INTOUCH MAGAZINE|October School Holiday Guide 2019

School Holiday

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Super-fun activities for kids (big and small) to keep busy with this School Holidays! www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 47

Newcastle Museum

BRING ON

The School Holidays! {Said no parent, ever} 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?’ WORDS MIA KYRIKOS

If you are anything like us, we are constantly on the lookout for new ideas to keep the kids off the couch, and boy-oh-boy have we got the perfect list for you! We’ve found the best activities you need to survive these school holidays. From wet-weather friendly events to outdoor adventures, and with a mix of both free and paid events, we know exactly how you can keep the cabin fever at bay.

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. Kids are invited to get hands on and delve

deeper into the secret life of a spy, or for those who are fascinated by all the wonders of the world, head to the new museum show, Fire and Ice! Keen to get outdoors? On Friday 11th October, bring your picnic lunch and enjoy a family event with music, a petting zoo, entertainers and activities to celebrate the new Museum Park.

Be sure to book soon; spaces are limited. For more details and dates visit www.newcastlemuseum.com.au Newcastle Region Libraries It’s no secret; holidays are trying. If we hear “I’m bored� one more time we might lose all our hair! That’s where Newcastle Region Libraries can lend you a helping hand. With plenty on offer, you are sure to find holiday activities that will keep them off the screens and inspired all day long.

Kick-off the school holidays with some serious fun outdoors, or if it's looking a little grey and rainy outside, there is plenty to do inside! From hit events like the excellent DIY â–ş

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Terrariums workshop or The Great Lego Challenge. There is sure to be something for all ages.

Bookings for all activities are essential. To find out what’s on near you, check out www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au Newcastle Art Gallery Keep those creative minds buzzing when you head to Newcastle Art Gallery – open every day of the school holidays.

Wander the gallery and discover incredible exhibitions, or book into one of the awesome workshops. Help your kids discover their inner artist at fantastic workshops, including the Drawing Faces and Portrait Painting workshop. Here, kids will explore the fundamentals of sketching, painting and creative development.

Both workshops are suitable for children aged 5–12, at the cost of $12 per person, with bookings essential. For more details visit www.nag.org.au Blackbutt Reserve Looking for the perfect way to get outdoors and enjoy the beautiful weather? Get the family to Blackbutt Reserve for the ideal day out! Enjoy the Aussie Animal Painting workshop or the amazing reptile show. 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 Lake Macquarie Libraries Kids are sure to delight in a range of activities across the various Lake Macquarie Council libraries!

Budding musicians will love the pop-up workshops like the Junkyard Beats Recycled music class, or for those interested in photography, be sure to check out the

Monday 30 Drawing Faces – Art Workshop Newcastle Art Gallery 10.30am, noon, 2pm (1hr workshop) 5 - 12 yrs • $12 Reptile Show Blackbutt Reserve 11am • All ages • $3pp Minibeasts Story Stomp Mayfield Library 11am – 11.45am 3 – 7 yrs • Free Aussie Animal Painting Blackbutt Reserve 1pm • All ages • $3pp Makey Makey!

Wallsend Library 2pm – 3pm 8 – 13 yrs • Free The Great Lego® Challenge Newcastle Library 3pm – 4pm 5 - 12 yrs • Free

Tuesday 1 Recycled Robots New Lambton Library 10am – 11am 6 - 12 yrs • Free Drawing Faces – Art Workshop Newcastle Art Gallery 10.30am, noon, 2pm (1hr workshop) 5 - 12 yrs • $12 Reptile Show Blackbutt Reserve 11am • All ages • $3pp Minibeasts Story Stomp Hamilton Library 11am – 11.45am 3 – 7 yrs • Free

Nature Trail Story Stomp Lambton Park 11am – 11.45am 3 - 7 yrs • Free Science Shows Fire & Ice! Newcastle Museum 11.15am, 12.15pm, 1.15pm All ages • Free Aussie Animal Painting Blackbutt Reserve 1pm • All ages • $3pp DIY Terrariums Newcastle Library 3pm – 4pm 9 – 13 yrs • Free Kitchen Collage Hamilton Library 3pm – 4pm 7 – 12 yrs • Free

