Get excited ... NSW has lots to offer these school holidays.
The Little Darlings NIGHT OWLS Kids Film Fest
10-23 January, 2012
Grab the kids, a blanket and some picnic snacks and head to Darling Quarter for a fun, free night of entertainment.
The film fest screens over 14 nights (10 - 23 January, 2012) and is a great night out for the family.
With screenings of everything from classics – The Sound of Music and The Wizard of Oz – to modern hits – Happy Feet, Tangled and Despicable Me, you are sure to keep the kids entertained for the evening.
Where: Community Green precinct, Darling Quarter, 1-25 Harbour Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000
When: Tuesday 10 - Monday 23 January, 2012.
Time: Films screening at 6:45pm, nightly
Cost: Free
More information: www.darlingquarter.com
Hawkesbury International Sand Sculpting Championship 2012
15-29 January, 2012
The shores of the Hawkesbury River will be invaded by mystical sand creatures when the inaugural Hawkesbury International Sand Sculpting Championship begins at Howe Park in Windsor.
Photo: www.sandstormevents.net/gallery/
There will be an abundance of family events to keep children busy every day including: a treasure-hunt-style clue trail through the Windsor township, sand sculpting workshops, sand art and sand bottle workshops as well as demonstration sculptures on display.
Where: Howe Park in Windsor
When: 15-29 January, 2012
Time: 10am-7pm daily
Cost: Travel to and from the Hawkesbury is included in the event ticket price and there are a range of options available. Tickets are $11 for adults, $4.40 for children aged 4-12 (under 4 are free) and $22 for a family (2 adults and 2 children). Buses are provided to and from the sand sculpting event and pick up and drop off from Windsor train station is included in the ride.
Parking: available on any of the four areas of land designated for event parking.
More Information: www.sandsculpting.com.au or www.villagesofthehawkesbury.com.
Harry Potter Exhibition: Powerhouse Museum
19 November, 2011 - 18 March, 2012
Muggles are in for a treat these school holidays with the world famous Harry Potter exhibition in Sydney. Guests will get an up close and personal look at the artistry and craftsmanship that went into creating iconic props and costumes that appeared throughout the Harry Potter films. These authentic artifacts will be displayed in elaborate settings inspired by locations from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry including the Gryffindor common room, Hagrid’s hut and the Great Hall.
When: Nov 19, 2011 - March 18, 2012
Where: The Powerhouse Museum, Sydney
Cost: Family ticket is $95, an adult is $32, and a Child (4-15 yrs) is $22. Purchase tickets at www.ticketek.com.
More information: www.harrypotterexhibition.com
The Art of the Brick
12 December 2011 until 5 February 2012
LEGO fans of all ages will revel in the extravagant creations of New York-based artist Nathan Sawaya's Art of the Brick exhibition. Hailed as one of CNN’s top 12 must-see exhibitions, Sawaya uses LEGO® bricks to construct primarily 3-dimensional sculptures and oversized portraits. Sydney-siders will be the first in the world to see some new pieces that award-winning Sawaya has designed and created especially for this exhibition.
When: 12 December 2011 until 5 February 2012
Where: Sydney Town Hall (Druitt Street Entrance)
Cost: Adults - $17.50, Children - $12.50, Concession - $15.00, Family (4) - $50.00. Tickets can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com.au/artofthebrick.
More information: www.ticketmaster.com.au/artofthebrick.
Kids in the Park
17 December 2011 until 29 January 2012
Finding good-value entertainment to fill almost fifty days of the school holiday break will be a cinch this summer, with more than fifty family-friendly, boredom-busting activities featured in Sydney’s biggest school holiday program, Kids in the Park!
From Kids in the Park familiar favourites such as the Flying Trapeze, Cookies and Craft, Clue Trails and Segway Fun Tours, to annual attractions including FREE Kids’ Day at the Apia International Sydney Tennis Tournament, the FREE Movies by the Boulevard outdoor cinema series and FREE Australia Day celebrations at beautiful Bicentennial Park, Kids in the Park summer 2011-12 will operate at Sydney Olympic Park EVERY DAY of the school holidays.
