April 2018 School Holidays Guide | INTOUCH MAGAZINE

School

HOLIDAY FUN!

50+ super-fun

activities for kids ( big and small) to enjoy!

From Creepy Crawlies to Cockatoos – We’ve got you Covered these Holidays!

WORDS MICHELLE MEEHAN - Features Writer

Looking for a few budget boredom busters for these school holidays? Newcastle and Lake Macquarie councils have put together a cracking calendar of activities for kids of all ages, with the mixture of free and paid activities ensuring there is something fun for everyone to enjoy.

NEWCASTLE REGION LIBRARIES From Bad Guys to “bookgami”, there are plenty of reasons to check out the region’s libraries this month.

The ever-popular Lego workshops will be held across the library network these school holidays, with free sessions giving five to 12-year-old children the chance to build a scene from their favourite book.

Celebrate those much-loved but misunderstood villains at The Bad Guys Party on April 23 and 26 or recycle old books into fantastic new creations while learning the ancient art of origami at Hamilton, Beresfield and Mayfield libraries on various dates this month.

There’s also a chance to create your own shadow puppet theatre, enjoy the Captain Underpants movie at a family movie afternoon or learn more about life in the trenches with a lifesized display of WWI artefacts.

Older children can tap into their creative sides with a series of workshops aimed at teenagers, including the chance to explore fantasy writing with acclaimed children’s writer Paul Russell, make their own tote bag or self-publish a teen zine.

Harry Potter fans aged 12 to 18 years can also put their skills to the test with an exciting Azkaban-themed escape room challenge at Wallsend Library on Friday, April 27.

Bookings for all activities are essential. To find out what’s on near you, check out www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/Library/ Whats-On NEWCASTLE MUSEUM For those who love all things creepy and crawly, Newcastle Museum will be the place to visit this month, with the Spiders exhibition giving you the chance to learn more about the awesome arachnids, as well as see live specimens of some of Australia's most famous spiders.

There’s also a series of spider-themed events, including a live funnel-web spider venom milking demonstration on April 20 (free when you purchase a ticket into Spiders), the chance to create a spider or insect out of recycled materials (Creature Creation, April 18) and the much-loved science shows, which this time around will look at the amazing world of arthropods.

For more details visit www.newcastlemuseum.com.au ►

Get Wild at

Hunter

If you are bringing a group or having a party just give us a call and enquire about reserving an area to yourself.

With keeper talks and shows throughout the day there is something for everyone; and for those who want to get even closer, you can book in for one our unique animal encounters ALL AGES for an experience you’ll never forget!* Come and visit the Hunter Valley Zoo this We’re open every day during school school holidays! See our Lions, Meerkats, and holidays. We’ll see you on the wild side! all your favourite native friends. Get up close *All encounters are charged separately to and personal in our interactive walkthrough general admission, bookings essential! enclosures where you can feed our farmyard

animals, Kangaroos, Lorikeets and Camels.

DETAILS 138 Lomas Lane, Nulkaba, NSW Why not make use of our free picnic and BBQ 2325. Ph 4990 7714. Open 9am - 4pm facilities? There’s no better place to relax and (closed Wed outside school holidays). enjoy the atmosphere. www.huntervalleyzoo.com.au

Valley Zoo!

Art Space|Art Club Art Zone|Art Studio Holiday Art Classes artgallery.lakemac.com.au

supervised art-making space, although an adult must accompany all participants.

NEWCASTLE ART GALLERY There will be plenty of opportunities to indulge your artistic side at Newcastle Art Gallery, with art workshops scheduled almost every day of the school holidays.

Inspired by the current exhibition of work from artist Elisabeth Cummings, children can take part in a one-hour Colourful Collage session ($10 per person) or engage in the free do-it-yourself art activity in the Gallery's Smart Space.

Budding sculptors can also get their hands dirty making their own piece of artwork as part of the What Shape Is It? Workshops ($10), while the regular Art Cart events on Saturdays and Sundays provide an opportunity to engage and interact with the current exhibitions.

For more details visit www.nag.org.au LAKE MACQUARIE LIBRARIES Story time will be extra special at Morisset and Toronto libraries these holidays, with a chance to meet and hear from local children’s book authors.

Writer Lynn Jenkins and illustrator Kirrili Lonergan will help perfectionists learn to accept their mistakes when they read their newest book, Perfect Petunias during the Stories in the Big Blue Chair session at Toronto on April 24, while Ant Wood will read from Flaming Charli and Dancing Charli before participants make their own version of the picture books’ main character, a Sulphur-crested cockatoo, during the workshop at Morisset on April 26.

