intouch Magazine October School Holidays 2018 Feature

School Holiday

! n u F

Super-fun activities for kids (big and small) to enjoy!

Tur n Over!

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Sit back and Relax…

We’ve Got you Covered!

WORDS MICHELLE MEEHAN - Features Writer

The balmy spring weather is here, and the kids are keen to get amongst it with two whole weeks of school holidays stretching out in front of them.

But while it may not quite be beach weather yet, there’s plenty of free and affordable ways to keep them happy these holidays thanks to a great program of activities from The City of Newcastle and Lake Macquarie City Council.

Newcastle Region Libraries The October school holidays are all about celebrating pets at the region’s network of libraries.

From pet-themed movie screenings and craft sessions to a Lego building competition inspired by your furry or feathered best friend, there is a whole range of fun activities paying homage to all creatures great and small.

Meet a guide dog and find out how her assistance has changed the life of her vision impaired owner during free sessions at Mayfield (October 3) and Adamstown (October 10) libraries, or listen to tips from a council Ranger on what you 42 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

need to do to be a responsible pet owner (October 2, 10 and 11 at Hamilton, Mayfield and New Lambton respectively).

Be amazed by the animal-themed magic performed by award-winning magician Joel Howlett on October 12 at Newcastle and Wallsend libraries ($8 per person) or learn the fundamentals of electronics to create a working game buzzer you can use to compete in a fun pet quiz, with sessions at New Lambton (October 3), Newcastle (October 4) and Wallsend (October 11).

Younger children will be swept up in pet-themed story time sessions including a celebration of 35 years of everyone’s favourite cheeky black dog, Hairy Maclary, while teenagers can indulge in Halloween focused fun with Zombie origami on October 10 and 12 at Newcastle and Wallsend libraries.

Bookings for all activities are essential. Check out www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/library/whats-on to find out what’s on near you.

Newcastle Museum Everyone loves to experiment, and there’s no better place to tap into your scientific side than at Newcastle Museum’s free Science Shows, where you will enter the scientific world of the deep ocean. Find out why it is so cold at the bottom of the ocean, why the blobfish looks so unhappy and how the barreleye fish can see through its own head with a range of science facts and demonstrations to amaze and delight.

The popular shows are sure to fill up fast, with three sessions every day on October 2, 4, 9 and 11.

But that’s not the only entertainment on offer at the museum these holidays, with a special What Lurks Below workshop ($10 per person) exploring the weird and wonderful animals that live in the deeper parts of the ocean, while the special interactive undersea exhibition Voyage to the Deep (prices vary) based on Jules Verne’s novel 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea is still on until October 21.

The museum is open every day of the school holidays from 10am to 5pm, visit www.newcastlemuseum.com.au for more details.

Newcastle Art Gallery A trip to the art gallery will be about more than just admiring the artworks these holidays with a series of hands-on workshops on offer. Create your own illustrated storybook ($10 per person) or use paint pens and pastels to create an impressive portrait on canvas ($10), inspired by the wonderful work of the 2018 Kilgour Prize artists.

Bookings are essential for the workshops. For more details visit www.nag.org.au

Newcastle’s Natural Connection The council’s annual water bug survey is on again, giving children the chance to become a water bug detective and discover the fascinating life living in their local waterways.

Sessions will be held at Rankin Park, Blackbird Reserve, Warabrook Wetlands, Adamstown Heights, Hasluck Drive Reserve, Aries Way Reserve, at the end of Claremont Park, Adamstown Heights and Richley Reserve from October 7-10 and 16. More details can be found online at www.newcastle. nsw.gov.au/Living/Environment/Environmental-Education/ Natural-Connection

Lake Macquarie Libraries Whether you want to learn how to fold the best paper plane or create the most gorgeous floating lantern, there will be something for every child at Lake Macquarie’s libraries these holidays.

Learn more about aerodynamics at the Fold and Fly Paper Planes workshop at Morisset Library on October 3 or feel the mindful, happy vibes when you join illustrator Kirrili Lonergan as she reads Ollie’s Treasure at Speers Point Library on October 4.

Charlestown Library will host a lantern making workshop on October 4, crafting magical creations to float down the Hunter River as part of the Riverlights Multicultural Festival in Maitland, while muggles keen to make their own unique wand should fly down to Speers Point Library on October 11 for the fun, free craft session.

