🌍 International

Things to Do with Kids in Christchurch

Explore 40 family-friendly activities in Christchurch — filtered by age, scheduled around nap time, and ready to drop into your personalized itinerary.

Top Family Activities

40 of 40 selected
🎡

Willowbank Wildlife Reserve

Half DayAges 012+Stroller OK

Stroller-friendly gravel and paved paths throughout. Kids can hand-feed animals including deer and wallabies. Book Ko Ta...

🌳

Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Half DayAges 012+Stroller OK

Fully stroller-accessible paved paths. Free entry to all gardens. The playground near the rose garden is excellent for t...

🎡

Christchurch Gondola

2–4 hoursAges 012+Stroller OK

Gondola cabin is stroller-accessible; fold pram and bring on board. Spectacular views over Lyttelton Harbour and Canterb...

🏛️

International Antarctic Centre

Half DayAges 012+Stroller OK

Fully stroller-accessible indoors. Kids love the snow room and Hägglund ride. Little blue penguin feeding times are a hi...

🌳

Margaret Mahy Family Playground

2–4 hoursAges 012+Stroller OK

One of NZ's largest playgrounds — fully free. Water play area popular in summer, bring a change of clothes. Stroller par...

🏛️

Canterbury Museum

Half DayAges 012+Stroller OK

Free entry, stroller-friendly throughout. Discovery Centre for under-5s is fantastic. Maori galleries and Antarctic hall...

🎡

Antigua Boat Sheds – Punting on the Avon

1–2 hoursAges 012+

Punting boats are stroller-friendly and very stable for young kids. Life jackets provided for children. Book ahead on we...

📌

Chipmunks Playland & Café

2–4 hoursAges 012+Stroller OK

Large indoor play centre perfect for rainy days. Café on-site for parents. Stroller storage at entry. Toddler-only zones...

🎡

Orana Wildlife Park

Full DayAges 012+Stroller OK

NZ's only open-range zoo — hire a pram at the gate if needed. Lion feeding experience (extra cost) is amazing for older ...

🏛️

Science Alive!

2–4 hoursAges 312+Stroller OK

Hands-on science exhibits loved by kids 3+. Stroller-friendly indoors. Great rainy day option. Interactive displays on e...

📌

Sumner Beach

Half DayAges 012+Stroller OK

Safe, patrolled beach popular with families. Lifeguards patrol in summer (Oct-Apr). Stroller-accessible boardwalk and fo...

📌

Waimakariri Gorge White Water Rafting (family-friendly trips)

Half DayAges 712+

Minimum age typically 7. Grade 2-3 rapids suitable for older kids. Life jackets and helmets provided. Book well in advan...

🥾

Victoria Park, Port Hills – Crater Rim Walk

2–4 hoursAges 212+

Short sections of this walk are pram-friendly on the main track. Spectacular panoramic views over Christchurch and the S...

🎡

Christchurch City Tram

1–2 hoursAges 012+Stroller OK

Full loop takes about 50 minutes with commentary. Strollers can be brought on board — fold and stow in designated area. ...

📌

Ngā Hau E Whā National Marae

2–4 hoursAges 412+Stroller OK

Educational Maori cultural experience for families. Guided tours available. Stroller-friendly grounds. Book ahead for cu...

🍕

New Regent Street – Food & Exploration

1–2 hoursAges 012+Stroller OK

Pedestrian-friendly, beautifully restored Spanish Mission architecture. Stroller-friendly flat street. Gelato shop is a ...

🌳

Riccarton Bush & Riccarton House

2–4 hoursAges 012+Stroller OK

Last remnant of native lowland forest in Christchurch. Boardwalk loop is mostly stroller-accessible. Saturday farmers ma...

📌

Inflite Trampoline Park

2–4 hoursAges 312+

Book time slots online in advance, especially weekends. Grip socks required (available to purchase). Toddler sessions av...

📌

Akaroa – Dolphin Swimming & Village Day Trip

Full DayAges 012+Stroller OK

1.5-hour scenic drive from Christchurch through Banks Peninsula. Kids aged 8+ can swim with Hector's dolphins. Younger c...

📌

Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū

2–4 hoursAges 012+Stroller OK

Free entry. Stroller-friendly with lifts between floors. Art activity packs for kids available at the front desk. Café o...

🌳

Hagley Park North – Open Space & Cycling

2–4 hoursAges 012+Stroller OK

Huge urban green space perfect for kite flying, picnics and cycling. Flat paths are ideal for kids on bikes and stroller...

🏛️

Air Force Museum of New Zealand

Half DayAges 012+Stroller OK

Free entry — one of NZ's best free museums. Stroller-friendly hangar floors. Interactive flight simulators for older kid...

🥾

Godley Head Walkway

2–4 hoursAges 512+

Coastal track suitable for kids 6+. WWII gun emplacements fascinate kids. Stunning views over Lyttelton Harbour. Not str...

