11 Jul 2023

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With six days of KidsFest to go, here are some of the most affordable ways to keep your kids entertained these school holidays.

Whether your whānau is into nature, crafts, music, sport, or all the above, KidsFest is the perfect way to engage, inspire and entertain your children. Tickets are still available for the following events and many more! 

Roll up your sleeves for craft creativity! 

Spend a relaxing afternoon at Aranui Library for the two-hour art and craft session, Island Aiga Fun. The free event has a Pasifika theme and is for children and youth of all ages. Come along from 1pm to 3pm on Wednesday 12 July. Adult supervision is optional for children over 8-years-old. 

Messy Play is a little one’s dream, with slime, paint, sand, playdough and more to get messy with all morning at Tai Tapu Playcentre, from 10am to 12pm on Wednesday 12 July. This event is for children aged 0–6 years, and the $6 tickets (per child) cover all materials. Adult supervision is required, (no ticket necessary for caregivers) – but hurry, as numbers are limited. 

Sporty or walky? 

Why not try something new and maybe discover a new favourite sport? GKR Karate are offering free beginner karate lessons for children aged 5-years-old and over, at a range of different times at Opawa School. Adult supervision is optional for children over 8-years-old. 

Take the lantern-lit path of discovery on the Nightlife Lantern Walk – a free, self-guided trail walk at Riccarton Bush on every evening of KidsFest, from 5.30–7.30pm. With a printable trail guide available, children can learn all about the amazing nocturnal wildlife. This event is suitable for all ages, and adult supervision is required. 

Calling music makers! 

Crash, bang, wallop on your makeshift drum at the Nor’west Brass Interactive Concert, where beginner brass band The Cyclones will perform some familiar tunes and are inviting audience participation! This free event is held at the Helen Kitson Function Centre at Rangi Ruru Girls’ School on Wednesday 12 July from 1.30–2.30pm.  Adult supervision is required. 

If your kid is into music and tech, then they will love the chance to mix their own loops and sequences and make an original music track! The Digital Music Making Workshop is a free, interactive two-hour session for children aged 11 to 15 years of any skill level, offering exactly that! The class is held at Te Hāpua Halswell Centre on Wednesday 12 July from 1pm to 3pm. Bookings are essential as numbers are limited, and adult supervision is optional. 

Browse the full list of activities at kidsfest.co.nz and keep up to date on the KidsFest Facebook page.