Get out and enjoy some fun art workshops with your kids. There are free art sessions available at different venues across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter for kids and their parents, grandparents or carers, some scheduled on weekends while others are on weekdays.
These are fantastic sessions which enable kids and their families to learn about current art exhibitions and be inspired to get creative.
Check out our list below to see what’s available. Some sessions are drop-in while others require advance booking.
Arts in the Yard
Location: The Lock-Up, Newcastle East
Days: Saturday
Time: 10.30 – 11.15am or 11.30 – 12.15pm
Bookings Required: Yes
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Arts in the Yard, is a free arts workshop which is aimed at introducing children of all ages to contemporary arts practices in an accessible way. It’s located at the unique historical venue, The Lock-Up, which was formerly an 1800s police station and now a contemporary art space.
Each session begins with a mini tour of The Lock-Up’s historical spaces and a viewing of the current exhibition, followed by a free, kid-friendly workshop presented in the historical men’s exercise yard.
This is an all-inclusive arts workshop, please bring yourself plus your family and be prepared to enjoy the delight of learning and making in one of Newcastle’s most historic spaces.
Bookings are essential to secure a spot. Please book for number of children attending.
This is a free program for children of all ages and their families. Children must be accompanied by a parent or carer and cannot be left unattended during Arts in the Yard.
Studio Weekends
Location: Newcastle Art Gallery, Newcastle
Day: Every Saturday & Sunday
Time: 10am – 12pm
Bookings Required: No
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Families looking to make their weekends more creative can join in a Studio Weekends session, the Gallery’s free weekly drop-in program. Held every Saturday and Sunday from 10am – 12pm, these hands-on sessions allow families to create art together.
Digitales: Storytime and Art
Location: Lake Macquarie Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima, Speers Point
Day: Third Thursday of every month
Time: 10 – 10.45am
Bookings Required: Yes
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Enjoy a morning of fun with a unique storytime experience on the big screen in the multi-arts pavilion (MAP) using projection and digital stories, followed by art-making and shadow play. There is a different theme each month. Suitable for children aged 2-5 years.
Afterwards, grab a coffee from nearby Harry & Lola’s Cafe, and stay and chat with other parents or go and explore Speers Point Park.
ART PLAY – Monthly Family Art Sessions
Location: Lake Macquarie Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima, Speers Point
Day: Selected Sundays
Time: 10am – 11:30am
Bookings Required: Yes
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ART PLAY sessions run monthly at MAP Mima on Sundays and are all about hands-on creativity for the whole family. No art skills required – just curiosity, imagination and a willingness to get involved together.
Free Art Sunday
Location: Maitland Regional Art Gallery, Maitland
Day: Sunday
Time: 10am – 12pm every Sunday (not Christmas Eve or NYE)
Bookings Required: No
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Drop into Maitland Regional Art Gallery for free art fun every Sunday. Free Art Sunday activities are designed for kids of all ages, and as a family you can all join in and get creative. Each activity takes around half an hour to complete.
Free Art Sunday is staffed by artist educators who encourage parents and children to add to their experience of the gallery by accessing hands-on art making activities in a family friendly environment.
Free for children of all ages and their families. Children must be accompanied by a parent or carer and cannot be left unattended during Art Sundays.
Artspace at MAC yapang
Location: Museum of Art and Culture (MAC) Lake Macquarie, Booragul
Day: Selected Sundays
Time: 10 – 11:30am
Bookings Required: Yes
More Info
Explore the MAC yapang gallery and enjoy hands-on art-making with guidance from a friendly educator! Artspace at MAC yapang is a free creative program that encourages families to enjoy art together while fostering creativity, self-expression, and connection in a welcoming environment for people of all ages and abilities.
Featured Image: ARTS IN THE YARD at The Lock-Up