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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.
As the weather warms up, more of us will be outside enjoying activities, or doing DIY jobs at home. Be safe this summer and avoid injuries so you can keep doing the things you love.
ACC reminds you to enjoy your summer but remember to "have a hmmm" and think before acting.
Come on down and try out some different sports in a fun and friendly environment or support your local community! Bookings may be required.
- Move Ōtautahi taster classes at Parakiore Recreation and Sport Centre (until 31st January);
- Free beginner Pilates classes for women at FitWave (Tuesdays until 17th February);
- Adult Social Sprint Series with Awatea Athletics (Wednesdays until 25th February);
- SCAPE Art Walks (Saturdays on 24th and 31st January);
- FREE Family Swim Night and BBQ at Dudley Park Aquatic Centre (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);
- Summer in the Styx (Sunday 1st February);
- Double Maze-O in the Tram Road Corn Maze (Sunday 1st February);
- Waitangi Day Kaiapoi (Friday 6th February);
- Family Fun Day at The Richmond Club (Sunday 15th February);
- Ride 'n' Slide at West Melton Skate Park (Sunday 15th February); and
- Children's Day at Cuthberts Green (Sunday 1st March).
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.
If you like to exercise outdoors, summer gives you more chance to catch the daylight. It’s often easier to get out of bed and still light when you finish work.
But what about when it gets really hot?
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.