School Holidays Guide - Spring 2023

MONDAY 25 SEPTEMBER – FRIDAY 6 OCTOBER

Yet another term has drawn to a close (I know, we can't believe it either!). And so, the age-old question rears its head – 'what on Earth can I possibly do to keep the kids entertained these school holidays? Make the most of the glorious Spring weather this school holidays and get out and about, of course! Much like chickens, free-range kids are happier, healthier and are usually exhausted at the end of the day - just in time to pour yourself that glass of wine. Check out our sanity saving pick of the hottest holiday hits happening around the region these holidays.

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UNDER PRESSURE!

Newcastle Museum | 3 & 4 October

Check out scientist Catherine as she launches rockets, fires up some marshmallows and crushes cans, all with the power of science at these fun, free and interactive science shows for all ages. No bookings are required, but the first show of the day is usually jam-packed, so aim for the second or third if you can! Show times are 11:15AM, 12:15PM and 1:15PM each day at the Newcastle Museum Theatrette.

AMAZE & PLAY IN THE GARDEN

Hunter Valley Gardens | 23 September - 8 October

Enjoy a fun day out as you search for the lost creatures hidden within the giant Spring Adventure Maze and discover the magical fairies and gnomes of the Storybook Garden. The kids will love bouncing around on the inflatable jumping castle and seeing all the fresh Spring colours of Hunter Valley Gardens. The giant Spring Adventure Maze is a fun challenge for the whole family, offering an exciting quest to find the lost creatures within. Spanning over 400 metres, the maze features intricate pathways, including tricky dead ends that will put your sense of direction to the ultimate test. To book, visit www.hvg.com.au.

NEWCASTLE LIBRARIES

LEGO CHALLENGE BUILD AND BOWL

26 September (Wallsend Library) & 27 September (Newcastle Library)

The LEGO® Challenge is on again! Do you like to build? Do you like to bowl? If so, this is the challenge for you. We supply the LEGO® and the balls. You supply the imagination, building and demolition skills. Will you be able to bowl your creations down? Suitable for ages 5-14. Tickets are free, but spaces are limited, so please cancel if you can no longer attend. Bookings are essential at www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/library/whats-on/events

TOM SHARK STORYTIME

3 October (Newcastle Library) & 5 October (Wallsend Library)

Join local children's author Teighan Laino during this school holidays, where, through a captivating storytime of her recently released book 'Tom Shark: Oceans of Emotions', the children will gently explore themes of mental health, resilience, and kindness. Engaging activities will enhance their understanding of these crucial life skills, empowering them to care for their own well-being and extend compassion to others. Stories intertwine with lessons of empathy, and young hearts learn to flourish while caring for themselves and others. Suitable for ages 4-10 years. Tickets are free, but spaces are limited, so please cancel if you can no longer attend. Bookings are essential at www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/library/whats-on/events.

BEACON TECH CAMP

3 - 6 October (Wallsend Library) 9.30AM - 3.30PM daily

Attention parents! Is your child in Year 4, 5, or 6 and eager to participate in a STEM program using the latest tech during the spring school holidays? Register your child for the 4-Day Beacon Education program! The program is run by Lumination and BAE Systems Australia free of charge, with the goal of inspiring student interest in STEM across the country. Participants will be able to solve real-world sustainability problems through emerging technology. Exploring the realms of land, air and sea, students will get hands-on experience using immersive virtual reality, coding, artificial intelligence, 3D modelling and more! If your child is interested in participating, visit www.bit.ly/beacon-edu to register your interest.

MAITLAND GAOL

WORKHOUSE WOES: SCARECROW SCAVENGER HUNT

26 September & 3 October

Enjoy a mini tour of the site, where you’ll learn about gardening and its importance to prisoner health. Following the tour, use clues to find the pieces you need to build your scarecrow that you can choose to take home or leave in the Gaol garden for spring. Visit www.mait.city/GaolWhatsOn for more info.

JUNIOR SLEUTH: FINGERPRINTING

28 September & 5 October

Junior Sleuths will take a mini tour of the site before learning how to dust for fingerprints. Afterwards, they can process their fingers to take home as a souvenir of their time behind bars at Maitland Gaol. Visit www.mait.city/GaolWhatsOn for more info.

CESSNOCK YOUTH CENTRE OUTREACH SERVICE (CYCOS)

YOUTH OUTREACH @ HUNTLEE

Huntlee Park | 29 September

Come and join the Library and CYCOS crew at Huntlee Park! Play some large games, grab some free merchandise and find out what activities and resources are available to our local children and young people for the school holidays and beyond. No need to book; just come along! Suitable for ages 8 to 16 – from 11AM until 1PM.

OUTDOOR GAMES AT BRANXTON POOL

5 October

Come along for the first swim of the season. When you’re not swimming, the CYCOS team will have giant games and additional activities available. Free entry to the first 30 young people attending. Suitable for ages 10 to 18 – from 10am 12pm. For CYCOS enquiries or bookings, contact www.facebook.com/CessnockYouthCentre or email the Youth Services Team at youthcentre@cessnock.nsw.gov.au.