INTOUCH MAGAZINE| Autumn School Holiday Guide 20/21'

School Holiday

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Super-fun activities for kids (big and small) to keep busy with this School Holidays!

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alike are sure to delight. Wander the gallery and discover incredible exhibitions, or book into one of the awesome workshops. For more details, visit www.nag.org.au.

EXPERIENCE FORT SCRATCHLEY With spectacular vistas across Newcastle’s coastline, Fort Scratchley is not only home to one of the best views in Newcastle but a great place to discover more about the history of our city. Make the most of the grassy hills for a family picnic, or book in for a tunnel tour where you will learn about the history of this amazing site. Stick around for the daily gun firing at 1 pm, weather permitting! Eagle-eyed youngsters might even be lucky enough to spot dolphins from the headland. For more details, visit www.newcastle.nsw.gov. au/fort-scratchley/home.

ALL ABOARD the School Holiday Express!

WORDS MIA KYRIKOS

IT ISN’T EASY TO BELIEVE THAT SUMMER HAS DRAWN TO A CLOSE. WE NOW FIND THE NIGHTS ARE BECOMING COOLER, THE LEAVES ARE CHANGING COLOUR, AND A NEW CHAPTER OF THE YEAR BEGINS, STARTING WITH THE AUTUMN SCHOOL HOLIDAYS. OUR MINDS JUMP BACK TO LAST YEAR’S EASTER PERIOD, WHERE WE BROUGHT YOU THE COVIDSAFE HOLIDAY GUIDE TO STAYING INDOORS. THANKFULLY, TIMES ARE CHANGING, AND THE CHANCE TO ENJOY A FUN-FILLED EASTER BREAK IS FINALLY HERE. BELOW WE HAVE ROUNDED UP THE BEST LOCAL SCHOOL HOLIDAY HITS TO KEEP BUSY AND ENJOY FAMILY TIME WITH THE KIDS.

NEWCASTLE REGION LIBRARIES It’s no secret; holidays are difficult. Luckily, that’s where Newcastle Region Libraries can lend you a helping hand.

Newcastle and Wallsend Library branches will be a hive of activity with ‘how to’ workshops on just about everything.

From exploring the world of VR, learning to create shadow puppets or discovering the inner artist at the cyanotype

printing workshop, there are loads of opportunities to unleash your imagination.

Over on the digital library, there is plenty to keep little minds busy. Whether it’s dancing with Pepper the Robot, watching 3D printing or exploring space on the huge interactive screen, there is something for everyone. It’s also the best place to pick up new release books for both kids and adults!

The library is always open and available via your fingertips on the Newcastle Libraries app. Be sure to visit www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/library/whats-on/events and book your spot!

NEWCASTLE ART GALLERY Unleash the inner Van Gogh these school holidays and keep those creative minds buzzing when you head to Newcastle Art Gallery. Budding artists will love what’s on offer at Newcastle Art Gallery. Indulge your passion for art and food in the Illustrating Food Workshops, or get hands-on with the help of local Aboriginal artist Michelle Napanangka Earl who will guide bracelet weaving and dilly bag making workshops.

Open throughout the school holidays, both kids and parents

Unleash your imagination these Autumn School Holidays Write yourself the adventure of a lifetime, inspire your passion for poetry, or join us for fascinating science experiments - there’s something to ignite the minds of curious kids of all ages!

Start planning your holidays now with a range of free and bookable options from the City’s cultural attractions. newcastle.nsw.gov.au/school-holidays 46 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

YOUNG PEOPLE’S THEATRE They're creepy, and they’re kooky, mysterious and spooky; they're all together ooky, The Addams Family. And, they are coming to Young People's Theatre this April School Holidays! Got an aspiring actor on your hands? This is the perfect opportunity to get your dramatic little ones inspired. This comedic musical tells the story of Gomez, Morticia, Wednesday, Pugsley and even Uncle Fester and is the perfect school holiday entertainment for the whole family. Playing at YPT Theatre Hamilton from 7 April - 24 April 2021, get in quick to book your tickets! For more information, at www.ypt.org.au/bookings

caddy with the help of Port Stephens Woodworkers.

There will be plenty more activities on offer! Be sure to visit www.library.lakemac. com.au or www.portstephens.nsw.gov. au/play/events/event-calendar for more information, prices and to book your place.

NEWCASTLE MUSEUM Every day is a new opportunity to learn, and school holidays are no exception! Head to the Museum and keep the little minds firing with a range of exciting exhibitions, shows, and workshops. At Newcastle Museum, kids can get inventive at our Science Busking workshops or let their imagination run wild in our beginner's Poetry Workshops, where attendees will use the Museum’s 1X4 exhibition as inspiration for writing. There is plenty more on offer for your mini scholar.

To find out more and book your place, head to www.newcastlemuseum.com.au.

