Fun for kids How children’s art makes creative thinkers

WORDS JULIE WRIGHT

© TIM STANDING

© LISA MAREE WILLIAMS

Children are invited to explore, play and dance with performers as Insite Arts and Compagnia TPO brings Saltbush to the Coast this September. It’s an immersive and interactive journey through the culture and language of Aboriginal Australia and centres on the journey of two friends from different Aboriginal backgrounds. They cross Australia on foot with the landscape unfolding around them, providing a unique immersive experience. Saltbush combines projection, sensors and infrared cameras, which allow the children to participate in the production.

Coming up in November is the delightful tale of Edward the Emu. From the award-winning creative team at Monkey Baa Theatre Company, this is a brand new take on the much loved tales of Edward the Emu and Edwina the Emu, combining the plights of both emus in one heartfelt, clever and funny new story.

thearthousewyong.com.au/

We are spoiled for choice when it comes to markets on the Central Coast, and Long Jetty Farmers Market is one of the newer entrants on the scene.

It’s the perfect after-school spot thanks to the range of free kids’ activities on offer. Like the market itself, all activities are sustainability focused and usually include things like nature-themed face painting, flower and leaf crown making, plant propagating and cutting, planting or pot decorating.

Plus, kids get the chance to meet the farmers and understand where their food is coming from. If you’re lucky, one of them might even bring along their bees, bunnies or other fluffy animals.

There’s everything from meat and honey to wine, bread, dairy and pantry staples. Its weekday afternoon timing also makes it a great midweek spot as your weekend groceries start to run dry.

Long Jetty Farmers Market is held fortnightly on a Tuesday from 3-6pm at The Clam, 204 The Entrance Road, Long Jetty. Check out their Instagram feed to learn more about stallholders and other information.

If you’ve got a child who swings from the rafters and springboards off the couch, why not send them off to join the circus? No, we aren’t kidding.

Roundabout Circus, based in Wyoming, can now be found at some of our most popular Central Coast markets. The team behind Roundabout Circus set up a taster program each month at Avoca Beach Markets (fourth Sunday of the month) and also sometimes at Gosford Waterfront Market too. For just $5 (or $15 for a family of two children and two adults), your little ones can have access to the circus activities for the whole day.

You will find an abundance of circus props allowing kids to explore the world of circus arts and movement. The team provides a fun and friendly space and puts on special shows by the performance troupe and teachers throughout the day.

roundaboutcircus.com/

The Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre has been a go-to for families in and around the Terrigal area for years. It’s a great spot to have fun with the kids while also learning about our local marine life.

This year, in their refurbished premises, they have welcomed a number of new underwater creatures to their waters, including the local Port Jackson Shark and the hugely popular seahorses.

Head down to the centre and you’ll learn all about how the Port Jackson Shark travels a whopping 700km each year from our local waters to the Bass Strait, one of the longest wildlife journeys in the world! Their unique mouth and teeth shape, which they use to crush their prey, will have the kids' faces plastered to the glass.

The introduction of seahorses has also been a huge hit. They survive by being able to camouflage and hide (much like a busy toddler). The team has received a local species of the endangered White’s seahorses, the same that inhabit Tuggerah Lake and Brisbane Water. Unlike humans, the male seahorse carries the offspring in their pouch before giving birth to tiny millimetre-long babies. Cute!

Coupled with new movies in the theatrette, their everpopular craft area and whizz bang microscope, there is something for kids of all ages at the Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre. Head to their website to learn more.

ccmdc.org.au/

If there’s one thing kids can sniff a mile off, it’s Halloween. Whether it's the abundance of sugar or the sheer volume of costumes and decorations in the shops, the event’s popularity shows no signs of slowing.

When it comes to hitting the top spots across the coast, parents all over are flocking to the Facebook page ‘Halloween – Central Coast & Lake Macquarie Australia’ to get the latest on where to get those tricks and treats.

A few tips from us to enjoy the community spirit and make this Halloween the best yet: 1. Order those costumes early otherwise you’ll be raiding the toy cupboard come October 30. 2. Plan ahead. If you’re planning on trick or treating, jump onto the Facebook page and figure out the best spots in your area to avoid traipsing around with grumpy kids and empty buckets all night. 3. Once you get home, hide the best lollies and chocolates for your own late night trips to the pantry.

You’re welcome.