12 Apr 2018

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School holidays are almost here so here is our guide to what’s on to entertain, energise and get your kids out and about in their city.

Discover superhero plants

Find out about plants with superpowers in the Botanic Gardens Plant Power Discovery Trail from 14 April to 29 April. Kids can follow clues to discover how plants defeat their enemies and use fire to grow, they can also learn about carnivorous plants. Pick up your free booklet from the Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre.  

Get creative with collage

Christchurch Art Gallery is encouraging kids to be inspired by its current exhibition, British artist John Stezaker’s Lost World, and get creative with collage. The education centre is hosting Collage Zoo for five to eight year olds at 11am from 16-18 April, 20 April, and 23 to 27 April.

On the same dates but at Ipm, there will be My Paper Universe sessions for older children aged eight to 13. They’ll get the chance to collage their own surreal landscapes using vintage magazines.

Have some fishy fun

Margaret Mahy Playground will host a local event celebrating  World Fish Migration Day on Friday 20 April from 10am until 2pm. Freshwater fish experts will be on hand to talk about how fish need to move within our rivers, and to and from the sea, and there will be games, and activities along with inanga, trout/salmon and fish passage stations set up inside gazebos.

Hop to a free ANZAC Day movie

You can also head to the Christchurch Art Gallery for a free family evening at the movies. The gallery is screening Aardman Animations’ The Curse of the Were-Rabbit at 6pm on Wednesday 25 April at the Philip Carter Family Auditorium. In this installment of the popular series, Wallace and his loyal dog, Gromit, set out to discover the mystery behind the garden sabotage that plagues their village and threatens the annual giant vegetable growing contest. Bring your own movie snacks and drinks, no bookings required. The auditorium will be open from 5.30pm so arrive early for the best seats.

Find indoor action at the libraries

They’re always popular in the school holidays so get in early for Christchurch City Libraries’ programme of fun creative activities at their three learning centres, Te Hāpua (Halswell) Library, Upper Riccarton Library and South Library. The workshops on offer include; Lego Animation, Minecraft Game Zone, and Robo Fun. There are also sessions teaching Traditional Maori Games and Earth Smart STEAM events focused on sustainability and recycling. Call (03) 941 7923 or email learningcentre@ccc.govt.nz.

There are drop-in holiday activities at many libraries, check the events calendar for dates and times. There’s no charge or booking required for these sessions which include making paper suncatchers, book cover bookmarks, a 3D printing demo, and maker space family time.

There's Minecraft entertainment on offer at the libraries.

There's Minecraft entertainment on offer at the libraries.

Climb into the sun at the museum

On a grey day, Canterbury Museum could be the spot to bask in some sunlight. Sunlight – Ihi Kōmaru explores the science behind the sun in a hands-on exhibition designed to appeal to all ages. There’s the chance to climb inside a giant inflatable to find out what the sun sounds like, and to make vibrant shadows in the colour mixing game. There’s also an ultraviolet scavenger hunt competition with the chance to win a prize.
Sunlight was developed and toured by Te Manawa Museum of Art, Science and History, Palmerston North.

Let them build

Get the kids creating and building with lego at the Imagination Station in Cathedral Junction. Open daily from 10am until 6pm it offers holiday programmes and workshops, including Stop Motion Animation, Eco Powered Technic Contraptions and LEGO Mindstorms. Book online to guarantee entry during busy times.

Head to the theatre

Written and directed by Dan Bain, A Paintbox of Clowns is a silent show for children that’s filled with slapstick, clowning and physical comedy.
Starring a mischievous trio of clowns (Red, Green and Blue), the performances at the Court Theatre from 16 to 28 April are recommended for children aged three to seven. All tickets are $10.
The Malthouse Theatre presents Witch's Cat Wanted, adapted and directed by Nickie Wellbourn, from 14-29 April and performed by Canterbury Children’s Theatre.

Hit the pool

Having a splash around is a great way to burn off some energy and the indoor pools at Jellie Park and Graham Condon Recreation and Sport Centres are open throughout the holidays. Work on the spa, steam room and sauna at Jellie Park will be finished on Saturday 14 April, restoring normal access to the pools.

Pioneer Recreation and Sport Centre’s main pool remains closed while repairs and upgrades are carried out but the outdoor Waltham Pool will remain open longer than usual, until Sunday 29 April, to provide extra swimming opportunities. 

Go for gymnastics

If the littlies need some fun and challenging exercise Graham Condon has Tumbletimes sessions for pre-schoolers at 9.30am every weekday during the holidays except ANZAC Day, 25 April.