When:17 December 2011 until 29 January 2012
Where: Sydney Olympic Park
Cost:A variety of free and paid events
More information: www.sydneyolympicpark.com.au
AQUA: A Journey into the World of Water
Saturday 03 December 2011 - Sunday 26 February 2012
Be immersed in an adventure around the world, in which you are both actor and spectator, surrounded by 360º screen projections. And be inspired by the visual spectacle of AQUA to make a pledge to save water for the planet. AQUA is a 30-minute timed show with Australian National Maritime Museum guides to take you through this unique experience created by ONE DROP, an initiative of Guy Lailberté, Founder of Cirque du Soleil®.
When: Saturday 03 December 2011 - Sunday 26 February 2012
Where: Australian National Maritime Museum
Time: 10.00 AM
Cost: $25 (concessions available)
More information: www.anmm.gov.au or (02) 9298 3777
Imax Theatre
For a great family treat take the whole family to see the range of kids' movies available in 3D at Sydney's Imax Theatre these school holidays. Happy Feet 2, Puss In Boots and Born to be Wild are currently showing so whether you are after adventure, intrigue and a good laugh or an inspirational, musical and environmentally aware film you can find it all on offer at the Imax.
When: Happy Feet 2 - January 4 to 11, Puss in Boots - January 6, 9, 11, Born to be Wild - January 6 to 11
Where: Darling Harbour, Sydney
Cost: Adult $20.50, Child $15.50, Concession $17.50
More information: www.imax.com.au/home
Saws and Claws
Tuesday 27 December 2011 - Wednesday 29 February 2012
The Sydney Aquarium has a couple of exciting additions to its waters these school holidays with the arrival of the Sawfish and Japanese Spider Crabs. Marvel at the saw-like snouts of the Sawfish as they swim through the Great Barrier Reef display. At a span of 3.8 metres you will shiver at the thought of the Japanese Spider Crabs' long spindly legs.
As new residents of Sydney Aquarium, they have taken centre stage at the newly launched CLAWS creature feature alongside other crustaceans of the deep. With a new Touchpool display, an Ocean Guardian animal trail, new talks and shows and the last chance to see Lego. Sydney Aquarium is a full day of fun for everyone!
Where: The Sydney Aquarium
When: Tuesday 27 December 2011 - Wednesday 29 February 2012
Cost: Adults $35, child $20
More information: www.sydneyaquarium.com.au or (02) 8251 7800
Bugs Garden
Tuesday 27 December 2011 - Tuesday 31 January 2012
The newly relaunched WILD LIFE Sydney is inviting visitors to release their inner ‘outdoor adventurer’ and delve into a journey of discovery with some of Australia's most unique creepy crawlies. The brand new Bugs Garden exhibit will offer visitors an interactive glimpse into the weird and wonderful life of bugs. Head down these school holidays to see if you can uncover all the insects including Locusts, Bees, Red-Back Spiders, Cockroaches, Stick Insects, Grasshoppers and Huntsman Spiders! WILD LIFE Sydney is offering even more time to explore, with extended trading hours over summer!
When: Tuesday 27 December 2011 - Tuesday 31 January 2012
Where: WILD LIFE Sydney, Aquarium Wharf, Darling Harbour
Time: Open 9am-8pm
Cost: Adult - $35, Child - $20
More information: www.wild-life.com.au or (02) 9333 9288
Sydney Kings 2012 Basketball season
The new basketball season has kicked off and fans of the Sydney Kings can see their team live in action at the Sydney Entertainment centre on the 7th and 20th of January.
Where: The Sydney Entertainment Centre
When: 7.30pm, Saturday 7 Jan 2012, 7.30pm, Friday 20 Jan 2012
Cost: Adults $22, juniors 3-15 years $16, concessions $16, family (2 adults + 2 Juniors) $60 (2.3% credit card fee applies)
More information: www.sydentcent.com.au or (02) 9320 4200
Paddle Pop Adventure Park
Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th January
Sydney-area families looking for fitness, fun and excitement during the school holidays are in for the ultimate adventure when the first-ever Paddle Pop Adventure Park roars in to Sydney during the final weekend of January.
The jungle theme park will also play host to the world’s longest Slip’n’Slide, which boasts 188 metres of never before attempted fun. Families embarking on the quest will take on a range of action-packed activities, from mild to wild, and all suitable for the young to more experienced adventurer.
