September School Holidays: What’s On in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter

It’s not long until the spring school holidays so check our our school guide to help you plan what to do.  If you’re looking for some inspiration on what to do with your kids or grandkids, here’s some ideas. Whether kids are interested in art, books, science, craft or being outdoors, there’s something for everyone. And it’s not just for school-aged kids, there’s plenty of holiday activities planned for the under 5 set.

Please note: All information is correct at the time of publication.

School Holiday Programs

Bricks 4 Kidz

Grab a mate and let’s create! Join a BRICKS 4 KIDZ® school holiday workshop for the BEST school kids holiday activity for kids in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and The Hunter! These school holidays BRICKS 4 KIDZ® will be bringing Spring Social connecting with friends and BRICKS! Loads of super FUN & CREATIVE LEGO® workshops with favourites inspired by Super Bros Mario™, Minecraft™, Harry Potter™, and other popular themes. Perfect for all kids. Ages 5+

Programs run from Monday 25^th September to Friday 6^th October. Kids can enjoy creating with pearler beads, playing games, building with technics, mosaics, and join in the engaging BRICKS 4 KIDZ® group challenges. Great, easy locations – Newcastle, New Lambton, Kotara, Cameron Park and Gillieston Heights. A perfect full-day activity for the Spring Holidays! Book Now: BRICKS 4 KIDZ Newcastle | Education for kids with LEGO®!

Mitch Revs Decked Out Kids

Introducing the Mitch Revs Decked Out Kids workshop program—a dynamic creative venture that taps into youngsters’ artistic essence. Inspired by Mitch Revs’ passion for art, surf, and skate culture nurtured on the coastal breeze, this workshop fuels imagination.

A fusion of artistry and athleticism, it invites kids to craft their designs on skate decks, infusing personal flair. Under the expert guidance of professional artists, children embark on a journey to master posca paint pens, converting concepts into vibrant realities. These engaging school holiday 2-hour workshops not only awaken inner artists but also empower the creation of functional skateboards, instilling skills for aspiring illustrators and designers. Book your Mitch Revs Decked Out Kids Workshop now.

Dullboy’s Social Co

Take off into school holiday fun with a visit to Dullboy’s. Whether it’s bowling, mini golf, arcades, virtual reality or dodgem cars you’re after, Dullboy’s has you sorted.   

Don’t miss out on their holiday deals:

• Early Bird: $10 games of bowling or mini golf between 9-10am (walk in only).
• Plenty for $20: 1 game of bowling and a $10 arcade card for $20pp available until 4pm. 
• Feel Alive for $55: 1 game of bowling + 1 game of mini golf + $30 arcade card for $55pp available all day. 

Deals valid between 23.09.23-08.10.23. Dullboy’s is located at Rutherford and Warners Bay. Bookings recommended. Book via the Dullboys website.

Space to Grow

Space to Grow Learning Centre invites you to come along to their amazing Spring Holiday Workshops! Their creative workshops are perfect for children aged 8 to 12 who love painting, making, and creating. Each project takes two to three hours to complete and there are 7 different workshops to choose from including tie dying, painting, paper quilling, a light up hot air balloon and even a walking clay creature and pull-back clay vehicle!!

Places are strictly limited so get in early to avoid disappointment. Space to Grow Learning Centre is located in Lambton. For more information, or to book your child’s place, visit the Space to Grow website.

The Motiv8 Games

The Big Battle 2023 is a special event designed for Kindergarten to Year 6 children. At the Big Battle campers will feel like they have entered a TV game show, representing one of 2 amazing tribes called the Bravehearts and the Goliaths. Over 2 days and 9 sessions, tribes will battle against each other in 16 incredible sports challenges including Super Soccer, Vortex Gridiron, Sector-8, Flagball, Big Dog Cricket and more. On the final day, old clothing will be needed to take part in the coolest challenge we have ever created. This optional activity called Battle Grounds is a 90 minute finale including slime slides, coloured powder, water bombs and never before seen challenges.

