Chipmunks Playland & Cafe Papanui

Chipmunks Playland & Cafe on Cranford Street in Papanui is a big indoor play centre for kids aged 0 to 11, with a separate zone for the under-fives so littlies aren't dodging bigger kids on the equipment. There's a boat-shaped climbing structure, ball pits, a blow-up slide and plenty of soft play to burn off energy, which makes it a solid pick for a wet Christchurch afternoon.

Adults get in free and there's a cafe on site, so you can grab a coffee and keep an eye on the kids from a table by the play area. It's a regular venue for kids' birthday parties and also does private venue hire, so weekends can get busy. No booking is needed just to turn up and play.