Wednesday 2 Museum Mysteries Code Breaker Workshop Newcastle Museum 10.15am & 12.30pm 7+ yrs • $10 Reptile Show Blackbutt Reserve 11am • All ages • $3pp Fun in the Garden Story Stomp Wallsend Library 11am – 11.45am 3 - 7 yrs • Free Nature Trail Story Stomp Newcastle Library 11am – 11.45am 3 - 7 yrs • Free Going Green Story Stomp Adamstown Library 11am – 11.45am 3 - 7 yrs • Free

Drawing Faces – Art Workshop Newcastle Art Gallery Noon, 2pm (1hr workshop) 5 - 12 yrs • $12 Aussie Animal Painting Blackbutt Reserve 1pm • All ages • $3pp The Great Lego® Challenge Adamstown Library 3pm – 4pm 5 - 12 yrs • Free

Thursday 3 DIY Terrariums Wallsend Library 10am – 11am 9 - 13 yrs • Free Drawing Faces – Art Workshop Newcastle Art Gallery 10.30am, noon, 2pm (1hr workshop) 5 - 12 yrs • $12 Reptile Show Blackbutt Reserve 11am • All ages • $3pp Fun in the Garden Story Stomp Stockton Library 11am – 11.45am 3 - 7 yrs • Free Going Green Story Stomp New Lambton Library 11am – 11.45am 3 - 7 yrs • Free Science Shows Fire & Ice! Newcastle Museum 11.15am, 12.15pm, 1.15pm All ages • Free Aussie Animal Painting Blackbutt Reserve 1pm • All ages • $3pp

Cyanotypes workshop. For those keen to get outdoors, kids can even learn how to start their own native garden at the Gardening for Kids: veggies and native plants workshop.

Future artists can also enjoy a variety of workshops from learning how to build their very own sun catcher from recycled materials to discovering how to give everyday objects new life.

There will be plenty more activities on offer. Visit www.library.lakemac.com.au for more information, prices and to book your place.

Learn2Swim Program

Out and About Are the kids feeling a bit cooped up? Get them out of the house and burning off that energy! Enrol your little fish into the Learn2Swim – Holiday Intensive Program week. If your little one is more of an adrenaline junkie, get them to Charlestown and Speers Point Swim Centres to enjoy a full-throttle Laser Tag in a pool environment! For more information visit www.lakemac.com.au ■

Kitchen Collage New Lambton Library 3pm – 4pm 7 – 12 yrs • Free

Reptile Show Blackbutt Reserve 11am • All ages • $3pp Going Green Story Stomp Friday 4 Hamilton Library Drawing Faces 11am – 11.45am – Art Workshop 3 - 7 yrs • Free Newcastle Art Gallery Science Shows 10.30am, noon, 2pm Fire & Ice! (1hr workshop) Newcastle Museum 5 - 12 yrs • $12 11.15am, 12.15pm, 1.15pm Reptile Show All ages • Free Blackbutt Reserve Aussie Animal Painting 11am • All ages • $3pp Blackbutt Reserve Minibeasts Story Stomp 1pm • All ages • $3pp Beresfield Library Makey Makey!