BLACKBUTT RESERVE The mild autumn weather makes for an ideal time to explore Blackbutt Reserve as the leaves turn from green to red and the landscape changes. Make the most of your Autumn School Holidays by dropping in and getting to know the local residents. Get up close and personal feeding the emus with cones available from the kiosk, or grab an activity pack and follow the trail around the boardwalk to explore the animal exhibits.

There are wombats, koalas, reptiles, and so much more. There’s also 10km of walking trails and plentiful picnic and playground facilities to enjoy. You can even let the kids blow off some steam at the adventure playground at Richley Reserve. For more details, visit www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/ Blackbutt-Reserve.

PORT STEPHENS & LAKE MACQUARIE LIBRARIES Kids are sure to delight in a range of activities across the various Port Stephens & Lake Macquarie Council libraries! Budding writers, artists and musicians alike will love the pop-up workshops, like the ‘Paint Me a Story’ workshop at Belmont Library. This workshop is a wonderful guided experience featuring Chinese brush-stroke artist Stephen Cassettari. As Cassettari paints different animals, kids will enjoy a story with a visual difference. Across at Tomaree Library, kids can get hands-on by learning the art of wood-working. Here, kids can learn how to create a toolbox, craft or gardening

PORT STEPHENS KOALA SANCTUARY In partnership with Port Stephens Koalas, Port Stephens Council has created a Koala Sanctuary which ensures firstclass care to sick, injured and orphaned koalas. Now open daily, you can take the kids to visit the Koala Sanctuary to see koalas in their natural habitat. A visit to the Sanctuary also supports their long-term rehabilitation, preservation and conservation in the wild. A win for you and a win for the kids! For more information, visit www.portstephenskoalasanctuary. com.au.

MUSEUM OF ART AND CULTURE LAKE MACQUARIE Over at MAC at Lake Macquarie, there is plenty in store to keep creative minds active. With a range of incredible workshops and exhibitions, your little one is sure to be an artist in the making.

The youngsters will be sure to enjoy the ceramic workshop where they will learn to sculpture using air-dry clay. For the older teens (12-16 yrs), they can get hands-on at the tie-dye workshop, where they will create their own tie-dyed t-shirts. Head across to www.mac.lakemac.com.au to discover what is on these school holidays.

OUT AND ABOUT Are the kids feeling a bit cooped up? Get them out of the house and burn off that energy! There is plenty more to see and do across Newcastle, Port Stephens and Lake Macquarie.

Over at Swansea Swim Centre, school holiday celebrations will be kicking off with the Great Easter Egg Hunt. For animal lovers, be sure to head over to SEEN@Swansea and enjoy the workshop all about snakes, with stories and craft to follow.

Or, would you like to spend some more time in the great outdoors? These school holidays are the perfect time to roam free and discover your local playground!

Or, get out and about with the family these holidays and try paddleboarding at Wallsend or kayaking with the family at Cockle Creek. There are plenty of ways to stay active and enjoy the break these school holidays. For more information, visit your local council website.

THE SCHOOL HOLIDAY FORECAST FOR NEWCASTLE LOOKS TEE-RIFFIC! Australia’s most talked-about mini-golf sensation, Pixar Putt, is heading to Newcastle for the first time these April school holidays for a limited season (1 to 25 April) at Wheeler Place (directly adjacent to the Civic Theatre in Hunter Street), Newcastle. Tickets are now on sale at www.pixarputt.com.au Thousands of mini-golf enthusiasts across Australia have enjoyed the colourful open-air Pixar Putt experience.

And this April – you can too! This could just be THE best School Holiday activity ever!

The pop-up mini-golf experience features interactive holes inspired by the stories, characters and icons from some of Pixar’s most beloved films, including Toy Story, Onward, Soul, Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, Ratatouille, Coco, Monsters, Inc., Wall-E, Inside Out and more.

“We are thrilled to be bringing Pixar Putt to Newcastle in April,” said Tim McGregor, Managing Director of TEG Live.

“The colourful course includes 18 unique, Selfie-worthy mini-golf holes for Novocastrians to enjoy right here in the heart of the city.”

“Pixar Putt will be operating under a full COVIDSafe plan in consultation with the City of Newcastle and the NSW State Government. We are very proud that the event already has good COVIDSafe measures built into the course, as the safety of patrons and staff is both TEG Life Like Touring and the Walt Disney Company’s top priority.”

Pixar Putt’s COVIDSafe measures include capped player numbers on the course at all times, physical distancing measures in queues and on-course, sanitiser stations located onsite, plus sanitising of all golfing equipment between users for every session each day.

Due to Pixar Putt’s overwhelming popularity around Australia in 2019 and 2020 and to ensure compliance with COVIDSafe protocols, booking online and in advance is strongly recommended to secure your preferred tee-off time. Door sales will be possible subject to session availability. And for this Newcastle season, there will also be extended putting hours on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, with Pixar Putt After Dark open until 9:30pm.

Pixar Putt punters will also be able to take advantage of Ticketek’s worldleading partnership with Afterpay for this event (available via the Ticketek app or website). Afterpay offers fans greater flexibility to pay for tickets in four equal instalments and secure their tee-off with the first payment.