Children attending our camps are treated like superstars and our safety /supervision is second to none. We take sport, creativity and maximum participation to new levels with our innovative array of trademark sports and creative activities. All camps are 8:30am – 3:30pm daily (non-sleep).  $110 for 2-days or $60 if you use your Active Kids Voucher. Includes Motiv8sports Rookie jersey for new members. Our last school holidays sold out so book early to avoid missing out! Book now for The Big Battle.

The Motiv8sports 4 ON 4 Soccer Tournament

Motiv8sports is also offering a 2-Day 4 ON 4 Football tournament. Get together a team of 4 mates in one of our 3 age divisions below and join us at the coolest 4 ON 4 Football (Soccer) school holiday tournament on the planet. Age divisions include: Junior 6/7/8 mixed, Elite 9/10 mixed and Pro 11/12/13 mixed.

Make no mistake…this is not a coaching clinic involving skills and drills.This is a tournament designed for kids to express themselves in a competitive environment. We are experts in running events that entertain, inspire and motiv8 kids to compete. Kids are the heroes in a parent-free environment enjoying fun competition.

The competition runs on Thursday 5 – Friday 6 October (venue Warners Bay/Belmont area) from 8:30am – 3:00pm daily. $120 per player for the 2-days includes custom designed Motiv8sports football strip PLUS lunch on Day 2, trophies and prizes. Appoint a Team Captain to book your team spot by visiting the Motiv8sports website.

Ninja Parc School Holiday Program

Get the kids away from the screen and onto an obstacle course these holidays! 3 hours of fully-supervised FUN! Rain, hail or shine Ninja Parc is open every day of the school holidays providing holiday classes for kids aged 6 – 14. Classes are perfect way to help the kids stay active and engaged during the school break. Sign them up to a Ninja Parc holiday program today! Let the fun and adventure begin! Programs available from 25 September 2023. BOOK NOW!

Tiny Ninjas at Ninja Parc

Supervised playgroups now available for walking to 5 years!  Sit back and relax in our cafe or enjoy a training session @ Genesis Fitness Club! Perfect for a catch-up with friends. Held in our brand-new Tiny Ninjas area! Get unlimited access. Enrol before Oct 1 and pay only $12.95 per week (Normally $16.95). Spaces are limited so don’t miss out! Book here for casual bookings.

EVENTS

Amaze and Play in the Garden

These school holidays Hunter Valley Gardens will be transformed into an adventurous playground as Amaze & Play kicks off! Open from Saturday September 23 until Sunday October 8, event activities are 10am–3pm with the Gardens open from 9am–5pm. Kids can enjoy the giant spring maze, inflatable obstacle course, and bubble zone.

The Storybook Garden will be transformed into a fairy and gnome wonderland with beautiful installations along the way including bright birdhouses, potted colour displays and hanging baskets. There will be roving entertainers on hand to amaze the kids. The Giant Jungle Maze will keep everyone entertained as you try and find the hidden animals in the twists and turns of the 400m of pathways, including deadlines to challenge your sense of direction.

Amaze & Play in the Garden activities will be open every day 10am–3pm from 24 September–9 October.

Chalk the Walk

Chalk the Walk returns to Newcastle bigger and better than ever in September! It’s a celebration of colour and energy that is accessible for all abilities and fun for all ages. Come and see the footpaths of Newcastle turn into concrete canvases with a collection of mind-bending artworks during Chalk the Walk. Visitors are encouraged to explore the art trail taking in the different 3D artworks while having a bit of fun and becoming part of the art. The artistic team will be producing artworks from Monday 18 – Saturday 23 September and visitors can explore the art trail from 23 September – 2 October.

New Annual

The New Annual festival is packed with ten days of art, culture and creativity in the heart of Newcastle. Head to Museum Park for a dynamic array of free family friendly activities these school holidays. Learn about Awabakal culture at the daily Ngiarrenumba Burrai (Our Country) workshops. See First Nations musicians perform for This Land, a free live concert on Friday 29 September. Celebrate diverse cultures through live world music, food and dance with MC Yumi Stynes and a host of bands and demonstrations, at Global Gathering mini multicultural festival on Saturday 30 September.

