INTOUCH MAGAZINE| July 2018 School Holidays Guide

School HOLIDAY FUN!

Super-fun activities for kids (big and small) to enjoy! www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 38

Go Wild

This Winter School Holidays WORDS MICHELLE MEEHAN - Features Writer

It can be a difficult task coming up with creative ways to entertain the kids during the wet and windy winter school holidays.

Luckily our local Councils have once again put together a packed schedule of free or inexpensive school holiday activities that are sure to appeal to kids of all ages.

Newcastle Region Libraries July is all about going wild at Newcastle’s network of libraries, with everything from Go Crazy! Storytime sessions to Wild Dance Discos on offer.

There will be plenty of options for children from as young as three right through to those in their late teens these holidays, with most activities coming without a cost.

The mention of Lego is usually enough to send most kids into a frenzy, with the Go Wild with Lego workshop sure to be a popular option. The free one-hour sessions are designed for children aged 5-12 and will rotate throughout the region’s libraries during the two weeks of holiday.

Slightly older children will be challenged to engineering feats of a different kind during the Amazing Mazes workshop as they attempt to create their own maze out of recycled materials, while 7 to 12-year-olds will also have the opportunity to take part in the ultimate paper-plane-making workshop during the Go Wild With Flight activity.

Teenagers haven’t been forgotten either, with an interactive screening of the cult film classic Mean Girls (rated M) for 13 to 18-year-olds, while those who love to test their knowledge of memes, movies and music can get their crews together for the hour-long Quiz Master sessions.

Bookings for all activities are essential. To find out what’s on near you, check out www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/Library

Newcastle Museum A great place to visit at any time of the year, Newcastle Museum steps up its family-friendly activities during the 39 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

school holidays with a series of free science shows that explore the world around us.

Be amazed by tough balloons and singing glass and see what happens to energy as balls bounce and collide during the popular shows, with three sessions each day on July 10, 12, 17 and 19.

Of course, there’s plenty more to see at the museum once the science show is over, with the Supernova Hands-on Science Centre combining fun and facts to teach you about everything from levers and pulleys to how a tornado is formed.

Visitors can also take on the Mid-year Madness Detective Discovery challenge by picking up a sheet from the front desk. Use the clues to discover the madness in the exhibition displays and hand it in at the end for the chance to win a family pass to the Voyage to the Deep travelling exhibition, which explores the depths of the ocean and fantastical sea creatures inspired by Jules Verne’s classic 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. The museum is open every day of the school holidays from 10am to 5pm, visit www.newcastlemuseum.com.au

Newcastle Art Gallery Make a trip to the art gallery for a hands-on experience these holidays with a series of creative workshops.

Making Jewellery with Beads is a one-hour workshop designed for children aged 5-12. Produce a mixture of wearable art and couture fashion inspired by the current installation Looking for Felix 2000 by artist Dani Marti using rainbow florist wire, twine or coloured elastic string, beads, buttons and other items.

Assemblage Sculpture will provide a fun and experimental learning opportunity for creative kids, inspired by the Patricia Wilson Adams exhibition. Create a mixed media block-printed sculpture by using a wooden block and foam shapes to print designs onto cardboard and develop a sculptural form.

Both workshops cost $10 per child and bookings are essential. For more details visit www.nag.org.au

Lake Macquarie Libraries Coding, craft and CPR will be among the activities on offer at Lake Macquarie libraries this holiday.

Coding for Kids and Coding with Ozbots will introduce beginners to the world of computer coding across a range of creative challenges. Learn how to create interactive stories and animations using Scratch or discover the skills of programming using Ozbots, with workshops at Morisset and Edgeworth libraries.

Crafty kids workshops will let children unleash their creativity with a range of free activities including paper pet portraits and winter wonderland craft designed for children over the age of three, while Lake Macquarie Council beach lifeguards will demonstrate the latest CPR and first aid technique to children over the age of five in an educational and fun CPR for kids session.

