Teenagers take centre stage at the Playhouse this school holidays

A musical comedy about the anxiety of high school, performed by young Novocastrians, is just one of the offerings being presented by City of Newcastle during the July school holidays.

From free exhibitions and workshops at our libraries and Newcastle Museum to an exciting range of outdoor facilities, there are plenty of ways to keep the kids entertained.

CIVIC THEATRE AND PLAYHOUSE

Calvin Berger is the second show in City of Newcastle's Upstage at the Playhouse 2025 program, an exciting initiative that introduces fresh, new and adapted works to be presented and performed by the local artists.

It tells the story of a boy who feels awkward about his appearance and so arranges for another boy to chase the girl of his dreams.

Making its Newcastle premiere at the Civic Theatre Playhouse tonight, the production is presented by Hyde Entertainment, a Newcastle-based theatrical and entertainment company helmed by 18-year-old Seb Smee.

The show is recommended for people over the age of 12, with discount tickets available for full time students.

There are also family friendly shows on offer at the Civic Theatre in the holidays including The Gruffalo's Child, Madagascar The Musical and Disney's Frozen Junior, presented by Hunter Drama.

NEWCASTLE MUSEUM

There's something for kids of all ages at Newcastle Museum during the school holidays, starting with Caring for our Coast, a mini museum experience from the Australian Museum, where visitors can get up close and curious with objects such as a Port Jackson shark jaw, an Abalone shell, a cross-section of a midden and more.

The Maths Magic Science Show is ideal for children preparing to go to high school, while Bricks 4 Kidz workshops will see children rotate through three exciting stations building with LEGO®.

For a taste of Australia, health practitioner and proud Darkinjung woman, Sarah Corrigan is offering the chance to try some bush tucker, including syrups and finger limes.

Bookings are essential for the Bricks 4 Kidz workshop which costs $20 per child, but all other events are free, with no booking required.

For more information visit Newcastle Museum online.

SKATE PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS

With more than 115 playgrounds to choose from, there are plenty of reasons to brave the cold during the holidays to help the kids burn off some energy.

City of Newcastle has invested more than $14 million into playground projects across Newcastle during the past seven years to upgrade and replace facilities.

There are also nine skate parks provided by City of Newcastle, with a variety of features to test skaters, riders and scooters of all levels.

South Newcastle Beach Skate Park includes the Hunter's first wheelchair-accessible skate bowl and facilities for all level skaters; while the Stockton Active Hub features the first street style skate plaza in the Hunter and Mayfield Skate Park has a variety of concrete blocks, quarter pipes, hips and banks.

For a full list of skate parks visit City of Newcastle's website. 

BLACKBUTT RESERVE 

Enjoy the sights and sounds of Blackbutt Reserve with the added bonus of the new Blackbutt Café by Durks in the Carnley Avenue recreation area. Featuring an undercover dining and seating area, it offers coffee, breakfast and lunch dining options, as well as picnic boxes and catering.

Wildlife exhibits are open from 10am to 4.30pm daily, with free entry. Blackbutt Reserve picnic facilities are open from 7am until 7pm. Shelters, barbecues and nature walks are available between these hours.

For more information on booking a shelter or animal feeding times visit the Blackbutt Reserve page on our website.

LIBRARIES

At our City and Wallsend libraries aspiring programmers can learn the basics of computational thinking and sequencing or join an introductory Dungeons & Dragons program for beginners and get to know the famous role-playing game, with the guidance of an experienced Game Master.

The younger kids can enjoy craft-based play including a Playdough Party, or join Uncle Amos Simon, proud Worimi, Birpai and Wiradjuri man, to learn how to make an artwork using natural materials and how to make rope from stringybark, all while enjoying a mini silent disco.

For gaming enthusiasts, there's a Nintendo Switch gaming event playing Super Smash Bros where kids can enjoy some friendly competition.

For more information visit City of Newcastle Libraries online.

FORT SCRATCHLEY

The Historic Fort Scratchley will be welcoming visitors during the school holidays.

Guided tours, led by passionate Historical Society volunteers with a wealth of knowledge about the site, are offered at regular intervals each day (except Tuesdays).

The historic gun is fired daily at 1pm, weather permitting.

For details or to book a tour visit Fort Scratchley online.