Spring into School Holidays!

MONDAY 26 SEPTEMBER – FRIDAY 7 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 all tuckered-out 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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NEWCASTLE MUSEUM

Living Labels Seed Tables

27 September + 4 October, 10am - 1pm

Come and explore our new outdoor exhibit Living Labels and chat with staff from the Seed Library and the Museum about plants, seeds and bees. Then, plant your own seed to take home and grow. In collaboration with the Seed Library. FREE - Drop-in - no bookings required.

Jollybops Water Science Shows

30 September and 7 October, 11am and 1pm

Science shows that also help save the planet's resources! During the Jollybops Water Science Shows, children will make water in a safe but explosive reaction and see Eddy the AquaBot make enough toothpaste for an elephant, cover Professor Puddle in toilet paper, and make a flower shower work by singing! In collaboration with Hunter Water. FREE - no bookings required.

Sea Monsters Halloween Kids Dance Party

31 October, 6pm – 8pm

Dress up in your best Halloween costume and come and party with our Sea Monsters by night! We are opening late on this special night as a safe and fun alternative to trick or treating. Check out the Sea Monsters, then break out your moves at the disco dance party. Costumes are encouraged for kids and adults alike – we will be dressing up too! Free with the purchase of your ticket to Sea Monsters; no bookings required. Sea Monsters tickets $15 adult / $7.50 child / $40 family / $10 concession. Visit www.newcastlemuseum.com.au. For more information about Sea Monsters (running 10 September to 26 February – see page 14).

NEWCASTLE LIBRARIES

Jump Into A Story

Tuesday 4 October Wallsend Library 11am-12pm + Wednesday 5 October 11am-12pm Newcastle Library

Join in for a special interactive storytime where you become part of the story. Bring your imagination and big voices, and be prepared to go on an adventure as we draw, move, create and make some noise!

Making Comics with Louie Joye

Wednesday 28 September Newcastle Library 10:30am-12pm + Wallsend Library 2:00-3:30pm

Learn the basics of visual storytelling, world building and drawing techniques to create your own comic books with illustrator Louie Joye. For ages 9+

Makerspace Kits

Take home a makerspace kit and have fun with the whole family. These kits are designed to inspire STEM in everyone. Kits include coding, robots, circuits designed for creative learning, inventing and play! You can become a member of the Library free of charge by visiting one of Newcastle's 11 libraries – or jump online.

SPHERO SPECDRUMS

RATHMINES THEATRE

At The Beach by Catapult

7 and 8 October 10am and 12.30pm

Join Catapult for their performance At the Beach. Full of quirky humour and summer fun, it's perfect family entertainment for the holidays. Inspired by Roland Harvey's picture book, follow the story of Penny as she overcomes her fear of diving under the big waves. This performance celebrates our iconic beach culture and family camping holidays through dance, text, gesture and thigh-slapping wit. It is sure to entertain children and adults alike. Suitable for children 3 - 10 years. Tickets are from $9pp with adults at children's prices. Lake Mac Arts members receive discounted tickets by booking through the member portal.

CESSNOCK PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE

Erth's Prehistoric World

Saturday 1 October 2022 – 10am and 12pm

Two worlds equal twice the thrills this school holidays! Ancient creatures from land and sea take centre stage when this critically acclaimed puppetry-based theatrical production comes to town. Recognised internationally as an innovator of physical and visual theatre and a creator of brave, unbridled work for children, their latest work, Prehistoric World, is a fusion of two highly successful shows - Dinosaur Zoo and Prehistoric Aquarium. Over an hour, the audience is taken to the bottom of the ocean to discover ancient bio-luminescent creatures and incredible marine reptiles, and then back to

dry land to witness some of the most amazing dinosaurs to have ever walked this Earth. The combination of puppets, lighting, sound and set allows the audience to get lost in the worlds - at times the creatures swoop across the audience and come up close, delivering an immersive experience. Tickets are just $25 and are on sale at the CPAC Box Office, by phone on 4993 4266 or online at www.cessnockperformingartscentre.com.au

PORT STEPHENS

Outdoor Sunset Cinema

Free movie and beanbags! $1 popcorn and food trucks (trucks only at Raymond Terrace – but feel free to bring a picnic)

and three great locations:

• Riverside Park Raymond Terrace - 27 September 4.30pm – 7.30pm

• Ferodale Park Oval Medowie - 29 September 4.30pm to 7.30pm

• Apex Park Nelson Bay - 1 October 4.30pm – 7.30pm

HUNTER REGION BOTANIC GARDENS

My Little Ecosystem Workshops

27 September 10am-2pm

My little ecosystem is an assortment of drop-in educational sessions designed to promote improving habitat for native species in urban environments and educate the community on the importance of these species. The various sessions have been designed to assist the community in creating and improving their own backyard ecosystem. Workshops include Frog

Hotel (10am), Native Insect Hotel (11am), Native Plants and Pollinators (12:30pm), and Worm Farm and Composting

(1pm). FREE after $5 entry fee to the venue (Children under 3 are free).