Fantastic KidsFest fun on the way

Grab a hot-off-the-press KidsFest guide so you can make sure the school holidays are full of cool activities.

Programmes for the much-loved festival will be distributed to libraries, schools and other outlets around the city from Saturday and tickets go on sale from 9am next Friday, 1 June. 

KidsFest is coming and the Mata Riki KidsFest Parade is one of many highlights in the programme.

KidsFest is produced by the Christchurch City Council on behalf of the KidsFest Charitable Trust.

The opening event is The Big Chill at Linwood Park on 7 July, from 12pm until 3pm, with skate boarding, bouncy castles and a sausage sizzle. The MoreFM Mata Riki KidsFest Parade from Cathedral Square to The Terraces is the finale on 21 July, rounding out the three-week festival with a blaze of colour and light.

In between there are about 240 events and activities, from plays and performance to sports, arts and crafts and discovery.

Key events include the popular Christchurch Kids Market on 16 July where children can try out their salesmanship.

There’s also the chance to see fantastic Lego creations (including an 8 metre replica of the New Brighton Pier) at the Christchurch Brick Show on 14 and 15 July, enjoy an astronomically exciting Galactic Night at the Museum, or get into the outdoors with A Day in the Park with a Christchurch City Council Ranger.

KidsFest Pool parties are back and this year the newly opened Taiora: QEII Recreation and Sport Centre will host the first party on Sunday 8 July with chances to play on inflatables and win spot prizes.

There’s also a Dino Detectives interactive dinosaur-themed trail in the Botanic Gardens running throughout KidsFest.

Council Events and Arts Manager Karena Finnie says this year’s line-up is as diverse and action-packed as ever.

“We know how much parents and their children look forward to KidsFest each year. It’s a real bright spot to liven up the winter school holidays and this year’s programme will give families loads of opportunities to try new things and get out and have fun together no matter what the weather is like."

Find out more information on events and important updates leading up to the festival by checking the KidsFest website or Facebook.