11am – 11.45am Newcastle Library 3 – 7 yrs • Free 2pm – 3pm Aussie Animal Painting 8 – 13 yrs • Free Blackbutt Reserve The Great Lego® 1pm • All ages • $3pp Challenge Recycled Robots Wallsend Library Beresfield Library 3pm – 4pm 3pm – 4pm 5 - 12 yrs • Free 6 - 12 yrs • Free Wednesday 9 Movie Mania – Nims Island Portrait Painting Wallsend Library – Art Workshop 6pm - 7.30pm Newcastle Art Gallery 5+ yrs • Free 10.30am, noon, 2pm (1hr workshop) Monday 7 5 - 12 yrs • $12 Public Holiday Reptile Show Blackbutt Reserve Tuesday 8 11am • All ages • $3pp DIY Terrariums Nature Trail New Lambton Library Story Stomp 10am – 11am Wallsend Library 9 - 13 yrs • Free 11am – 11.45am Portrait Painting 3 – 7 yrs • Free – Art Workshop Minibeasts Story Stomp Newcastle Art Gallery Newcastle Library 10.30am, noon, 2pm 11am – 11.45am (1hr workshop) 3 - 7 yrs • Free 5 - 12 yrs • $12

Fun in the Garden Story Stomp Adamstown Library 11am – 11.45am 3 - 7 yrs • Free Aussie Animal Painting Blackbutt Reserve 1pm • $3pp • Free The Great Lego® Challenge Mayfield Library 3pm - 4pm 5 - 12 yrs • Free Makey Makey!

Wallsend Library 2pm – 3pm 8 - 13 yrs • Free

Thursday 10 Kitchen Collage Wallsend Library 10am - 11am 7 – 12 yrs • Free Portrait Painting – Art Workshop Newcastle Art Gallery 10.30am, noon, 2pm (1hr workshop) 5 - 12 yrs • $12 Reptile Show Blackbutt Reserve 11am • All ages • $3pp Fun in the Garden Story Stomp New Lambton Library 11am – 11.45am 3 - 7 yrs • Free Going Green Story Stomp Stockton Library 11am – 11.45am 3 - 7 yrs • Free Science Shows Fire & Ice! Newcastle Museum 11.15am, 12.15pm, 1.15pm All ages • Free

Get Spooky in Wallsend this Halloween!

Wallsend Town Businesses will be holding a Halloween Party on Saturday 26 October from 9.30am to 12.30pm in the Wallsend CBD, and you’re invited… if you dare!

Enjoy a fun morning of Trick or Treat around the participating businesses, have your face painted, and navigate the huge free Inflatable obstacle course. Don’t forget to come dressed in your Halloween Costumes to go in the running for some great prizes for best dressed and scariest costumes.

There will be prizes for Mums and Dads as well!

There will be entertainment in Rotunda Park from 10am to 12noon, and Wallsend Businesses will be offering Halloween Specials on the day.

The Wallsend Town Business Association proudly presents this event for the whole community to enjoy. So come along for some frighteningly good fun the whole family will enjoy.

For further details, visit the Wallsend website www.wallsendtown.com.au or Wallsend Town Facebook and Instagram pages.

Aussie Animal Painting Blackbutt Reserve 1pm • All ages • $3pp Recycled Robots Stockton Library 3pm – 4pm 6 - 12 yrs • Free

Friday 11 Kitchen Collage Newcastle Library 10am - 11am 7 - 12 yrs • Free Picnic in Museum Park Newcastle Museum 10am - 2pm All ages • Free Portrait Painting – Art Workshop Newcastle Art Gallery 10.30am, noon, 2pm (1hr workshop) 5 - 12 yrs • $12 Reptile Show Blackbutt Reserve 11am • All ages • $3pp Nature Trail Story Stomp Beresfield Library 11am – 11.45am 3 – 7 yrs • Free Aussie Animal Painting Blackbutt Reserve 1pm • All ages • $3pp Movie Mania – Storm Boy Newcastle Library 6pm – 7.30pm 5+ yrs • Free

Let your imagination run wild these holidays!

Every Saturday & Sunday Art Cart Newcastle Art Gallery 10.30am - 12.30pm All ages • Free

Full program at newcastle.nsw.gov.au

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Holiday Art Workshops

Finite Gallery

for Creative Kids

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.

