Countdown to Christchurch's KidsFest begins

Get ready to entertain your kids over the winter school holidays – KidsFest is on its way.

With hundreds of events and activities, from a lantern parade to robot wrangling and explorer nights at the museum, there’s something to suit every child's interests. 

KidsFest tickets are on sale from Thursday at 9am.

Tickets go on sale at 9am Thursday, and booklets will be available at schools, Christchurch City Libraries, Council service centres and some cafes.

This year’s festival opens on Saturday July 8, when the winter school holidays start, and closes on Saturday July 22.

KidsFest kicks off with the popular More FM Lantern Parade on Saturday July 8 from Cathedral Square to the Margaret Mahy Family Playground. It’s a chance to explore central Christchurch in the dark with lanterns, torches or wearable light art.

There’s also a new event this year, The Star KidsFilmFest, in association with Film Canterbury. Kids can make their own 60 second short films and be in to win cool prizes and the chance to attend a glamorous red carpet event for kids at The Piano Centre for Music and the Arts on July 22 when the winners will be announced. Submissions can be made from June 1.

There are also Filmmaker Master classes hosted by Film Canterbury for those who want to learn.

For those who are into swimming, the KidsFest Pool Parties return this year with fun swim inflatables, games and a DJ.

Many other favourites will also be back, including the KidsMarket on July 17, when children get the chance to sell their wares at Canterbury Agricultural Park.

KidsFest events are divided into four categories – Arts, Crafts and Creativity, Knowledge and Discovery, Plays, Shows and Young Performers, and Sports, Games and Adventure - which includes skiing, circus skills and blokart landyacht racing.

KidsFest is produced by the Christchurch City Council for the KidsFest Charitable Trust. Running since 1992, the festival includes kids’ events in Christchurch, Banks Peninsula, Waimakariri and Selwyn Districts.

Find out more and get updates at KidsFest and the KidsFest Facebook page.