Top Playgrounds in Christchurch for Kids
Christchurch is a vibrant city known for its beautiful parks and family-friendly spaces. If you’re looking for the best playgrounds to visit with your kids, here are some top picks that promise fun and adventure for children of all ages.
1. Margaret Mahy Family Playground
Margaret Mahy Family Playground is a must-visit for families. Named after the famous New Zealand author, this playground features a variety of play equipment designed to stimulate and entertain children. Highlights include giant slides, flying foxes, a splash pad, and numerous climbing structures. There’s also a dedicated area for toddlers, making it a perfect spot for families with kids of different ages.
Address: 177 Armagh Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011
What Else to Do Nearby
The playground is located near the Avon River, where you can enjoy a leisurely walk or a punting trip. The Christchurch Botanic Gardens and Canterbury Museum are also within walking distance.
2. Christchurch Botanic Gardens Playground and Splash Pad
The playground at the Christchurch Botanic Gardens is another fantastic spot for families. The area includes a variety of play equipment suitable for different age groups and a splash pad for those hot summer days. Set in the beautiful surroundings of the Botanic Gardens, this playground is perfect for combining play with a relaxing stroll among the plants and tree
Address: Botanic Gardens, Armagh Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013
What Else to Do Nearby
The Botanic Gardens themselves are a treasure trove of beautiful plants and trees. You can also visit the nearby Canterbury Museum or enjoy a peaceful punt ride on the Avon River.
3. The Groynes Playground
The Groynes is a sprawling park that offers more than just a playground. It’s an excellent spot for a family picnic, fishing, and even kayaking. The playground itself has various swings, slides, and climbing frames. The natural setting, with its beautiful lakes and greenery, adds to the charm.
Address: 160 Johns Road, Belfast, Christchurch 8051
What Else to Do Nearby
Explore the walking trails, hire a kayak, or enjoy a barbecue by the lakeside. The nearby Orana Wildlife Park is also worth a visit.
4. Halswell Quarry Park
Halswell Quarry Park is a unique recreational area that combines history and play. The playground here is well-equipped with modern play structures, and the park’s wide-open spaces are perfect for running around. The quarry itself offers an interesting backdrop, with its walking tracks and botanical collections.
Address: Kennedys Bush Road, Halswell, Christchurch 8025
What Else to Do Nearby
Take a walk along the quarry trails, visit the dog park, or explore the native plant collections. The park also hosts various events throughout the year.
5. New Brighton Beach Playground
Located right on the beach, New Brighton Beach Playground offers a fantastic combination of seaside fun and playground excitement. Kids can enjoy the swings, slides, and climbing frames, and then head to the beach for some sandcastle building and splashing in the waves.
Address: Marine Parade, New Brighton, Christchurch 8061
What Else to Do Nearby
After playing, take a walk along the New Brighton Pier, visit the New Brighton Library, or enjoy some fish and chips from a local café.
6. Spencer Park Playground
Spencer Park is a family favorite, with an extensive playground, picnic areas, and plenty of space for outdoor activities. The playground has a wide range of equipment suitable for children of all ages, and the park also offers a petting zoo, a mini-golf course, and walking trails.
Address: Heyders Road, Spencerville, Christchurch 8083
What Else to Do Nearby
Visit the Spencer Beach Holiday Park, explore the wetlands, or take a short drive to the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve.
7. Sumner Beach Playground
Sumner Beach Playground is a wonderful spot for a family outing. Located right next to the beach, it features a variety of play equipment, including swings, slides, and climbing structures. The playground is well-maintained and offers stunning views of the ocean, making it a great place for kids to play while parents relax and enjoy the scenery.
Address: Esplanade, Sumner, Christchurch 8081
What Else to Do Nearby
After some fun at the playground, you can take a stroll along the beach, explore the Sumner Surf Lifesaving Club, or grab a bite to eat at one of the many nearby cafes and restaurants. The Cave Rock is also a popular spot for kids to explore.
8. Nga Puna Wai Sports Hub Playground
Nga Puna Wai Sports Hub Playground is part of a larger sports complex and provides excellent play facilities for kids. The playground includes a range of equipment such as slides, swings, and climbing structures. The area is also great for families who want to enjoy various sports activities together.
Address: Augustine Drive, Wigram, Christchurch 8042
What Else to Do Nearby
Take advantage of the sports fields and tracks at Nga Puna Wai, or enjoy a picnic in the surrounding green spaces.
9. Dallington Landing Playground
Dallington Landing Playground is one of the newer additions to Christchurch’s playgrounds, offering a variety of modern play equipment. This playground is designed to cater to children of all ages, with swings, climbing frames, and interactive play stations. The playground also features shaded areas and picnic spots.
Address: River Road, Dallington, Christchurch 8061
What Else to Do Nearby
Located near the Avon River, you can enjoy a riverside walk or cycle, or explore the nearby community gardens.