Official Launch of Nelson Bay Scavenger Hunt

Newy with Kids has teamed up with Port Stephens Council to develop a fun Scavenger Hunt for kids, around Nelson Bay! The Scavenger Hunt will take you throughout the Bay, exploring the area marked on the map to find the answer to the questions, and solving a mystery phrase! Join us for the official launch of the Nelson Bay Scavenger Hunt. Come to the Port Stephens Visitor Information (VIC) any time between 10am and 4pm to collect your free Scav Hunt printable on Sunday 24 September.

There will be various activities running throughout the day such as face-painting from 10am to 1pm, Craft activity: Create your own treasure hunt from 1pm to 3pm plus Hunter Heroes will be roaming throughout the Bay from 10am to 2pm. If you can’t make it to the launch day, complete the Scav Hunt next time you’re out at the Bay! This is a permanent, free activity for all ages! Activity forms available within the VIC.

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SHOWS

WARU – Head to The Art House at Wyong on the Central Coast at the start of the school holidays for a theatre production the whole family will love! Follow one little turtle on one big adventure! Head to The Art House at Wyong for the opportunity to see Waru, Bangarra Dance Theatre’s first dedicated work for children on September 22 & 23. Waru – journey of the small turtle is an interactive and immersive introduction to Torres Strait Islander culture and dance for 3 – 7-year-olds.

Finding Nemo – For the first time ever in Cessnock, Hunter Drama is so excited to bring DISNEY’S FINDING NEMO JR. to the stage. This production is a 60-minute musical adaptation of the beloved 2003 Pixar movie Finding Nemo. Featuring memorable songs such as Just Keep Swimming, Fish Are Friends Not Food, and Go With the Flow, DISNEY’S FINDING NEMO JR. brings a vibrant underwater world to life on stage in a story full of family, friendship, and adventure.

Honk! JR. – Young People’s Theatre is thrilled to welcome audiences of all ages to join the feathered folk down on the farm! This heartwarming adaptation of the Broadway musical, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s classic tale, promises to enchant and entertain with its witty humour, endearing charm, and unforgettable score. Honk! JR. runs from 26 September – 21 October at YPT Theatre in Hamilton.

FAMILY FUN

Pools & Beaches

If the weather’s warm, head to the beaches or pools. Lifeguard patrols start at Newcastle Beach, Stockton Beach, Dixon Park Beach and Merewether Ocean Baths on Saturday 23 September 2023. (Nobbys Beach, Bar Beach and Merewether Beach are patrolled all year round. For patrol times and baths cleaning schedules visit Newcastle City Council website.

Lake Macquarie City Council lifeguards patrol Blacksmiths, Catherine Hill Bay, Caves Beach and Redhead beaches annually from the September/October school holidays through to April.

If you feel like a swim at a local pool, seasonal pools open for the September school holidays around the region.

Beresfield Swimming Centre opens for the season in September. Mayfield, Wallsend and Stockton swimming centres operated by Blue Fit should be open for September school holidays. Lambton Swimming Centre is open now. 

Lake Mac Swim Centres of Morisset Swim Centre, Speers Point Swim Centre and Swansea Swim Centre will reopen on Saturday 23 September. Charlestown Swim Centre, Toronto Swim Centre and West Wallsend are open year round. Many pools feature kid-friendly splashpads, grassy picnic spots and BBQs that are perfect for a family day out. On-site kiosks offer food and drinks to keep you refreshed, and a team of lifeguards and instructors are always present, ensuring a safe and entertaining haven for little ones.

Outdoor Fun

Hunter Wetlands Centre – Spend a day at Hunter Wetlands Centre in Shortland. You can join the biggest bear hunt in Newcastle on Wednesday 27 September and Wednesday 4 October. Bring your teddy and join the crew as we explore the Wetlands, hunt for bears, do some Teddy Bear craft and even encounter some reptiles! Bear hunts leave from the children’s playground at 10am, 11am and 12 noon. Children $5 for activity + Wetlands entry fee. Can’t make the special guided Bear Hunts on Wednesdays? No worries, the bears will be hanging out at the Wetlands the whole school holidays. Pick up a free map and clues at reception and go on your own Bear Hunt. Bring your teddy and a picnic and have a Teddy Bears Picnic!