Learn to draw sessions, Lego building and a fun spiderbased presentation will also be on offer at various Lake Macquarie libraries, while crafty kids will be able to make their own poppy flower ready for ANZAC Day in the free workshop at Speers Point Library on Monday, April 23.

Try Printmaking at Lake Macquarie City Art Gallery

To find out more details, prices and information on how to book a spot, visit www.library.lakemac.com.au/kids/schoolholiday-fun.

LAKE MACQUARIE CITY ART GALLERY Indulge your inner artist at Lake Macquarie City Art Gallery these holidays with a chance to explore printmaking techniques (April 17, 24) or textile art techniques including dying and printing (April 18) in sessions inspired by the current exhibitions.

Each workshop costs $20 per person and is suitable for children aged seven years and older.

Bookings are essential. Contact 4921 0382 or visit artgallery.lakemac.com.au for more details.

Young children can also enjoy self-directed art activities every Sunday from 10.30am to noon in the gallery’s

OUT AND ABOUT Summer may be over, but that doesn’t mean you should neglect your swimming skills, with an intensive five-day School Holiday Learn to Swim Program on offer at two of Lake Macquarie’s swim centres.

Suitable for children aged three years and older, the program will boost your child’s confidence in the water, with beginner to transition levels available.

The program will run each week during the school holidays and cost $55 (four-day program for $44 in the second week due to ANZAC Day), with bookings required by calling Charlestown on 4921 0782 or West Wallsend on 4921 0738.

Children can also enjoy the great outdoors during Jungle Adventures with The Rover, which will be held at Allambee Park, Valentine from 10.30am to 11.30am on Saturday, April 28. Children aged four to eight years will hear stories, play games and have a wild time at the event, which is free to attend.

For more information about all the activities on offer visit www.lakemac.com.au/recreation/whats-on/school-holidays ■

An intensive 5-day Swim Program at a Lake Macquarie Swim Centre

H OL IDAY TIM E IS HERE!

TRY

Mini Golf!

HOME OF MINI GOLF AND FOOTGOLF With a relaxing 11 hole golf course, the only FootGolf course in the Hunter and a brandnew 18-hole Mini Golf Course, Beresfield Golf Course provides a fabulously fun day out for family and friends with something for everyone!

Mini Golf and Footgolf are great fun activities for the holidays – they are active and the whole family can play. Book the kids in for a super-fun School Holiday Golf Clinic where they will learn the basics of golf, meet friends

I T' S FOR EVERY BODY MENTION INTOUCH MAGAZIN FOR A 10 E DISCOUN % T!

Scenic

Helicopter

and get to play some real golf (along with some footgolf and mini golf of course!), all under the eyes of a qualified coach.

At Beresfield Golf you can enjoy great undercover outdoor areas and a BBQ* - making it the perfect and affordable destination for your next kids party, social group or work party. *Hire charges apply.

WITH SKYLINE AVIATION

DETAILS Mini Golf – Open every day from 10am; FootGolf – Open every day from 10am (excepting Sat & Sun – after 12noon). Check the Facebook page for golf clinic details or call 4966 4665. 260 Anderson Dr, Beresfield. www.beresfieldgolf.com.au

AGES 3 AND OVER Get the kids out of the house and show them the best experience they’ll have these holidays!

With Scenic Helicopter Flights from $95, we can show the kids a view of Newcastle and the Hunter Valley like never before.

Flights

Departing directly out of Lake Macquarie Airport and the Hunter Valley, our helicopter joy flights cover everything from stunning beaches to mountain ranges and the city of Newcastle!

Don’t leave them in front of the iPad, give them an experience they’ll never forget these holidays!

DETAILS 7 Days a week, 8:30am to 5:30pm.

Located at 864 Pacific Hwy, Marks Point. www.skylineav.com.au

Art House

Studios

AGES 6+ Art House Studios is a spacious, creative sanctuary that offers children engaging opportunities to draw, paint and craft in a real art studio.

Book your child into 2 hour, 3 hour or full day workshops this holiday. Relax knowing that they are spending quality time in a safe, fully equipped environment. Time off screens,

learning creative skills and having fun – winwin!

Each workshop is led by Priya Joy, an artist and qualified teacher with over 20 years of experience. Your child will build confidence in their skills and meet new friends in a relaxed, artistic atmosphere. Our workshops fill quickly, find the timetable and booking form online.

DETAILS Level 1, 268 Turton Road, New Lambton.

PH 4049 6229 or M 0478 116 313 www.arthousestudios.com.au

include a pre-signed copy of The 104-Storey Treehouse. Griffiths and Denton won’t be signing books at the event, but children will be able to have their photograph taken with the pair.

