Families are spoilt for choice with City of Newcastle set to host a wide range of activities across its venues during the upcoming September school holidays.
The events and activities cater to the interests of kids, teens and parents, from hands-on science shows and creative workshops at our libraries to the vibrant cultural celebrations of New Annual festival.
NEW ANNUAL
As part of the city’s annual flagship arts festival, New Annual, there will be a host of kid-friendly events.
From 4-6 October experience SWING, a thrilling nine-metre-tall swing that’s sure to bring joy to all ages. Be sure to join New Annuals Global Gathering on October 5 to celebrate Newcastle’s rich cultural diversity with food, art, and performances.
Part game, part performance, Wondercity is a unique audio-led interactive adventure traveling through a series of activated sites across the CBD, featuring live performances, soundscapes, film, and installation art. Presented by Tantrum Youth arts running from 4-6 October, this event will take visitors on a journey to uncover surprising realities, and imagined futures of our city.
New Annual will be running until 6 October, for more information on New Annual festival, see here.
NEWCASTLE MUSEUM
At Newcastle Museum, step back in time and join museum scientist Catherine and dive into Planet Earth Science Shows and explore the mysteries of earthquakes, volcanoes, and dinosaurs on selected days from October 1 – 10.
For budding engineers, the Excellent Engineers marble run and maze-building activity offers a fun introduction to engineering and physics for budding engineers on 2 and 11 October.
Creative kids can join Marbling and Marble Painting workshops where you’ll explore vibrant colours and create unique, one-of-a-kind artworks on 4 and 11 October.
For more information on Newcastle Museum events, see here.
BLACKBUTT RESERVE
Spring is the perfect time to visit Blackbutt Reserve and meet the newest members of our animal family. How many new arrivals will you be able to spot? Don’t miss the daily animal feeding sessions, where you can watch wombats, birds, nocturnal animals, and koalas at their most active.
In addition, as part of the new multipurpose community facility and café project, two new shelters – Redgum and Mahogany – will be available for booking starting 1 October via Blackbutt website. Four picnic tables and chairs next to the shelters will also be available, these can not be reserved.
For more information on booking a shelter, see here. For Blackbutt feeding times, see here.
LIBRARIES
At our Wallsend and City Library locations crafty kids can get involved in mystery craft activities to unleash their imagination, make flower crowns or create vibrant paper recycled butterflies to celebrate the spring season.
For gaming enthusiasts, there is a coding workshop where kids can learn through a fun, interactive project, or they can join a Nintendo Switch gaming event to enjoy some friendly competition and connect with fellow gamers.
Board game lovers won’t be left out, with a dedicated board games day and an introduction to the exciting world of the role-playing game Dungeons and Dragons.
For more information on Library events, see here.
CIVIC THEATRE
Step in time to Civic Theatre to see the beloved stage production of Mary Poppins, offering a magical theatrical experience for all ages during the holidays.
For more information on Civic Theatre shows, see here.