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 in the 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!
GREAT BABY DINOSAUR SHOW
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
LEGO® CHALLENGE
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
PICNIC WITH CHILDREN'S AUTHOR PAUL RUSSELL
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)
READY-TO-RACE SWIM CLINICS
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).
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: Click here
JD'S WORLD OF MAGIC SHOW
Fun for the whole family! Be amazed by award-winning 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 5.30-6.30pm.
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: eventbrite.com.au (Search JD's world of Magic)
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: eventbrite.com.au (Search Claymation)
IT'S ON! NELSON BAY
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
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
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
MAP MIMA: SCHOOL HOLIDAY 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
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.
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