Top Four Free School Holiday Activities in Ōtautahi Christchurch

Ōtautahi Christchurch is home to some of the best playgrounds in the country – literally! Margaret Mahy Playground was designed by kids and it shows. From sand pits to water play, multi-storey slides to dual flying foxes, this is a destination playground.

Spencer Park is huge and diverse, with nature play areas, a wildlife park, picnic spots and beach walks – make a weekend of it and stay the night at the campground.

And you thought Hagley Park was big? Waitākiri/Bottle Lake Forest Park is massive and a centre of adventure for the whole family just 20 minutes north of the city centre.

Check out the Fairy Village for a taste of woodland magic. It’s flat and accessible and you can bring the pooch. For the more adventurous families, bring the bikes and explore the endless tracks on offer. Day trip activity – done.

Forget the stuffy perceptions you have and take the kids to the museum for a day of hands-on learning and fun interaction. Canterbury Museum is in the heart of town, boasting everything from insect collections to Antarctica memorabilia.

The Air Force Museum of New Zealand is a sure hit with the kids, getting them up close to huge aircraft and exciting activities.

Raining? Cold? Fancy an indoor option? First stop – Imagination Station at Tūranga. Make your kids Lego dreams come true and immerse them in an endless world of creation. Plus, lunch at Foundation café never disappoints.

Fancy something more natural? Check out the Botanic Garden Conservatories. These huge spaces house exotic plants year-round, including banana trees and unique cacti.