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Free school holiday fun: outdoor adventures, Diwali celebrations and more

North Sydney Council

Families are invited to enjoy North Sydney Council’s exciting program of fun school holiday activities this spring.

From bushwalks and kayaking to eco play and storytelling, there’s something for every child to discover. A special highlight is the Fun-Festival of Light at Stanton Library, celebrating Diwali with vibrant cultural activities.

North Sydney Mayor Zoë Baker says: “Holidays are a great time for young people to explore their interests and expand their horizons. Council is proud to offer a diverse range of free and low-cost, high-quality experiences for school-age kids in our community, ensuring there’s something fun for everyone to enjoy.”

Program Highlights:

Bushcare Adventures

• Family Bushwalk: Tuesday 30 September, 10.30am to 12pm. Join a guided walk around the Gadyan Track at Berry Island, using your senses to learn about our surroundings.
• Spotlight Walk: Thursday 2 October, 6.30pm to 8.30pm. Bring a torch for this guided walk around Balls Head Reserve to observe and learn about nocturnal native animals.
• Wildlife Detective: Friday 3 October, 10.30am to 12pm. Look for clues to detect local animals living at the Coal Loader and surrounds.
• Family Kayak: Wednesday 8 October, 10.30am to 12pm. Explore Willoughby Bay by kayak and learn about the plants and animals of the foreshore environment along the way. $11 per kayak.

Eco Holidays at the Coal Loader

• Gardening with Seeds and Seedlings: Tuesday 30 September, 10.30am to 11.45am. Make biodegradable pots and seed-raising mix, and plant edible and flowering seeds to take home.
• Habitat and Mini Beasts: Wednesday 8 October, 10.30am to 11.45am. Kids will embark on a ‘bug safari’ and build hotels for their favourite creatures out of natural materials, all while learning about what makes a habitat.

Fun-Festival of Light

• Bollywood Dancing: Monday 29 September, 11am to 12pm. Experience the vibrant culture of India through the rhythms of Bollywood dance.
• Henna Tattoo: Wednesday 1 October, 10am to 12pm. A drop-in session to learn how to apply your very own henna tattoo. For ages 10–18.
• Diwali Storytime: Wednesday 1 October, 11am to 12.30pm. Join a bilingual Storytime all about Diwali, then decorate your very own clay diya.
• Foil Rangoli: Tuesday 7 October, 10am to 11am and 11.30am to 12.30pm. Children of all ages are invited to get creative and make their own beautiful foil art rangoli.

And more at Stanton Library

• Dungeons and Dragons for Young People: Multiple dates throughout the holidays. All young Dungeons and Dragons fans are invited on a beginner's quest at the library, with sessions for different age groups. Characters, dice and snacks provided!
• Storytime Stars with Debra Tidball: Thursday 2 October, 10am to 11am. Enjoy a session bursting with stories, songs, and craft as you sing and read along with kids’ author Debra Tidball.
• Manga Hangout: Friday 3 October, 2.30pm to 3.30pm. Love all things manga and dying to talk about it? Come along to our Manga Hangout and chat to other like-minded teens. For ages 13+.
• Meet the Author with Craig Silvey: Wednesday 8 October, 11am to 12pm. Meet and learn from bestselling author Craig Silvey in this fun and creative session.

Apart from the Family Kayak which has a low cost of $11 per kayak, all activities are offered free of charge, but bookings are essential – find out more and register via northsydney.nsw.gov.au/SchoolHolidays

Contact details:

[email protected]

9936 8138