Six Sizzling weeks
of Summer School Holidays
SIX WEEKS IS AN EXTRAORDINARILY LONG TIME, RIGHT? ESPECIALLY ON THE BACK OF MANY, MANY WEEKS OF HAVING THE KIDS LEARNING FROM HOME. WHETHER IT BE A TANTRUM OVER A FAVOURITE SHIRT IN THE WASH, SIBLING BICKERING, OR JUST GENERAL PANIC, ONE THING IS FOR SURE - SCHOOL HOLIDAYS AREN'T FOR THE MEEK AND MILD. SO 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!
Six Summer Weeks of super-fun activities for kids
(big and small) to keep busy with this School Holidays! 60 intouch
SCHOOL HOLIDAY Guide
GREAT BABY DINOSAUR SHOW
PICNIC WITH CHILDREN'S AUTHOR PAUL RUSSELL
Come and vote for your favourite roaring dinosaur at Newcastle Museum's brand-new dinosaur exhibition. Enjoy a great day out with the family, perfect for little people to meet roaring dinosaurs face-to-face! Grab some dinosaur toys and goodies after the show from the Visitor Information Centre outside at the Old Civic Railway Station WHEN: Every day of the School Holidays. WHERE: Newcastle Museum COST: Family pass is $25 (2 adults, 2 kids). MORE INFO: www.newcastlemuseum.com.au
Come along to meet Paul Russell, who will read his newest book, The Incredibly Busy Mind of Bowen Bartholomew Crisp and take part in some fun activities, including a treasure hunt with prizes. Bring a rug and some food and enjoy this twilight storytime in the park. Ages: All ages. Children aged eight and under will need to be accompanied by an adult. WHEN: Friday 14 January. WHERE: Civic Park BOOKINGS: Essential www.eventbrite.com.au (Search Paul Russell)
LEGO® CHALLENGE
READY-TO-RACE SWIM CLINICS
It's back! Join the crew at Newcastle Libraries for the first LEGO® Challenge in a long time. They supply a tub of LEGO®, but the rest is up to your budding lego masters' creative mind – all under the pressure of the LEGO® timer. For ages 5 to 14. WHEN: Wednesday 12 January @ Wallsend Library AND Tuesday 18 January @ Newcastle City Library COST: Free BOOKINGS: Essential – www.newcastle.nsw. gov.au/library/experience/what-s-on
NATURAL HISTORY ILLUSTRATION
Be inspired by the SEEN exhibition Capturing Nature, and learn how to capture the true character of an object at our natural history illustration workshop. Learn from a professional, experienced artist and teacher in a relaxed and friendly environment. All materials supplied. Suitable for ages 12 years plus. This workshop is aimed at beginners to natural history illustration. Includes a tour and entry to the Capturing Nature exhibition. WHEN: Monday 10 January. WHERE: SEEN @ Swansea, Level 1 The Swansea Centre. COST: $8. MORE INFO: www.natural_history_ illustration_seen.eventbrite.com.au.
Help your budding swimmer get ready for the racing season and school carnivals! These are aimed at swimmers competing in school carnivals over eight years of age who can comfortably swim 100 metres freestyle unaided. WHEN: 5 and 7 January, 9-10am; 12 and 14 January, 9-10am; 19 and 21 January, 9-10am. WHERE: Swansea Swim Centre. COST: $9 (8+ years). www.eventbrite.com.au (Search Swansea Swim Centre). Continued next page ▶
See in Newcastle this summer
whatson.newcastle.nsw.gov.au
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CLAYMATION: DIGITAL ANIMATION WORKSHOP
Students will write, shoot and edit a short Claymation movie using the latest equipment. All materials will be provided, and each participant will have their movie available for download at the end of the workshop. Small group tuition. Morning and afternoon tea provided. Suitable for ages 9+ WHEN: Thursday 13 January 9.30 – 3pm. WHERE: Rathmines Theatre, nawayiba. COST: $100. MORE INFO: www.claymation_rathmines_ january.eventbrite.com.au
IT'S ON! NELSON BAY JD'S WORLD OF MAGIC SHOW
Fun for the whole family! Be amazed by awardwinning magician Joel Howlett from JD's World of Magic at his all-new show. Suitable for all ages. WHEN: Saturday 15 January 2-3pm and 5.306.30pm. WHERE: Rathmines Theatre, nawayiba. COST: Adults attending at children's price $10pp (adults and children) or Family ticket (5 tickets- children or adults) $45. MORE INFO: www.jds_magic_rathmines_jan. eventbrite.com.au
The It's On! program is jam-packed full of free family entertainment, including an encounter with dinosaurs or even your favourite superhero. Whether it's markets, musicians, Zumba in the park, boot camp or a pop-up show for kids — It's On! Wind down with some afternoon music and entertainment after a full day at the beach before picking up dinner and settling in for the night. WHERE: Nelson Bay CBD COST: Free MORE INFO www.portstephens.org.au/itson-in-nelson-bay
TOURS, TALKS AND MORE AT MAITLAND GAOL
Maitland Gaol has something on every day these summer school holidays; explore the historic hallways with an expert guide, embark on an escapes tour or learn what it takes to work behind bars with an experienced exwarder. From fingerpainting to paper models, there's hands-on arts and crafts for families too. Don't want to be locked in? You can always do the self-guided audio tour at any time. Visitors over 15 might even like to see the Gaol from a different perspective on a night tour. WHEN: 27 December to 30 January during opening hours. WHERE: Maitland Gaol (6-18 John St, East Maitland). MORE INFO: www.maitlandgoal.com.au/ whats-on
FREE ART JANUARY
Looking for mid-week school holiday ideas? pulse climbing has got you covered... With our popular YOUTH HOLIDAY CLINICS! Running midweek at all four of our locations during all School Holidays, the 3 hour clinic includes:
Climbing games and activities Individualised advice A healthy morning tea
for only:
$35
per participant + sess (Gear hire not includ ion ed)
Structured sessions + warm-ups
This engaging program is designed for kids aged 8+ and will improve their climbing confidence, skill and strength while having a blast!