Other activities at the wetlands include Bird feeding (10.30am daily), playgrounds, walking trails, egret tower, bush tucker garden, dip-netting and visiting the animal house. Bring a picnic or eat at the café. Entry fees: adults $7.50, Children (4 – 15 years) $5, Family (2a+2c) $20, seniors $5, under 4 free.

Blackbutt Reserve – Visit Blackbutt for playgrounds, animals and walking trails. You can see family favourites like koalas, wallabies and wombats as well as emus, wallabies and kangaroos in a separate paddock behind the playground. Purchase a feeding cone from the kiosk and feed the emus. Blackbutt Reserve is open every day during the school holidays. Wildlife exhibits are open 10am – 4:30pm, picnic facilities 7am – 7pm and the kiosk 10am – 3pm. Visit the Blackbutt Reserve website to find out more.

Make your day out at Blackbutt Reserve even more fun by downloading the Newy with Kids Blackbutt Reserve scavenger hunt printable before you go. It’s for the Carnley Avenue side of Blackbutt and is super fun for kids of all ages.

National Parks & Wildlife Service – NPWS hosts a diverse range of tours across the Hunter and Central Coast region during the holidays for kids and families. For more information or to book tours, visit the NSW NPWS website and scroll down to Central Coast and Hunter region.

Libraries

There’s always great sessions happening at local libraries during the school holidays for kids of all ages.

Newcastle Libraries – School holiday program to be confirmed. See more on the Newcastle Library website.

Lake Mac Libraries – There are a wide range of fun and interesting activities you can do from creative arts, to storytimes, Lego building workshops and so much more! Highlights include an introduction to Dungeons and Dragons, Brain Wave Drawing Workshop and DIY seed bomb making. For more information, visit Lake Macquarie City Council website.

Maitland Libraries – Get ready to dive into a world of imagination, creativity, and learning this spring school holiday season. The curated lineup of exciting events is designed to spark the minds of kids and families alike. From crafting colourful gardens with chalk to exploring the mysteries of camouflage in nature, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. For more information, visit Maitland City Library website.

Cessnock Libraries – Spend the school holidays at Cessnock City Library! They are running a great range of activities at both branches including Bee Hotel workshop, Tiny Art Glow Painting, Singing Bowls and Indigenous Dance Workshop. For more information and to book, visit Cessnock City Library website.

Port Stephens Libraries – Bring the kids along to Tomaree and Raymond Terrace Libraries these upcoming school holidays! There are lots of fun activities to enjoy including LEGO day, Upcycling t-shirt workshop, The Pretty Amazing Jono magic show and family games. For more information and to book, visit Port Stephens Library website.

Museums & Galleries

Head to a local museum or gallery for school holiday fun.

Newcastle Museum – If your family feels like a laugh during the school holidays, head to Newcastle Museum to see their latest photo exhibition, the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards Exhibition. Make your day out at Newcastle Museum even more fun by downloading the Newy with Kids Newcastle Museum scavenger hunt printable before you go. It takes you through different permanent exhibitions and is super fun for kids of all ages.

Fort Scratchley – Boasting one of the best panoramic views of Newcastle and with space for the kids to run wild and free, this historic landmark is a must do for all school holiday itineraries. Pack a picnic and enjoy the rolling grass hills overlooking the ocean, or book in for a tunnel tour where you will learn about this history of this amazing site. For more details visit the Fort Scratchley website. Fort Scratchley is open from 10am – 4pm six days a week. The Fort is closed on Tuesdays

MAC (Museum of Art and Culture) – Visit the gallery for in-person workshops. Hands-on art-making returns to MAC these school holidays with small group classes. For more information and to book holiday sessions, visit the MAC website.

Maitland Regional Art Gallery (MRAG) – For more information, visit Maitland Regional Art Gallery website.

Maitland Gaol – For an experience your family won’t forget, take your kids on a tour of Maitland Gaol. It’s not for the faint-hearted but it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in local history and learn more about Maitland Gaol. You can also do school holiday sessions at Maitland Gaol. For more information, visit the Maitland Gaol website.

Free Fun

FAMILY WALKS & HIKES

Go for a hike during the school holidays.

