Christchurch

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Family and Kids Activities

Activities and entertainment suitable for families and children.

Sections

1. The Tannery Boutique Shopping, Dining, and Entertainment

  • Overview: The Tannery is a beautifully restored Victorian-style shopping arcade located in Woolston. It offers a mix of boutique shops, artisan stores, and family-friendly dining options. While it’s primarily a shopping destination, it also provides entertainment for families, such as live music and seasonal events.
  • Family Appeal: Kids will enjoy the charming atmosphere, and there are often pop-up events like craft markets or live performances. Parents can shop for unique items while kids explore the space.
  • Costs: Entry is free, but shopping and dining costs vary. Expect to pay around NZD 15–30 per person for meals at the cafes or restaurants.
  • How to Access: The Tannery is about a 15-minute drive from the city center. Free parking is available on-site, or you can take the #28 bus from the city center.
  • Local Tip: Check their website or social media for updates on family-friendly events, such as Christmas markets or school holiday activities.

2. Westfield Riccarton Mall

  • Overview: Westfield Riccarton is Christchurch’s largest shopping mall, offering a mix of retail stores, a food court, and entertainment options like a cinema. It’s a great spot for families to combine shopping with fun activities.
  • Family Appeal: The mall features a Hoyts Cinema with family-friendly movie screenings, and the food court has a variety of kid-friendly dining options. There’s also a small indoor play area for younger children.
  • Costs: Entry to the mall is free. Movie tickets at Hoyts cost around NZD 10–15 for children and NZD 15–20 for adults. Food court meals range from NZD 10–20 per person.
  • How to Access: Located about 10 minutes from the city center, it’s easily accessible by car or public transport (buses #1, #5, or #29). Free parking is available for up to 3 hours.
  • Local Tip: Visit during weekdays to avoid crowds, especially if you’re bringing a stroller. Look out for school holiday movie deals at Hoyts.

3. Riverside Market

  • Overview: Riverside Market is a vibrant indoor market in the heart of Christchurch, offering a mix of food stalls, boutique shops, and entertainment. It’s a lively spot for families to explore local culture and cuisine.
  • Family Appeal: Kids will love the bustling atmosphere, colorful stalls, and the chance to try a variety of foods. There are often street performers and live music to keep everyone entertained.
  • Costs: Entry is free. Food prices range from NZD 5–20 per item, depending on the stall. Shopping costs vary.
  • How to Access: Located in the city center, it’s within walking distance of many hotels and attractions. Paid parking is available nearby, or you can use public transport (buses to the central city).
  • Local Tip: Visit during lunchtime for the best food options. If you’re traveling with young kids, go earlier in the day to avoid peak crowds.

4. Christchurch Adventure Park

  • Overview: While primarily an outdoor attraction, Christchurch Adventure Park also features a café and retail shop, making it a mix of shopping and entertainment. The park offers activities like ziplining, mountain biking, and walking trails.
  • Family Appeal: The café has a relaxed atmosphere with kid-friendly menu options, and the retail shop sells outdoor gear and souvenirs. For older kids, the zipline and chairlift rides are thrilling experiences.
  • Costs: Entry to the park is free, but activities like the zipline cost NZD 50–120 per person. Chairlift rides are NZD 15 for children and NZD 25 for adults. Café meals cost around NZD 10–20 per person.
  • How to Access: Located about 20 minutes from the city center, it’s best accessed by car. Free parking is available on-site.
  • Local Tip: Book zipline or chairlift tickets online in advance to secure your spot, especially during weekends or school holidays.

5. The Palms Shopping Centre

  • Overview: The Palms is a family-friendly shopping mall in Shirley, offering a mix of retail stores, a food court, and an entertainment complex with a cinema and arcade.
  • Family Appeal: The Timezone arcade is a highlight for kids, featuring games, prizes, and activities. The Reading Cinemas offer family movie screenings, and the food court has plenty of kid-friendly options.
  • Costs: Entry to the mall is free. Arcade games at Timezone cost around NZD 1–5 per game. Movie tickets are NZD 10–15 for children and NZD 15–20 for adults. Food court meals range from NZD 10–20 per person.
  • How to Access: Located about 15 minutes from the city center, it’s accessible by car or public transport (buses #44 or #60). Free parking is available.
  • Local Tip: Timezone often has special deals or packages for families, so check their website before visiting.

6. South City Shopping Centre

  • Overview: South City is a smaller shopping mall located near the city center, offering a mix of retail stores, a supermarket, and casual dining options. It’s a convenient spot for families to shop and relax.
  • Family Appeal: The mall has a relaxed atmosphere, making it ideal for families with young children. There’s a small play area for kids, and the food court offers a variety of affordable dining options.
  • Costs: Entry is free. Food court meals cost around NZD 10–15 per person.
  • How to Access: Located in the city center, it’s within walking distance of many attractions. Paid parking is available on-site.
  • Local Tip: Combine your visit with a trip to nearby attractions like the Christchurch Art Gallery or the Canterbury Museum.

7. Margaret Mahy Family Playground (Nearby Shopping Options)

  • Overview: While not a shopping destination itself, this massive playground is located near several shopping and dining options in the city center, making it a great spot to combine playtime with shopping.
  • Family Appeal: The playground is one of the largest in the Southern Hemisphere, featuring slides, climbing structures, water play areas, and more. Nearby, you’ll find cafes and shops where parents can relax or pick up souvenirs.
  • Costs: The playground is free to use. Nearby cafes and shops have varying prices (expect NZD 10–20 per person for meals).
  • How to Access: Located in the city center, it’s easily accessible on foot or by public transport. Paid parking is available nearby.
  • Local Tip: Bring a change of clothes for kids if they plan to use the water play area. Visit early in the day to avoid crowds.

8. Northlands Shopping Centre

  • Overview: Northlands is a large shopping mall in Papanui, offering a mix of retail stores, a food court, and entertainment options like a cinema and an indoor play area.
  • Family Appeal: The Chipmunks Playland & Café inside the mall is perfect for younger kids, while older kids can enjoy the cinema or shopping. The food court has plenty of family-friendly options.
  • Costs: Entry to the mall is free. Chipmunks Playland costs around NZD 10–15 per child. Movie tickets are NZD 10–15 for children and NZD 15–20 for adults. Food court meals range from NZD 10–20 per person.
  • How to Access: Located about 15 minutes from the city center, it’s accessible by car or public transport (buses #1 or #28). Free parking is available.
  • Local Tip: Chipmunks often has special deals during weekdays, so check their website for discounts.

Final Tips for Families

  • Weather Considerations: Christchurch weather can be unpredictable, so always carry a light jacket or umbrella, especially if you’re visiting outdoor shopping areas or markets.
  • School Holidays: Many attractions and shopping centers host special events during school holidays, so plan your visit accordingly to take advantage of these activities.
  • Accessibility: Most shopping centers and attractions are stroller-friendly, but it’s always a good idea to check in advance if you’re visiting smaller boutique areas.

With this guide, you’ll have plenty of options to keep your family entertained while exploring Christchurch’s shopping and entertainment scene!