STUCK for ideas these school holidays? The good news is there is plenty on to entertain kids of all ages, from a mini music festival at Charlestown Square to the annual Mattara Festival at Wallsend Park.
Art galleries and libraries around Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Maitland offer a variety of activities for kids of all ages during the holidays - check websites for the full programs.
For budding artists, The Studio Lambton has a series of workshops on offer for kids aged six to 16 (details: theartsemporium.com.au), as does Paint and Sip Studios on Darby Street with art classes aimed at kids aged six to 13 (paintandsipstudios.com.au).
Here's our picks for the school holidays:
Circus Avalon
Newcastle's own circus troupe, Circus Avalon, is setting up the big top on the grounds at Callaghan College in Waratah from October 5 to 13, presenting their latest show, Safari. Renowned for their acrobatic skill, the 90-minute performance follows the journey of Mr Safety as he embarks on an expedition through the jungle. Show times are 11am, 3pm and 7pm on October 5, 6 and 12, and 11am and 5pm on October 7 and 13. For kids keen to try out their own circus skills, Circus Avalon will host 20-minute workshops in the circus space following the 11am and 3pm performances (workshops included ticket price). Tickets $15 adults, $15 children (aged three to 12) or free for kids under two. Book: circusavalon.com.au
Charliechella
Coachella for kids? That's what Charlestown Square has planned from September 28 to October 3. The mini person's festival will feature a bunch of acts live on stage in the Centre Court, including musical tributes to pop stars Katy Perry, Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish and Bruno Mars, as well as a performance from band Bunny Racket, which features bonafide rock stars such as drummer Hamish Rosser (of Wolfmother and The Vines fame) performing their rocking originals such as A Chicken Is Not A Fruit and Jingle Jangle Jaguar. Kids can also dance at the silent disco and take part in games and craft activities, including jewellery making and festival headwear decorating. Charliechella runs 11am to 2pm.
Mattara Festival
Showbags and fairground rides are always a hit with kids, and Mattara Festival has it all when it returns to Wallsend Park from October 5 to 13. The event kicks off with fireworks on opening weekend which will feature stacks of rides, including the tea cups, dodgem cars and giant slide, along with live stage performances, food stalls and, of course, showbags. Sesame Street star Elmo will be on-site for meet and greet photos, while kids can also immerse themselves in creative activities at the arts and crafts tent, or cuddle up with a baby animal at the petting farm. Free entry. Details: mattarafestival.org.au.
HMRI Open Day
Curious minds can head along to the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) on the John Hunter Hospital campus at New Lambton Heights on Friday, October 11, for its annual open day, where fun and education combines into one as kids have the chance to meet the researchers and take part in interactive activities and events including the hands-on health and research expo, interactive science sessions, science meets fiction talk, laboratory tours, and research and discovery public seminars. The event runs 10am to 3pm. Entry is free. Registrations essential (hmri.org.au/register-hmri-open-day-2019)
The Station
Newcastle's old train station is hosting a stack of kid-friendly activities, including inflatable fun days September 30-October 2, and October 7-10 with giant inflatables, activities, food trucks, fairy floss and popcorn stands, snow cones, and more from 10am to 4pm. Entry is $15 per child for a two-hour session (10am to 12noon; or 12noon to 2pm; or 2pm to 4pm). Other attractions include kids yoga, mindfulness and yoga for teens, as well as workshops focusing on jewellery making, screen printing, sewing, painting, exploring art, mask making, photography, creative writing and craft hosted by The Station traders Secret Book Stuff and Make Space (details: newcastlestation.com.au). The site's cafe Wildflower City will extend trading hours during the holidays from 7am to 2pm, serving babychinos, milkshakes, toasties and coffee. And, there's also a fun scooter track for the kids to ride around on.
Biodiversity Day
NSW National Parks hosts its Biodiversity Day at Blue Gum Hills Regional Park at Minmi on Thursday, October 3, with activities, focusing on the importance of plants, animals and ecosystems. The event includes a Welcome to Country ceremony, Aboriginal dance performance, interactive native animal encounters, Australian Reptile Park animal talks, nature walks, and craft activities. Sausage sizzle available, or pack a picnic. The park is also home to a gold mine-themed playground and a maze. Suitable for all ages. 10am to 2pm. Free entry.
Libraries
Books aren't the only thing on offer at libraries throughout the holidays. Highlights at Newcastle Region Library include Story Stomp Storytime (ideal for ages three to seven); DIY terrarium classes (ages nine to 13); and the Great LEGO Challenge which encourages kids aged five to 12 to test their LEGO building skills (bookings essential). At Lake Macquarie libraries, keep an eye out for the Junkyard Beats Recycled Music Workshop and gardening workshops focusing on growing vegies and native plants (library.lakemac.com.au). Maitland City Library has construction-themed workshops, including lantern making, engineering challenges and LEGO building (maitlandlibrary.com.au)
