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Many of us look forward to the summer holidays and it can also be a time when our wellbeing takes a dive!
One way to help manage stress, lift mood, boost energy and support wellbeing is to make regular activity a priority. It may seem counter intuitive when we are busy and have a big list of things to do – but it really can be a game changer. Physical activity boosts chemicals in the brain like depression-busting serotonin and reward signalling dopamine, making us feel more energised and happier.
During the warmer summer months, early in the morning or after dinner can be a great time to plan something active. Doing a 30 minute walk each day is a great way to keep active while also exploring different places. You could go to the bush, around the neighbourhood or to the local playground.
Here are some other free or low-cost family activity ideas you might like to try:
- Head to the beach for a swim, sand sculpting, or some active games on the sand (such as frisbee, beach cricket or beach tag).
- Jump rope, fly a kite, or use chalk to make hopscotch shapes or a handball court.
- Build a fort – inside or outside.
- Go fishing.
- Do some vegetable gardening.
- Go berry or fruit picking.
- Hold a family dance-off with different members picking the music.
- Download the Agents of Discovery app and visit a new park or location near you.
With a bit of equipment or cost:
- Backyard cricket, frisbee, touch rugby or tag, croquet or petanque.
- Run through the water sprinkler or have water gun battles.
- Bike or scooter rides.
- Visit the local ice rink, trampoline park, ten pin bowling alley, mini golf course, or zoo (lots of walking involved).
Check out ‘Easy Ways to Move More’ for more ideas.
Do what you can – whāia te mea ka taea e koe, enjoy what you do – kia pārekareka tāu i whai ai, move your mood – kia pai ake ō piropiro.
Come on down and try out some different sports in a fun and friendly environment or support your local community! Bookings may be required.
- Christmas Whānau Fun Day at He Waka Tapu (Friday 19th December);
- $12 Alpine Christmas sessions at Alpine Ice Sports Centre (Friday 19th to Wed 24th December);
- Outdoor Dancing at the Edmonds Band Rotunda (Sunday 21st December);
- Festive Fun at The Arts Centre (until 21st December); and
- Spencer Park Gala and Market (Thursday 1st and Friday 2nd January);
- Snorkelling Have a go at Selwyn Aquatic Centre (Tuesday 8th January);
- Scuba Have a go at Selwyn Aquatic Centre (Wednesday 21st January);
- SCAPE Art Walks (Sunday 18th and Saturday 24th January);
- 8 Days of Play at the World Buskers Festival (Saturday 24th to Saturday 31st January);
- Multi-sport Holiday Programme Halswell (Wednesday 28th January);
- Wild Summer Days with Outplay, Outlearn (Friday 30th January);
- New Brighton Dune Day (Saturday 31st January); and
- Summer in the Styx (Sunday 1st February).
Check out Summer in Selwyn events throughout January and February 2026.
Active Canterbury on Facebook has the latest local events and happenings on physical activity.
Like Active Canterbury on Facebook.
Here are some snippets on the latest physical activity research or news that we found interesting.
You don’t need a gym membership, dumbbells, or expensive equipment to get stronger.
Special Olympics NZ has launched a series of online modules to help provide inclusive opportunities across sport, play and active recreation.
New findings highlight step count as a metric for measuring cancer risk. So what should you be aiming for?