Check out our website, scan the code or visit us today to book in... warners bay
adamstown
maitland
west gosford
pulseclimbing.com.au | @pulseclimbing | (02) 4023 4743 62 intouch • SCHOOL HOLIDAY GUIDE
scan here
Free Art January 2022 is full of creative experiences for all ages, and you are invited to join in the fun at Maitland Regional Art Gallery. Entry is free; just register on arrival to enjoy the workshops, exhibitions and selfguided activities. All materials are provided. WHEN: Tuesdays to Sundays, 10am to 5pm. WHERE: Maitland Regional Art Gallery (230 High Street, Maitland). COST: Free (bookings required). MORE INFO: mrag.org.au/ whats-on-mrag
STORY QUEST ADVENTURE
Be inspired by the larger-than-life inflatable installations on display in the park around MAP. Suitable for ages 6-10. WHEN: Wednesday 19 and Thursday 20 January. Session 1: 11am-12noon; Session 2: 1pm 2.00pm. WHERE: MAP mima Speers Point Park, Creek Reserve Road, Speers Point. COST: $5 MORE INFO: www.eventbrite. com.au (search: MAP mima).
RETRO GAMES & PIZZA
MAP MIMA: SCHOOL HOLIDAY IMAGE CREDIT: LEIGHSA COX
Challenge your friends and family to any one of the dozens of games available! Suitable for all ages. WHEN/WHERE: Raymond Terrace Library, Wednesday 19 January, 10:30am to 4pm. Tomaree Library, Tuesday 18 January, 2pm to 4pm. COST: Gold coin donation. MORE INFO: www.portstephens. nsw.gov.au/play/events/eventcalendar
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 Summer 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
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Mini Golf & Footgolf!
HOME OF MINI GOLF & FOOT GOLF With a relaxing 11 hole golf course, the only FootGolf course in the Hunter and a 18-hole Mini Golf Course, Beresfield Golf Course provides a fabulously fun day out for family and friends with something for everyone! At Beresfield you can enjoy great undercover outdoor areas and a BBQ – making it the perfect and affordable destination for your next kids party, social or work group and even that first date too. Hire charges apply. • Mini Golf open weekdays 10am–5pm; • Footgolf open weekdays 10am–5pm and 12pm–5pm on weekends Use your Dine & Discover Vouchers here!
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. Hunter Valley Horse Riding & Adventures offers trail rides for both beginners and
a guided 5.5km off road tour through scenic hunter valley vineyards and backcountry. Awesome family experience, what are you waiting for! Minimum age 11YRS.
BOOK YOUR PARTY HERE!
DETAILS Open everyday 7am–5pm 260 Anderson Drive, Beresfield PH 4966 4665 www.beresfieldgolf.com.au
find us 917 Hermitage Road, Pokolbin NSW T 4943 7223 E tours@nswsegway.com.au nswsegway.com.au
Bookings essential!
FINITE GALLERY
AND FOOTGOLF
experienced riders – even the tiny tots can ride beautiful ponies with 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! Other activities on offer include tractor hay rides to feed the animals, pedal go karts, farm animals, BBQ facilities, mountain bike trails (BYO bike), ATV tours and bush walking. 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.
Join us for some fun School Holiday Art workshops! Find out what’s on at www.finitegallery.com
60 Caves Beach Road, Caves Beach PH 0419 471 660 E info@finitegallery.com
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
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