Pixar Putt is Newcastle’s must-do attraction during the April school holidays, set to take kids (big and small) to infinity… and beyond!

WHAT Pixar Putt WHEN Thursday 1 April–Sunday 25 April 2021 WHERE Wheeler Place Precinct (adjacent to Civic Theatre), Hunter Street, Newcastle HOURS Sunday to Wednesday: 10am–8pm (last entry 6.45pm); Thursday to Saturday: 10am– 9:30pm: (last entry 8.30pm); Weekdays from Monday 19 April, open from 3pm; ‘Pixar Putt 18+ After Dark’ evening sessions, Thurs–Sat 7pm onwards TICKETS 18 holes – $39.90 Adult, $29.90 Child, $119.90 Family (2A/2C or 1A/3C); 9 holes – $29.90 Adult, $19.90 Child, $79.90 Family (2A/2C or 1A, 3C) WEBSITE www.pixarputt.com.au SOCIAL #PixarPutt

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School Holiday Clinics weekdays between the 6th and 16th April

Visit ninjaparc.com.au Visit the qr code below for Free Gift!

New Sports Competition Starts April 19

Register before April 15 to get your first game free!

Ready to try a free class?

Scan the code above to apply for a free pass to Genesis Cooks Hill!

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a guided 5.5km off road tour through scenic hunter valley vineyards and backcountry.

Awesome family experience, what are you waiting for! Minimum age 11YRS.

find us 917 Hermitage Road, Pokolbin NSW // T 4943 7223 E tours@nswsegway.com.au // nswsegway.com.au

Bookings essential!

Finite Gallery AGES 6 - 18 YEARS The kids are sure to be kept busy this school holidays with the fantastic range of 2-hour children's workshops at Finite Gallery.

Creative

There are a wide range of workshops on offer – everything from creating in Clay to Tie Dyeing, Painting and Drawing. All materials are included!

Kids at

Parents/Carers are also welcome to participate, so why not make it a fun family day?

Art Mania

www.finitegallery.com/learn LOCATED 60 Caves Beach Rd, Caves Beach E info@finitegallery.com PH 0419 471 660

Studio

Looking for creative activities for your child this term?

Art Mania Studios has a variety of creative options for your child or teen this term.

After school art classes for kids and teens, and pottery for kids and teens. All classes run weekly for the term. In our after school art development classes, your child learns about different artists, techniques and creates their own artwork from a variety of materials. Our pottery classes give kids the opportunity to learn handbuilding and wheel techniques, as well as developing their fine motor skills and creativity. Creating with clay is a tactile, calming experience. Give your kids the gift of creativity!

• Kids After School Art Development Tuesdays 4pm–5.30pm (starts April 20) • Teens After School Art development Wednesdays 4pm–5.30pm (starts April 21) • Creative Kids Pottery Saturdays 10am– 12pm (starts May 1) and Wednesdays 4pm–6pm (starts May 5)

DETAILS Art Mania Studio 12 Council Street Wallsend PH (02) 4955 0509 (Tues–Fri) E hello@artmaniastudio.com.au www.artmaniastudio.com.au Use our code AMSCREATIVEKIDS when booking a kids class online and get $20 off!

Phone, email or check out our website for further details, cost and booking.

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@artmaniastudio

Hunter Valley

Horseriding & Adventures

ALL AGES Get away from city living and go horseriding!

It’s the perfect day trip – just 30 minutes up the Hunter Expressway. Hunter Valley Horse Riding & Adventures offers trail rides for both beginners and experienced riders – even the tiny tots can ride beautiful ponies with qualified guides leading the way. We also offer full day horse riding camps for the

teens (12-16 yrs old) where they will get to groom and feed horses, learn about looking after horses, saddlery, and of course ride!

Other activities on offer include tractor hay rides to feed the animals, pedal go karts, farm animals, BBQ facilities and mountain bike trails (byo bike).

If you feel like staying a little longer, we offer great guest house and semi self contained villa accommodation, where kids stay free during school holidays! (Villas only).

Be quick to book, as we have limited spots available.

DETAILS Open 7 days, 288 Talga Road, Lovedale. Bookings are required.

PH Margaret on 4930 7111 or 0417 233 008, or visit www.huntervalleyhorseriding.com.au

JOIN US FOR TERM 2 Limited Spaces. Enrol Now! TINY TOTS | BALLET | JAZZ CONTEMPORARY | STRETCH | ACRO BOYS CLASSES | ADULT CLASSES Visit our website or contact the studio for more information.

P 02 4952 9294 www.nationalcollegeofdance.com

My Grown-up & Me Classes for 12 months to 3yrs

Tiny Tots Ballet and Jazz Pre-Kinder Classes for 3-5yrs

Pre Primary Ballet and Jazz For little ones already in Kindergarten

ENROL NOW! FREE Trial Class in both Ballet and Jazz classes.

P 02 4952 9294 nationalcollegeofdance.com/tiny-tots/