10 Best Indoor Play Centres in Christchurch

Christchurch winters can be cold and wet, and even Canterbury's famously sunny days sometimes call for an indoor option. Fortunately, the city has a strong line-up of indoor play centres to keep kids active and entertained year-round. From multi-level soft play for toddlers to trampoline parks and climbing walls for older kids, here's our guide to the best indoor play centres across Christchurch.

What to Look For in an Indoor Play Centre

• Age-appropriate zones - separate areas for toddlers and big kids prevent accidents
• Cleanliness - grip socks, clean equipment and well-maintained surfaces matter
• Parent comfort - good coffee, seating with clear sight lines, and free Wi-Fi
• Value - session lengths, sibling discounts and what's included in the price
• Parking - easy access with pushchairs and car seats

Central Christchurch

1. Chipmunks Playland - Hornby

One of New Zealand's most recognised indoor play brands, Chipmunks Hornby offers a massive multi-level play structure with slides, ball pits, climbing nets and tunnels. The separate toddler area is fully enclosed with soft equipment sized for little ones. There's a cafe on-site serving decent coffee and basic kids' meals.

Best for: Ages 0-11 Facilities: Toilets, baby change, cafe, free parking, party rooms Tip: Visit on a weekday morning to avoid the weekend crowds. Check the website for midweek specials.

2. Lollipops Playland - Riccarton

Located in the Westfield Riccarton precinct, Lollipops offers a large multi-level play structure with slides, tunnels and climbing frames. The toddler zone is separate and well-padded, and the cafe area has good sight lines so parents can relax while keeping an eye on the kids. The shopping centre location makes it easy to combine with errands.

Best for: Ages 0-10 Facilities: Toilets, baby change, cafe, shopping centre parking Tip: Combine with a Riccarton Mall visit - handy for a rainy Saturday.

3. XZONE - Ferrymead

XZONE is Christchurch's largest indoor entertainment centre, combining trampolines, a ninja warrior course, dodgeball courts and a climbing wall under one roof. The foam pit and airbag landing zones add an extra thrill. It caters to older kids and teenagers better than most soft play centres, though there's a mini zone for younger children.

Best for: Ages 5-16 Facilities: Toilets, cafe, free parking, party rooms Tip: Book online to guarantee a session time during school holidays. Grip socks are compulsory and available for purchase.

Northern Suburbs

4. KidZone - Northlands Mall, Papanui

A conveniently located play centre inside Northlands Mall, KidZone offers a multi-level play structure with slides and tunnels, a toddler soft play area and ride-on toys. The size is moderate compared to standalone centres, but the mall location and reasonable pricing make it a popular choice for a quick play session combined with shopping.

Best for: Ages 0-8 Facilities: Toilets (mall), baby change, cafe adjacent, mall parking Tip: Great for a quick hour of play while you grab groceries - don't expect to spend a full morning here.

5. Clip 'N Climb - Christchurch

An indoor climbing centre with over 20 themed climbing walls of varying difficulty, from beginner-friendly colourful walls to genuinely challenging overhangs. The auto-belay system means no climbing experience is needed - kids clip in and climb. The Leap of Faith pole and the vertical drop slide add extra excitement.

Best for: Ages 4-16 Facilities: Toilets, small cafe, free parking, party rooms Tip: Closed-toe shoes are essential. Under-7s need a parent or guardian climbing with them.

Southern Suburbs

6. Mega Air - Halswell

A large trampoline park featuring interconnected trampolines, foam pits, a dodgeball court and a ninja course. Mega Air caters well to a range of ages with a dedicated mini bouncers' area for under-5s during specific sessions. The energy burn is phenomenal - expect tired, happy kids.

Best for: Ages 3-16 Facilities: Toilets, cafe with viewing area, free parking, party rooms Tip: Book the dedicated toddler sessions for under-5s - they're much quieter and safer for little ones.

7. Adventure Park - Templeton

While primarily an outdoor mountain biking park, Adventure Park has indoor facilities including a cafe with a small play area and hosts indoor events during winter. The main draw is the chairlift-accessed mountain bike trails, but the indoor spaces provide a warm base for families with mixed ages where some kids ride and others need an indoor option.

Best for: Ages 5+ (biking), all ages (cafe and play area) Facilities: Toilets, cafe, bike hire, parking Tip: Even if your kids don't mountain bike yet, the cafe area is a pleasant spot and the chairlift ride alone is fun.

Eastern Suburbs

8. The Imagination Station - New Brighton

A community-focused indoor play space in the revitalised New Brighton area. The Imagination Station combines creative play, construction zones and dress-up areas with more traditional soft play equipment. The emphasis is on imaginative and sensory play rather than big structures, making it particularly good for younger children and kids with sensory needs.

Best for: Ages 0-7 Facilities: Toilets, baby change, small cafe, street parking Tip: Check their Facebook page for themed play sessions and special events - the sensory play mornings are excellent.

9. He Puna Taimoana - New Brighton Hot Pools

While not a traditional play centre, the New Brighton hot salt-water pools complex is a fantastic indoor option for families. The warm pools, lazy river, hydroslides and toddler splash area provide hours of active water play in a heated indoor environment. The ocean-side location and modern facility make it one of Christchurch's best family attractions.

Best for: All ages Facilities: Toilets, changing rooms, lockers, cafe, parking Tip: Visit on a weekday for shorter queues on the hydroslides. The toddler pool is a perfect temperature for little ones.

Western Suburbs

10. Flip Out - Hornby

A large trampoline and adventure park with interconnected trampolines, a ninja warrior course, climbing walls and a dedicated toddler bounce zone. The facility is modern and well-maintained, with a parents' lounge offering coffee and seating with views over the main floor. Party packages are popular for birthdays.

Best for: Ages 2-16 Facilities: Toilets, cafe, free parking, party rooms Tip: Wear comfortable clothing and bring water bottles. Sessions are timed, so arrive promptly to get the most out of your booking.

Tips for Indoor Play Centre Visits

• Socks: Most centres require grip socks. Some sell them, but bring your own to save a few dollars.
• Food allergies: If your child has allergies, check the cafe menu in advance or bring your own snacks. Most centres allow outside food.
• Booking: During school holidays and rainy weekends, popular centres fill up. Book online where possible.
• Supervise toddlers: Even in dedicated toddler areas, stay close. Equipment designed for older kids can be nearby.
• Value tip: Many centres offer multi-visit passes or loyalty cards that bring the per-visit cost down significantly.

Find More Indoor Play Centres

Browse all Christchurch indoor play centres for the full directory, including visitor reviews and current pricing.