Relaxation techniques will be on the agenda when Newcastle psychologist and yoga teacher Lynne Jenkins presents a Mindfulness for kids workshop at Toronto Library, while physics, chemistry and liquid nitrogen will come under the spotlight when the SMART teach from the University of Newcastle present their SMART science show at Charlestown Library (from $10 per child). There’s plenty of other workshops for young children and teens including spy school, writing workshops and marble mazes.

Bookings are required for all sessions. For more details visit www.library.lakemac.com.au/kids/school-holiday-fun

Lake Macquarie City Art Gallery Children will have the chance to learn traditional techniques used in Aboriginal art at Lake Macquarie Art Gallery these holiday with workshops with Aboriginal artists Michelle Napanangka Earl and Saretta Fielding.

Discover Aboriginal culture by listening, discussing and illustrating a Dreamtime story in a hands-on workshop designed for those aged seven or older ($20 each), or learn local traditional stories and contemporary art forms as part of a session designed for participants of all ages ($10-$20).

Bookings are essential. Contact 4921 0382 or visit www.artgallery.lakemac.com.au for more details.

West Wallsend and Charlestown Swim Centres Winter might not seem like the ideal time to go for a swim, but the school holidays offer the perfect opportunity for children to ramp up their water skills during the Intensive Learn to Swim Program.

Held over five days from July 9-13 or July 16-20 within the temperature-controlled surrounds of the West Wallsend and Charlestown Swim Centres, the program will help boost your child’s confidence in the water.

With beginner to transition levels available, the program is suitable for swimmers of many different abilities and is sure to give their skills a valuable kick along before the warmer weather returns later in the year.

The program costs $55 and is open to children aged three years and over. Bookings are required by calling 4921 0738 (West Wallsend) or 4921 0782 (Charlestown).

Cessnock Area Activities The school holidays are the perfect time to head further afield for a day in the Hunter Valley, with a range of exciting activities on offer.

Make the most of the annual influx of ice and snow at Hunter Valley Gardens, with Snow Time in the Garden running until July 22. Spin around the ice at the ice skating rink, whizz down the 40m ice slide on top of a toboggan tube or indulge in some snowman building fun as part of everyone’s favourite wintery celebration in Pokolbin. For more details visit www.huntervalleygardens.com.au/event/snow-time-garden If animal attractions are more your thing why not visit the alpacas for the daily feeding at Starline Alpacas at Broke, meet the adorable residents at Nulkaba’s Hunter Valley Zoo or get in the saddle at one of the region’s horse riding schools.

Sweet treats will also be on the menu these holidays at Sabor in the Hunter Dessert Bar or indulge in a children’s high tea for $44 per person at Sabor Tea House. A Harry Potter themed high tea will also be on offer for the region’s young witches and wizards at Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley on July 14 and 20.

There will be fun for all the family at the Richmond Vale Railway Museum, which is running trains on their Mulbring Road branch on the first three Sundays of each month and every Sunday during the school holidays. Gates open at

9.30am and close at 4pm, with the last trains leaving by 3pm.

Full-sized train rides are free after admission, with entry also giving you access to the railway museum. Entry costs $16 for adults, $11 concession and $7.50 for children aged 5 to 15 years. Visit www.richmondvalerailwaymuseum.org for more information.

Cessnock and Kurri Kurri Libraries offer a range of fun children’s entertainment and learning opportunities during school holidays, with sessions for young children aged two to six years that include stories, rhymes and craft.

Older children can choose from a range of free and lowcost activities, with everything from the Hogwarts Escape Room at Kurri Kurri Library for those aged 12 and older to the Cessnock City Library annual Lego competition for children aged 5+.

There’s also a special hands-on magic and juggling workshop ($7) with the wonderful JD Howlett and a cartooning workshop ($5) with Sydney artist Matt Lin. Bookings are essential for all activities. For the full schedules visit www.libraries.cessnock.nsw.gov.au ■

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H OL IDAY TIM E IS HERE! I T' S FOR EVERY BODY

TRY

MENTION INTOUCH MAGAZIN FOR A 10 E DISCOUN % T!