There will be plenty more activities on offer across the two weeks, visit www.library.lakemac.com.au/kids/schoolholiday-fun for details and to book your place. ►

Lake Macquarie Swim Centres

Lake Macquarie City Art Gallery

The weather is heating up, so there’s no better time to dive into the Intensive Learn to Swim Program at Lake Macquarie’s three swim centres - Charlestown, West Wallsend and Swansea.

Boost your child’s confidence in the water with this intensive program, which has beginner to transition levels available.

Suitable for children aged three years and older, the program will run from October 2-5 and again from October 8-12.

Bookings are required for the program, which costs $35.20 for four days in the first week or $55 for five days in the second week. Contact Charlestown on 4921 0782, West Wallsend on 4921 0738 or Swansea on 4921 0733.

Sculpture workshops and jewellery making will be on offer throughout the holidays at the gallery for those children aged seven years and over who love to create something new. Create 3D art with curved surfaces during the sculpture sessions, which will be held on October 2 and 9, while the jewellery making workshop will show participants how to make their own jewellery or 3D form using metal wire, with sessions on October 4 and 11.

Each workshop costs $20 per person and bookings are essential. Contact 4921 0382 or visit www.artgallery.lakemac.com.au for more details. ■

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 this 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

What’s on at the Gardens this School Holidays

NATURE IS FUN Wed 3 + 10 October 2018 - Explore the bush, collect specimens, make a craft item to take home! 10.30am – 12.30pm. $5 per child, ages 5–12. Bookings essential, limited spaces.

SPRING PLANT SALE – 10am on Sun 30 September 2018. Native and ornamental plants for sale.

Bring a picnic or order from the Kookaburra Café. Everyday is a great day to fall in love with nature at the HUNTER REGION BOTANIC GARDENS!

www.huntergardens.org.au 2100 Pacific Highway, Heatherbrae PH 4987 1655 E events@huntergardens.org.au

Advertise Your School Holiday Activity Here!

Advertising opportunities for the Summer School Holidays are open now. Phone 4998 0888 or email advertise@intouchmagazine.com.au

Hunter Ice Skating

Stadium ALL AGES, ALL ABILITIES Holiday Super Sessions are back! Skate as long as you like between 11am and 3.30pm on weekdays during the holidays.

There are party games like limbo and pass the puck and a sectioned off area for beginners with skating frames available.

Non-skating spectators are admitted free – why not relax in the cafe while the kids skate!

A great option in wet weather and also a great place to be when it's really hot outside.

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

DETAILS 230 Macquarie Road, Warners Bay. Prices are $16 for 6yrs or under, $20 for 7yrs or over, $18 seniors and $65 for a family (1 adult + 3 kids OR 2 adults + 2 kids). These prices include skate hire – with your own skates you will save $4. For more details and other session times please visit the website.

Phone 4954 4499. www.hiss.com.au www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 43

H OL IDAY TIM E IS H E RE !

IT' S FOR EVERY BODY

TRY

Bricks 4 Kidz!

SCHOOL HOLIDAY FUN Beat the School Holiday Brain Drain and treat your kids to some Awesome Holiday FUN with Bricks 4 Kidz®. We have some great workshops launching this holidays in Newcastle and Charlestown. It’s so much fun they won’t know they are learning…

OR try our new FLIP AND BUILD. BRICKS 4 KIDZ® and Flip Out® have joined forces this holidays to bring you some insane holiday FUN! Get the kids to Flip Out® Thornton for 2 hours of excitement – 1 hour of bouncing and 1 hour of building.

DETAILS Book online or call today on 0499 066 056. www.bricks4kidz.com.au/ nsw-lakemacquarie

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.

Lazy Paddles

Art House

Studios

AGES 6+ Art House Studios is a spacious, creative sanctuary where your child can create in a real art studio.

Our engaging holiday drawing and painting workshops run from 10am – 4pm - all art materials, inspiration and food provided. Quality time in a safe, fully equipped environment with lots of guidance 44 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

and support is guaranteed. An easy way to give your child the opportunity to learn new creative skills, have fun, spend time off screens, and make new friends!

Each workshop is led by Priya Joy, an artist and qualified teacher with over 20 years experience. Your child will build confidence in their skills and feel at home in the relaxed, artistic atmosphere. Spring Holiday Art Camp bookings are now open. Our workshops fill quickly – please find the timetable online.

DETAILS Level 1, 268 Turton Road, New Lambton. PH 4049 6229 or M 0478 116 313 www.arthousestudios.com.au

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.

