Children's Day: Sunday 1 March 2026

Check out the Facebook event here.

 

Selwyn’s Biggest Free Family Day Out

Everything is completely FREE.No tickets. No wristbands. No hidden costs. Just turn up and enjoy it.

On Sunday 1 March 2026, Foster Park transforms into a full-scale family fun zone designed to remove barriers so every child gets the same experience.

And when we say big, we mean big.

Free Amusement Rides

  • The Mitre 10 Carousel
  • Dolphin Boats
  • Rocket Ride
  • Inflatable Water Rollers
  • Kids Chair O Plane Swing Ride

 

Every ride. Free. All day.

 

Experiences Kids Don’t Always Get

  • Pony rides
  • Animal encounters
  • Hands-on creative activities
  • Craft stations
  • Interactive community experiences

 

Make + Take Craft Zones

From wooden kiwi fidget spinners to hands-on creative stations, children can build, colour, create and take something home.

 

Fuel the Families

Thanks to our community partners and volunteers, families can grab a free sausage sizzle without the pressure of a $120 day out. (Optional additional food vendors will be there for those who want to treat themselves, but we are also encouraging families to pack a picnic too!)

We know what it costs to leave the house right now.

 

Live Young MCs + Entertainment

Youth-led, high energy, community powered.

This isn’t a corporate event. It’s built by Selwyn, for Selwyn.

 

Why We Do It

Selwyn Parenting Network exists to remove barriers.

We know there are families who simply wouldn’t attend a paid event. We know cost stops people connecting. We know isolation is real.

So we build one day where:

  • No child feels left out
  • No parent has to calculate the cost
  • No one stands on the sidelines

 

Last year thousands came through. This year will be even bigger.

 

The Ripple Effect

This isn’t just a fun day.

It’s:

  • Youth volunteering in action
  • Community groups connecting with families
  • Local businesses giving back
  • 150+ volunteers donating their time
  • A district showing what it means to show up

 

It’s preventative social infrastructure in real life.

 

Foster Park, Rolleston – 11am to 3pm – Sunday 1 March 2026

Bring your neighbours. Bring your cousins. Bring your whole whānau. Just don’t bring the family savings! **Maybe a few gold coins for our optional community fundraisers**

Because this one’s on us.

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