The award-winning Treehouse series has been published in more than 30 countries worldwide with millions of copies sold. The creative duo has added 13 new levels to the treehouse, including a stupid-hat level, a refrigerator-throwing level, a bun-fighting level, a tangled-up level and a deepthoughts thinking room.

Newcastle Writers Festival director Rosemarie Milsom has been liaising with publisher Pan Macmillan for close to three years to attract Griffiths and Denton to Newcastle.

“This is a unique opportunity to spend an hour in conversation with Andy and Terry as we step into their wacky Treehouse world.

“The festival is committed to boosting children’s love of books and inspiring Much-loved Australian children’s author creativity in a fun setting. This year’s soldAndy Griffiths and his illustrator sidekick out Schools Program, which is offered in Terry Denton are visiting Newcastle in the partnership with Port of Newcastle, will July school holidays to celebrate the launch see 1600 primary students fill sessions at of their new book The 104-Storey Treehouse. Newcastle Region Library and Newcastle The event will be held on Sunday, July City Hall on April 6. Guest authors such as 15, at NEX, the Newcastle Exhibition and Tristan Bancks and Kate and Jol Temple will Conference Centre in King Street. host talks and workshops.

Tickets are on sale now ($25 at “This event with Andy and Terry in July is www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au) and the icing on the cake,” said Milsom.

ANDY GRIFFITHS and TERRY DENTON to Launch The 104-Storey Treehouse in Newcastle

CALLING ALL SUPERHEROS...

Get ready for 3 ACTION-PACKED DAYS THESE HOLIDAYS with superhero makeovers, merch, food & fun!

CENTRE COURT . 10AM - 2PM DAILY THURSDAY 26 . FRIDAY 27 . SATURDAY 28 APRIL

over 3 big days

Only at

CHARLESTOWN SQUARE

Kara Wood Ceramics AGES 6 - 14 YEARS Kara Wood Ceramics is a teaching studio offering both children’s and adult classes from beginner to advanced skill levels. During the April School Holidays we will be running fabulously-fun children’s ceramic workshops!

Children have a natural affinity with clay, so we let them try throwing on the wheel, making a self-portrait or building a mythical creature. All workshops include materials, firing and glazing.

For more information, opening hours, or to book your child's place in a workshop please visit ww.karawood.com.au

LOCATED Block O, 91 Chinchen Street, Tighes Hill PH 0478 526 132

Lazy Paddles AGES 2+ Lazy Paddles has provided guided tours and kayak hire from Tea Gardens since 2002 helping thousands experience the fun of paddling on the beautiful Myall waterways. Join us on a guided tour at 10am everyday of the school holidays (bookings essential) or hire a kayak and explore the area yourself. Experience the tranquillity of the mangroves, observe water birds up close – you may even encounter dolphins. We launch from Anzac Park on Marine Drive, Tea Gardens – look out for our kayak trailer and flag opposite the fire station. Bookings advised.

PH 0412 832 220 www.lazypaddles.com.au

INSPIRING AND EDUCATIONAL WRITING WORKSHOPS FOR KIDS Create a Picture Book With Shapes (5-8 yo) Thursday 19 April, 10am-1pm: Jess Black - This fun and messy workshop is all about creating a visual story. We’ll be using the picture book Triangle by Mac Barnett as our inspiration for creating characters from 2D shapes! Using collage, charcoal, crayon and coloured pencils, we’ll craft a story in a richly imagined world of shapes.

The Magic Door (8-13yo) Friday 20 April, 10am-1pm: Jess Black - Fantasy writing is a genre that children are naturally drawn to. In this workshop children can explore their own portal into a magic world through the device of a magic door. They will work on the world, the setting, characters, magical creatures and devices and how to make it back to their own world.

Spy Stories (8-14yo) Thursday 26 April, 10am-1pm: Ed Wright - Create secret agents who wear disguises, use amazing gadgets and trade in dangerous secrets. Write stories

of ingenious spies, undercover agents, double-crossers and devious villains.

Pet Tales (6-13) Friday 27 April, 10am1pm: Ed Wright - How do you persuade your parents to add a member to the family. What kind of pet are you going to get? And what kind of havoc is your new pet going to cause.

Enjoy writing in different genres about your favourite animals, real or imaginary.

