Is your tween (8-12 year old) or teenager looking for a new after-school, weekend or school holiday activity? A new sport or after-school class is the perfect way to keep your older child busy and a way for them to expand their friendship circle. From creative writing to STEM classes, there’s something to suit every in-betweener and teenager. Here are different activities for your tween / teen to enjoy in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Hunter and Port Stephens.ne classes.
Decked Out Workshops
Introducing the Mitch Revs Decked Out Kids workshop program—a dynamic creative venture that taps into youngsters’ artistic essence for kids aged 8 -15. Inspired by Mitch Revs’ passion for art, surf, and skate culture nurtured on the coastal breeze, this workshop fuels imagination.
A fusion of artistry and athleticism, it invites kids to craft their designs on skate decks, infusing personal flair. Under the expert guidance of professional artists, children embark on a journey to master posca paint pens, converting concepts into vibrant realities. These engaging school holiday 2-hour workshops not only awaken inner artists but also empower the creation of functional skateboards, instilling skills for aspiring illustrators and designers.
Ages: 8 – 15
Address: 4 Perkins St, Newcastle
Phone: 02 4031 6488
Website
The Creative Wordshop
Since its founding in 2015 by Newcastle-based authors, Ed Wright and Wendy James, The Creative Word Shop has taught writing to adults and children in the Hunter and beyond. Together with quality collaborators such as kids’ book author Jess Black, they have conducted workshops for thousands of primary and secondary students in local schools and their school holiday and after school Creative Writing Workshops for kids continue to grow in popularity. The Creative Word Shop hold a Thursday Writing Club for kids 8-13 years old, workshops and online workshops for different age groups, including tweens/teens and Selective Schools Tests Writing Workshops for kids in Years 5 & 6.
Ages: 7 – 18
Address: 3/27 Throsby Street, Wickham
Phone: 0408 788 765
Website
Other Tween / Teen Classes
- Art House Studios, New Lambton
- Art Mania Studio, Wallsend
- Eastlakes Physie Club, Belmont
- Hive Creative Studios, Charlestown
- Hudson Street Hum, Hamilton
- Hunter Valley Writers, East Maitland
- Hunter Sports Centre, Glendale
- Krav Maga Global Newcastle, Adamstown
- Little Pegg Studio, Raymond Terrace
- Newcastle Aikido, Hamilton
- Newcastle Parkour, Broadmeadow
- Playstate on Fern, Islington
- Pollets Martial Arts, Adamstown, Edgeworth, Medowie, Valentine
- Soul Fighters, Cooks Hill & Windale
- That Yoga Place, Maitland
- The Movement Collective, Waratah
- Young Engineers, various locations
- Young People’s Theatre, Hamilton
- ZMA Academy Newcastle, Kahibah
Sports
Are your tweens or teens looking for a new sport to try? When it comes to sport there’s so much choice in the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Port Stephens and Hunter region. From sports training programs to skills development clinics and competitions there’s something to suit all boys and girls up to 17. Check out our local Sports Guide.
Youth Specific Programs
City of Newcastle – Youth Council
Location: Newcastle
Website: City of Newcastle
Newcastle Youth Council (NYC) provides an opportunity for young people aged between 15 and 25 to provide strategic advice to the City and to develop leadership skills through planning youth initiatives and staging events during Youth Week each year. All monthly meetings are 2 hours from 5pm-7pm at Newcastle Regional Library. Register your interest in becoming a Youth Council member at the City of Newcastle website.
Lake Mac – Youth Council
Location: Lake Macquarie
Website: Lake Macquarie City
The Lake Macquarie Youth Council (LMYC) provides an important opportunity for young people to have input into Council decisions. Lake Mac Youth Council are always on the look out for new members. If you’re aged between 12-24, live in Lake Macquarie and want to have your say on how Council policies and actions affect young people, consider submitting an application. Meetings are held each month on the second Wednesday of the month from 5-7pm. Lake Mac Youth Council welcomes visitors to sit in on meetings to see what Youth Council is all about.
PCYC (Police Citizens Youth Club)
Location: Bennetts Green, Broadmeadow, Cessnock, Maitland, Morisset, Nelson Bay, Raymond Terrace, Singleton
Website: PCYC
The PCYC offer a number of Youth Programs through their Hunter, Lake Macquarie, Newcastle and Port Stephens locations. These programs include Fit For Life and Fit For Work (through the RISEUP strategy), the Nations of Origin Program, U-Nites and Safer Drivers Courses. Refer to the PCYC NSW website for more information and to find out what’s on offer at your local club.
The Place, Charlestown Community Centre
Location: Charlestown
Website: The Place
Eastlake Youth Centre host a free drop-in style Youth Centre at The Place on Thursday nights from 6.30-9pm. Young people aged 12 years to 17 years are invited to attend. The Youth Centre features free music, free food, free table tennis, free pool tables, games and special events.