School holiday activities in Waimate

Things to do with the kids next school holidays

We know how to keep kids entertained over the school holidays with a fancy library and event centre packed with free and low cost holiday activities.

Think crafts and games to skating, climbing and court sports. See below for a taste of previous events and stay tuned for the next programme – you can expect plenty more of the same.

There are heaps of other things to do around Waimate too, and it makes a handy base for exploring the wider region. The Mackenzie is on the doorstep, ski fields are within driving distance and, in summer, the lakes are made for day trips.

September school holidays in Waimate

The popular Event Centre and Library school holiday programmes will be announced soon. See below for last holiday’s action packed programmes.

Waimate Scarecrow Hunt

The Scarecrow Hunt is a fun school holiday activity that raises money for local community groups.

People from around the district create scarecrows based on a theme and display them around Waimate. Pick up an entry form and map, then follow the trail, admire the creations and see how many you can identify.

Saturday, 26 September - Sunday, 11 October 2026

School holiday crochet workshop, Waimate

Spend some creative time together during the school holidays at this relaxed crochet workshop run by Waimate crochet business Woolster.

Designed for children aged 12 and over and an accompanying adult, the workshop will cover the crochet basics, give you time to practise essential stitches and help you create a small project to take home. Mums, grandmas and other accompanying adults are all welcome, and no previous crochet experience is needed.

  • Date: Saturday 26 September 2026

  • Suitable for: Children aged 12+ and an accompanying adult

  • Duration: Two hours

  • Cost: $30 per person, including all materials

  • Spaces: Limited to eight participants

This workshop is run by Woolster and partly funded by Creative Communities NZ.

School Holiday activities in July

The library and event centre are packed with events in the school holidays.

Click on the posters to look closer.

We’ll update these with next school holiday’s programmes. Expect more of the same - although these teams are always trying new and better things!