Picture the scene: the kids happy running around in wide-open green space and playing on wicked playgrounds, parents happy chatting, soaking up the sun and tending to the barbie.

It’s the Kiwi summer in one perfect package, and Christchurch’s best parks are here to deliver it. These are some of the most epic parks in Christchurch, and even better, they all have free BBQ facilities available, so make sure you bring your pack of sausages and spatula.

Scarborough Park

Literally everything you could want from a park, this one’s got it. Paddling pool, with an into-water slide? Hell yeah. Nearby ice cream shop? You know it. Playground of dreams? You betcha. The actual ocean right over the esplanade? Oh boy, yes, and now you know that when we say a park has everything, we mean EVERYTHING.

The Groynes

Much like Stacy’s Mom, this reserve has got it going on. Beautiful, expansive and leafy with heaps of lakes, ponds and rivers, The Groynes has so much room for activities. The playground has a flying fox – always awesome – those bouncey cage things, and a rope swing made from coconut fibre. Amazing. Kids under 17 can fish in the lakes all year-round, you can hire boats and aqua bikes on the weekends, and there’s a large off-leash exercise park for the doggos.

Spencer Park

So what exactly is so great about Spencer Park? The question should be, what’s not so great about Spencer Park, and the answer would be: nothing. This wicked beachside spot is number one for summer hangs and boasts not only a sweet sweet adventure playground, paddling pool and animal enclosure, but is also home to Adrenaline Forest, where you can get up among the treetops and do your best flying squirrel impersonation.

South New Brighton Domain

It’s hard to know which area to go play on first at South Brighton Domain – there’s an amazing play equipment super structure featuring a bird’s nest tower with a rope tunnel, climbing wall and slide, and a smaller pirate tower with plenty of climbing opportunities. There’s also a flying fox, basketball court and small skate park, and the little jetty is close by for a little stroll over water views. Sweeeeet.

Hagley Park/Botanic Gardens

Seriously, you’re not going to go past the absolute classic of Christchurch parks, so let’s not pretend we need to convince you on this one. Instead, let’s just wax lyrical together on the many virtues of our own Central Park. The playground, aviary and paddling pool are basically representative of every Christchurch kid’s childhood, and the wheelchair-accessible swings make it even better. There are nature walks, picturesque ponds and sculptures abound just waiting to be discovered, and across the ways in Hagley Park, you can set up next to one of the free BBQs, feed the ducks, play tennis or go for a bike ride.

Spencerville Reserve

Attention all you run-around-after-a-ball types: with basketball court, tennis court and plenty of green space, Spencerville Reserve is a golden opportunity to chase balls of all shapes and sizes. If organised (or disorganised) sports aren’t really what you’re looking for in a park, never fear – this reserve also has you covered for epic playground equipment, paddling pool, and BBQ.

Thomson Park

Sitting pretty across the road from North New Brighton Beach and rubbing shoulders with the 18-hole Rawhiti Golf Course, this guy has your touch rugby fields and your extensive undulating skate park well in hand. Oh, and did we mention the excellent climbing trees, flying fox, wide-ranging wooden play structure and smaller playground for the littlies? Set yourself up in the picnic area and reward yourself for finding such an awesome park with a parcel of fish ‘n’ chips (or BBQ your own).