Christchurch, Events & Entertainment | Posted on September 30th, 2026 | return to news

Extended splash park season comes to an end in Christchurch

A popular free-to-use family splash park in Christchurch is now closed after remaining open for an additional two weeks due to warm weather.

Christchurch Quay Splash Park closed for the winter at 6pm on 27 September following a successful 2026 season. The two-week extension allowed locals and visitors to make the most of the exceptionally warm September weather.

Essential repairs, resurfacing works and specialist equipment replacements had delayed the splash park’s planned opening earlier in the year. When it was fully up and running it re-opened on 15 July from 9am to 6pm for the rest of the season, with no closures, breakdowns or maintenance interruptions.

Originally scheduled to close on 13 September, favourable weather conditions and the splash park’s continued reliable operation enabled Christchurch Town Council to extend the season by a further 14 days.

The extension meant that Christchurch Quay Splash Park was among the last free-to-use outdoor splash parks in the region to close for the winter this year, giving families additional opportunities to enjoy the attraction well into late September.

Families welcomed the extension and one parent visiting the splash park during the final week said: “It’s so beautiful, especially in the late summer, like now. It’s beautiful, nice and quiet now the kids have gone back as well.”

One of the standout moments of the season came on reopening day when a social media video featuring Town Mayor Maggie Fidler changing the splash park sign from “NOPE” to “OPEN” received more than 100,000 views within its first 12 hours and was shared hundreds of times, helping spread the news that the much-loved attraction had reopened.

Councillor Maggie Fidler, town mayor and chair of Christchurch Town Council, said: “This season has been a wonderful example of what can be achieved through hard work, determination and community support.

“While we know the delayed opening was disappointing for many families, our priority was always to ensure the splash park reopened safely and remained operational throughout the summer.

“We are delighted that, once reopened, it stayed open every day without interruption and that we were able to extend the season by a further two weeks. We would like to thank everyone for their patience, understanding and continued support, and we look forward to welcoming families back to Christchurch Quay Splash Park in 2027.”

Located in the heart of Christchurch Quay, the splash park is one of the town’s most popular free family attractions. Originally designed in 2008 with input from local children, young people and residents, it features water jets, sprays, pumps, channels, sluices and a paddling pool inspired by the meeting of the Rivers Avon and Stour as they flow into Christchurch Harbour.

Since assuming responsibility for the Splash Park in 2024, Christchurch Town Council has continued to invest in maintaining the attraction and securing its future for generations to come.