A holiday guide jam-packed with ideas for fun activities around the Ashburton District has just rolled off the printing press and is being distributed to Council facilities this week.

The 20-page guide sets out more than 40 different activities that are happening at the Ashburton Library, EA Networks Centre and the Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum, as well as sharing the locations of some favourite outdoor spots.

Ashburton Mayor Neil Brown said some of the activities were Christmas themed, but others were regular events hosted by Council facilities all year round.

“We have so many things for children and families to do, many of them free. Families can pick up a copy of the guide at any Council facility or from Te Whare Whakatere, or go onto our website and look at a digital version there.”

Activities include sewing your own festival bag, making a Christmas T-shirt or a Christmas tree bauble, or taking part in a summer reading challenge.

You can also join the Great Santa Hunt, attend a Wriggle and Read Christmas special, or watch a family film.

The guide also has details of an inflatable roadshow, which sees EA Networks Centre take its inflatables to community swimming pools at Mayfield, Mount Somers, Hinds and Rakaia.

Mayor Brown said there was also information about outdoor places like the jumping platform at Lake Hood, skateparks and the local walking tracks.

“Whether you have energy to burn, or are seeking a quiet time, there’s a lot of free activities you can do in our district.”

You can see the online copy of the guide here, or scan the QR codes that will be popping up on posters.