Winter School Holidays: Lake Macquarie, Cessnock & Maitland Council Activities
Whether you're seeking outdoor adventures, creative workshops, or engaging story times, there's something for everyone these school holidays. From exploring the wonders of the Hunter Wetlands Centre to unleashing your inner artist at Cessnock Library's Crafternoon sessions, get ready for a jam-packed calendar filled with exciting activities for all ages. So pack your bags, grab the kids, and get ready to make unforgettable memories in the beautiful Hunter Region!
Looking for exciting activities to keep your kids entertained during these school holidays? Look no further than the fantastic programs offered by Lake Macquarie City Council, Cessnock City Council and Maitland Council!
Each council offers a variety of programs specifically designed to engage children of all ages and interests. Here's a quick glimpse of what you might find:
School Holiday Fun with Lake Macquarie Council!
Looking to keep the kids entertained these school holidays? Look no further than the exciting activities offered by Lake Macquarie Council! With a variety of options spread across the region, there's something for every interest and age group.
Calling all creative minds!
- Unleash your inner artist at Charlestown Library (Charlestown) with "Story Scene Dioramas" (July 8th) where you can build your own 3D world.
- Learn a new skill and design your own felt accessory at "Sewing for Beginners: Make a Wrist Bag" (July 9th) offered at Toronto Library (Toronto).
- Feeling inspired by light? Design your own projector lamp at the Multi-Arts Pavilion (MAP mima) in Speers Point (July 10th) to create dazzling patterns in your room.
Love to read and write?
- Dive into the world of storytelling with "School Holiday Fun Storytime and Craft" (July 10th) at Cardiff Library (Cardiff).
- Hone your writing skills with the "Fun with Words: Creative Writing Skills for Kids" workshop (July 12th) led by local children's author Katrina McKelvey at SEEN@Swansea (Swansea).
Looking for something active?
- The "Intensive Learn to Swim" program (July 8th) at West Wallsend Swim Centre is a perfect opportunity for children to gain confidence and water safety skills.
History buffs and science enthusiasts won't be disappointed either!
- Explore the Sugar Valley Library Museum (Cameron Park) at night with a "Night at the Library Museum" (July 12th) treasure hunt.
Discover the wonders of science through interactive activities at "Simple Science: hands-on activities" (July 18th), also held at the Sugar Valley Library Museum.
Thespians and gamers can get in on the action too!
- "Play in a Day with Tantrum Youth Arts" (July 12th) at the Rathmines Theatre (Rathmines) offers a drama workshop where you can create your own performance.
Delve into the fantastical world of role-playing games with "An Introduction to Dungeons and Dragons" (July 13th) at Cardiff Library (Cardiff).
And that's not all!
- Celebrate Aboriginal culture at "Sharing Culture Storytime" (July 12th) at the Morisset Library (Morisset).
- Create magical crafts at "Crafty Kids: Wizards and Wands" (July 15th), also held at the Morisset Library.
- Be entertained by the hilarious musical show "What's the Joke with Andy Jones" (July 16th) at the Rathmines Theatre (Rathmines).
School Holiday Fun with Maitland City Council!
The school holidays are here, and Maitland City Council has a jam-packed calendar of activities to keep the kids entertained! From creative workshops to exciting adventures, there's something for everyone in every corner of Maitland.
South Maitland:
- Maitland Community Markets: Every Sunday from July 7th to December 1st, explore the Maitland Community Markets (East Maitland) for a vibrant atmosphere and local crafts (9:00 am - 1:00 pm).
East Maitland:
- SMAUG: Dragon of Fire and Gold (July 8th): Immerse yourself in the thrilling story of Smaug the dragon at this special event (10:30 am - 11:30 am).
- My Favourite Books (July 8th - 18th): Join story time and discover new favourite books for young readers (3:00 pm - 3:30 pm).
- Diorama and Outdoor Games Workshop (July 12th): Get creative and build your own world, then enjoy some outdoor fun (12:30 pm - 1:30 pm).
- Printing Workshop (July 12th): Learn the art of printing and create unique designs (1:30 pm - 3:00 pm).
- Puppet Making Workshop (July 12th): Bring your imagination to life and create your own puppets (10:00 am - 12:00 pm).
