The Christchurch spring school holidays in 2023 are just around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to plan some exciting activities to entertain the kids in the School Holidays. We will be updating this what’s on in the school holidays page with more events during the school holidays, so remember to check back later on to see new events that have been added.

Art Adventure for Little Ones at Christchurch Art Gallery | Te Puna o Waiwhetū

Date: Thursday 5 October 2023: 10:15am
Where: Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū, 312 Montreal Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013
School Holiday Event information

Enjoy a free, guided art tour especially for parents with babies at Christchurch Art Gallery. Tours last 30-45 minutes and there’s no need to book. Buggies welcome.

See The Kuia and The Spider at The Court Theatre

Dates: Wed 27 Sep to Sat 7 October 2023
Where: The Court Theatre, 36 Clarence Street South, Addington, Christchurch 8024
Event information

Journey into the forest with Kui and Pūpai as they find out how to save the spider world from the damage of humans. Adapted from the beloved children’s book The Kuia and the Spider by Patricia Grace, Te Kuia me te Pungawerewere takes you beyond the kitchen to find out what the old lady and the spider are really arguing about. Performed in English, with te reo Māori kupu (words) and waiata (songs) throughout. Perfect for primary-school-aged tamariki (children) and their whānau.

Classic Film Screening at Lumière Cinema, Christchurch Central

Take a trip down memory lane or introduce your kids to some beloved classic films. “Wizard of Oz” and “Jurassic Park” will be playing at Lumière Cinema, offering a fantastic cinematic experience for both kids and adults. It’s a great way to bond with your family over timeless movies.

Wizard of Oz
Date: 25 September to 27 September
Where: 26 Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013
Event information
Jurassic Park
Date: 2 October to 4 October
Where: 26 Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013
Event information

See Dr Suess’s The Cat in the Hat live on stage

Date: Tuesday 3 October 2023
Where: Isaac Theatre Royal 145 Gloucester Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011
Event information

Dr Suess’s The Cat in the Hat play was adapted for the stage by the National Theatre of Great Britain, and tells the story consistent with the book of a brother and sister, bored at home on a rainy day…(without their Mother!!??) when they are visited by none other than ‘The Cat’ in his red and white striped Hat….(which they let in the door!!??).Their outspoken and outraged pet Fish (yip the fish talks…and is the babysitter!!) is astounded and concerned, but this cat will not be deterred. He will teach us all to make our own fun with nothing but a little imagination. “It’s fun to have fun, but you have to know how.” Along with his friends, Thing One and Thing Two (Hey we all have those types of friend’s) they turn the house upside down leaving mess everywhere but have no fear because The Cat brings in his red ‘Picker-Up Machine’ and all is back to normal before Mum walks back in the door.

Head to the Japan Fiesta EX2023

Date: Sat 14 October 2023: 10am to 6pm
Where: Riccarton Park, Christchurch 
Event information

For your teens and kids that love anime, manga and Japanese Culture make sure you head down to the Riccarton Racecourse for fun activities. Entry is $10 to $15 each.

World Rivers Day

Date: 23 Sep 2023: 10am to 2pm
Where: 230 Cambridge Ter, Christchurch Central, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand
Event information

Take the kids to learn about what they can do to improve the health of New Zealand rivers.

Creative Adventures at Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre

The Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre is brimming with creative opportunities to inspire and engage children of all ages in the school holidays. There are activities suitable for pre-schoolers to teenager including: instrument making, fudge decorating, circus arts, ceramics, painting, felt making, dancing, crafting, singing, weaving, and even African drumming. It’s a fantastic opportunity for kids to explore their artistic side and learn new skills in the school holidays.

Rutherford’s Den Free Tour
Date: 23 September to 8 October
Discover the wonders of science and history with a FREE tour of Rutherford’s Den, a fascinating place for curious minds.

Holiday Fun Zone
Date: 27 September to 6 October
The Holiday Fun Zone, offering a variety of family-friendly activities and entertainment throughout the school holidays.