AGES 6 - 16 YEARS The Studio Lambton has you covered these October School Holidays with our Creative Children's Holiday Program. There is something for all mini artists (6-16yrs) with a wide range of workshops across drawing, painting, craft, and sculpture. Step away from screens and into the studio to let imaginations run wild. Students can join us for a whole day of art activities or pick and choose workshops to suite your schedule.

Excellent multiple enrollment and sibling discounts available. Creative Kids Vouchers accepted.

What’s on at the Gardens this School Holidays

www.theartsemporium.com.au

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

LOCATED The Arts Emporium, 2 Pearson St, Lambton PH 0404 736 083 E courtney@theartsemporium.com.au

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

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

Everyday is a great day to fall in love with nature at the Hunter Region Botanic Gardens!

NATURE IS FUN 9th OCT – Explore, learn about nature and enjoy craft. To suit 4–12yrs, 10am–12pm.

Entry $5 p/child over 3, bookings essential.

FREE ORCHID POTTING DEMONSTRATION 12th OCT – Learn what mix to use, pots to use, about pests and fertilisers with Stu Webb. A demonstration, Q&A session and tour of the Orchid Houses will follow, plus a sausage sizzle ($3). Two sessions: 11am & 1.30pm (approx 1 hour duration).

www.huntergardens.org.au 2100 Pacific Highway, Heatherbrae PH 4987 1655 E events@huntergardens.org.au

Hunter Ice

WIN A FAMILY PASS TO TREETOPS ADVENTURE PARK! Create memories and enjoy a fun day out in nature with your family at TreeTops Adventure Park Newcastle. Flex your adventurous spirit and test yourself mentally and physically with over 100 elevated obstacles including rope ladders, wobbly bridges, tunnels, cargo-nets and zip lines.

Thanks to the team at TreeTops, we have three family passes to give away to three lucky readers! The family pass is for two adults + two juniors with each pass valued at $172 for a full day of family fun!

Skating

Stadium For your chance to win, visit www.intouchmagazine.com.au and head to the GIVEAWAYS page. Entries close midnight October 31 2019 – don’t miss out!

ALL AGES, ALL ABILITIES Holiday Super Sessions are back! Skate as long as you like between 11am and 3pm on weekdays during the holidays.

There are party games like limbo and pass the puck and a sectioned off area for beginners with skating frames available.

Non-skating spectators are admitted free – why not relax in the cafe while the kids skate!

A great option in wet weather and also a great place to be when it's really hot outside.

Rental Skate sizes range from a Kids 9 up to an Adults 14. Lockers are available for a small fee to secure your belongings whilst on the ice.

DETAILS 230 Macquarie Road, Warners Bay. Prices are $16 for 6yrs or under, $20 for 7yrs or over, $18 seniors and $65 for a family (1 adult + 3 kids OR 2 adults + 2 kids). These prices include skate hire – with your own skates you will save $4. For more details and other session times please visit the website.

Phone 4954 4499. www.hiss.com.au

October School Holiday Vacation Programs Catering to kids 5 - 13 years, we provide a supervised holiday activity which is fun and active!

• 28 Sep - 1 Oct 2019 • 6 Oct - 9 Oct 2019

• 2 Oct - 5 Oct 2019 • 10 Oct - 13 Oct 2019

$199 = 4 Days - 2.5hr Sessions with Lunch included!

Other holiday activities for all ages and skill levels: Skate Sessions, Private & Group Skate Lessons, Open Skate Sessions (Skate, Scoot, Roller Skate, Rollerblade) & Birthday Parties

50 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

Book online at www.sanbahgrindhouse.com or call (02) 4925 2714

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Art House Studios

Does your child love art?

Do you want them to learn new skills, have fun, spend time off screens, and make new friends? Art House Studios could become their creative home away from home.

We offer engaging holiday drawing and painting workshops that children love. This holiday, choose from the following – - Beautiful Blooms 6yrs+ - Sketch Party 6yrs+

- Fairy Gardens 6yrs+ - Just For Teens all day studio session ..and more!