Mini Golf!

HOME OF MINI GOLF AND FOOTGOLF With a relaxing 11 hole golf course, the only FootGolf course in the Hunter and a brandnew 18-hole Mini Golf Course, Beresfield Golf Course provides a fabulously fun day out for family and friends with something for everyone!

Mini Golf and Footgolf are great fun activities for the holidays – they are active and suitable for the whole family. Take a date, or a mate for chill time, a fun time or 'get to know you' time.

At Beresfield Golf you can enjoy a great undercover outdoor areas and a BBQ* - making it the perfect and affordable destination for your next kids party, social group or work party. *Hire charges apply.

DETAILS Mini Golf – Open every day from 10am; FootGolf – Open every day from 10am (excepting Sat & Sun – after 12noon). Visit www.beresfieldgolf.com.au/mini-golf or call 4966 4665. 260 Anderson Dr, Beresfield.

Toboggan Hill Park ALL WEATHER FAMILY FUN! Toboggan Hill Park, located in Nelson Bay, has activities for the whole family with outdoor and indoor fun!

Outside, kids big and small can enjoy our giant maze, water balloon fights, toboggan rides and mini golf; inside there is hot ice skating, jumping castles, kiddy karz and rock climbing, plus more!

We also have a food kiosk and an outdoor picnic area, and we also cater for kids birthday parties - visit our website or contact us for more information.

www.tobogganhillpark.com 16 Aquatic Cl, Nelson Bay PH 4984 1022 E toboggan@tobogganhillpark.com

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Hunter Valley

Horseriding & Adventures ALL AGES Get away from city living and go horseriding!

It’s the perfect day trip - just 30 minutes up the Hunter Expressway you’ll find a place where you can relax, get back to nature, treat the kids or just stop and smell the roses!

Hunter Valley Horse Riding & Adventures offers trail rides for both beginners and experienced riders. Take in the scenery as you ride the unique and beautiful Molly Morgan Range, and experience the spectacular views of the Hunter Valley and as far north as Barrington Tops. Not to mention the amazing native wildlife that will be a memory not soon forgotten - you can even ride among kangaroos and wallabies!

Even the tiny tots can jump on board, with beautiful ponies and qualified guides leading the way. We also offer full day horse riding camps for the teens (12-16 yrs old) where they will get to groom and feed horses, learn about looking after horses, saddlery, and of course ride!

You could also enjoy a picnic (we have over 300 acres of great spots), utilise our BBQ facilities, enjoy a tractor hay ride to feed the animals, check out the kangaroos, hiking and mountain bike trails or sunset rides. Plus, don’t forget to visit our aviary to say hello to our birds, guinea pigs, goats and sheep.

We have also recently introduced the new pedal go karts! An activity that is sure to keep the kids busy, and ready to hit the hay later on.

If you feel like staying a little longer, we offer 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.

Hunter Valley Horse Riding & Adventures is really your one stop shop for an awesome school holiday experience that we know the kids will love. So, get back to nature, breathe that fresh country air and enjoy a seamless experience like no other. Whether you are up for a day trip, or plan to stay a little longer, this is the perfect way to feel your school holiday stresses slip away! Book the kids in for some outdoor fun today.

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

Sand Dune

Safaris

ALL AGES, ALL ABILITIES Come on the ultimate adventure! Join Sand Dune Safaris in one of our purpose built off road vehicles and experience the magnificent Stockton Sand Dunes - the largest moving sand mass in the Southern Hemisphere, right here in beautiful Port Stephens.

Discover the remote outpost of Tin City and learn about the history of the ecosystem and inhabitants. You also can’t miss Sand Boarding, fun for all the family. Don’t forget your camera, the scenery is spectacular!