- Winter Reading Party (July 12th - July 5th): Snuggle up for a cozy story time in the winter chills (5:30 pm - 7:00 pm, Free Entry).
- Divination for Teens (July 17th): Explore the world of fortune-telling in this unique workshop (10:30 am - 11:30 am).
- Squirrel Glider Tree Planting (July 19th): Give back to the environment by helping plant trees for squirrel gliders (9:00 am - 12:00 pm, Free Entry).
- The Nights with Helen Hopcroft (July 19th): Enjoy an evening of storytelling and wonder with Helen Hopcroft (6:00 pm - 7:30 pm).
Maitland:
- Power - The Future is Here, Cape Design (July 9th - 19th): Explore the future of energy with this interactive exhibition (10:00 am - 1:00 pm, Free Entry).
- Create Your Own Imaginary Forest (July 9th - 19th): Let your creativity run wild and build your own fantastical forest (10:00 am - 1:00 pm, Free Entry).
- My Hero Collage with Artist Catherine Kingsmill (July 9th): Create a unique collage celebrating your favourite hero (10:30 am - 12:00 pm, Free Entry).
- Memory Collective Collage with Artist Catherine Kingsmill (July 9th): Work together to create a collaborative collage (1:00 pm - 3:00 pm, Free Entry).
- Animal Portraits Inspired by Old Masters with Artist Shonah Trescott (July 10th): Learn from an artist and create stunning animal portraits (10:00 am - 11:30 am, Free Entry).
- Create a Mixed Media Modern Landscape with Artist Shonah Trescott (July 10th): Experiment with different materials and create your own landscape masterpiece (1:00 pm - 3:30 pm, Free Entry).
- A Cosy Morning in Narnia (July 11th): Step into the magical world of Narnia for a fun-filled morning (10:30 am - 11:30 am).
- Printmaking Workshop for Kids with Indeal Clark (Ages 8-12 years) (July 16th): Design and print your own unique creations (10:30 am - 12:00 pm, Free Entry).
- Teen (Almost) Life Drawing Workshop - Sketching the Mueck (July 16th): Test your drawing skills with a special life drawing session (1:00 pm - 3:00 pm, Free Entry).
- The Young Architects (July 18th): Design and build your dream city in this interactive workshop (10:00 am - 1:00 pm, Free Entry).
Cessnock City Council School Holiday Fun
Calling all Adventurers, Creatives, and Scientists!
There's something for everyone at Cessnock City Libraries and Cessnock Youth Centre Outreach Service (CYCOS) these school holidays!
Thursday, July 11th
- Tabletop Gaming (Cessnock Library, 10am-12pm): Calling all new and experienced gamers! Explore new miniature tabletop games and embark on exciting adventures (Ages 10-16, FREE).
Monday, July 8th
- Drumming Workshop with Jo from Beat It! (Kurri Kurri Library, 1pm-2pm): Unleash your inner rhythm with a fun drumming experience! (Ages 5-12, FREE).
Wednesday, July 10th & Thursday, July 11th
- Photo Frame Crafternoon (Kurri Kurri Library, July 10th, 3pm-4pm; Cessnock Library, July 11th, 4pm-5pm): Design and decorate your own set of photo frames (Ages 5-11, FREE).
Storytime:
- Rhymetime (Cessnock Library, Mondays, 10am-10.30am): Introduce your little one (ages 0-2) to the world of books with songs, rhymes, and instruments (FREE).
- Storytime with Sarah Corrigan (Cessnock & Kurri Kurri Libraries, Tuesdays & Wednesdays): Interactive storytelling sessions for different age groups (Ages 2-5 & 0-5, FREE).
Unravel the Mysteries:
- Divination for Teens (Cessnock & Kurri Kurri Libraries, July 10th & 11th, 11am-12pm/2pm-3pm): Explore fortune-telling through tarot cards and palmistry (Ages 12-18, FREE).
- Dungeons and Dragons (Cessnock Library, July 10th, 4pm-5pm): Learn the game, make new friends, and embark on adventures (Ages 10-18, FREE).
NAIDOC Week Celebrations:
- NAIDOC Storytime with Sarah Corrigan (Cessnock & Kurri Kurri Libraries, July 11th): Immerse yourself in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stories (Ages 5-12, FREE).
