Christchurch families will have plenty to keep children entertained as the winter school holidays begin this weekend.

KidsFest returns from Saturday 4 July to Sunday 19 July, with more than 200 events and activities across Canterbury. The programme includes everything from food, sport and craft to music, technology, theatre, outdoor adventures and library events. Some sessions have already sold out, but there is still plenty available for families looking to fill the two-week break.

Among the opening weekend highlights are UV Roller Disco, KidsFest under the Stars, The Reluctant Dragon, Tall Tails Museum Hunt, Orana Wildlife Park’s Miniature Moo Encounter, Telling Tales treasure hunts and reading challenges, and kids-go-free deals for the Christchurch Tram and Gondola.

For families keen to embrace the cold, the Cathedral Square Ice Rink is also open through the holidays. The pop-up real ice rink is in Cathedral Square and offers skating sessions for first-timers and more confident skaters, with music, lighting effects and a minimum skating age of three.

Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū is also getting in on the school holiday action, with free family activities from 4 to 8 July and again from 12 to 19 July. Tamariki can build with giant blocks in the Imagination Playground, create colourful Tivaevae patterns and get hands-on with art in the central city.

There is plenty on offer for young music and theatre fans too. Pooh Bear Live is at the Christchurch Town Hall on Sunday 5 July, while Canterbury Children’s Theatre is presenting The Reluctant Dragon at The Malthouse from 4 to 19 July.

Christchurch Symphony Orchestra is bringing Kiri and Lou to life at the Town Hall on Thursday 9 July, with two 45-minute performances at 10am and 11.30am. The concert features music and storytelling from the beloved Aotearoa children’s series, with tickets priced from $20 to $35.

Families looking for active options can check out the Parakiore Holiday Programme, designed for tamariki aged 8 to 12. Activities include basketball, artistic swimming, inflatables, pickleball, dance, water safety, floorball, diving, circus skills, swimming and hydrosliding, with sessions running on selected days across the holidays.

Matariki celebrations will also add light and warmth to the school holiday calendar. Tātai Whetū, Tātai Tangata runs from Wednesday 8 July to Saturday 11 July, from 5pm to 9pm, centred around Christchurch Art Gallery, Worcester Boulevard and the central city. The free festival features light installations, cultural performances, artworks and hands-on activities for all ages.

The Arts Centre will host its Matariki Mākete on Friday 10 and Saturday 11 July from 4pm to 9pm, with local artisans, live performances, food trucks and a celebration of toi, kai and whanaungatanga.

Matariki in the Zone will take place on Saturday 11 July from 2.30pm to 6.30pm at Riverlution, Richmond Community Garden, Avebury House and the Avon Ōtākaro Network area, with food, music, activities and a week-long trail lighting display.

For families wanting a relaxed evening out, The Tannery’s Matariki Food Market will be held on Friday 10 July, with local food vendors, banquet seating, live music, late-night shopping and a focus on kai, community and connection.

Looking further ahead, Go Live Festival returns to the Christchurch Town Hall on Saturday 22 August. The all-ages event, recommended for ages 16 and over, features 13 Aotearoa acts across four stages, including Opshop, Push Push, Pluto, The Eastern, There’s A Tuesday and more.

With free events, low-cost activities, live shows, ice skating, Matariki celebrations and plenty of hands-on fun, Christchurch families have no shortage of ways to make the most of the winter break.