School holiday activities: We will be open

every day for our Sand Boarding Adventure, between 10am and 4pm. Price includes a 10 minute 4WD trip over the dunes, board hire, instructor and unlimited Sand Boarding. Also fantastic for kids birthday parties! Bring along your esky with food and drinks and relax in our shaded picnic area on the dunes whilst the kids have a ball!

DETAILS Open every weekend, 10am - 4pm, weekdays by appointment. Open every day during Winter school holidays from 9.30am until 4.30pm and later. Please call to confirm last shuttle times as they may vary according to weather conditions. Departure location Lower car park, end of James Paterson St, Anna Bay. Look for the big army bus!

Phone 0425 213 096. www.sanddunesafaris.com.au

Get Wild at

Hunter

If you are bringing a group or having a party just give us a call and enquire about reserving an area to yourself.

With keeper talks and shows throughout the day there is something for everyone; and for those who want to get even closer, you can book in for one our unique animal encounters ALL AGES for an experience you’ll never forget!* Come and visit the Hunter Valley Zoo this We’re open every day during school school holidays! See our Lions, Meerkats, and holidays. We’ll see you on the wild side! all your favourite native friends. Get up close *All encounters are charged separately to and personal in our interactive walkthrough general admission, bookings essential! enclosures where you can feed our farmyard

animals, Kangaroos, Lorikeets and Camels.

DETAILS 138 Lomas Lane, Nulkaba, NSW Why not make use of our free picnic and BBQ 2325. Ph 4990 7714. Open 9am - 4pm facilities? There’s no better place to relax and (closed Wed outside school holidays). enjoy the atmosphere. www.huntervalleyzoo.com.au

Valley Zoo!

INSPIRING AND EDUCATIONAL WRITING WORKSHOPS FOR KIDS Expeditions and Explorers (7-13yo) Wed 11 July, 10am-1pm: Ed Wright Write stories that venture into the dangerous, mythical or unknown, whether by spaceship, boat, or magic carpet. Explore new territories and test your character’s survival skills and powers of description as they overcome obstacles and encounter the wonder of new worlds.

Me and My Machines (6-12yo) Fri 13 July, 10am-1pm: Ed Wright A chance to be your own mad inventor.

Invent machines, think about how you might make them a run away success, then show what happens when the best inventions go completely pear-shaped. A fun workshop with several different kinds of writing to explore.

Loud Macaws and Muddy Paws (6-10yo) Wed 18 July, 10am-1pm: Jess Black Join Jess as she takes you on a rollicking journey to create stories about her favourite subject – animals! Discover how to inject

humour, surprise, suspense and loving characters into your stories.

One Lost Bag (6-13yo) Fri 20 July, 10am1pm: Jess Black What would you do if you found a lost bag full of interesting objects and treasures?

What clues could the contents tell you about the owner? Writers observe details about the world just like detectives. In this mystery writing workshop you’ll create characters, describe settings, plot an exciting story and start writing your own mystery.

WORKSHOPS $80 (bring a brother/sister/ friend or sign up for 2 classes, 2 for $140) DETAILS Suite 51, Level 1, 164-170 Hunter Street. Email: ed@creativewordshop.com.au Phone 0408 788 765. Away for the holidays?

Talk to Ed to organise in school, before school or after school workshops during term time. www.creativewordshop.com.au

Art Space|Art Club Art Zone|Art Studio Holiday Art Classes artgallery.lakemac.com.au

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Lazy Paddles AGES 2+ Lazy Paddles has provided guided tours and kayak hire from Tea Gardens since 2002 helping thousands experience the fun of paddling on the beautiful Myall waterways. Join us on a guided tour at 10am everyday of the school holidays (bookings essential) or hire a kayak and explore the area yourself. Experience the tranquillity of the mangroves, observe water birds up close – you may even encounter dolphins. We launch from Anzac Park on Marine Drive, Tea Gardens – look out for our kayak trailer and flag opposite the fire station. Bookings advised.