- NAIDOC 2024 Kahoot (Online, July 8th): Test your knowledge about NAIDOC Week with an online quiz (Ages 11-18, FREE).
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Creations (Cessnock Youth Centre, July 10th, 1-3pm, Booking Required): Learn traditional techniques and create your own art piece (Ages 11-18, FREE).
- NAIDOC Week Take-Home Art Packs (Pick up at Cessnock Youth Centre, July 10th, Booking Required): Explore Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture through art activities (Ages 11-18, FREE).
Calling all Budding Scientists!
- Kitchen Science (Kurri Kurri Library, July 12th, 3-4pm): Conduct exciting experiments using everyday kitchen ingredients (Ages 5-12, FREE).
- Cessnock City Council School Holiday Fun - Week Two: July 15th - July 19th
Calling all Movie Buffs, Creatives, and Game Enthusiasts!
- The fun continues at Cessnock City Libraries and Cessnock Youth Centre Outreach Service (CYCOS) this week!
- Movie and Craft (Cessnock Library, Friday, July 19th, 10am-12pm): Enjoy a movie with loveable characters, followed by a fun craft activity (Ages 5-12, FREE).
Storytime:
- Storytime with Sarah Corrigan (Cessnock Library, Tuesday, July 16th, 10am-10.45am): Interactive storytelling sessions for ages 2-5 (FREE).
- Storytime with Sarah Corrigan (Kurri Kurri Library, Wednesday, July 17th, 10am-11am): Interactive storytelling sessions for ages 0-5 (FREE).
Calling all Creative Minds!
- Lego Club (Cessnock Library, Tuesday, July 16th, 4pm-5pm): Grab a base plate and join in the brick building fun! (Ages 5-16, FREE).
- Teen Zines and Comics (Kurri Kurri Library & Cessnock Library, Wednesday, July 17th, 10am-11am & 2pm-3pm): Learn to create your own unique zine or comic (Ages 11-18, FREE).
- Dungeons and Dragons (Cessnock Library, Wednesday, July 17th, 4pm-5pm): Learn the basics, make new friends, and embark on adventures (Ages 10-18, FREE).
Arty Adventures:
- Weird and Wonderful Animals with Sami Bayly (Branxton Hall, Thursday, July 18th, 10am-11am, Ages 11-16; 12pm-1pm, Ages 5-10): An interactive workshop with drawing activities and animal stories (FREE).
- Anime and Manga Club (Kurri Kurri Library, Thursday, July 18th, 3.30pm-4.30pm): Hang out, watch anime, and enjoy snacks (Ages 10-18, FREE).
- Aboriginal Weaving Crafternoon (Cessnock Library, Thursday, July 18th, 3pm-4.30pm): Learn traditional weaving techniques and create your own hand-woven turtle (Ages 8-16, FREE).
- Polymer Clay Tiny Food for Teens (Kurri Kurri Library & Cessnock Library, Friday, July 19th, 10am-11am & 2pm-3pm): Mold and shape your own culinary creations from polymer clay (Ages 11-18, FREE).
- Teen Art and Games (Cessnock Library, Friday, July 19th, 4-5pm): Kick back, relax, and enjoy art and board games (Ages 11-16, FREE).
Animal Encounters!
- Animals Galore (Cessnock Library & Kurri Kurri Library, Thursday, July 18th, 10.30am-11.30am & 12.30pm-1.30pm): An educational display of Australian native animals (Ages 4-12, $5).
Cessnock Youth Centre Outreach Service (CYCOS) Activities
Check the CYCOS website or contact them for details on exciting activities happening this week, including:
- DIY Tote Bag Making with Cricut (Ages 11-18, FREE).
- Boxing Workshop (Ages 11-18, FREE).
- Glow Art Crafternoon (Ages 5-11, FREE).
- Baking and High Tea (Ages 11-18, FREE).
Remember:
- Be sure to check each council's website for the latest information and registration details.
- Many programs fill up quickly, so register early to avoid disappointment.
- Council programs are often budget-friendly, making them a great option for families.
With so much to offer, these councils are sure to have the perfect school holiday program to keep your kids happy, learning, and having a blast!
Rental Team
Contact our rental team for all things related to leasing or to arrange a rental appraisal on your investment property.