Each workshop is designed and led by Priya Joy, an artist and qualified teacher with over 20 years experience. Your child will build confidence in their skills and feel at home in the relaxed, artistic atmosphere. Quality time in a safe, fully equipped environment with lots of guidance and encouragement.

10am–4pm, all art materials, inspiration and food provided. We accept the $100 Creative Kids Voucher for all holiday workshops.

DETAILS Level 1, 268 Turton Road, New Lambton. PH 0478 116313. Visit www.arthousestudios.com.au E priyajoy@arthousestudios.com.au

SPECIAL OPEN DAY at FORT SCRATCHLEY

OCTOBER LONG WEEKEND

Monday, 7th October 2019 | 10am–4pm Free Entry

GUN FIRING (7 Guns) 11am, 1pm + 3pm Coffee Cart | Sausage Sizzle | Pipe Band Re-enactments | Vehicle Displays Fort Scratchley Historical Society Inc. | 1-3 Nobbys Rd, Newcastle East Open 6 days a week, (closed Tuesday) from 10am to 4pm Admission and self guided tours (excluding tunnels) of the Fort is free

Ph 49 29 3066 | www.fortscratchley.org.au 52 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

Reach New

Heights

This School Holidays!

BEGINNERS AND EXPERIENCED Pulse Climbing has gone one better in 2019 and opened an exciting new boulder gym in Warners Bay. The new gym complements our top rope climbing gym in Adamstown to better cater for increased popularity of the sport in the Newcastle Region.

Pulse Climbing Managing Director, Scott Forrester, said "It's an exciting time at Pulse Climbing and the sport in general as the debut of the sport in the Olympics in Tokyo 2020 approaches. It's fantastic to see the next generation of climbers come through our doors and watch them fall in love with the sport. The thought of helping an athlete achieve an Olympic dream is a fabulous prospect and something we hope to achieve as climbing continues to grow in popularity."

Pulse Climbing is the perfect venue for beginner climbers looking to try the sport for the first time, our experienced staff are always friendly and on hand to give advice and every first time climber gets a safety orientation before they get started. We also cater for the more experienced climber with excellent training facilitates and a progression of climbing grades that will keep

all level of climbers wanting to come back for the next challenge.

YOUTH HOLIDAY CLINICS Our youth holiday clinics are a great way to keep the kids happy and healthy during the school holidays! Running from 10am– 1.30pm they include warm-up, climbing games and activities, individualised advice, a healthy morning tea and cool down activities.

Adamstown sessions will be held on 2 and 4 October. Warners Bay will be held on 8 and 10 October. Please call the facility to book a spot in the holiday clinic.

DETAILS No bookings required for casual visits. Open 10am everyday in the school holidays (until 10pm Mon-Fri, 6pm Sat and 4pm Sun). Minimum climbing age of 5.

FIND US Warners Bay – 2/305 Hillborough Road Warners Bay; Adamstown – 10/122 Garden Grove Parade, Adamstown www.pulseclimbing.com.au

NEWCASTLE SUMMER DANCE INTENSIVE

2020 JUNIORS

SENIORS

15-17 Jan

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(3-9YRS)

(10+ TO PRE-PROF)

Newcastle’s favourite summer intensive with teachers.

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To book now for a 10% discount or to enter a payment plan contact vicki@nationalcollegeofdance.com (Terms and conditions apply) VENUE National College of Dance, 151 Young Rd, Lambton

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Suitable for students who wish to have a career in a contemporary company or a classically based contemporary finishing school.

Suitable for students who wish to have career on a cruise ship, entertainment park or in a commercial dance environment.

REGISTER NOW Private Auditions available any time of the year by appointment.

Contact vicki@nationalcollegeofdance.com | P 02 4952 9294

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ENROLMENT 2020

DISCOVER MORE ABOUT NGS A Visible Wellbeing Programme based on the principles of positive psychology, promoting wellbeing for EVERY student.

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(02) 4929 5811

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enrolments@ngs.nsw.edu.au