Just like their hero, Paddle Pop Lion, young explorers have the chance to conquer 13 thrilling rides and attractions including a climbing wall, river rapids slide, adventure maze, jumping castle, bungee trampolines and much more!
Where: Macquarie University Sydney, NSW
When: Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th January
Time: Session 1: 8am – 1pm Session 2: 2pm – 7pm
Cost: Family tickets (4 persons) are $62.50, single tickets $17.20, children under 5 free (limit of 2 children under 5 years per single ticket purchase)
More information: Must be 16 years and over to attend on your own, www.PaddlePop.com.au or purchase tickets at www.ticketmaster.com.
Hatching the Past: Dinosaur Eggs, Nests and Young – an interactive exhibition
November 4, 2011 – February 12, 2012
Discover more about dinosaur behaviour this summer with a visit to the recently transformed Newcastle Museum, currently home to international exhibition Hatching the Past: Dinosaur Eggs, Nests and Young. Housed within the museum’s Supernova science centre, the exhibition brings together authentic dinosaur eggs, nests and skeleton casts from around the world in a number of exploration stations and interactive displays.
Eager explorers will be able to touch real dinosaur bones and reconstructed nests, dig for eggs and view animated video presentations featuring well-know dinosaur experts. Developed in association with the Harvard Museum of Natural History, the travelling exhibition will be housed in Newcastle Museum until February 12, 2012.
Where: Newcastle Museum
When: November 4, 2011 – February 12, 2012
Cost: Adult - $5, Child - $3 (aged 3-15yo), $15 per family of four
More information: www.visitnewcastle.com.au.
Free cooking classes for kids
January 1, 2012 and January 31, 2012 (excludes January 23, 2012).
InterContinental Sydney is cooking up some fun in January, inviting children to be chefs for the day with cupcake decorating and cookie making, while parents enjoy lunch or dinner in Cafe Opera.
The cooking experience is complimentary for children of parents enjoying lunch or dinner in InterContinental Sydney’s Cafe Opera restaurant daily between 12:30pm and 2:30pm and 6:00pm and 7:30pm. For a special treat, children can enjoy Cafe Opera’s chocolate fountain, a waterfall of melted chocolate served with mountains of marshmallows and fresh fruit on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Where:InterContinental Sydney’s Cafe Opera
When: January 1, 2012 and January 31, 2012 (excludes January 23, 2012).
Time:12:30pm and 2:30pm, Monday to Saturday, 6:00pm and 7:30pm, Sunday to Tuesday
Cost: Free when parents purchase lunch or dinner in InterContinental Sydney’s Cafe Opera restaurant
More information: www.sydney.intercontinental.com or 02 9240 1396
The Australian Reptile Park
Jump with excitement as you witness Elvis the crocodile leap for his lunch like never before at 1:30pm every day of the school holidays. Traditionally fed from the bank and behind a barrier, the keepers are now feeding him from the water and it's a spectacular sight when he lunges out of the water!
Make a day of it and bring along your lunch, visit the kiosk, or even cook a BBQ! Hand feed kangaroos in their beautiful bushland setting and meet animals up close when the keepers roam with friendly reptiles between 11am-2pm daily. Enjoy a walk with Hugo, the giant Galapagos tortoise at 11.30am. There is plenty more to see and do, check out their website for more information.
Where: The Australian Reptile Park, Central Coast
When: 9am - 5pm, 7 Days a week.
Cost: Adult - $25.50, Concession - $18.00, Children - $13.50
More information: www.reptilepark.com.au
Webers Circus
January 2 to 22, 2012
There is always entertainment to be had at the circus and this year the Weber Circus is in town on the Gosford waterfront. From the thrilling South American Wheel of Death and Trapese to the Miniature Horses, dogs and clowns you will be enthralled as you sit inside the big top. Not to be outdone, there are also the exciting circus acts and some fast-paced Salsa dancing.
Where: Gosford Leagues club field, Vaughn Ave
When: January 2 to 22, 2012
Cost: Adult $22 to $30, Child $14 to $22
More information: www.weberscircus.com or 0448 CIRCUS (0448 247 287)
