New Brighton For Kids
New Brighton is basically one big playground! Your kids might be sandy, but they’ll never be bored.
So whether you live here, or are visiting for the day, let your kids be kids and get playing, exploring and adventuring with these top places and activities.
The Best Walks
There’s more to New Brighton than just the beach. What better way to explore than to take a walk and discover all our hidden gems. Bottle Lake Forest makes a great spot for a sheltered stroll if the weather isn’t great, or or see how many different types of birds you can spot at Travis Wetland or the estuary.
Rawhiti Domain
Frolic amongst the butterflies, discover the secret fairy glen, ride the flying fox, skate in the skate bowl, play King of the Castle in the Woodland playground, enjoy nature in the Sensory garden, or learn about growing food at the Community Gardens. Rāwhiti is the second biggest park in Christchurch and is packed full of awesome stuff to do with the kids. The Sensory Garden and Woodland Playground are designed to accomodate children with special needs which make them amazing inclusive spaces for all families!
The New Brighton Library
Maybe you’re after some quiet time? well grab a good book and a comfy chair with the best view at the New Brighton library! Or maybe you’re feeling like getting creative? Christchurch Libraries provide excellent Creative Spaces filled with fun stuff to do like making your own badge or tshirt, of 3D printing stuff! Make sure to book a librarian or check when creative times are on.
Hunt Down Street Art
Street art isn’t just for adults! Why not see how many peices you can find on our Street Art Map, or hunt for new ones we haven’t recorded yet.
Slip, Slide and Splash!
We’re at the beach after all! But there’s more spots to get wet than just the ocean. The New Brighton Beachside Playground boasts our famous whale, and is a great free option with paddling pools and splash decks. If the weather is chilly head to Taiora QEII instead for a hydro slide, lazy river, splash deck and leisure pools.
Get On Yer Bike!
No matter the level of skill, there’s an option for you on two wheels! The Bexley Reserve Pump Track is just over the other side of the river from New Brighton and boasts a world class pump track designed for anything with wheels (ever wheelchairs) ! If mountain biking is your thing then head to Bottle Lake Forest, or if you’re just wanting to cruise you can make a day of it and go all the way from our estuary paths into the city centre and back.
Alice in Putterland
The perfect rainy day activity. Funky murals, black lights and mini golf – it makes for a great few hours of fun for any age. A truely unique experience check out Alice in Putterland.
Need More?
Still haven’t got enough? Don’t worry we’ve got you! Check out out 101 Free Things to do Map, it’s bound to keep you going…
