Maitland’s Summer School Holiday program is dishing up an exciting array of free and affordable activities throughout January.
The city’s libraries, art gallery, and pools will be serving up creative art workshops and cultural experiences and aquatic adventures to keep families entertained thought out the break.
Running from 2 to 31 January, the school holiday program promises to plenty of unique events designed to inspire creativity, promote learning, and provide a cool escape from the heat.
ART ADVENTURES
Free Art January will return to Maitland Regional Art Gallery, offering a month-long celebration of art and creativity for all ages.
Running from 6 to 24 January, drop-in workshops will take place Monday to Friday between 10am and 1pm, led by MRAG’s friendly artist educators. Participants can experiment with vibrant prints using fruit stamps, create paper and wire bird sculptures, explore bird-inspired poetry, and try their hand at animation basics.
For those who prefer self-guided activities, the gallery will be open for visitors to explore art at their own pace. Six engaging exhibitions will also be on display throughout January.
DRUM, DANCE & CREATE
Maitland’s libraries are set to host a packed schedule of cultural, creative, and educational activities in January.
Highlights include African drumming, Chinese dragon dancing, and enchanting ballet performances.
Creative workshops led by talented artists like Sami Bayly and Jenni Goodman will encourage kids to unleash their artistic flair. Storytime sessions, interstellar chalk art, and reading parties across library branches will also keep young readers engaged.
The program will also include sustainability-focused events on recycling and flying foxes, as well as puppet shows and hands-on craft activities.
COOL OFF
If you’re seeking a bit of relief from the summer heat, the Maitland Aquatic Centre is the place to be. The centre’s popular splash pad will operate daily from 11am to 4pm throughout the school holidays, providing hours of fun for kids of all ages.
Parents looking to build their children’s water confidence can enroll them in the Learn to Swim: Intensive Swimming and Water Safety program. Running as a series of five-day sessions, this initiative focuses on teaching essential water safety skills and swimming basics.