🍕

Riverside Market

1–2 hoursAges 012+Stroller OK

Multi-level covered food market on the Avon River. Stroller-friendly with lift access between floors. Excellent variety ...

🎡

Southern Encounter Aquarium & Kiwi House

1–2 hoursAges 012+Stroller OK

Central city location. Stroller-friendly throughout. Kiwi house is dark — bring a small torch for toddlers who may find ...

🍕

Christchurch Tramway Restaurant

2–4 hoursAges 512+

Unique dining experience aboard a restored tram circling the city. Suitable for kids 5+. Pre-set menu — confirm they can...

🎡

Lyttelton Harbour Ferry & Village Exploration

Half DayAges 012+Stroller OK

Ferry departs from Rāpaki via Diamond Harbour. Lyttelton village has great cafes and the Saturday market is excellent fo...

📌

Jump Christchurch (Trampoline & Foam Pit)

2–4 hoursAges 212+

Book sessions in advance. Grip socks required — sold at venue. Separate toddler jump zones during family sessions. Locke...

📌

McLeans Island – Waimakariri River Walk & Wetlands

2–4 hoursAges 012+Stroller OK

Flat, easy walking suitable for strollers and young children. Excellent bird watching including herons and ducks. Bring ...

📌

Christchurch Ice Arena

2–4 hoursAges 312+

Penguin skating aids available for children learning to skate. Blade hire included in admission. Warm jackets and gloves...

🏛️

Ferrymead Heritage Park

Half DayAges 012+Stroller OK

Living history museum with tram and train rides that kids adore. Stroller-friendly on most surfaces. Costumed volunteers...

📌

Birdlings Flat – Gemstone & Fossil Beach

2–4 hoursAges 312+

Kids love collecting semi-precious gemstones and fossils on the pebble beach. Not suitable for swimming. Flat access fro...

🌳

Mona Vale Garden & Homestead

1–2 hoursAges 012+Stroller OK

Beautiful Edwardian garden along the Avon River. Stroller-friendly flat paths. Ducks to feed at the river edge. Charming...

📌

Terrace Downs Horse Trekking

2–4 hoursAges 512+

Minimum age varies by trek (typically 7+). Short 1-hour pony rides for younger kids available. Book in advance. Scenic C...

🌳

Barrington Park Playground

1–2 hoursAges 012+Stroller OK

Well-equipped suburban playground with good shade in summer. Free entry. Toilet facilities on-site. Flat stroller-access...

📌

ChristChurch Cathedral – Square & Cardboard Cathedral

1–2 hoursAges 012+Stroller OK

The earthquake-damaged cathedral ruin and surrounding square is a fascinating history lesson for older kids. The nearby ...

📌

Port Hills Mountain Biking – Dyers Pass Trails

2–4 hoursAges 812+

Beginner-friendly routes suitable for kids 8+. Bike hire available in Christchurch city. Helmets required. Easier trails...

🎡

Cashel Street Mall & Terrace

1–2 hoursAges 012+Stroller OK

Fully pedestrianised and stroller-friendly central shopping area. Plenty of child-friendly cafes and food options. Stree...

🌳

Ngā Puna Wai Sports Hub – Bike Track

1–2 hoursAges 312+Stroller OK

Excellent pump track and beginner bike track for kids. Completely free. Stroller-accessible paths around the complex. Br...

🍕

The Tannery & Bohemian Dining Precinct

1–2 hoursAges 012+Stroller OK

Heritage tannery converted into boutique shops and cafes. Stroller-friendly mostly. Interesting architecture for older k...

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Packing Tips for Christchurch
  • Sunscreen & hats for outdoor activities
  • Comfortable walking shoes for the whole family
  • Stroller or baby carrier
  • Snacks & water bottles
  • Rain jacket or poncho (just in case)
  • Small first-aid kit with band-aids
  • Entertainment for transit (books, tablet, coloring)
  • Hiking gear & bug spray
Get a full personalized packing list when you plan your trip.
Sample Family Itinerary
Day 1 — Explore
🎡
Christchurch Gondola
2–4 hours
🍕
Lunch Break
🎡
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
Half Day
Day 2 — Adventure
🎡
Orana Wildlife Park
Full Day
Build Your Custom Itinerary

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best things to do with kids in Christchurch?

Top family activities include Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, Christchurch Botanic Gardens, Christchurch Gondola, International Antarctic Centre, Margaret Mahy Family Playground. Toddler Trip curates age-appropriate activities and builds nap-aware itineraries for your family.

Is Christchurch good for toddlers?

Yes! Many activities in Christchurch are suitable for toddlers. Toddler Trip filters activities by your children's ages and schedules around nap time so everyone enjoys the trip.

How do I plan a family trip to Christchurch?

Use Toddler Trip's free planner: enter your family profile, pick from AI-curated activities, and get a nap-aware day-by-day itinerary with a personalized packing list — all in about 5 minutes.

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