KidsFest is back for its 34th year and is bigger, brighter, and more fun than ever. Running from 28 June to 13 July, KidsFest offers a fantastic range of free and affordable activities for tamariki across the school holidays.
Events will be happening throughout Christchurch, Banks Peninsula, Selwyn, and Waimakariri, with something for everyone to enjoy.
Here in our District, we are hosting a mix of engaging online activities and in-person events to help keep young minds active and entertained over the winter break.
Boredom busters for rain or shine
If the sun is shining, why not head outdoors for a fun and adventurous scavenger hunt?
Download and print our activity sheet, filled with exciting items to spot and collect while you're out exploring.
If the weather’s not on your side, stay cosy indoors with a good story. Join Mia, Kauri, and Anika on their latest adventure, then test your knowledge with a crossword puzzle designed to grow your te reo Māori vocabulary.
Ages: All Ages
Cost: Free
Date: Runs all holidays
Locations: You can access the scavenger hunt sheet and crossword online (crossword answers here).
Native herb planting day
Join us for a special planting day designed especially for preschool and primary aged children. This isn’t your typical herb garden, think native low growing plants that support our local ecosystems. It’s a wonderful opportunity for tamariki to get their hands dirty, enjoy the outdoors, and learn alongside our passionate biodiversity team.
Come along and give it a go, we’d love to see you there.
Ages 5-11
Cost: Free
Date: Friday 11 July, 10 am to 11 am (postponement date 16 July)
Location: Northbrook Wetlands, entrance is off Cotter Lane, Rangiora
Story Walk
Take a stroll through the beautiful Northbrook Wetlands in Rangiora and enjoy a StoryWalk adventure with the whole whānau. As you follow the 1.5 km loop trail, tamariki can discover the delightful tale Five Wee Pūteketeke by North Canterbury author Nicola Toki.
Each page of the story is displayed on large, colourful signs placed along the path inviting children to read, explore, and connect with nature as they go.
It’s a perfect way to combine reading, walking, and learning in the great outdoors.
Ages 5-11
Cost: Free
Date: Runs all year round
Location: Northbrook Wetlands, entrance is off Cotter Lane, Rangiora
Dudley Aquatic Centre Pool Party and Kids Aqua Class
Get ready to unleash your inner superhero at Dudley Park Aquatic Centre’s action packed pool party. Dress up as your favourite superhero and dive into an afternoon of fun, laughter, and splashes with friends and whānau.
Please note:
- Children aged 0–4 must be actively supervised by a caregiver aged 16 or over at all times (maximum of 2 preschoolers per adult).
- Children aged 5–7 must also be actively supervised by a caregiver aged 16 or over.
It’s going to be a super day, don’t miss out!
Ages: All ages
Cost: $4.30 Per Child | $7.60 Per Caregiver
Date: Wednesday 2 July, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Location: Dudley Park Aquatic Centre, 47 Church Street, Rangiora
Kaiapoi Aquatic Centre Pool Party and Kids Aqua Class
Make a splash at Kaiapoi Aquatic Centre’s superhero-themed Pool Party and kids’ aqua class. Dress up as your favourite superhero and join us for a fun-filled day in the water with friends and whānau. It’s the perfect way to stay active, have fun, and celebrate your superpowers.
Please note:
- Children aged 0–4 must be actively supervised by a caregiver aged 16 or over at all times (maximum of 2 preschoolers per adult).
- Children aged 5–7 must also be actively supervised by a caregiver aged 16 or over.
We can’t wait to see you there cape and all!
Ages: All ages
Cost: $4.30 Per Child | $7.60 Per Caregiver
Date: Thursday 10 July, 12:30 pm - 1:00 pm
Location: Kaiapoi Aquatic Centre, 9 Cass Street, Kaiapoi
Waimakariri Libraries
Come along to the library in the July school holidays for KidsFest. We have a range of exciting water-themed events and activities for you and your whānau to engage with.
For a list of events hosted by the libraries team and how to book please visit the Waimakariri Libraries KidsFest website.
KidsFest is an initiative from the Christchurch City Council. Explore all the activities and events happening in Christchurch, Banks Peninsula, Selwyn, and Waimakariri this KidsFest at kidsfest.co.nz.