The final bell of term three is ringing, and Christchurch families have two weeks to fill with sport, stories, art and a few good reasons to get outside.

The first weekend of school holidays offers plenty to do, whether the plan is to cheer from the stands or let the children lead the way.

Saturday night brings a milestone for women’s basketball. The Mainland Pouākai open their Tauihi season against the Southern Hoiho at Parakiore Recreation and Sport Centre. The Rapid League game starts at 6.30pm, followed by the main match at 7.30pm. It will be the Pouākai’s first Tauihi game at Parakiore.

Rugby fans also have a Saturday fixture, with Canterbury taking on Southland at One NZ Stadium at 5.05pm. For a more leisurely outing, Riverside Market is celebrating its seventh birthday across the weekend with live music, face painting, cupcake decorating and other family activities.

At the Arts Centre, Saturday’s Tamariki Book Festival offers readings, crafts, games and the chance to meet an author. Children can return on Sunday to make music from everyday objects at Junk Band Jam or join a free drop-in games day.

There’s also the New Brighton Seaside Market on Saturday and an interactive Vivaldi concert for young children at Mt Pleasant Community Centre on Sunday. Women aged 16 and over can try a free surfing session at Sumner Beach on Sunday, with boards and wetsuits provided.

When the weekend is over, the exploring can continue. A free mystery trail at the Christchurch Botanic Gardens invites children to collect a booklet from the Visitor Centre, follow clues and piece together The Wildologist’s Missing Notebook. In Lyttelton, an Antarctic window hunt sends families searching shopfronts for themed objects throughout the holidays.

Christchurch Art Gallery has free holiday activities from 26 September to 11 October, including giant building pieces, jigsaws and a space for children to create their own bird forests. The Arts Centre’s programme continues across the fortnight with workshops, films and free activities, including a mini-figure hunt at the Teece Museum.

For children keen to burn off energy, Parakiore’s bookable holiday programme runs on selected weekdays for ages eight to 12. Its first week includes circus activities such as juggling, parkour and aerials, while the second brings basketball, inflatables, dance and pool time.

There is plenty to fit in, but no need to do it all at once. The Botanic Gardens trail and Lyttelton hunt will still be waiting next week if this weekend’s sporting calendar wins out.