The July school holiday are nearly here and even though its the middle of winter, there are plenty of great things for the family to do around the city.
Kidsfest is a Christchurch institution, with a series of free and paid events all over the city being held each year.
Some of the highlights are listed below. You can check out more details on all Kidsfest 2019 events through their website – and make sure you book early for anything you are keen on as many of them fill up fast.
The Christchurch Brick Show, July 13-14 2019, Horncastle Arena, $5 entry pp
This event is the biggest LEGO show of its kind in New Zealand.
Now with more space than ever before, the Christchurch Brick Show will exhibit amazing LEGO models for all age groups in 4,000 square metres of space at the Horncastle Arena.
Over 200 enthusiasts and collectors will show their designs, collections and contraptions to inspire creativity and innovation.
Children will have the opportunity to go hands-on with various LEGO focused activities in Imagination Station’s huge build and learn zone, sponsored by Mitre 10 Mega. Activities include building spaces, mechanics benches, mosaic walls, gaming area, remote control LEGO vehicles, ramp races (from 4 meters high!) and more!
Entry is $5 per child and $5 per caregiver. Children under 2 are free. You can book online to reserve your tickets or pay by cash/eftpos at the door.
The Kaiapoi Teddy Bear Hunt, July 6 – 20, Kaiapoi Town Centre, Free
There has been a bear invasion in Kaiapoi! They are hiding everywhere. Those pesky, trick bears are back!
Search high and low in the shop windows and you’ll find them. Some even have disguises. Come out for a day of fun in Kaiapoi.
Get your entry form from Kaiapoi i-Site, (corner of Charles & Williams Street, Kaiapoi), or download from www.kaiapoiadventure.co.nz.
Find as many bears as you can and enter the prize draw!
All welcome. Event runs all through KidsFest.
Helicopter Hijinks, Wigram Airforce Museum, July 6 – 20, 2019
The Wigram Airforce Museum has a number of activities during Kidsfest including the Rotary Roundup (for ages 8 – 13, cost $6 per child and caregivers free); Wingless Wonders (ages 5-10, cost $6 per child, caregivers free) and Chopper Spotter (ages 3-7, $6 per child, caregivers free).
Pool Parties, various locations, July 6, 7, 14 and 20, 2019
Come along and have swim fun on inflatables, dance in the water to our DJ and play some pool games.
Spot prizes for style and safe swimmers from Coolstuff. Standard pool fees apply, tickets are available at the Pool on the day. ($3.50 per child, $6 per caregiver).
Pioneer Recreation and Sports Centre – Saturday 6th July, 1-3pm
QEII Recreation and Sports Centre – Sunday 7th July, 1-3pm
Jellie Park Recreation and Sports Centre – Sunday 14th July, 1-3pm
Graham Condon Recreation and Sports Centre – Saturday 20th July, 1-3pm
Detour bump and roll track, Manchester Street, free
The “Detour” is a bump and roll track in the city for all as part of the Fletcher Living and Gap Filler Placemaking at One Central Programme adjacent Manchester and Armagh Street intersection.
All are welcome whatever your ability to come and have a go. Routes vary in difficulty, so whether you’re still on trainer wheels or you are more of a pro, everyone is welcome. Cycle, skateboard or scooter through. Whatever your wheels, this detour is for you!
Mix up your travel in the city and add some fun factor, or make a special visit to hang out and enjoy!
There are other Gap Filler installations as part of the PaOC programme close by so take opportunity to explore and mix this in with some other fun activities. These include the hammock park, the #chchswing, food trucks and much more.
There are bus stops nearby on Manchester – and the buses also take bikes.
Once Upon a Happy Ending, The Malthouse, 6 – 20 July, 2019 (check link for specific dates and times)
Cushion Theatre at the Malthouse. This is interactive theatre for children of all ages. Once Upon A Happy Ending is your usual fairy story with a difference – you, the audience makes it happen.
Choose your heroes and villains, name the magical kingdom, create mythical creatures to save the day and help seek out those missing clues.
Let your imagination do the work – follow the lead of the Narrator and make a happy ending!!
Plenty of carparking available in BestStart carpark right next door- no walking across the busy road.
Air-conditioned theatre space with cushions galore. Coffee and cold drinks by Kea Coffee right outside the Malthouse for your convenience.
Tickets are $9 per person. Book online here.
Kidsfest Under the Stars, Canterbury Astronomical Society Observatory West Melton, July 6 – 20, 2019
For something very special, plan an evening with your kids exploring the stars.
Explore the Universe at the Canterbury Astronomical Society’s observatory in West Melton. Members of the society will be on hand to help unlock the secrets of the night sky through the wide range of telescopes at the observatory.
The observatory will be open most nights of Kidsfest, weather permitting. A status update will be posted every night by 6:00pm on the society website at https://www.cas.org.nz/ as to whether we are open or closed. Please be sure to check there before travelling to the observatory.
The observatory is around 30 minutes drive from Christchurch at 218 Bells Road, West Melton. See https://www.cas.org.nz/ for maps and directions.
Bookings are essential. Numbers are limited. Book on the society website.
Booking fee applies. Sorry no door sales. *We will be closed on both Tuesday nights.