10. Stonebrook Park Playground
Stonebrook Park Playground is a hidden gem in the Rolleston area, offering a great mix of traditional and modern play equipment. The playground features swings, slides, climbing structures, and a fun zip line. It’s designed to cater to kids of all ages, with a separate area for younger children to play safely. The spacious park also includes picnic tables and plenty of green space for running around.
Address: 2 Ensign Street, Rolleston, Christchurch 7614
What Else to Do Nearby
Just a short drive from Stonebrook Park Playground, Foster Park offers extensive sports fields, walking tracks, and a larger playground for even more fun. The Rolleston Community Centre is also nearby, providing various family-friendly activities and events. Additionally, the Rolleston Library is a great spot for kids to pick out some books and enjoy storytime sessions.
11. Milns Park Playground
Milns Park is a vibrant and well-designed playground in the Halswell area of Christchurch. The playground features modern play equipment suitable for children of all ages. Highlights include a large climbing structure, swings, slides, and a sandpit area. There is ample seating and picnic spots for families to relax while the kids play. The park is surrounded by greenery, offering a pleasant and safe environment for outdoor fun.
Address: Milns Park, Milns Road, Halswell, Christchurch 8025
What Else to Do Nearby
Milns Park is close to several attractions that families can enjoy. The nearby Halswell Quarry Park is perfect for nature walks, mountain biking, and exploring historic quarry sites. For a bit of retail therapy, the Halswell Shopping Centre offers a variety of shops and cafes. The Halswell Aquatic Centre, with its pools and splash areas, is a great spot to cool off in the summer months. Additionally, the local library hosts regular events and activities for children, making it a great addition to your family outing.
11. Levi Park Playground
Levi Park is a fantastic family-friendly playground located in Rolleston, Christchurch. This well-maintained park offers a wide range of play equipment that caters to children of all ages. Key features include a large climbing frame, swings, slides, and a flying fox. The playground also has a spacious open area for ball games and running around, making it ideal for picnics and family gatherings. With plenty of shade and seating areas, Levi Park provides a comfortable and enjoyable environment for a fun-filled day out with the kids.
Address: Levi Park, Levi Road, Rolleston, Christchurch 7614
What Else to Do Nearby
Levi Park is surrounded by a variety of family-friendly attractions. Just a short drive away is the Rolleston Community Centre, which offers various recreational activities and events. The Selwyn Aquatic Centre is another nearby attraction, featuring indoor pools and a splash area that kids will love. For a bit of nature, head to the nearby Foster Park, where you can enjoy walking trails, sports fields, and more playground equipment. Additionally, Rolleston’s town centre has numerous cafes and shops where you can grab a bite to eat or do a bit of shopping. With so many activities close by, Levi Park is an excellent starting point for a fun and diverse family outing.
12. Little River Heritage Park Playground
Little River Heritage Park is a charming and picturesque playground nestled in the small town of Little River, Christchurch. This unique park blends play and history, offering children a chance to explore while learning about the local heritage. The playground features a variety of equipment, including swings, slides, climbing structures, and a delightful train-themed play area. The park’s beautifully landscaped grounds and historical displays make it a special spot for families to enjoy a day out.
Address: Little River Heritage Park, Little River, Christchurch 7591
What Else to Do Nearby
Little River Heritage Park is surrounded by a wealth of activities and attractions for the whole family. Just a short walk away is the Little River Rail Trail, a popular biking and walking track that showcases the region’s stunning scenery. For those interested in art and culture, the Little River Gallery offers an impressive collection of local artworks and crafts. The nearby Little River Campground is perfect for families looking to extend their stay with camping facilities and nature walks. Additionally, the town of Little River has several quaint cafes and shops where you can relax and enjoy the local flavours. With its mix of history, recreation, and natural beauty, Little River Heritage Park is a fantastic destination for a memorable family day out.
13. South New Brighton Playground
South New Brighton Playground is a vibrant space located near the beautiful South New Brighton Beach. This playground features a range of equipment catering to different age groups, including a giant climbing structure. Additionally, its proximity to the beach allows for a fun-filled day of play and seaside adventures, making it an ideal destination for families looking to enjoy both the playground and the natural beauty of Christchurch’s coastline.
Address: South Brighton Domain, off Beatty Street, South New Brighton, Christchurch 8062
What Else to Do Nearby
After enjoying the playground, families can explore the nearby South New Brighton Beach for a relaxing day by the sea. The estuary walkways provide a scenic route for a leisurely stroll or bike ride, perfect for spotting local wildlife. The South Brighton Surf Lifesaving Club offers opportunities for surf lessons and water activities in summer. For those interested in nature, a visit to the South Brighton Domain provides a chance to enjoy more green spaces and picnic areas. The nearby New Brighton Pier and New Brighton Mall offer shopping, dining, and entertainment options to round out a fun-filled day.
