This might be your first summer with a toddler in North Canterbury... where to go and what to do?! Here are some free (or low cost) ideas for getting out and about with under fives in North Canterbury or close by.
Splash pools - an easy and safe water play option for toddlers with paddling pools at Waikuku and Leithfield beaches. There is also a paddling pool at Spencer Park in Christchurch which is not too far away. Waikuku Beach also boasts a playground, beach toy library and a great dairy with ice cream and hot chips.
Check out some of North Canterbury’s walks and playgrounds. We recently enjoyed spending the morning walking around Pegasus Lake, grabbing a coffee and muffin from The Good Home (toddler play area included) and heading over to the playground next door.
BMX tracks - both Ohoka (scroll down) and Woodend have BMX tracks suitable for toddlers, and both also have a neat little playground close by. The woodend track is beside Woodend School and check out this link for details on the Ohoka track.
If you want to keep cool on one of those sweltering 30+ degree days without getting wet, consider heading to air conditioned Palms (Shirley) or Northlands (Papanui) Malls where both offer playgrounds for toddlers.
The local council pools (Rangiora has the most features) are also an option if you’d like to cool off indoors.
One idea I’d like to try with my little man is kite flying. Find an open space, such as Oakwood Park or Dudley Park in Rangiora. I have seen kites for around $10 at The Warehouse or if you have the skills and the goods, maybe you could make your own? https://www.kiwifamilies.co.nz/2013/10/lets-go-fly-kite/
Backyard ideas - put up a paddling pool or the sprinkler (the sprinkler under the trampoline is great fun), or use the baby bath or a bucket and plastic kitchen utensils and cups for some water play.
The Rangiora Toy Library reopens 18th January if you would like to grab some outdoor toys for the remainder of summer.