Spring into the school holidays

There's plenty to do and the weather is warming up so take an upbeat approach to the two-week break with some help from our holiday guide.

Walk out the door

The Breeze Walking Festival is on throughout the school holidays so there are loads of opportunities to take the kids out for a stroll. One of the many family-friendly events on offer is We’re Going on a Bear Hunt on Tuesday 2 October between 1pm and 2pm and 2pm and 3pm. Go on a swishy, swashy experience at Walter Park Playground on Hills Rd, Mairehau. This is suitable for parents pushing buggies and for younger walkers (cancelled if wet).

Other highlights for kids are the Dogs Day Out at Ferrymead Heritage Park on Sunday 30 October, Gruffalo Explorers on Wednesday 3 October and Pukeko Stomp on Tuesday 9 October. To find out more about the festival programme check the calendar of events.

Smell the flowers

Enjoy the spring blooms in the Christchurch Botanic Gardens - if you’re lucky there will still be plenty of blossoms to enjoy. There are hundreds of cherry trees growing in the Botanic Gardens and in Hagley Park. In Japan, where cherry blossom season is celebrated, “Hanafubuki”, which translates to “Flower Snow Storm”, describes the time when petals are blown from the trees and they fall to the ground. Catching a petal as it falls is said to bring good fortune.

While you’re at the Gardens, check out the Pollen Power Discovery Trail, following Harry the Hoverfly on a self-guided trail. Pick up a booklet from the Visitor Centre and bring a pen or pencil to complete the activities (aimed at children between four and 10 years old). 

Paint the walls

Visit the Christchurch Art Gallery and let your children’s artistic flair run wild with the free  Wall to Wall  project where they can help create a huge piece of public art on the gallery’s walls. Drop in between 11am and 4pm during the holidays and over Labour Weekend.

Also at the Christchurch Art Gallery, on Tuesday 2 October, from 10am, Art Safari is a chance for pre-schoolers to paint, glue, print and stamp without making a mess at home. Stay for as long as you like at this free event.

For another creative outlet, try the CoCA (Centre of Contemporary Art) Gallery on Gloucester St’s The Anatomy of a Container workshop for kids aged four to 14 with artist and teacher Gaby Montejo. The workshops, which cost $15, will use woodwork and plaster techniques to create a unique container. Thursday 4 October from 10am until 12pm and Tuesday 9 October from 1pm until 3pm.

Celebrate public art

The SCAPE Season 2018 opens with a Hellers Family Fun Day on Saturday 6 October from 10am until 2pm at the Margaret Mahy Playground on Armagh St.
There will be free barbecued sausages and entertainment from the Christchurch Pops Choir at this event which kicks off six weeks of public artworks on show around Christchurch. There will be art activities, giveaways and a first glimpse of some of the new artworks. 

Hit the library

For a rainy day or whenever you need extra inspiration, Christchurch City Libraries has its usual packed and popular schedule of school holiday activities and programmes including Stop Motion Animation, Minecraft Game Zones, crafts and 3D printing. 

Get dramatic

There are oodles of options for a trip to the theatre in the school holidays including, Hansel and Gretel at the Court Theatre, The Amazing Race at the Malthouse Theatre in Beckenham, Mr Science Magical Science Tour at the Charles Luney Auditorium, St Margaret’s College on 3 October and Dr Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat on stage at the Isaac Theatre Royal on 9 October.

For a free, classic family movie, head to the Philip Carter Family Auditorium at the Christchurch Art Gallery to see The Princess Bride (PG) on 10 October at 6pm.

Splash into some fun

If the kids need to burn off some energy, head to a Christchurch City Council swimming pool. Jellie Park Recreation and Sport has a new indoor hydroslide that’s a fast and thrilling ride with special lighting to add to the excitement and Graham Condon Recreation and Sport Centre has an inflatable obstacle course in the main pool on Sunday 30 September from 12.30pm until 2.30pm. Swimsmart programmes run in the holidays at Jellie Park, Taiora QEII (week one) and Graham Condon (week two) but the teach pool at Pioneer Recreation and Sport will be closed for maintenance from 1 October to 14 October.

Tour Tūranga

Towards the end of the school holidays the exciting new central library, Tūranga, will open its doors to residents for the first time. The five-storey building near Cathedral Square will have its grand opening from 1pm on Friday 12 October and on Friday and Saturday The Breeze and More FM will provide entertainment with music, giveaways and other activities. Turanga’s Foundation café will be operating and food trucks will be on site. 

Tūranga's first floor is likely to become a major attraction for children and young people with a playground, the Lego-packed Imagination Station, the biggest children’s book collection in Christchurch, art and craft spaces and a towering ‘book tree’ where children can sit among the branches and read.