Sizzling Summer School Holidays

WORDS DI VON ESSEN

WEDNESDAY 21 DECEMBER TO FRIDAY 27 JANUARY 2023

Twelve months have come and gone, and the last day of school for the year is finally here. Once more, the dreaded school holidays have chased us down and are knocking at our doors. Six long weeks - here they come! When the wrapping paper is in the recycling bin and the toys that were the 'best thing ever' last week become a bit ho-ho-hum, how can you turn the rest of the school holidays into an action-packed Summer adventure of epic proportions? Read on, of course!

WHEELER PLACE

Get down to Wheeler Place and get a family selfie or pet pawtrait with Santa and his elves under the magnificent Christmas tree. Plus, there's free family-friendly music and entertainment to add jolly cheer to the end of the year. Across two weekends this December, bring the whole family along and enjoy a drink and snack at the Civic Bar or Crystalbrooks pop-up bar at Ms Marys.

LIBRARY FUN ACROSS THE HUNTER

Film and Craft - Ages 5-12

Tuesday 10 January | Kurri Kurri Library | 2pm – 4pm | FREE

Wednesday 25 January | Cessnock Library | 2pm - 4pm | FREE

Enjoy an afternoon at the movies, followed by craft.

Faces Off Pages Exhibition

Until 14 February 2023 | Wallsend Library

This digital exhibition at Wallsend Library showcases the work of young artists aged 12 to 25, who were invited to submit an artwork of a character or scene from any book – a character that spoke to them or a scene that, as soon as they read it, they were compelled to bring it to life. Drop in to Wallsend Library and explore the artworks on display. No bookings necessary.

Tech Play - Let's Make Music

Thursday, 12 January 2023 | Belmont Library

Join in a session of innovation and technology at Lake Mac Libraries. At this hands-on activity, learn how you can turn everyday objects into musical instruments. Bookings are essential (see library.lakemac.com.au). Suitable for children aged 5 and above.

NEWCASTLE MUSEUM

Discover Sharks! Workshops

Wednesdays 11, 18, and 25 January 2023

Check out a famous prehistoric shark and discuss how sharks have evolved over 500 million years. Learn about the anatomy and physiology of sharks, from their teeth to the tiny scales that cover their bodies! We will compare how tall we are to a baby White shark and take a look at the role that these apex predators play within ecosystems, and raise our awareness of some of the threats they currently face. Presented by School of Earth – visit www. newcastlemuseum.com.au for more info.

Sea Monsters: Prehistoric Ocean Predators

Until Sunday, 26 Feb 2023; Low Sensory Session – Monday, 23 Jan 2023 – 9am. Earth's oceans were home to some of the largest, fiercest and most successful predators ever. And while dinosaurs ruled the land, giant reptiles and sharks hunted the depths. Sea Monsters combines real fossils from millions of years ago, gigantic replicas including a 13m long Elasmosaurus and 9m Prognathdon, hands-on interactives to make your own monster, dress-ups, dino poo and much more! For more information, visit www. newcastlemuseum.com.au

CIVIC THEATRE

Andy's Amazing Adventure

Tuesday 24 January – 1pm and 4pm

Andy Day is fascinated by all creatures - big and small, existing or extinct. And now, visiting theatres across Australia during the Summer school holidays, he's on a mission to thrill and entertain in this live adventure. He'll have some help, too - from familiar faces, new friends and hopefully you! Written and directed by Phil Gallagher (Mister Maker), this show is full of laughter, music, interactive games and lots of surprises will entertain everyone with its creature chaos and educational fun. Presented by Live Nation, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com. au for tickets.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS AT LAKE MAC

LAKE MACQUARIE TREASURE TRAILS

Lake Mac Treasure Trail # 1 9 to 13 Jan at Green Point Foreshore Reserve

Lake Mac Treasure Trail # 2 16 to 20 January at Rathmines

Adventure through a beautiful area of Lake Mac on a self-guided nature treasure trail. At each location on the trail, use your Smartphone to scan the QR code and answer the local knowledge questions by looking around you. Complete the trail and receive a downloadable certificate. The trail takes approximately 1.5 hours to complete and is open for a week at each location. Ages 5+.

PLEASE NOTE: Both trails are on uneven ground, slopes and stairs and are unsuitable for strollers and people with mobility aids.

Sand Sculpture Workshop and Competition

Saturday 21 January, Blacksmiths Beach

Want to make the best sandcastles on the beach this summer? Join master sand sculptor Steve Machell for a 30-minute sand sculpting tutorial, and then put your new skills to the test in a family-friendly sand sculpting competition. This free event is a favourite, so make sure you register to participate. BYO bucket! Competition categories and details are available online at www.lakemac.com.au.

Dudley Beach ROCKS!

Monday 16 January, Dudley Beach

Discover Dudley Beach through the eyes of a geologist. Starting with a trek down the Bombala Track, you'll make your way to the pristine Dudley Beach. Check out unique geological features on the rock platform, including fossilised trees and the blow hole.

Cultural Workshop and 4wd Sand Dune Adventure

11 January | Murrook Cultural Centre Williamtown | FREE

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people and their friends are invited to join us to learn about local history and the cultural significance of the Port Stephens area thanks to the team at Murrook Cultural Centre. Transport and light lunch provided. Permission note required to attend. Numbers are strictly limited – spots are not secured until permission note is returned. Time: Meet at Cessnock Youth Outreach Centre (CYOS) for departure at 7:30am, and return to CYCOS at 2pm. For more info, visit www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au.

Hunter Ice Skating Stadium

ALL AGES, ALL ABILITIES

Why not try ice skating this School Holidays! Enjoy top 40 music and video clips playing on the big screens, plus people can request their favourite songs to be added into the mix. There will also be a sectioned o area for beginners with available skating frames. For the non-skating spectators –why not relax in the café while the kids skate!

Rental Skate sizes range from a Kids 9 up to an Adults 14. Lockers are available for a small fee to secure your belongings.

DETAILS 230 Macquarie Road, Warners Bay. Prices are $15 for 6yrs or under, $22 for 7yrs or over, $18 seniors and $70 for a family

(1 adult + 3 kids OR 2 adults + 2 kids). These prices include skate hire. For more details and other session times please visit the website. www.hiss.com.au

Hunter HorseridingValley & Adventures

ALL AGES

Get away from city living and go horseriding! It’s the perfect day trip – just 30 minutes up the Hunter Expressway. Hunter Valley Horse Riding & Adventures o ers trail rides for both beginners and experienced riders – even the tiny tots can ride beautiful ponies with qualified guides leading the way. Other activities on o er include tractor hay rides to feed the animals, pedal go karts, farm animals, BBQ facilities, mountain bike trails (BYO bike), ATV

breeding barn and property tours, bush walking and ATV sunset tours with cheese and wine. We also o er race day packages in association with Muswellbrook Turf Club.

If you feel like staying a little longer, we o er great guest house and semi self contained villa accommodation, where kids stay free during school holidays! (Villas only). Be quick to book, as we have limited spots available.

DETAILS Open 7 days 288 Talga Road, Lovedale. Bookings are required. PH Margaret on 4930 7111 or 0417 233 008, or visit www.huntervalleyhorseriding.com.au