PH 0412 832 220 www.lazypaddles.com.au

Tantrum Youth Arts KIDS AND TEENS – School Holiday Workshops Down to Clown? – Monday 8 – Wednesday 10 Oct, 10am-3pm: Make new friends and learn new skills in physical theatre, clowning and mime as you create a hilarious circus themed performance over 3 days! For ages 8-12. $150.

Find your Funny – Thursday 11 – Friday 12 Oct, 10am-3pm: Like David Attenborough in the jungle, come venture with local award-winning comedienne Sarah Gaul in search of laughs and your own unique style of comedy. Everyone's got a funny bone and Sarah will help you find it. For ages 15–21. $120.

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

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

Reach New

Heights

This School Holidays!

BEGINNERS AND EXPERIENCED Pulse Climbing caters for all levels of climbing from beginners and kids just starting out, right up to elite climbers who are after a high class training facility. With top rope climbing and two bouldering areas, we have a mix of super-easy climbs and hard-core. Our atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, and our highly experienced staff are always on hand for safety instruction and to help in any way they can.

Entry is membership based or casual, we can cater for groups (please book ahead), and also offer Learn to Climb Classes.

Pulse Climbing is also the perfect hasslefree all weather venue for your child’s next birthday party, just contact us for more details!

DETAILS Open from 10am every day in the school holidays (until 10pm Mon–Fri). Find us at 10/122 Garden Grove Parade, Adamstown. www.pulseclimbing.com.au

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

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Messy Kids & Mayhem AGES 8 - 14 YEARS October School Holiday Workshops Tues 9 Oct | Wed 10 Oct | Thurs 11 Oct Silver jewellery making, creative portraits, robotics and screen printing tote bags.

All taught by professional creatives.

Full details on our website.

Book now online at: www.newcastleartspace.org.au/ messy-kids LOCATED 91 Chinchen Street, Tighes Hill PH 0490 801 630

Finite Gallery 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.

Jet Flight Simulator AGES 6 AND UP - NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED Have you ever wanted to feel what it is like to captain a 737? Here is your chance to virtually experience the thrill of being in control of the most popular plane in the world, and no experience is needed.

Choose your favorite airport or city to take off from. Just before take-off you will be briefed on the primary controls, instruments and procedures necessary to be ready for take-off. After permission from Air Traffic Control you will accelerate the plane down the runway and take-off.

During your flight you will be fully immersed in your experience. You will be managing your airspeed, altitude and watching your heading whilst monitoring any other air traffic. The wide array of screens and indicators will also need to be monitored.

Enter this link to receive 50% off discount! www.jetflightsimulatornewcastle.com.au/intouch

or call 1300-SIM-FLIGHT (1300-746-354) Prices: 30min= $79 (was $199) 60min= $129 (was $349) 90min= $199 (was $479) 120min= $249 (was $599)

• 737 simulator experience • Gift vouchers available • No experience needed (kids 6+) • Payment over the phone

• Bring up to 4 passengers for FREE • 22,000 destinations DETAILS By appointment only. 1 Tudor St, • Fly alongside an experienced Newcastle. PH 1300-746-354. instructor /JetFlightSimulatorNewcastle • By appointment only • Buy now, book later 46 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

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

Action Packed Holiday Fun with

Pollet's!

AGES 5+ Join us for an action-packed week of FUN, FRIENDSHIP AND FITNESS! Monday 08/10/18 – Friday 12/10/18 Daily 9am–3pm: A perfect introduction to see if your child will enjoy martial arts!

Join other new and experienced students to enjoy a variety of martial arts styles plus fun games! Ages 5+. Only $50 per day, $25 for additional children – 15% off for full week

bookings! INCLUDES: Morning Tea, Lunch and Afternoon Tea. All staff are qualified adult Black Belts and have current Working With Children Checks. Head Instructors are Certified Sports Coaches through the Australian Sports Commission. If your child is interested in SIGNING UP after our Holiday Camp - they will receive a FREE UNIFORM & 1/2 hour PRIVATE LESSON (valued at $100)!

DETAILS 1/44 Park Ave, Adamstown.

PH 4952 2444 E newcastle@pollets.com.au www.pollets.com.au

MOVIES . BOWLING . MINI-GOLF . GAMES . FOOD

KIDS PASS $ 39 I SUPER PASS $ 39

ON SALE NOW! Enjoy Reading Cinemas, Holey Moley, Strike Bowling & Timezone PLUS delicious treats at selected food outlets Only at Charlestown Square ON SALE NOW - Customer Service Desk, Level 1

PACKAGED TOGETHER FOR

AMAZING VALUE!

Details at: charlestownsquare.com.au

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