Most schools in Newcastle and around the Hunter will be on holidays from today (Sept 19). So we thought it was our duty to provide Mums and Dads with some info on boredom fighting activities and family friendly events in the local area.
School Holiday Events
Junior Ranger Fun Day
Do reptile arts and crafts, have your face painted, get up close to our favourite critters and enjoy the jumping castle.
WHEN: Wednesday 23 September
TIME: 11am – 1pm
WHERE: Richley Reserve (Freyberg Street, New Lambton)
COST: Free
MORE INFO: newcastle.nsw.gov.au/Blackbutt-Reserve
Workshop: Cool Bird Prints
Join the Gallery Educators on a tour of a very important collection of artworks, including the exquisite John Gould bird books. Take part in an art making workshop inspired by this exhibition A Gift to the City: The Roland Pope Collection. Design and print your own colourful bird images using scratch foam techniques and learn how to hand colour prints using watercolour paints.
WHEN: Every day from Tuesday September 22 until Friday 25 September
TIME: 10.30am – 12.30pm (Ages 5-8) & 2.30pm – 4.30pm (Ages 8 – 12)
WHERE: Newcastle Art Gallery
COST: $25 per child
MORE INFO: Bookings are essential. Phone 4974 5100
Creative Ceramic Masterpieces
Take part in an art making workshop inspired by the exhibition Kirsten Coelho: In the Falling Light. Have fun creating your own ceramic masterpiece using magic porcelain markers, nail polish and glitter.
WHEN: Tuesday 29 September & Wednesday 30 September
TIME: 10.30am – 12.30pm (Ages 5-8) & 2.30pm – 4.30pm (Ages 8 – 12)
WHERE: Newcastle Art Gallery
COST: $25 per child
MORE INFO: Bookings are essential. Phone 4974 5100
Diverse Worlds of Science: Science Shows
From goo, goop and slime to taking apart the human head, you will be able to get your hands on all the squishiest science experiments on offer.WHEN: 24 September & 1 October
WHEN: September & Thursdays 24 September & 1 October
TIME: 11.15am, 12.15pm, 1.15pm
WHERE: Newcastle Museum
COST: Free
MORE INFO: newcastlemuseum.com.au
Hunter Seekers
Players will be given a series of cryptic clues to help them explore the Museum. This time the hunt will take you to objects and stories all about diversity and multiculturalism. Wander your way through the maze of tricks and turns to discover treasures you may never have seen before! Make a team or come as yourself!
WHEN: September 25
TIME: 11am – 2pm
WHERE: Newcastle Museum
COST: Free
MORE INFO: newcastlemuseum.com.au
Kid’s Craft from Round the World
From origami to basket weaving, dot painting to kite making and more!
WHEN: October 2
TIME: Morning
WHERE: Newcastle Museum
COST: Free
MORE INFO: newcastlemuseum.com.au
Bang your drum with Newcastle Youth Orchestra!
Explore drumming around the world and be part of a drum ensemble performing with members of the Newcastle Youth Orchestra.
WHEN: September 23
TIME: 10.30am – 11.30am or 1 – 2.30pm
WHERE: Newcastle Museum
COST: $10 per child
BOOKINGS: 4974 1401
MORE INFO: newcastlemuseum.com.au
Mattara Festival
The annual Mattara Festival kicks off this this weekend (Sept 26) and runs until Monday the 5th of October. And there’s lots to do for the kids. Check out our ultimate guide to the festival here.
WHEN: September 26 – October 5
TIME: All Day
WHERE: Foreshore Park
COST: Lots of free activities check out their website for more info
Rock & Rhyme Time @ City Library
Rock & Rhyme Time is a free, fun activity for under 3’s (with their parents or carers please!). There are songs, finger plays, nursery rhymes, dancing music, and LOTS OF ACTION.
WHEN: September 21
TIME: 2:00 pm – 2:30 pm
WHERE: City Library, Laman Street, Newcastle
COST: Free
MORE INFO: newcastle.nsw.gov.au/Library
JD’s World of Magic show
JD entertains audiences of all ages. He’s been on TV and on stage at the Rivera Casino Las Vegas as part of the “Stars Of Tomorrow Show”! Be amazed by award-winning magician Joel Howlett at his new show.
WHEN: September 28
TIME: 10-10.45am and 11.30am-12.15pm
WHERE: Belmont Library
COST: Adults at children’s prices. Member $8, non-member $10
MORE INFO: lakemac.com.au/branches/belmont
Roald Dahl Festival
Over five action packed days at Newcastle’s own Civic Playhouse you’ll get the opportunity to perform and watch a swag of scrumdiddliumptious short performance pieces all paying tribute to the great man himself.
WHEN: September 21-26
WHERE: Civic Playhouse
COST: Adults $28 / Junior $22
MORE INFO: civictheatrenewcastle.com.au
Boredom Fighting Activities
Art Cart
Art and craft activities for primary school aged children. Parents are encouraged to get involved too.
WHEN: Throughout the school holidays
WHERE: Newcastle Art Gallery
COST: Free
MORE INFO: nag.org.au/whats_on/
Supernova Hands-on Science Centre
The design and re-development of the new Supernova Hands-on Science Centre began prior to the move and was undertaken as an ongoing project by Museum exhibitions staff that have been involved with Supernova and hands-on science for many years. An early prototype of the new exhibition module design was tested in an exhibition called ‘Sound and Light’. This was one of the last exhibitions developed at the old Museum before it closed.
WHEN: Tuesday – Sunday
TIME: 10.00 – 5.00pm
WHERE: Newcastle Museum
COST: Free
MORE INFO: newcastlemuseum.com.au
Mininova
Mininova is an area of Supernova especially for young visitors to the museum. If you are under 115 cm tall why not take off your shoes and explore the ‘Mininova’ area. Climb a mountain, solve a puzzle or tunnel through a maze.
WHEN: Tuesday – Sunday
TIME: 10.00 – 5.00pm
WHERE: Newcastle Museum
COST: Free
MORE INFO: newcastlemuseum.com.au
Fighter World
Fighter World is a totally ‘hands on’ experience. Exhibited in two hangars, visitors can walk-around, touch and look into the cockpits of such famous aircraft as the Mirage III, the Avon Sabre, the Gloster Meteor, the first Vampire jet built in Australia and new in 2013 the mighty F-111. There is a Russian designed MiG-21 jet fighter, Hawker Hunter, WWII Spitfire replica, a Messerschmitt replica and much more. Fighter World also offers the opportunity to sit in the cockpit of a Mirage interceptor and Macchi jet trainer and experience first-hand what it’s like to be one of Australia’s ‘Top Gun’ pilots in today’s hi-tech world.
WHEN: Every day
TIME: From 10:00am until 4:00pm
WHERE: RAAF Base Williamtown at Newcastle Airport
COST: Adult $15.00 / Child $10.00
MORE INFO: fighterworld.com.au
