Summer Holiday Fun with MCHL!
Families across the district can look forward to one of Manawatū Community Hub Libraries (MCHL) biggest and most entertaining summer holiday programmes. Delivering three weeks of crafts, special events, tech activities and community experiences throughout January.
Tamariki can enjoy a wide range of themed craft sessions, including Monster Bookmarks, Paper Chain Pythons, Popsicle Fairy Houses, Paper Lanterns and more. Popular activities returning for 2026 include Pop-Up Play with Sport Manawatū, Movie Mondays, Poolside Pages at Makino Aquatic Centre. New additions are a Teddy Bears Picnic, and the Emergency Management Scavenger Hunt and Rescue Ready experience.
Older children have plenty to get excited about too, with a bookable Fairy House Workshop (8+), bookable Virtual Reality sessions, and the launch of the Youth Games Tournament: Champions Arena a high energy Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 competition for ages 11+, featuring on the day sign-ups and a prize for the winner.
This year’s Emergency Management Day encourages families to complete a scavenger hunt across MCHL, Manawatū District Council and Makino Aquatic Centre (MAC) locations. Tamariki will learn practical preparedness tips along the way. A free ticketed performance by bestselling author and musician Deano Yipadee at Manchester Street School is also expected to draw a large crowd.
MCHL is running a summer reading challenge: Dive into Reading to help tamariki avoid the summer reading slump that is proven to happen over the summer break. The reading challenge starts 8 December to 16 January and encourages children and their whānau to continue reading, learning, and exploring during the break. Registration is available on the MCHL website or at the MCHL front counter. After registering, pick up a booklet to complete the challenge.
Participants receive an incentive prize at each check-in, and those who complete all three book reviews will earn a book prize and free entry to the Makino Aquatic Centre’s Summer Bash Pool Party. The initiative aims to support ongoing engagement with reading throughout the summer period.
Community Programmes Manager, Marie Willis, says the summer programme is designed to inspire and support tamariki, offering creative, playful and memorable summer experiences.
Brochures with the full schedule are available now at MCHL and at the MAC. Families are encouraged to plan their summer holiday adventures and book sessions early to avoid disappointment.
Full programme details and bookings can be found at: School Holiday Programmes | Manawatū Community Hub Libraries
Summer School Holidays 2026 are coming up! 5th - 23rd January 2026.