HUNTER REGION BOTANIC GARDENS

Children’s Discovery Day Let the kids get back to nature!

Tuesday 10th July 10am - 2pm Cost $5 per child.

Hunter Water Interactive Trailer | SES | Police Service Ambulance Service | Fire Brigade | Face Painting Botanic Drawing Sessions | Grass Heads | Ranger Ralph Bubble and Squirt Show | Kids Discovery Walk + MORE!

PH 0412 832 220 www.lazypaddles.com.au

2100 Pacific Highway, Heathrebrae P 4987 1655 | admin@huntergardens.org.au

Tantrum Youth Arts

Finite Gallery

KIDS AND TEENS Dino Drama: Monday 9 July - Wednesday 11 July, 10am - 3pm Help Tantrum transform the Hunter Wetlands Centre into a world fit for a T-Rex through imaginative play, roving theatre and costume design using recycled objects. For kids in Year 3 - 6. $180.

Take Your Shot: Thursday 12 July - Friday 13 July, 10am - 3pm Join us at Tantrum Studio to write, shoot and edit a “one shot” film - entirely on your smart phone. Have fun, learn important film techniques and develop your performance skills! For teens in Year 7 - 10. $120.

AGES 6 - 18 YEARS The kids are sure to be kept busy this school holidays with the fantastic range of 2-hour children's workshops at Finite Gallery.

There are a wide range of workshops on offer - everything from creating in Clay to Tie Dyeing, Painting and Beading. All materials are included!

Parents and Carers are also welcome to participate, so why not make it a fun family day?

There are also classes and workshops for children and adults during the term, so take a look at the website to see what is coming up.

PH 4929 7279 E info@tantrum.org.au BOOK AT www.tantrum.org.au

www.finitegallery.com/learn LOCATED 60 Caves Beach Rd, Caves Beach E info@finitegallery.com PH 0419 471 660

*PRICE IS PER PERSON AND MAY VARY. SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY. NOT VALID IN CONJUNCTION WITH ANY OTHER OFFER. MINIMUM 10 PEOPLE.

HOLEYMOLEY.COM.AU

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HOLEY MOLEY GOLF CLUB LEVEL 1, SOUTH PIAZZA, CHARLESTOWN SQUARE.

Kara Wood

Ceramics AGES 6 - 14 YEARS Kara Wood Ceramics is a teaching studio offering both children’s and adult classes from beginner to advanced skill levels.

During the July School Holidays we will be running fabulously-fun children’s ceramic workshops! Children have a natural affinity

with clay, so we offer a variety of workshops including: throwing in the wheel, make your perfect pet or create a crazy creature.

We also offer workshops where both the parent/carer and child can participate.

These workshops are a great thing to do with your child during the school holidays and include activities such as make a cup and saucer or create your own succulent pot.

For more information, opening hours, or to book your child's place in a workshop please visit our website.

DETAILS Block O, 91 Chinchen Street, Tighes Hill. www.karawood.com.au

Interior Design | Curtains & Blinds Custom Furniture | Art | Accessories At Tailored HQ we work to make spaces as unique as you are. Our dedicated team has everything you need to customise your home to achieve your dream look.

Learn with

SLAM!

STEM . Learning . Arts . Makerspace FOR SCHOOL AGE KIDS SLAM is running holiday workshops for kids throughout the July holidays. With a range of workshops that include robotics, coding your own video games, sewable electronics, aircraft design, building your own electronic instruments and augmented reality – there’s something to keep every little genius busy.

There’s no such thing as “I’m bored” with SLAM!!

For primary schools, SLAM’s professional development programs for teachers focus on the new Science & Technology syllabus, Design thinking and STEM, and can bring a whole new dimension to the school curriculum!

DETAILS Call Rob on 0422 709 463 or visit www.slameducation.com for a full program of activities. /slameducation twitter.com/slamedu @slamedu

Suite 1A, Ground Floor, 41-45 Hunter Street, Newcastle. Phone 4047 2330

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