Teddy Bears' Picnics offer summer fun for kids

Local teddy bears and their human owners will be putting on their best summer shorts and t-shirts for this weekend’s Teddy Bears’ Picnics in Queenstown and Wanaka, part of the Summerdaze festival.

The picnics have been a part of the Summerdaze calendar since the beginning and have proved extremely popular with parents, children and teddy bears of all shapes and sizes. Queenstown Lakes District Council arts and events facilitator Jan Maxwell says with fine weather forecast for this year’s events she’s expecting a great turnout.

“We’re encouraging families to pack a picnic, grab their sunhats and sunblock and come along for two hours of fun and games,” she said.

“Admission is free and there’ll be lots of entertainment laid on including games, storytelling, face painting, bubble blowing and a bouncy castle.”

There will also be food and drinks stalls onsite and at the Remarkables Park Town Centre Teddy Bears’ Picnic in Queenstown, Ronald McDonald will be making a special appearance.

“It’s a real treat for the local children and we’re looking forward to seeing lots of happy faces at the end of each event,” Mrs Maxwell said.

Wanaka Teddy Bears’ Picnic

Wanaka Dinosaur Park

11am – 1pm Saturday 26 January

Remarkables Park Town Centre Teddy Bears’ Picnic

Red Barn, Remarkables Park, Frankton

11am – 1pm, Sunday 27 January

The Teddy Bears’ Picnics are staged in association with More FM