School Holiday Programmes and Activities
Our exciting programmes ignite imagination, foster curiosity, and create lasting memories. From captivating technologies to creative arts and crafts, our activities engage young minds, and provide a safe, inclusive environment for fun and discovery.
We offer a range of programmes including drop-in sessions and classes that require advance bookings (both free and paid options).
Please read our Parent/Guardian Agreement for Child Participation in Christchurch City Libraries Programming: Terms and Conditions.
What's happening at your local library
Holiday events at libraries
School holiday programming at libraries
Free, drop-in sessions and events
Monster Madness at Shirley Library: Friday 3 October 2025
Grand Day Out: Wednesday 1 October 2025 at Tūranga
Wednesday 1 October is the United Nations International Day of Older Persons, a global celebration of the contributions of older people, to raise awareness of the challenges they face, and encourage communities to take action to support ageing well. Here are the Grand Day Out events for both older adults and tamariki:
10.30am to 5pm: You've been framed
Auahatanga | Creativity, Level 4
Do you have a photo with a grandparent, grandchild, or someone special you'd love to frame? Bring your photo along or make a frame ready for a favourite memory. Add names, fun words, or designs to make it your own. You just need a photo or a picture, everything else is provided.
10.30am to 5pm: Tuna and eels
Tuakiri | Identity, Level 2
This is a different take on the traditional Snakes and Ladders board game, using historical images of Christchurch people, places, and events from Canterbury Stories.
10.30am to 11am: Wā Kōrero-Storytimes
Ngā Purapura / Activity Room, Hapori | Community, Level 1
Join us for a special Grand Storytime session that welcomes all generations.
11am to 11.30am: Just Dance
Ngā Purapura / Activity Room, Hapori | Community, Level 1
Get ready to turn up the music at our energising, feel-good Just Dance Party! Whether you're 5 or 85, a seasoned dancer, a joyful wiggler, or someone who grooves from the comfort of a chair, this 30-minute dance fest is all about celebrating joy, connection, and the freedom to move your body your way. All ages welcome, families, friends and solo movers alike.
11am to 12noon: Badge Buddies
Facilitation Space, Auahatanga | Creativity, Level 4
Come along and make some magic with our fun and crafty badge making activity. In pairs, you'll each design half a badge and then swap with your partner and take home a one-of-a-kind badge that you can share with your buddy.
2pm to 5pm: Fala Time
Ngā Purapura / Activity Room, Hapori | Community, Level 1
"Noa'ia, Tālofa lava, Mauri, Kia orāna, Mālō e lelei, Talofa, Ni sa bula vinaka, Fakaalofa lahi atu, Mālo ni, Halo olgeta, Halo Oloketa, Tēnā koutou kātoa and warm Pacific greetings to you all! Join us for a special edition of Fala Time at Grand Day Out – Tūranga! Settle in with a warm cup of koko and immerse yourself in the rich stories of Pacific migration, accompanied by soulful Pasifika sounds enjoying a fun craft or two hosted by members of our Pasifika Service Team. This is a space to relax, connect, and celebrate the journeys that shape our communities. Afio mai! (welcome) – bring your heart, your ears, and your love for storytelling".
2pm to 3pm: Badge Buddies
Facilitation Space, Auahatanga | Creativity, Level 4
Come along and make some magic with our fun and crafty badge making activity. In pairs, you'll each design half a badge and then swap with your partner and take home a one-of-a-kind badge that you can share with your buddy.
2.30pm to 4.30pm: Tech Time Play
Facilitation Space, Auahatanga | Creativity, Level 4
Ready to roll into tech fun with your grandparents or favourite older adult? Join us for Tech Time Play and take the wheel of the Sphero RVR+ programmable robotic vehicle. Test your driving skills against each other, or dive into coding challenges to make your robot move and complete fun tasks together. Whether you're a curious beginner or a budding tech whiz, it's hands-on learning with a twist of adventure. Come play, code, and explore!
Awesome Antarctica
Free, Bookings Required
$ Paid, Bookings Required
Imagination Station holiday activities
Online stories
DIY Wā Kōrero: Storytimes
Use library resources to make a storytime at your place!
LOTE4Kids
DIY Wā Kōrero: Storytimes - Guess What?
DIY Wā Kōrero: Storytimes - Kindness
DIY Wā Kōrero: Storytimes - Aotearoa New Zealand
LOTE4Kids
DIY Wā Kōrero: Storytimes - Guess What?
DIY Wā Kōrero: Storytimes - Kindness
DIY Wā Kōrero: Storytimes - Aotearoa New Zealand
Christchurch School Holiday Programmes, Events, & Activities
Wā Kōrero: Online Storytimes
Listen in! Librarians and authors want to tell you a story.
Mrs McGinty and the Bizarre Plant, written and read by Gavin Bishop
Hear Gavin Bishop read his legendary Christchurch book Mrs McGinty and the Bizarre Plant in the Edmonds Factory Gardens.
Mrs McGinty and the Bizarre Plant, written and illustrated by Gavin Bishop. Published by Oxford University Press, New Zealand 1981. Reprinted as a NZ Classic by Random House NZ Ltd 2007.
Everyone Counts by Kathryn Otoshi, read by Elisabeth
Elisabeth reads One by Kathryn Otoshi, a story with a focus on anti-bullying and being an Upstander, with an introduction by the author.
Faitauga Tusi: Samoan Storytimes in Samoan and English, with Tiresa
Learn the Samoan alphabet and sing a favourite song!
Hello World by Paul Beavis, read by Amy
Amy is reading Hello World, written and illustrated by Paul Beavis. Published by Gecko Press.
Mrs Mo's Monster by Paul Beavis, read by Emily
Emily is reading Mrs Mo’s Monster, written and illustrated by Paul Beavis. Published by Gecko Press.
Niue Language Week story and song with Malo
Super Felix by Phoebe Morris, read by Bronwen
Bronwen is reading Super Felix - written, illustrated and published by Phoebe Morris