Fudge Shape Decorating and Musical Instrument Workshops
Date: 26 September to 28 September

Superhero Circus Workshop
Date: 29 September to 6 October

Spring Crafting: Putiputi Flax Flowers and Paper Butterflies
Date: 6 October

Celebrate Mahuru Māori with Loopy Tunes
Date: 6 October

SCAPE Artist Workshops
Date: 2 October to 5 October

Take a telescope show and guided night sky tour at Oxford Area School Observatory

Date: 8 September 2023
Times: 7:30pm and 8:30pm
Where: 52-60 Bay Road, Oxford 7430, North Canterbury.
Event information

See neighbouring galaxies, emission nebulae, star clusters, and much more.

Riverside’s 4th Birthday Bash

Date: 30 Sep 2023
Where: Riverside Market
Event information

Riverside Market is turning 4 and to celebrate there are fun activities planned for all the family, including face painting for the kids, live music and dance performances.

Entomology Collections Open Day at Waimarie, Lincoln University

Date: 7 October 2023: Noon to 4pm
Where: Waimarie, Lincoln University, 85084 Ellesmere Junction Road, Lincoln
Event information

Visit Waimarie, Lincoln University to get up close to the weird and wonderful specimens from Lincoln University’s Entomology Research Museum. Examples on show will include brilliant butterflies, spooky spiders, spectacular giant wētā, and a huge diversity of beetles, weevils and moths.

Spring Fun Carnival Night at MoveX

Date: 6 October 2023: 6pm to 8pm
Where: Move X Indoor Trampoline and Ninja Park, 230 Maces Road, Christchurch
Event information

Check out The Extravaganza Fair in New Brighton

Date: 7 to 8 Oct 2023
Where: New Brighton
Event information

Visit the family friendly fair with shows & live music. It’s FREE entry for kids & adults just a gold coin entry.

Akaroa French Festival

Dates: 6 to 8 October 2023
Where: Akaroa Recreation Ground, Akaroa
Event information

Visit the biennial Akaroa French Festival and celebrate the unique culture and heritage of New Zealand’s only French settlement in the harbourside town of Akaroa.

Family entertainment is at the forefront of the festival. Enjoy market stalls, French games, fashion show, music & entertainment, plus an antique and collectable vintage fair.

Discover Sutton Heritage House and Garden

Date: 8 October 2023
Event information

With this exciting line-up of events and activities, the Christchurch spring school holidays in 2023 promise to be a memorable time for kids and families alike. Make the most of this season and create lasting memories with your little ones in this beautiful city.

Lyttelton Craft and Treasure Market

Dates: Saturday 23 September 2023 and Sat 30 Sep 2023: 9am to 1pm
Event information

Visit the Lyttelton Craft and Treasure Market for unique handcrafts, which is next to the Farmer Markets on Sunday. The market goes ahead even if its raining.

Six Extinctions at the Pop up museum at CoCA

Dates: Daily during the Spring School Holidays : 9am to 5pm.
Event information

visit Canterbury Museum at CoCA and come face-to-face with some of the top predators of the past and learn about the the Earth’s mass extinction events in the FREE Six Extinctions exhibition produced by Gondwana Studios.

Whānau Passport Guided Rides for Biketober

When: 1 Oct, 3 Oct, 4, Oct, 5 Oct, 7 Oct, 8 Oct at various times.
Event information

These FREE hour-long guided bike rides commence at the Pump Track located on Manchester St. They will make stops at various Biketober Whanau Passport destinations in the Christchurch city centre before concluding with a treat of ice cream for the kids at Rollickin’ Gelato. Cycling expert Paul Odlin will be your guide, teaching you and your children essential skills such as navigating the bike lanes in the central city, recognizing potential road hazards, and safely crossing intersections. 

Visit the Dutch Monthly Market

When: 8 Oct 2023: 10am to 12:30pm
Where: 637 Marshland Road, Christchurch
Event information

Take the family to try Dutch cheeses, herring, witlof, croquettes, Dutch pikelets, small goods, licorice, and all sorts of other Dutch goodies at this market on Marshland Road. And if you aren’t into food don’t worry,  they have handmade cards and earrings and other crafts for sale too.