Jellie Park Recreation and Sports Centre (with baby)
How Baby-Friendly is Jellie Park Recreation and Sports Centre?
What makes it 74% Baby-Friendly: Shallow toddler pool, multiple baby-change tables and free entry for under-5s during school hours suit infants; no dedicated nursing room and hot spa areas off-limits so plan feeds and pacing.
Positives:
- Free baby entry: Toddlers swim free with a caregiver during school term hours
- Warm pool temperature: Indoor pool stays at 29–31°C, gentle on baby’s skin
- Multiple change stations: Baby-change tables in foyer and poolside make quick changes easy
Challenges:
- Fee outside school hours: Baby pool entry costs NZ$4 when not in school term hours
- No dedicated nursing room: Use changing rooms or ask staff for a quiet corner to feed
- Limited baby attractions: Hydroslides and spa areas are off-limits for under-5s
What is Jellie Park Recreation and Sports Centre?
- A municipal recreation and sports centre in Bryndwr, Christchurch, featuring indoor and outdoor aquatic facilities, including a 25 m lap pool, hydroslides, and spa amenities
- A comprehensive fitness complex offering a fully equipped gym, dedicated group exercise studios, sauna, and steam rooms
- Set within 12 hectares of Jellie Park, the centre occupies a landscaped precinct of open lawns, mature trees, and walking paths
What is so special about Jellie Park Recreation and Sports Centre for with baby?
- Safe, warm toddler pool with free entry during term hours
- Convenient baby-change stations near the pool
- Spacious, stroller-friendly lawns for picnics and play
- Quiet reserve stroll with pond and wildlife viewing
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with baby: Long enough for pool play, picnic and a reserve stroll without tiring your baby
Baby-Friendly Activities in Jellie Park Recreation and Sports Centre
Indoor toddlers pool:
Shallow warm pool for babies and preschoolers
Tip: Visit during school hours for free baby entry with a caregiver
Baby-change facilities:
Tables in foyer, poolside change village and gendered changing rooms
Tip: Use foyer tables without entry fee; poolside village is closest to the pool
Picnic on the lawns:
Shady grass areas near the pools and café
Tip: Bring a blanket and snacks for a relaxed break by the toddler pool
Reserve stroll & pond spotting:
12-hectare park with flat paths and ducks to watch
Tip: Push the stroller along the pond path after swimming to calm your baby
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Jellie Park Recreation and Sports Centre
- Go mid-week: Choose weekday mornings for quieter pools and easier parking
- Pack a picnic: Save money by bringing snacks instead of relying on café food
- Check term times: Plan your visit during school term hours to avoid baby entry fees
Reviews of Jellie Park Recreation and Sports Centre
Rei Nguyen
Yesterday afternoon (22/12), I took my 2-year-old son swimming at Jellie Park Recreation and Sports Centre. The pool wasn’t too busy, and this is a place we visit quite often. Unfortunately, our experience was disrupted by a boy around 10–12 years old who brought a water gun and repeatedly sprayed water at both of us. I told him clearly that I didn’t like it, but he kept doing it on purpose. To a...
Raylene Johnston
My family and I are visiting from out of town, we paid $60 all up, they were happy to take our money at the front desk but failed to tell us that of the two pools they have there only half of one pool would be available for the kids to swim in.They have 2 pools there, the facility was absolutely PACKED with people like a friggin sardine tin and there was only half a pool available 🤯 the rest was ...
Stephen D
I love working out here! Lost 11kgs since 2020 and made a lot of gym friends along the way 😃 Going to a gym is 1 of the few places you can fit all your life in, no matter the weather or season 🤩
Laura Carolina
Good facility. I’ve been swimming lengths in both 25-metre pools (Sport and Rec), divided into single lanes. The Rec pool water was very cloudy on my first visit but much clearer next time, so maybe a busy public-swimming week affects turbidity. Cost for a swim is NZ$6.70 (May 2025, concessions available). Cubbyholes available on Rec pool deck; benches on Sport pool deck; and lockers are also avai...
charstar81
Great slides n pool price for 1 adult n child eg $20 total. It was so relaxing. Also 3 water slides..family spa..free bbqs..diving boards..indoor and outdoor pools!! Lotsa picnic areas too
When is the best time to visit Jellie Park Recreation and Sports Centre (Christchurch, New Zealand)?
From mid-November to late March, enjoy the outdoor splash pad and shaded lawns for summer fun. In winter, indoor pools stay at 29–31°C year-round.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 3 (2 Adults + 1 Baby)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Adult pool entry (per person) | NZD 7 |
| Baby pool entry outside school hours | NZD 4 |
| Coffee at Red Café | NZD 4 |
| Picnic on lawns | NZD 0 |
| Total Estimated | NZD 15 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Jellie Park Recreation and Sports Centre
Address: 295 Ilam Road, Burnside, Christchurch 8053, New Zealand
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About Jellie Park Recreation and Sports Centre
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+64 3 941 688810 BEST nearby Activities
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