INTOUCH MAGAZINE| Winter School Holiday Guide 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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some liquid nitrogen and talks about all things freezing cold.

Or, explore the wonderful world of international architecture as seen through the photographic lens of the renowned Australian photographer John Gollings and help create a cardboard mini-city at the Museum. There is plenty more on offer for your future Einstein. To find out more and book your place, head to www.newcastlemuseum.com.au

NEWCASTLE ART GALLERY Creative minds need stimulation. There is no better way for your mini-Monet to get their fix than to head to Newcastle Art Gallery. Budding artists will love what’s on offer. Touring Rachel Milne’s exhibition ‘Rest’, ‘Paint a Cupcake’ workshops or designing their very own Torres Strait Islander flag, kids will delight in the creative and hands-on art experiences. Open throughout the School Holidays, take a wander through the gallery and discover the incredible exhibitions, or book into one of the awesome workshops. To register for workshops visit www.nag.org.au

SCHOOL HOLIDAY

HITS! WORDS MIA KYRIKOS

MORE OFTEN THAN NOT, WHEN IT SEEMS PERILOUS TIMES LAY AHEAD, THE INFAMOUS QUOTE FROM GAME OF THRONES SPRINGS TO MIND - “WINTER IS COMING”. AS MELODRAMATIC AS THIS MIGHT SOUND, ANYONE WHO HAS EXPERIENCED THE WRATH OF WINTER SCHOOL HOLIDAYS WILL KNOW THIS IS A PERIOD NOT TO BE TAKEN LIGHTLY. COLDER DAYS TEND TO MEAN MORE HOURS SPENT INSIDE AND MORE PENT UP ENERGY WITH THE KIDS. AND, I CAN PROMISE, THERE IS NOTHING QUITE AS TERRIFYING AS HAVING PENT-UP, BORED-OUT-OF-THEIR-BRAINS CHILDREN LURKING IN YOUR MIDST. LUCKY FOR ALL WHO HAVE THE PLEASURE OF TAKING ON THE SCHOOL HOLIDAY BREAK, WE HAVE A FEW IDEAS THAT MIGHT MAKE THIS A BIT EASIER. WE’VE ROUNDED UP THE BEST LOCAL HITS TO KEEP THE KIDS BUSY AND ENJOY FAMILY TIME THESE HOLIDAYS.

EXPERIENCE FORT SCRATCHLEY

NEWCASTLE REGION LIBRARIES Calling all bookworms, artists and curious minds! Every day is a new opportunity to learn at Newcastle Region Libraries.

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

From learning about Aboriginal weaving, creating shadow puppets or discovering the inner artist at the various painting workshops, there are loads of opportunities to unleash your imagination. If you just need to get out of the house, families are even welcome to snuggle up and join the special family movie afternoons!

Over on the digital library, there is plenty to keep little minds busy. Whether it’s creating your very own music video or creating some old-fashioned opera seeing glasses, 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!

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. Then, stick around for the daily gun firing at 1pm, weather permitting! Eagle-eyed youngsters might even be lucky enough to spot whales from the headland. For more details, visit www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/fort-scratchley/home

BLACKBUTT RESERVE Looking for the perfect way to get outdoors and enjoy that beautiful Winter sun? Get the family to Blackbutt Reserve for the ideal day out! Get up close and personal at the Reptile Show, where Blackbutt's expert team allow attendees to meet and learn about their favourite scaly, slithery friends!

Kids will learn interesting facts about animal behaviour, physiology and habitats. With sessions running Monday to Friday ($4 per child), the kids will love the time spent out in nature. Alternatively, let the kids blow off some steam at the adventure playground at Richley Reserve.

Visit www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/blackbutt-reserve for more details.