WORKSHOPS $80 (bring a brother/sister/ friend or sign up for 2 classes, 2 for $140)

DETAILS Suite 51, Level 1, 164-170 Hunter Street. E ed@creativewordshop.com.au PH Ed 0408 788 765. Away for the holidays? Talk to Ed to organise in school, before school or after school workshops during term time. www.creativewordshop.com.au

Jet Flight Simulator AGES 6 AND UP - NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED Have you ever wanted to feel what it is like to captain a 737? Here is your chance to virtually experience the thrill of being in control of the most popular plane in the world, and no experience is needed.

Choose your favorite airport or city to take off from. Just before take-off you will be briefed on the primary controls, instruments and procedures necessary to be ready for take-off. After permission from Air Traffic Control you will accelerate the plane down the runway and take-off.

During your flight you will be fully immersed in your experience. You will be managing your airspeed, altitude and watching your heading whilst monitoring any other air traffic. The wide array of screens and indicators will also need to be monitored.

Enter this link to receive 50% off discount! www.jetflightsimulatornewcastle.com.au/intouch

or call 1300-SIM-FLIGHT (1300-746-354) Prices:

• 737 simulator experience 30min $89 (was $199) • Gift vouchers available 60min $139 (was $349) 90min $218 (was $479) • No experience needed (kids 6+) 120min $249 (was $599) • Payment over the phone

• Bring up to 4 passengers for FREE • 22,000 destinations DETAILS By appointment only. 1 Tudor St, • Fly alongside an experienced Newcastle. PH 1300-746-354. instructor /JetFlightSimulatorNewcastle • By appointment only • Buy now, book later

Learn to Surf Newcastle AGES 5 - ADULT Weetbix Surf Groms is back again this April school holidays! Lessons are available each week commencing April 16th and 23rd - learn to Surf with Miles Niddrie. All equipment is supplied and every class includes surf safety education.

Great kid to coach ratios for ages 5-12 yrs (Surf Groms) and 13-18 yrs (Surfteens), with four x 1.5 hour classes Monday to Thursday each week of the holidays. Over 18's to adults catered for too with single 1.5 hour lessons daily.

www.learntosurfnewcastle.com E miles@learntosurfnewcastle.com PH 0404 839 585

DON'T M ISS The Teddy Bears Picnic on Easter Su nday!

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!

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

With a range of workshops on offer there is something for everyone.

PLUS Join the Gallery's 5th Birthday Celebrations!

20th April - 3 FREE 1hr Kids Workshops 21st April - Art Market 22nd April - Doggy Drawing Day

Learn with

SLAM!

STEM . Learning . Arts . Makerspace FOR SCHOOL AGE KIDS SLAM is running holiday workshops for kids throughout December and January. With a range of workshops that include robotics, coding your own video games, sewable electronics, aircraft design, building your own electronic instruments and augmented reality – there’s something to keep every little genius busy. There’s no such thing as “I’m bored” with SLAM!!

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

SLAM also run after-school workshops each week in selected schools. For primary schools, SLAM’s professional development programs focus on the new Science & Technology syllabus, Design Thinking and STEM, and can bring a whole new dimension to the school curriculum!

DETAILS Call Rob on 0422 709 463 or visit www.slameducation.com for a full program of activities. /slameducation twitter.com/slamedu @slamedu

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 you’ll find a place where you can relax, get back to nature, treat the kids or just stop and smell the roses!

Hunter Valley Horse Riding & Adventures offers trail rides for both beginners and experienced riders. Take in the scenery as you ride the unique and beautiful Molly Morgan Range, and experience the spectacular views of the Hunter Valley and as far north as Barrington Tops. Not to mention the amazing native wildlife that will be a memory not soon forgotten - you can even ride among kangaroos and wallabies!

Even the tiny tots can jump on board, with beautiful ponies and 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 & feed horses, learn about looking after horses, saddlery, and of course ride!

You could also enjoy a picnic (we have over 300 acres of great spots), utilise our BBQ facilities, enjoy a tractor hay ride to feed the animals, check out the kangaroos, hiking and mountain bike trails or sunset rides. Plus, don’t forget to visit our aviary to say hello to our birds, guinea pigs, goats and sheep.

We have also recently introduced the new pedal go karts! An activity that is sure to keep the kids busy, and ready to hit the hay later on.

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.

Hunter Valley Horse Riding & Adventures is really your one stop shop for an awesome school holiday experience that we know the kids will love. So, get back to nature, breathe that fresh country air and enjoy a seamless experience like no other. Whether you are up for a day trip, or plan to stay a little longer, this is the perfect way to feel your school holiday stresses slip away! Book the kids in for some outdoor fun today.

DETAILS Open 7 days, 288 Talga Road, Lovedale. Bookings are recommended, phone Margaret on 4930 7111 or 0417 233 008. www.huntervalleyhorseriding.com.au