Fun things to do with your little ones in and around North Canterbury...
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Featured listings will appear at the top of the page in the order in which requests are received (including all information needed for the listing). Please provide a photo to appear in the image space on the left. Your listing will be highlighted in pale yellow, like this, and up to 90 words advertising your business to parents of 'under fives' will be inserted here. Links to your website, and any social media that you utilise, will be included. Additional requests can be negotiated.
Local Playgrounds
Follow the link above to find out more about our best local playgrounds. Many of these also offer great spots to have a picnic. Also take a look at child-friendly cafes & restaurants as some of these offer playgrounds too.
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Toddler-Friendly BMX & Biking Tracks
Local BMX Tracks great for our little beginners:​
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Ohoka Domain, corners of Mills & Whites Road.
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Stalker Park beside Woodend School, Rangiora Woodend Road.
The Northbrook Wetlands walking track in Rangiora (parking on Cotter Lane) is a nice and easy option for little trikes and bikes - you can choose the shorter loop for beginners.
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Follow the link above to find out more about some local pram-friendly walks. Most are also bike-friendly and have spaces for picnics.
Feed the Ducks Follow this link for a good article on healthy duck feeding options
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The Lakes in north Kaiapoi or the Kaiapoi river.
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The pond in Matawai Park, Rangiora.
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Whites Reserve in Ohoka - corner of Whites Road and Tram Road.
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Waikuku beach, just beyond the main play area.
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The Groynes in Belfast.
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NCF Park at the end of Courtenay Drive in Kaiapoi.
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Pegasus Lakes.
Rock Hunting
Get started and inspired by hunting in local parks for rocks that others have painted and hidden then paint rocks and hide them outdoors for others to find. Join the local Facebook group here. Check out a couple of articles with more info on what rock hunting is all about here and here.
Outdoor Paddling Pools
Waikuku Beach Paddling Pool is the most popular with locals. There is also a playground and flying fox on site, and a neat little dairy on the corner with ice cream and hot chips. Easy parking on Domain Road. Leithfield Beach Paddling Pool on the other hand seems to be one of North Canterbury's best kept secrets. Grab an ice cream from the holiday park office and enjoy fish'n'chips from the food truck on Friday & Saturday evenings in summer. You'll find the pool just before the holiday park office, past the playground and beach access.
Indoor Swimming Pools
A local favourite for children is the Dudley Park Aquatic Centre - it has a great swimming area for children of all ages with plenty of variety to keep the little ones busy. Kaiapoi Aquatic Centre is another option and offers a paddling pool for babies/toddlers and a larger learner's pool that children can use when lessons are not running. The cost is $3.50 for a preschooler and adult together. If you are looking for swimming lessons see Baby/Preschooler Classes.
Waimakariri Libraries
As well as weekly baby and toddler times, our local libraries are also just a great place to play and read for your little one. Both Rangiora and Kaiapoi libraries have spaces set up for children with toys, books (of course) and places to explore (Roman loves the castle at Rangiora library).
Ohoka Farmers Market
9:00-12:30 every Friday, at the Ohoka Domain, corner of Mills and Whites Road.
Great food and coffee, playground for toddlers and older children as well as a bmx track. Toilets on site, a picnic table and large grass area.