Get out on the weekend 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.
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.
Free Art Sunday
Location: Maitland Regional Art Gallery, Maitland
Day: Sunday
Time: 10am – 12pm every Sunday (not Christmas Eve or NYE)
Bookings Required: No
More Info
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.
Pre-School, Art School
Location: Museum of Art and Culture (MAC) Lake Macquarie, Booragul
Day: First Tuesday of each month
Time: 10 – 11am
Bookings Required: Preferred, but not required
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Join the Museum of Art and Culture, yapang, on the First Tuesday of each month for a free tots exhibition tour with an expert tour guide, stories and art making. The stories and art activities will draw on themes of the artwork within the exhibition and are suitable for little ones aged 3 to 6 years. Younger siblings are also welcome. Children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian at all times.
Studio Weekends
Location: Newcastle Art Gallery, Newcastle
Day: Every Saturday & Sunday
Time: 10am – 12pm
Bookings Required: No
More Info
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.
Featured Image: ARTS IN THE YARD at The Lock-Up