School Holidays Guide - Winter 2023
MONDAY 3 JULY – FRIDAY 14 JULY
Colder days tend to mean more hours spent inside and more pent-up energy with the kids (and there is nothing quite as terrifying as pent-up, bored children lurking in your midst!) Don't despair! Check out our School Holiday Guide for the best local hits to keep the kids warm and enjoy family time at some genuinely fabulous local productions or get them outside for a healthy dose of fresh air at events throughout the holidays.
SNOW TIME IN THE GARDEN
Hunter Valley Gardens | Until 23 July
Build a snowman, have a snow fight, whiz around the ice or take a toboggan – why bother going south for snow when we have it right here in the Hunter Valley? For more information (including ticketing) visit www.huntervalleygardens.com.au
NEWCASTLE BRICKFEST
Newcastle Jockey Club | Saturday 1 & Sunday 2 July
Rainbow Bricks presents Newcastle Brickfest, the premier LEGO fan event. Created for fans of all ages by local volunteers, the event is celebrating its 10th edition and plans to make it their biggest yet! The display of LEGO Master Builder’s creations from across Australia will impress and inspire visitors; you can even talk to the exhibitors and ask questions about their creations. Alongside the displays, there will be many activities on offer, including a building area, colouring in, a cosplay area, raffles, speed building, and more. This year, Newcastle Brickfest’s Charity Partner is the John Hunter Children’s Hospital Kids Club. If you’re a LEGO fan, this is the event for you! For more information or to book tickets, visit www.trybooking.com
MARY POPPINS
The Civic Theatre Playhouse | Sunday 2 July
Hive Creative Studios Level 1 Musical Theatre students present a “Mary Poppins” themed showcase. Watch Hive’s musical theatre students perform songs like Superalifragilisticexpialidocious and Spoonful of Sugar. The showcase is a fun and entertaining experience with catchy tunes, vibrant visuals and memorable performances. For more information and tickets visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au
WINTER HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS
Hive Creative Studios | Monday 3 – Friday 14 July
Hive Creative Studios are offering a range of workshops to suit children’s varying interests. The workshops have half-day and full-day options, including Disney Magic, Carnival Day, Frozen, and so many more. For more information, to view the timetable or to book tickets, visit www.hivekids.com.au
CHILDREN’S DISCOVERY DAY 2023
Hunter Region Botanic Gardens | Tuesday 4 July
The Discovery Day is an educational and entertaining day designed to emphasise the environment through different learning activities such as plant science, rainforest gemstone treasure hunt, craft activities, and so much more! Enjoy a day of family fun while getting the kids connected with nature. For more information or to book tickets, visit www.huntergardens.org.au
DR SEUSS’S THE CAT IN THE HAT LIVE ON STAGE
Civic Theatre Newcastle | Tuesday 4 July
School holidays are here, and what better way to entertain the kids than with the beloved story we all know and love but live on stage! Watch Dr Seuss’s The Cat in the Hat come to life as things run amuck right before your very eyes. You’ll get to join in the fun with two bored kids, one rainy day, and one crazy cat wearing a red-striped hat. Bring the whole family for an experience that they’ll never forget! For more information or to book tickets, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au
DISNEY’S FROZEN JR.
Young Peoples Theatre Hamilton | Various Dates from 4 July to 5 August
The enchanting modern classic from Disney brings Elsa, Anna, and the magical land of Arendelle to life onstage. For more information (including ticketing) visit www.ypt.org.au
KYM THE REPTILE MAN SHOW
Port Stephens Visitor Information Centre| Thursday 6 July
Kym, the Reptile Man, will be at Port Stephens these school holidays, it’s the perfect family activity! The interactive 45 minute reptile show features snakes, a lizard, a turtle, and more. All ages are welcome. Admission is free, and all attending children must be supervised by an adult. For more information or to book tickets, visit www.portstephens.org.au
DISNEY'S FINDING NEMO JR
The Civic Theatre Newcastle | Friday 7 to Saturday 15 July
For the first time ever in Newcastle, Hunter Drama is so excited to bring Disney’s Finding Nemo JR. to the stage. This production is a 60-minute musical adaptation of the beloved 2003 Pixar movie Finding Nemo. Featuring memorable songs such as Just Keep Swimming, Fish Are Friends Not Food, and Go With the Flow, Disney's Finding Nemo JR. brings a vibrant underwater world to life on stage in a story full of family, friendship, and adventure. For tickets and more information, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au
JUST… LIVE ON STAGE
Performing Arts & Culture Cessnock | Tuesday 11 July 10am and 12.30pm
Andy Griffiths’ universally celebrated book series JUST finally lands on stage in a dazzling production that vividly and hilariously brings the stories to life. JUST…LIVE ON STAGE from Red Line Productions sees the much-loved books mashed together in a theatrical rodeo that rides into Cessnock these holidays. With everything from invisibility pills and mudmen to vomiting dogs and death-defying balloon rides, this won’t be for the faint farted. Or the faint-hearted. This love letter to the powers of imagination will remind us that all it takes is just a little determination. For tickets, visit www.mypacc.com.au
CHILDREN’S BEANBAG CINEMA: PADDINGTON 2
Maitland Gaol | Wednesday 12 July
Enjoy the movies in a different way these school holidays at Maitland Gaol! Enjoy the special screening of Paddington 2 from a beanbag with your favourite snacks and drinks. It’s the perfect family activity to escape the winter cold! For more information or to book tickets, visit www.mymaitland.com.au
ROALD DAHL’S THE TWITS
Civic Theatre Newcastle | Saturday 22 July
Roald Dahl’s The Twits has been adapted to a live on-stage performance by shake & stir theatre co. Full of trickery and pranks, the adored classic story encourages us to treat others with love and care. This visually spectacular and revoltingly funny production is perfect for the whole family to enjoy! For more information or to book tickets, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au
SHREK THE MUSICAL JR.
Hunter Theatre | Friday 28 & Saturday 29 July
Hive Creative Studios presents Shrek The Musical JR., featuring everyone’s favourite ogre! The cast of fairytale misfits goes on an adventure to rescue the princess and learn about true acceptance. Based on the Oscarwinning film and Broadway musical, Shrek JR. is part romance and part twisted fairy tale, making it a fun show for the whole family! For more information or to book tickets visit www.hivekids.com.au
FOR MORE ACTIVITIES AS THEY ARE ANNOUNCED, VISIT:
City of Newcastle – https://whatson.newcastle.nsw.gov.au
Lake Macquarie Council - www.lakemac.com.au
Port Stephens Council - www.portstephens.nsw.gov.au
Maitland City Council - www.maitland.nsw.gov.au
Cessnock Council - www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au