NEWCASTLE MUSEUM Take the kids and enter a whole new world! Over at the Newcastle Museum, kids can enjoy some fun science time with our resident scientist Catherine as she lets loose with

LAKE MACQUARIE LIBRARIES Kids are sure to delight in a range of activities across the various Lake Macquarie Council libraries! Discover the F

Fire up your creativity these school holidays With so many unique events and workshops happening in Newcastle there’s something for everyone. Take part in digital and coding challenges at Newcastle Digital Library, science experiments at Newcastle Museum, or get artistic with cupcakes at Newcastle Art Gallery. There’s also a host of activities to celebrate NAIDOC week.

newcastle.nsw.gov.au/school-holidays www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 35

BUNYIPS 29 JUNE UNTIL 17 JULY ‘Digital Animation’ Workshop at Charlestown Library, where kids aged nine and above will learn how to write, shoot and edit a short claymation movie using the latest equipment.

Over at Wangi Library Creative Hub, there will be a hands-on branch-weaving workshop on Tuesday 6 July for ages eight and above. Kids will create woven wall hangings in the colours of the Aboriginal flag to celebrate NAIDOC Week.

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

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 a Van Gogh in the making. Be sure to join the incredible largescale pastel drawing workshop on Wednesday 30 June and Thursday 1 July. Kids will be able to put brush to canvas and express their creative flair in two separate age-appropriate sessions. 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.

Young People’s Theatre Newcastle Inc. invites you to head back to school this School Holidays with their adorable production of BUNYIPS, a big, beautiful mess of a play.

Over at Charlestown and West Wallsend Swim Centres, school holiday celebrations will be kicking off with the Aqua Fitness, STOMP squad and Swim squad. Check out www. lakemac.com.au for class times and details.

Looking to inspire little minds? Rathmines Theatre will host a live puppet show on Monday 28 June and Tuesday 29 June using three styles of puppetry to tell three classic fairy tales. Kids will see how the puppets work with hands-on interaction after the show. Follow this with a stop at SEEN@ Swansea on Wednesday 7 July and enjoy the collage and mixed material landscapes workshop.

For the tech-obsessed, Edgeworth Memorial Neighbourhood Centre will provide kids with the opportunity to try their hand at coding with Ozbots and engineering Snap circuits on Wednesday, 30 June. Parents are encouraged to stay and play as well!

There is plenty in store these School Holidays, for more information visit your local council website. ■

Loosely based on the famous Australian children’s book Naked Bunyip Dancing by Steven Herrick, this story captures the heart of school in Australia and the ups and downs of being in Year 6.

BUNYIPS plays for a total of 16 performances at the YPT Theatre, corner of Lindsay and Lawson St, Hamilton. This production is 65 minutes in length with a short interval. Fun for the family and suitable for all ages! Great for group bookings and school holiday entertainment.

All tickets are $25 and available at www.ypt.org.au/bookings – why not use your Dine and Discover Vouchers by calling 4961 5345 (Mon to Thurs between 10:30am and 3pm).

Experience the thrill of riding upon the Ships of the Desert!

Revel in the vastness and beauty of the most extensive Sand-Dunes in the Southern Hemisphere.

Come along and join us for a relaxing camel ride along the sands of beautiful Birubi Beach, Anna Bay. We also have Gift Vouchers available!

CAMEL RIDES PORT STEPHENS

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Anna Bay, Port Stephens | Ph 0429 664 172 E enquiries@oakfieldranch.com.au | www.oakfieldranch.com.au Open 6 days a week throughout the year* (Closed Wed) plus Public Holidays and every day of the School Holidays.

Mini Golf & Footgolf!

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

At Beresfield Golf you can enjoy a great undercover outdoor area and a BBQ* – making it the perfect and affordable

destination for your next kids party, social or work group and even that first date too. *Hire charges apply.

• Mini Golf open weekdays from 10am–5pm; • Footgolf open weekdays 10am–5pm and 12pm–5pm on weekends Use your Dine & Discover Vouchers here!

