School holidays in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie are set to be an epic adventure, with a huge lineup of activities designed to spark imagination, creativity, and a love for the outdoors. From fantasy role-playing games to intricate model boat regattas, there's something to captivate every child.
From Shy to Confident: The Magic of Dungeons & Dragons
At the Sugar Valley Library Museum, Dungeon Master Dylan Battese is on a mission to guide young adventurers. Having spent over a decade in fantastical realms himself, Battese now runs Dungeons and Dragons sessions for kids, teaching them character creation, combat, and collaborative storytelling.
"It's been a really long and fun journey, I love it," Mr Battese said. The first of two holiday sessions was held on Sunday, with six young participants diving in. All they needed was their imagination.
Battese has witnessed the game's transformative power on social skills. "A lot of the kids started out quite shy, quite introverted, and I see a bit of myself in them," he observed. "Now they've really come out of their shells." One dedicated attendee has joined nearly 20 sessions in the past year.
"It's a lot more enjoyable than my day job," Battese laughed. "I'd do it every day if I could."
Model Marvels and Science Spectaculars in Newcastle
Meanwhile, the Newcastle Museum is preparing to set sail with a different kind of adventure. From January 24-26, the Model Newcastle Regatta will take over a giant pond, showcasing meticulously crafted model boats. The event is a highlight of the ongoing Model Newcastle exhibition.
Julie Baird, City of Newcastle's Museum, Libraries Archive and Learning Director, said the regatta celebrates history, creativity and community. "School holidays are the perfect time to explore, learn and play," Ms Baird stated.
In partnership with the Newcastle Marine Modellers Association, the event will feature live demonstrations of docking manoeuvres and display circuits. The models are feats of dedication, with some steam-powered vessels and intricate ships taking over 200 hours to build for historical accuracy.
The weekend culminates in a Sailor's Sunday Special on January 26, packed with three science shows, food trucks, and hands-on activities where kids can build bark canoes or mini tugboats.
The museum's offerings extend far beyond the regatta. Throughout January, families can enjoy:
- Free science shows on steam power and the 1989 Newcastle earthquake.
- LEGO challenges, marionette-making workshops, and Minecraft sessions.
- Daily drop-in sessions with "Scientist Catherine" for all ages.
Newcastle Libraries are diving into an Ocean of Stories at the Lovett Gallery, with themed crafts and story times. The Big Summer Read challenge also rewards young bookworms for logging their holiday reading.
Other city highlights include Nintendo Switch gaming at Wallsend Library, Dr Hubble's Bubble Spectacular at the Civic Theatre on January 19, and shadow puppet workshops at the Newcastle Art Gallery. Nature lovers can visit Blackbutt Reserve for daily animal feedings.
Exploring the Great Outdoors in Lake Macquarie
Across the lake, the Explore Our Great Outdoors program kicks off on January 12. For just $5 per person, families can connect with the local environment through guided activities.
"We've joined forces with a host of expert guides for this year's program, including scientists, cultural leaders and educators," said Zoe Johnson, Lake Macquarie City Council Sustainability Engagement Coordinator.
The diverse timetable includes:
- Aboriginal cultural tours of Glenrock State Conservation Area on January 13 and 15, hosted by Uncle Amos.
- A 'Bird Bingo' session at Belmont Lagoon on January 14 to spot some of the 110+ local species.
- A Kids' Camera Quest through Awabakal Nature Reserve on January 14.
- A flying foxes and local fauna workshop at the Landcare Centre on January 12.
- A nature journaling workshop with illustrator Henrietta Mooney at Catherine Hill Bay on January 13.
- An interactive talk on sea turtles with Hunter Wildlife Rescue, followed by sandcastle building at Blacksmiths Beach on January 16.
Both councils are ensuring the holidays end on a high note. Newcastle will host a community celebration at Foreshore Park on January 31 to mark the opening of new amenities, while countless memories will have been made across the region.
With such a vast array of low-cost, high-engagement activities on offer, Newcastle and Lake Macquarie are proving to be the perfect playgrounds for the summer break.
