Rainy Day Fun in the City
A rainy day doesn’t mean boredom has to strike. Ōtautahi Christchurch has an array of playful activities for those days when the great outdoors just isn't an option. Fill your rainy days with a good dose of fun and get your heart rate up, the creative juices flowing, or the competitive spirit going. Surrender to the great indoors and keep the whole family entertained while the rain keeps falling down.
1. Fly High at a Trampoline Park
Take your backyard tramp skills to the next level at one of Christchurch's indoor trampoline parks. Fly, flip or glide across features, from foam pits to skating rinks. Check out the newest park Launch Pad, with dodge ball, a scooter track, and basketball hoops alongside their trampolines to keep the kids entertained. Or head to MoveX for the most extensive range of tramps, an ice rink, under 5's sessions, and a preschool playgroup. Both facilities have a cafe on site to keep the grown-ups happy.
2. Indoor Rock Climbing in the City
Burn off some energy and test your skills on the YMCA rock climbing wall. Bring your own gear or hire everything you need including a harness, ropes, and shoes. Or head next door to Clip ‘n’ Climb where the sessions are designed for younger kids or those new to climbing.
For something different, leave the rope and harness behind on the bouldering wall at Uprising. All you need is a pair of covered shoes, a dusting of hand chalk, and the soft mat below you. This is perfect for those who love to solve problems and challenge assumptions about what you can achieve. Build your strength and get some exercise on those rainy days.
3. Master the Escape Rooms
For a puzzling adventure, try your hand at one of the escape rooms in the central city. A team activity - you'll have to find clues, solve puzzles, crack codes and complete the mission before time runs out. At Codebreakers on Tuam St, you'll find plenty of themed rooms from the Lost Hut of Antarctica to the Art Heist. For something more challenging, try Into the Dark, where you'll be blindfolded or go immersive in their Virtual Reality room. At nearby Escape Artists, their rooms offer FBI themed Catch Me if You Can, the Pirate's Bounty and The Dark Wizard.
4. Build and Create at Tūranga
You could easily spend half a day at Tūranga. Grab a coffee from Foundation Cafe and then start exploring the Library wonderland. Let the kids get creative at the Production Studio on the 3D printers, sewing machines or the embroidery machine. Create and edit music in the Audio/Video Studio or head to the Creative Space for craft and art activities. For those looking for something more relaxing, choose some good books and pull up a bean bag for some quiet time.
5. Tour the Christchurch Art Gallery
The size alone of the Christchurch Art Gallery is enough to keep kids entertained for hours. Not only does it house collections from classics to modern art, it regularly showcases work from New Zealand and international artists. The gallery often runs free workshops for budding young artists and free guided tours. The on-site cafe is a perfect spot to refuel and enjoy a sunny afternoon.
6. Reflect and Learn at Quake City
Head to Quake City to learn about how the Christchurch earthquakes changed the region. Hear stories of resilience from the extraordinary and heroic emergency services, international rescue teams, and the thousands of volunteers who pitched in to help. Learn about the science behind the quakes and the phenomenon of liquefaction. With the help of a hands-on interactive see why the ground liquefied and bubbled up, burying streets and sinking buildings.
7. Play to Win at Timezone
Got a competitive streak? Head to Timezone in Central City, Riccarton or Hornby and go hard in their arcade, playing not just for prizes, but bragging rights over your friend, loved one, or significant other. If you're entertaining wee ones, there's plenty of gentle fun games tots can enjoy. Arcade not your style? Check out their other attractions like the glow in the dark mini golf course, bumper cars, laser tag, or bowling lanes.
8. NZ Museum of Toys and Collectibles
Miserable outside? No worries - there's no better time to take a trip down memory lane at the NZ Museum of Toys and Collectibles and The Toy Collector. Fun for children young and old, the eclectic collection of toys on display will be sure to delight and surprise all visitors to the museum.
9. Hit the Strike at Zone Bowling
Step into a world that feels like the inside of an arcade game at Zone Bowling. A perfect indoor activity with late hours every day of the week. Relax in the plush seating, grab a beverage or bite from their licenced bar and get down to the serious business of hitting a strike. If tenpin bowling isn't your thing, check out the arcade or laser tag.
10. Settle in for a Movie
Settle in for rainy day entertainment at EntX. Let's be honest, nothing beats a movie and warm bucket of popcorn on a chilly day. Cosy up in plush lazy boys and enjoy state-of-the-art sound systems for the latest cinema offerings. Be sure to shoot some hoops or have a Mario Kart challenge pre or post at Archie Brothers.
Travelling into Christchurch Central City
Bus – getting the bus into town has never been easier. Visit Metro to plan your bus trip. Make sure you get a Metrocard to make travelling faster and cheaper.
Car – the central city has plenty of on-street and covered car parking options, check out the car park map to find the best option for you.
