School holidays start on Monday 18 April – or after school on Friday 15 April. Our libraries and learning centres will be busy with animal-themed programmes and activities as well as origami, scavenger hunts, and games.
- See the programmes and activities at libraries and learning centres.
- Check out other holiday programmes and events in Christchurch.
- Explore the animal-related stuff in our library collection.
Here’s some picks – some require booking, so check them out and book in:
At libraries and learning centres
- Toy animal sleepover – leave a toy at the library, then pick it up in the morning. There will be pics taken on the shenanigans it gets up to … (free)
- Minecraft game zone (aimed at 8 to 12 year olds) 3D gaming experience that involves creating your virtual world and interacting with others ($7 per kid)
- BeeBots (for 4 to 7 year olds) Kids can explore a story with a BeeBot and learn basic robotic skills. ($7 per kid)
In Christchurch
- Make Where the wild things are masks and Pet Monsters at the Christchurch Art Gallery. ($8 per child)
- The movie is going to be played in the auditorium on Wednesday 27 April at 7pm. (gold coin entry)
- If – like us – you are bit obsessed with that sugary delight of Pip & Pop at the Christchurch Art Gallery, Sweet Dreams (are made of these) is for you. Your kids will help create a colourful mosaic using stickers created by Tanya Schultz, the artist who made it. This event is on 10, 17 April, 8 May, and 5 June. (free, but book in)
- If it’s a nice autumn day, explore the Kids Discovery Trail at the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. (free)
- Cultural Constellations by Science Alive! is a neat experience for the whole family. You sit in the StarDome and feel like you are exploring space. ($5 per person; $20 for families of 4 or more)
- Go for a swim at one of our local pools. (see prices)
- Visit Christchurch’s superpopular Margaret Mahy Playground, or one of the other many cool parks. Playgrounds are listed in Find:Chch. (free)
Moata’s post has great suggestions on reading and stuff to help make travelling with kids more fun and less stress. And of course your local library has plenty of CDs, DVDs, eBooks, eAudiobooks, books, mags, and stuff for kids.
We’d love to hear your ideas of things to do in the school holidays too.
Christchurch City Libraries Blog 
Riccarton Players (www.riccartonplayers.co.nz) has a children’s show on offer – Playbox: All About the Bunny! Tickets are only $8 and the show is on both weeks of the holidays, at Addington School Hall. There’s more than one Christchurch City Libraries staff involved in the show too, so you may spot some familiar faces.
The Friday Street Food Market in Cathedral Square is great fun and cheap food, perfect for the family! Every Friday from 11am until 9pm.