THE easing of COVID restrictions in NSW since the last school holidays means there is more to see and do during the Easter break. From skateboard art workshops with Newcastle artist Mitch Revs to Pixar-themed putt-putt at Wheeler Place, check out our list of what's on for kids of all ages across the region during the school holidays.
EASTER WEEKEND
Charlestown Square hosts an Easter egg hunt on Saturday between 9am and 3pm, plus meet the Easter Bunny for a souvenir photo in Centre Court. There is also free face painting.
Hunter Valley Gardens has the Mega Creatures display back for another year, as well as Mega Creatures Night Safari over the Easter weekend. Each child receives a gift of Easter chocolate and the Easter Bunny will appear from 10am and 2pm daily.
Hungerford Hill has opened a pop-up for the Easter weekend with gourmet toasties, so pack a picnic rug and enjoy live music and a jumping castle for the kids all weekend from 11am to 3pm.
Tatler Wines at Lovedale hosts an Easter event on Saturday with a petting zoo, face painting, balloon art and Easter egg hunt. Starts at 10am and entry costs $10.
Also, there's an Easter egg hunt at Leisure Inn Pokolbin Hill from 10am on Sunday, plus an egg and spoon race and fancy dress costume. Starts 10am.
PUTT PUTT
Pixar films including Coco, Monsters Inc., Finding Nemo, Toy Story and The Incredibles all feature in a pop-up mini-golf experience at Wheeler Place in Newcastle until April 25. Open daily from 10am. Over 18s can have their turn at after-dark sessions Thursday through to Saturday from 7.30pm to 9pm. Book online at ticketek.com.au.
There's also Newcastle Supa Putt at Broadmeadow which boasts 36 holes and affordable prices. Open daily from 10am during the holidays.
MOVIES
Take your own blanket and picnic to Rathmines Theatre on April 9 for a screening of Paddington 2 on April 9. Doors open at 4pm and tickets cost $8 per person or $25 for a family of four (includes popcorn). Bookings via eventbrite.com.au. Also, Peter Rabbit 2 is now showing in major cinemas as well as Disney's new hit, Raya and The Last Dragon, and a remake of the classic Tom & Jerry.
COUNTRY SHOW
Stroud Show celebrates its 100th anniversary at Stroud Showgrounds on April 9 and 10 with a weekend full of attractions including rodeo, cattle judging, local produce pavilions, demolition derby and more. Visit stroudshow.com for information and tickets.
SURF'S UP
Take the groms to the Rip Curl Newcastle Cup at Merewether Beach. The event runs until April 11.
THEATRE
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show brings the popular children's book - and three other stories from author Eric Carle - to the stage at Cessnock Performing Arts Centre at 10am on April 14. Tickets cost $25.
Roald Dahl's classic The Witches is on stage at the Civic Playhouse from April 15 to 17, presented by Hunter Drama. Tickets $35 through Ticketek.
Young People's Theatre present the story of The Addams Family at Hamilton venue from April 7 to 24. Tickets cost $25.
Newcastle magician JD Howlett from JD's World of Magic performs at Rathmines Theatre on April 10 (11am and 1pm). Tickets cost $10 online at eventbrite.com.au
LIBRARY EVENTS
Libraries in the Newcastle area are hosting a series of workshops throughout the school holidays, including paper illustration workshops with artist Mel O'Dell, puppet workshops and story writing with Newcastle-based author Karen Eastwood. Workshops are free but bookings are essential via the website. For a full list of events and locations, head to newcastle.nsw.gov.au/library
Young aspiring writers can take part in a one-day workshop with author Katrina McKelvery at Rathmines Theatre on April 8. The course costs $100 (Creative Kids vouchers accepted). Book online at eventbrite.com.au.
Chinese brushstroke artist Stephen Cassettari hosts a story with a difference at Belmont Library on April 15 at 11am. Register at eventbrite.com.au. Under Pressure explores the wonders of air pressure at libraries in East Maitland, Rutherford and Thornton and is aimed at kids aged five and up. Entry is free. Visit maitlandlibrary.com.au for details.
The team from Youth Express guide kids through a virtual experience at Maitland Library on April 9 and Rutherford Library on April 16. Free entry. Join the SMART team from the University of Newcastle for a workshop exploring forces and motion at Maitland Library on April 13 from 11am. The event costs $5 and is ideal for kids aged five and over. Book at eventbrite.com.au.
Budding magicians aged seven and up can learn the tricks of the trade when local magician JD Howlett hosts a workshop at Charlestown Library on April 12 at 2pm. Tickets $15 online at eventbrite.com.au
NEWCASTLE MUSEUM
The interactive Colour exhibition developed by Questacon is running until May 2. Tickets cost $5 for kids/$10 for adults. Don't forget, the museum operates every day during the school holidays. Science Busking events will be held each Tuesday and Thursday at 10am and 1pm. Entry is free. Feminist poetry organisation Girls on Key presents poetry writing workshops on April 11 at 1pm (beginners) and 3pm (advanced). The workshops are aimed at girls aged 16 and over and will be followed by a book launch and open mic session for all. Register online at trybooking.com.
ART
Newcastle Art Gallery offers food illustration workshops, Aboriginal weaving workshops, Art Cart classes and more. Visit nag.org.au for details. The gallery also hosts the Tastes of the Bush event on April 17, a family-friendly celebration of Aboriginal art, food and culture. Starts 10.30am.
Westfield Kotara hosts Newcastle artist Mitch Revs for the Decked Out Creative Workshops from April 12 to 16, 10am to 2pm, where kids can transform a blank skateboard deck into a unique piece of art. Tickets cost $25 online at westfield.com.au/kotara.
Charlestown Square's Express Yourself workshops offer art-making activities for kids including aerosol art, recycled art, stencilling and illustration from April 6 to 16. Visit charlestownsquare.com.au for full details.
LEARN ABOUT SNAKES
Reptile rescuer Teresa Purnell knows all about snakes and is sharing her knowledge during an insightful discussion about the slithering creatures at The Swansea Centre on April 9 at 11am. Register for this free event online at eventbrite.com.au. Keen for more? Snake storytime and craft events will be held at the same venue on April 13 at 9.30am, 10.30am and 11.30am where kids can learn all about snakes and make their own to take home. Suitable for ages four to eight, register for the free event at eventbrite.com.au.
COOKING CLASSES
Doughnut shop Doughheads offers hands-on doughnut decorating workshops at their store at The Junction on April 14, 15 and 16 at 9am. Tickets $38 at eventbrite.com.au.
The Essential Ingredient at The Junction hosts kids cooking classes during the holidays with Italian Adventure on April 6, Ramen Time on April 8, and Ah Choux on April 15. For times and bookings, visit essentialingredient.com.au.
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