Families who visited any one of the creative workshops or activities as part of the reIMAGINE Festival from Central Coast Council in December will be delighted to know that the festival continues throughout January – with even more awesome events and activities to get involved in!
This fab program kicks off with New Year’s Eve fireworks at The Entrance from 9pm on Friday 31 December 2021 and will run throughout the whole month of January, bringing a HUGE line-up of events and activities for all to enjoy. AND – thanks to the fabulous event providers and Central Coast Council, many of these activities are FREE, if not substantially subsidised, making them a great option when looking for affordable ways to keep your kids entertained these school holidays!
So without further ado, read on to discover more about the range of exciting events, performances, workshops, and classes across Gosford, Wyong, Toukley, Woy Woy, and The Entrance these Summer school holidays!
Central Coast Creative Hub at The Entrance
Central Coast Creative Hub has teamed up with Central Coast Council as part of the reIMAGINE Festival to bring families some creative goodness this Summer! From the 10 – 30 January. you’ll find them set up both inside and outside a fabulous 40ft shipping container on the oval, along with a not-to-be-missed mobile photo booth!
From sensory art learning and nutritional education to lino carving and making your own sushi – there’s much fun to be had at these gorgeous workshops. Here’s what’s on offer at The Entrance this Summer:
+ Little Seeds ArtPlay Sessions: Children aged 1-8 years are invited to indulge their senses with a range of art and sensory experiences. Think clay, large-scale painting, pushing cars through paint, sensory tubs, tipping, splashing, and scooping!
DATE & TIME: Tues 11 and Weds 19 January, 9-10am and 11am–12pm | COST: $12 per child; Book here.
+ Foodie Magic: Brought to you by Little People Nutrition, these wonderful sessions will have little ones aged 18 months to 5 years exploring food through story, music, cooking, nature, and STEAM concepts.
DATE & TIME: Weds 12 and Tues 25 January, 9.30am, 11am, 12.30pm & 2pm. Sessions run for approx 45 minutes | COST: $5 per child; Book here.
+ Paper Bead Necklace Making: Children aged 5+ will learn the art of paper beading. They’ll create a variety of beads in all shapes and sizes and make a funky necklace for them and their bestie!
DATE & TIME: Thurs 13 January, 10-11am | COST: FREE – registration via the website is essential.
+ Felty Wallet Creations: Kids will learn how to sew and create a gorgeous felt wallet! Everything they need to create a unique and functional wallet is provided. This activity is perfect for tweens and teens.
DATE & TIME: Thurs 13 January, 12-1pm | COST: FREE – registration via the website is essential.
+ Foam Printing Artwork: Children aged 5+ will learn the art of block printing and carving without the cost! It’s super fun, easy, and effective to create a unique print to take home and frame.
DATE & TIME: Fri 14 January, 10-11am | COST: FREE – registration via the website is essential.
+ Skate Deck Art with How to Draw: Using a life-size wooden skate deck, textas, paint, and more, kids will create funky and functional artwork guided by “How to draw” tutorials. Perfect for kids 5+.
DATE & TIME: Sun 16 January, 10-11am and 11am-12pm and Sun 30 January, 10-11am and 12-1pm| COST: $15 per child; Book here.
+ Modern Macramé Plant Hanger: Teens can create their very own decorative Modern Macrame Plant Hanger with hand-rolled beads and feathers. This one is for kids 13+.
DATE & TIME: Sun 16 January, 12.30-1.30pm | COST: $15 per child; Book here.
+ Make your own Sushi: Little ones 5+ can learn to make their own sushi using fish, cucumber, avocado, carrots, cold meats, and more!
DATE & TIME: Tues 18 January, 11.30am-12.30pm | COST: $5 per child; Book here.
+Make your own Hair Bling: Children 5+ can choose from a variety of fabrics, textures, and sizes to make their own DIY Bow!
DATE & TIME: Tues 18 January, 10-11am | COST: FREE – registration via the website is essential.
+ Finger Puppet Creations: Little ones 5+ will have everything they need to create three gorgeous friends that can be taken home for hours of imaginary fun!
DATE & TIME: Thurs 20 January, 10-11am | COST: FREE – registration via the website is essential.