• Visit Tilligerry Habitat, north of Newcastle. It’s one of the best places to spot koalas in the wild.
• Hike the Hickson Street Track down to Burwood Beach
• Head out on the Yuerlarbah Walk at Glenrock Lagoon.
• Do the Awabakal walk from Dudley to Redhead Walk and enjoy panoramic views of the coast.
• Enjoy the Redhead Coast on the Ken and Audrey Owens Walk.
• Explore Shipwreck Walk, a walk along the Stockton Breakwater which incorporates the wrecks and hulks of several iron and steel ships within the structure.
• Or go a bit further and explore Gap Creek Falls in the Watagans.
• For more walks, check out our roundup of local family walks.

FAMILY BIKE RIDES

The Newcastle & Hunter region is full of some of the most beautiful and fun bike paths to suit any cyclists – from little ones just beginning on their biking adventures to those kids who want some challenge and fitness.

Here is a list of some of our favourite paved paths and mountain bike trails. We’ve put together a collection of our favourite family bike rides in Newcastle and family bike rides in Lake Macquarie.

FRISBEE GOLF

Take some frisbees and play frisbee golf at Styles Point Reserve in Rathmines. For those unfamiliar with disc golf, it’s similar to traditional golf but instead of using golf clubs and a ball, you use a frisbee. The aim is to complete each hole with the fewest number of throws.

HAVE A PICNIC

Make the most of the warm spring weather and enjoy a picnic or barbecue with your kids. We’ve put together a collection of our favourite family picnic spots in Newcastle and family picnic spots in Lake Macquarie . We’ve chosen picnic spots with barbecues, playgrounds and amenities to enjoy a great day out.

DO A SCAVENGER HUNT

Get out and explore Newcastle! Newy with Kids has developed family scavenger hunts printables covering Newcastle LGA to download for free. Download the self-directed scavenger hunt and then visit the location. You and your family will need to find various points of interest and answer the questions listed on the map to solve the mystery phrase.

It’s an opportunity to notice landmarks and interesting things you might not necessarily notice. There are now 10 locations to choose from: Blackbutt Reserve, Civic Park & Honeysuckle, Foreshore Park, Stockton, Wallsend Brickworks Park, Newcastle Museum and two new scavenger hunts Lambton Park and Throsby Creek. We’ve also completed scavenger hunts for The Station and Museum Park.

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NEW RELEASE FAMILY MOVIES

Want to take the kids to the movies during the holidays? As usual, there are a few new-release family-friendly movies to choose from.

Haunted Mansion

• Rating: PG
• Release Date: 31 August 2023
• Duration: 123 minutes
• Description: Inspired by the classic theme park attraction, Haunted Mansion is about a woman and her son who enlist a motley crew of so-called spiritual experts to help rid their home of supernatural squatters.
• Trailer: Click here to watch the trailer

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem

• Rating: PG
• Release Date: 7 September 2023
• Duration: TBC
• Description: In Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, after years of being sheltered from the human world, the Turtle brothers set out to win the hearts of New Yorkers and be accepted as normal teenagers through heroic acts.
• Trailer: Click here to watch the trailer

Paw Patrol – The Mighty Movie

• Rating: CTC
• Release Date: 21 September 2023
• Duration: 87 minutes
• Description: When a magical meteor crash lands in Adventure City, it gives the PAW Patrol pups superpowers, transforming them into The MIGHTY PUPS! For Skye, the smallest member of the team, her new powers are a dream come true. But things take a turn for the worse when the pups’ archrival Humdinger breaks out of jail and teams up with a mad scientist to steal the superpowers for the two villains.
• Trailer: Click here to watch the trailer

Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken

• Rating: CTC
• Release Date: 14 September 2023
• Duration: 91 minutes
• Description: This year, DreamWorks Animation dives into the turbulent waters of high school with a hilarious, heartfelt action comedy about a shy teenager who discovers that she’s part of a legendary royal lineage of mythical sea krakens and that her destiny, in the depths of the oceans, is bigger than she ever dreamed. Sweet, awkward 16-year-old Ruby Gillman is desperate to fit in at Oceanside High, but she mostly just feels invisible.
• Trailer: Click here to watch the trailer

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