The Margaret Mahy Family Playground

Welcome to The Margaret Mahy Family Playground! Located in Christchurch, on Armagh Street, our establishment is a top destination for family fun in New Zealand. We pride ourselves on offering a unique and exciting play experience for children of all ages.

Our playgrounds are meticulously designed with thoughtful landscaping and fun equipment, creating a special place where children can be physically challenged and find excitement and adventure in a safe environment. Whether you're looking for a large complex with multiple choices of equipment or a small local gem with amazing views, we have something for everyone.

One of our highlights is the recently reopened playground, featuring a range of thrilling attractions such as a mouse wheel, eagle's lair climbing net, a dancing snake rope swing, and a large climbing tower. The bright rocking horse, which holds nostalgic value for older Christchurch residents, has now become a decorative addition to this exploratory seaside haven.

Beside the library and pier, you'll find our newest destination playground that opened just before Christmas in 2017. This playground has it all, from water cannons and musical toys to swings, slides, and a large waka for children to climb and play in. The wheelchair-accessible splash pad play area, including a clone of New Brighton's iconic whale, adds to the excitement.

If you're looking for a more natural park environment, our playground installed in April 2016 on the western side of the reserve near the lake and boatshed is made from timber, perfectly blending with the surroundings. The rope swing made from coconut fibre rope is a unique attraction and a first for Christchurch.

For families seeking a classic favorite, our large playground has been a beloved destination for years. Featuring art elements of wetland birds, a flying fox, a huge climbing net, and a sandpit with a digger and water pump, there's plenty to keep everyone entertained. Sheltered picnic areas, a paddling pool, walks, and a nearby free animal park add to the fun.

Located high on the Port Hills, our playground offers not only the usual play equipment but also a speedy, old-school slide with breathtaking city views. Covered picnic tables, family-friendly walks, and a visitor center to explore make it a great family destination.

Opened at the end of 2015, our newest playground features awe-inspiring equipment for a range of ages, with a central seven-meter high climbing tower as the main attraction. Kids can climb the central net to a viewing area and enjoy stunning views of the park, estuary, and Port Hills.

Upgraded in 2015, our playground accessed off Marshlands or Guthries Roads offers a flying fox, basket swing, rock climbing boulder, and a sociable circle of swings. A sealed bike track and a nearby stream with a track through plantings, including a dense grove of terakau/cabbage trees, provide additional outdoor activities.

Craighead Reserve, off Northcote Road in Papanui, features new equipment suitable for a range of ages and abilities, including climbing frames, a basket swing, and a stationary train with brightly colored carriages for younger children. It has been conveniently moved closer to the popular BMX track for easy supervision of children.

Located in the Styx River Esplanade Reserve, our large, modern playground offers climbing frames, a slide, water pump, and a flying fox. Take a stroll along the Styx River on the walking track and enjoy a viewing area over the Redwood Springs. Although there are no toilets on-site, Murchison Park nearby provides facilities.

Situated near the Armagh Street entrance to the gardens, our playground is a favorite destination for families and can get quite busy. With swings, climbing towers, and recent nature play additions like a log pile and climbing boulder, there's something for every child, including a mobility swing for wheelchair users.

Lastly, our spectacular all-ages, all-abilities playground is a must-visit. Featuring a four-meter-wide slide, water cannons and sprinklers, a climbing tower with a spiral slide, tunnels, swings, and wonderful landscaping, there's endless fun to be had. Take a moment of tranquility on the jetty beside the river, where tame eels can be fed, and look forward to the upcoming new barbecue area.

At The Margaret Mahy Family Playground, we strive to provide a memorable and enjoyable experience for families. Whether you're seeking adventure, imaginative play, or simply a relaxing day out, our playgrounds offer something for everyone. So pack a picnic and join us for a free family fun day in New Zealand!