DETAILS Open everyday from 7am–5pm, 260 Anderson Drive, Beresfield PH 4966 4665 www.beresfieldgolf.com.au

AND FOOTGOLF

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 ATV tours, 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

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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

Studios

Looking for creative activities for your child this term?

Art Mania Studios offer art and pottery classes for 4 years to 17 years. Nearly all classes run weekly for the term, giving your child instruction in art and clay techniques as well as developing their creativity, imagination and fine-motor skills.

Our after school art classes gives your child the opportunity to learn about different artists, art mediums and the ability to create artwork each week 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. Our new pottery course for preschool age children begins term 3- a small group designed to support your child in exploring clay, teamwork and fine motor skills.

All our kids classes are eligible for the NSW Creative Kids Rebate – just email or call us when booking to use it.

Give your child the gift of creativity!

OUR CLASSES Kids After School Art Development Tuesdays 4pm–5.30pm (starts 13th July) Teens After School Art Development Wednesdays 4pm–5.30pm (starts 14th July) 38 | www.intouchmagazine.com.au

Creative Kids Pottery Wednesdays 4pm–6pm (starts 14th July) Thursdays 4pm–6pm (starts 14th July) Preschool Pottery (6 week course) Tuesdays 9.30am–11am (starts 27th July)

BOOK ONLINE NOW

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

Hunter Ice

DETAILS Art Mania Studios 12 Council Street Wallsend PH (02) 4955 0509 (Tues–Fri) E hello@artmaniastudio.com.au www.artmaniastudio.com.au

Stadium

@artmaniastudio

Skating

ALL AGES, ALL ABILITIES Why not try ice skating this School Holidays!

With two day sessions Monday to Friday and evening sessions Monday to Wednesday, there's plenty of time to give it a go! Enjoy top 40 music and video clips playing on the

big screens, plus people can request their favourite songs to be added into the mix.

There will also be a sectioned off area for beginners with available skating frames.

For the non-skating spectators – why not relax in the café while the kids skate!

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

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. www.hiss.com.au

10 WEEK

WINTER SPORTS COMPETITION STARTS JULY 12

MONDAY–WEDNESDAY NIGHTS SOCCER Mens | Mixed Leagues NETBALL Ladies | Mixed Leagues

Call 02 4926 4488 or visit theparc.com.au Cnr Darby St & Tooke St, Cooks Hill NSW 2300

• GET THE KIDS MOVING • 3 HOURS OF SUPERVISED FUN • NINJA, CLIMB AND SKILLS SESSION

$55 PER CHILD PER SESSION USE CODE INTOUCH AT THE ONLINE CHECKOUT TO GET 10% OFF!

FROM

June 28 UNTIL July 9

IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO ENROL. JUNIOR ACADEMY Classes for 3yrs through to Adults BENEFITS: • Qualified Teachers with Diploma in Dance (Elite Performance), Certificate IV in Training and Assessment and First Aid • Royal Academy of Dance syllabus trained with qualified Examiner on staff • Fun Safe and encouraging environment • Fully air-conditioned purpose built studios • Affordable classes

BALLET | CONTEMPORARY | JAZZ | STRETCH | ACRO BOYS CLASSES | ADULT CLASSES | TINY TOTS

DANCE FOR LITTLE BODS Pre-Schooler Movement Classes with Imagination. AGES 3-5YRS Our Tiny Tots program is a wonderful way to introduce kids to the fun and magical world of dance, music and the performing arts. A registered teacher of the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) developed this program over many years of practical face-to-face teaching with young children.

NEW INTENSIVE TRAINING PROGRAM Start your career ahead of the rest Not ready to leave school? Not sure if full time ballet is for you? Our new 2 step ITP program launched this year is suitable for dancers in years 7, 8, 9 and 10.

It’s a great way to transition into any full time dance program.

Achieve your dream of a professional career at NCD while staying close to home.

Artistic Director – Brett Morgan OAM Visit our website for enrolments or contact the studio for more information.

P 02 4952 9294 | www.nationalcollegeofdance.com