
After a week of rain, here’s hoping the weather holds up long enough for us to enjoy these family-friendly events across the city. We’re looking forward to a winter fireworks spectacular over New Brighton Beach, a glow-in-the-dark trampoline session at MoveX, a unique puppet show 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:
Matariki at Phillipstown
The Phillipstown Community Hub invites families to celebrate Matariki on the 5th of July from 4pm to 8pm. The event will feature a communal hāngī, storytelling, a ceremony, live music, songs, food stalls, and a night market. It’s a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together and enjoy a festive evening. Everyone is welcome to join.
When: Friday, 5 July, 4-8pm
Where: 39 Nursery Road, Christchurch
How much: Free to attend.
More details here.
Aya and the Butterfly
Birdlife Productions presents “Aya and the Butterfly,” a delightful puppet and music show perfect for families with children aged 3 to 9 years. This heartwarming story follows Aya, a little girl who finds joy in the metamorphosis of the Monarch Butterfly. With exquisite puppetry, live music, and giant caterpillar fun, the performance unfolds through the seasons, promoting compassion and empathy for different cultures. Held at the Great Hall, The Arts Centre, tickets are $15 each. After the show, kids can enjoy the free holiday fun zone with indoor activities and meet a real-life human butterfly on stilts.
When: Saturday, 6 July, 10-11am
Where: The Arts Centre, 2 Worcester Boulevard, Christchurch
How much: $15 per ticket. Book here.
More details here.
Winter Fireworks Spectacular
Kick off the school holidays with a Winter Fireworks Spectacular. Hosted by Christchurch City Council, this event promises a colourful fireworks display synchronised to iconic 80s hits, featuring songs from Queen, Whitney Houston, Bon Jovi, and Talking Heads. Families can enjoy delicious food from local vendors and pre-fireworks entertainment provided by DJZ in the North Carpark. In bad weather, the rescheduled date, if needed, will be Sunday, 7 July.
When: Saturday, 6 July, 5.30-8.30pm
Where: New Brighton Pier, Brighton Mall, New Brighton, Christchurch
How much: Free
More details here.
MoveX Glow Party
Kiddos will love jumping in MoveX’s vibrant glow-in-the-dark atmosphere, and yummy food from Azteca Tacos and Hungry Potato. Remember, grip socks are required, and children under 14 need a responsible adult to stay and supervise.
When: Saturday, 6 July, 6-8pm
Where: MoveX, 230, Maces Road, Bromley, Christchurch
How much: $20. Book tickets here.
More details here.
Agents of Discovery
Running every day throughout the school holidays up until Sunday, 21 July, join the fun with the Agents of Discovery app and dive into cool challenges while exploring the best parks in Christchurch. This free educational app uses augmented reality to create an interactive experience for kids and families and can easily be downloaded from Google Play or the App Store. Choose your missions, and embark on your adventure with new winter missions at Te Waoku Kahikatea and Halswell Quarry Park.
When: Saturday, 6 July – Sunday, 21 July, 7am – 5pm
Where: Te Waoku Kahikatea Reserve, 303 Radcliffe Road, Christchurch
How much: Free! Don’t forget to download the app before heading out.
More details here.
Nightlife Lantern Walk
As night falls, Pūtaringamotu/Riccarton Bush becomes a whole new world, offering a unique experience for families. This self-guided lantern-lit walk, running daily from 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm, invites visitors of all ages to discover the wonders of nocturnal wildlife. With lanterns lighting the way, children and adults can explore and learn about the creatures that emerge after dark. Wear warm layers and sturdy shoes, as the trail can be uneven and narrow in places. A trail guide is available for download here.
When: Saturday, 6 – Sunday, 21 July, 5.30-7.30pm
Where: Riccarton Bush, 16 Kahu Road, Fendalton, Christchurch
How much: Free! Trail guides can be printed from here.
More details here.
Whānau Movie Night
Continue to celebrate Matariki with your whānau and friends at Te Mouri Campus, on Saturday, 6 July. Starting from 5.30pm, enjoy a special outdoor showing of “Coco Reo Māori” along with delicious kai available in the carpark. This free event welcomes everyone to join in the festivities. Don’t forget to register and bring your own seating for a comfortable movie night under the stars.
When: Saturday, 6 July, 5.30-8pm
Where: Te Wananga O Aotearoa, 348 Manchester Street, Christchurch
How much: Free! Register here.
More details here.
Gnome Quest
Families can explore the Botanic Gardens on a self-guided discovery trail featuring 12 garden gnomes who have returned from their world travels. Each gnome is placed next to a plant from their favourite destination, and kids can pick up a free passport from the Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre to begin their adventure. The trail is open daily from 9am to 4pm, and those who find the golden gnome and share his name can enter a draw to win a $100 prize pack.
When: Saturday, 6 July – Sunday, 21 July, 9-4pm
Where: Botanic Gardens
How much: Free to attend. No bookings are required.
More details here.
Winter Fireworks Beach Clean
Join the pop-up beach clean this Sunday at 10am to help clear the rubbish left from Saturday night’s fireworks display. It’s a great way to honour Papatūānuku, Tangaroa, Te Moana, and their creatures by taking care of New Brighton Beach. Everyone is welcome to join, including children. Enjoy herbal tea, hot cacao, and spot prizes. Bring a bag, gardening gloves, a mug, and vegan kai to share if staying for lunch. Wear warm clothes and meet on the sand in front of the car park ramp, next to He Puna Taimoana hot pools.
When: Sunday, 7 July, 10-12pm
Where: New Brighton Beach
How much: Free
More details here
KidsFest Big Brass Bang
Woolston Brass Academy invites families to the KidsFest Big Brass Bang on Sunday, 7 July at 2pm at Te Waka Unua School Hall. Directed by Vickie van Uden, the Woolston Junior Band will perform a lively mix of music, from the NZ Crusaders theme song “Conquest of Paradise” to the playful “La Cucaracha” and light jazz favourites like “Little Brown Jug.” This 60-minute concert is designed to engage and entertain children and adults alike, featuring a variety of brass and percussion instruments. After the show, kids can try out the instruments and learn more about the Woolston Brass Academy. Tickets are available via Eventfinda or at the door for $10, with free entry for children under 14.
When: Sunday, 7 July, 2-3pm
Where: Te Waka Unua School Hall, 476 Ferry Road, Woolston, Christchurch
How much: $8 or $10 on the door. Children under 14 are free. Book tickets here.
More details here.
Featured image courtesy of Pexels, image #1 credited to Phillipstown Community Hub via Facebook, , image #2 Birdlife Productions via Facebook, Image #4 credited to MoveX via Facebook, image #6 credited to Riccarton House & Bush via Facebook, image 39 credited to Bernard Spragg via Flickr
