Family
25 March 2025
Splash pools in Christchurch
Water play in Ōtautahi Christchurch.
Cool down when it's hot out in Ōtautahi Christchurch
Part of the fun of being a kid in summer is splashing in and around the water and having a ball. Christchurch is lucky enough to have council-run free splash pools open during the summer months for little ones to get in and enjoy themselves. Pack a picnic, grab the family and head down to your local.
Remember children must be supervised at all times as there are no lifeguards on duty.
Botanic Gardens
This is one of the largest paddling pools in the city. With a good-sized main pool and another for the real littlies, this is always a fun option for a warm Christchurch day. With nearby play equipment including swings, slides, multi-play structures and climbing towers, it's the perfect spot to pack a picnic and enjoy the afternoon.
New Brighton Beachside Playground
An awesome playground with a mix of traditional and new, wet and dry play equipment, a waka made of sustainable timber and a large whale for climbing and sliding on in the paddling pool. Located just off the beach, it's a great option when the wind is a little bit gusty right on the foreshore – especially for an adventurous toddler!
Margaret Mahy
Situated in the city centre, the Margaret Mahy playground is popular with local families and tourists alike. There is plenty for children to do at this incredible park with a water play area including a splash pad, water jets, and overhead sprinklers as well as various pumps, troughs, and water wheels.
Scarborough Park
A quick hop and a jump from the beach, bordering the playground you'll find a colourful modern splash pad and paddling pool. With a variety of water toys including geysers, a water cannon and twist-top rainbow spray hoops, this has to be a favourite with the littlies to cool down and have some fun.
Spencer Park
Spencer Park is a great destination for a day trip or weekend stay at the nearby campground. Head to the beach, enjoy a wetland walk, have fun in the adventure playground then head on back for a BBQ and refresh in the large paddling pool.
Abberley Park
In the heart of St Albans, this park houses more than a super fun pool for your kids. It has a children’s playground, mature trees (some dating back to the 1860s) and a scented garden that all add to a wider appreciation of this suburban haven.
Avebury Park
This beautiful, public park is home to a historic victorian homestead, expansive lawns, planted borders and old established trees, providing the perfect shelter for those hot summer days. A favourite place for family hangs with a great playground and large paddling pool.
Woodham Park
Nestled within a large collection of mature trees, Woodham Park is home to a fantastic playground and paddling pool. The paddling pool is a great way to cool off in the warmer months, however, the novelty of Woodham Park with the little ones must be the aviary. Housing bird species of java sparrow, ring-necked dove, native and exotic parakeets, quails, and finches this is definitely a must-visit park.
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