The school holidays are rolling around once again and if you are not lucky enough to be jetting off somewhere warm, then we’ve pulled together a list of fun things to do this July in Newcastle.
Whether you need to drop the kids off and get to work, or want to do something fun together as a family, we have 11 ideas to make your July staycation a fun one.
1. Disney on Ice: Find your Hero
Where | Newcastle Entertainment Centre, Broadmeadow
When | 3-6 July
Time | various
Cost | From $26 B Reserve seats to $159 front row
All your favourite Disney characters are skating back onto the ice in this new show by Disney. Expect singing, skating and the magic of Disney featuring characters such as Moana, Princess Ariel, Lilo and Stitch and the cast of Frozen.
2. Monster Jump
Where | Griffith Park, Stockton
Time | Book sessions daily between 9.30am – 3.30pm
Cost | Adult ticket $30 for two hours
A fun day out with 280 metres of bouncing, climbing, sliding mayhem the whole family will love! Race your mates, conquer the obstacles, and let the kids burn off energy in the most exciting way possible. It’s the ultimate day out for kids, teens, and fun-loving adults – and yes, parents are encouraged to jump in too! (Children under 5 must be accompanied by an adult.)
3. Bubblegum jukebox
Where | Charlestown Uniting Church, Milson Street, Charlestown
When | 7-11 July, 9am – 5.30pm each day
Cost | $73 – $85 per day depending on how many days booked.
Get the kids dancing, singing, acting and crafting with their besties with the team at Bubblegum Jukebox. Suitable for kids up to the age of 5- 12, this five-day indoor fun-fest is perfect for kids who love to be creative. Parents will love the Friday afternoon performance put on by the kids.
4. The Gruffalo’s Child
Where | The Civic Theatre, Newcastle
When | 4 July
Cost | $36 for adults
Adapted from the award-winning picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Join the Gruffalo’s Child on her adventurous mission in this magical musical adaptation. Suitable for kids over three years. Running time 55 minutes with no interval.
5. Discover Sports Holiday Camp
Where | District Park Tennis, Broadmeadow
When | 7-18 July, 9am – 3pm with before and after school care included
Cost | $40 for a half day and $70 for a full. 50% sibling discount.
Get the kids outside for some fun winter activities at Discover Sports. The winter holiday camp offers tennis, pickleball and mini golf.
6. Snow Time in the Gardens
Where | Hunter Valley Gardens, Pokolbin
When | 28 June – 27 July, from 9.30am – 4.30pm
Cost | $126 (family of 4) $41 adults, $31 child (4 – 15 years) Little kids free.
A wintry day out in the heart of the Hunter Valley! Ice rink, toboggan, snow play zone and lots of entertainment for the whole family.
7. Visit Blackbutt Reserve and the new café
Where | Carnley Avenue, New Lambton
When | Open daily
Cost | Free to visit, pay for parking and food at the cafe
Visit all your favourite Aussie animals, have a play in the park, spot the peacocks and ducks and then grab a coffee and some snacks at the new multipurpose community facility and café.
8. COLLECT at The Lock Up
Where | The Lock Up Gallery, Newcastle
When | 20 June – 10 August 10am – 4pm Wed – Sat and 10am – 2pm Sundays.
Cost | Free to visit
The Lock-Up’s annual fundraising exhibition, COLLECT, is back. COLLECT signifies and celebrates our diverse creative community. Let the kids enjoy the incredible art while wandering through and learning about the atmospheric 1800s police lock-up and peering into the cells.
9. Superhero Comic Creator
Where | Windale Hub, bilyabayi, 20 Lake Street, Windale
When | Thursday 15 July 9am – 2pm. Suitable for kids aged 10 and over.
Cost: $60 (BYO snacks and lunch)
Get creative and build your superhero and villain characters from 3D-printed components and create a diorama backdrop. Using iPads, we will then create a comic strip starring your characters.
10. Meet the Author of ‘Spotto’ books – Outback Jess
Where | Wangi Library Creative Hub, wanji wanji, 295 Watkins Road, Wangi Wangi.
When | Wednesday 9 July 10.30 – 11.30am
Cost | Free to attend, suitable for kids aged 2-12
Join Outback Jess for a fun morning of activities and discover her new Spotto book full of ‘big things’ you can spot on your next adventure. Come along for hands on activities including playing spotto and decorating the Big Owl, a collaborative community art project.
11. Winter Wonder LEGO Adventures
Where | Newcastle Museum
When | Friday 18 July, 10 – 11.30am or 11.45am – 1.15pm or 1.30 – 3pm
Cost | $20 per child
Join Newcastle Museum for a Bricks 4 Kidz workshop packed with seasonal creativity and hands-on fun. In this 90-minute session, kids will rotate through three LEGO stations, building, creating detailed mosaics, and exploring imaginative free play.
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