+ Lino Carving and Printing Taster Workshop: Teens will make some gorgeous one-of-a-kind Lino carvings and print a choice of a tea towel or tote bag at this fab intro session. Suited to kids 13+.
DATE & TIME: Sun 23 January, 11am – 12.30pm | COST: $25 per child; Book here.
+ Pack Your Lunch Box: Teach the kids to pack their own healthy and delicious snacks for their lunch box! They’ll be guided in making a healthy wrap and enjoy their lunch outside in a picnic setting afterwards. Suited to kids 5+.
DATE & TIME: Thurs 27 January, 10.30-11.30am | COST: $5 per child; Book here.
+ Customise Your Own Drink Bottle: Kids 5+ can have a crack at decorating their own drink bottle ready for their return to school. All supplies are included!
DATE & TIME: Thurs 27 January, 12.30-1pm | COST: FREE – registration via the website is essential.
+ Make your own Back Pack Bling: Use a variety of beads, tassels, cord, and attachments to create a funky backpack bag tag or lanyard!
DATE & TIME: Thurs 27 January, 1.45-2.30pm | COST: FREE – registration via the website is essential.
All events will be held on the Oval at The Entrance. For more information or to see the full line-up of activities on offer (including adult events), visit the Central Coast Creative Hub website.
Creative Workshops with Luna and Co Designs in Woy Woy
As part of the reIMAGINE Festival, Luna and Co Designs will be bringing families a collection of awesome creative craft workshops that will keep kids (and adults) busy, engaged, and learning new skills throughout the Summer school holidays! Here’s what’s on offer this summer:
+ Design a Skate Deck Workshop: Kids can draw their own unique design on their very own skate deck. These wooden skate decks make for great wall art at home.
DATE & TIME: Tues 25 January, 2 – 3pm | COST: $20 per child; Book here.
+ Air Dry Clay Workshops: Kids (and adults) can learn how to make trinket bowls/home decor using air-dry clay. All tools and clay are provided.
DATE & TIME: Mon 10, Tues 18 and Tues 25 January, 2 – 3pm | COST: FREE – registration via the website is essential.
+ Dreamcatcher Workshop: Children will paint, knot, and create their very own dreamcatchers.
DATE & TIME: Mon 10 and Mon 17 January, 10-11am | COST: $15 per child; Book here.
+ Felting Workshop: Kids will have fun learning the basics of using wool and water to create art.
DATE & TIME: Tues 18 January, 10-11am | COST: $20 per child; Book here.
+ Creative Kids Holiday Craft Camp: Children may take part in skate deck art, tie-dye, ceramic painting, and slime making during these school holiday craft camps.
DATE & TIME: 12, 13, 19, 20, 24 & 27 January, 10am-2pm | COST: $50 per child; Book here.
+ Kokedama Workshop: Learn the art of Kokedama – a Japanese form of garden art. Plants, moss, and everything you need to create your unique Japanese moss ball is provided. Suited to children 12+ and adults.
DATE & TIME: Tues 11 January, 2-3.30pm | COST: $20 per person; Book here.
+ Tie-Dye Workshops: Kids will have fun creating their own unique tie-dye designed pillowcases and tote bags.
DATE & TIME: 10, 11, 17, 18 & 25January, 11.30am-1pm | COST: $20 per child; Book here.
All events will be held at Woy Woy Creative Arena, 51 Chambers place, Woy Woy. For more information or to see the full line-up of activities on offer (including adult events), visit the Luna and Co Designs website.
Pool Parties
A series of pool parties will be making a splash across Central Coast pools at the following locations this summer:
+ Peninsula Leisure Centre
WHERE: 243 Blackwall Road, Woy Woy.
DATES & TIMES: Weds 12 January, 10am – 2pm.
+ Wyong Olympic Pool
WHERE: 4 Ithome St, Wyong.
DATES & TIMES: Fri 21 January, 10am – 2pm.
+ Gosford Olympic Pool
WHERE: 42 Masons Parade, Gosford.
DATES & TIMES: Tues 25 January, 10am – 2pm.
All costs are included in pool admission fees.
Basketball – Learn to Play Sessions
Got kids keen to learn basketball or who want to hone their skills? Central Coast Council will be running a series of Learn to Play sessions at recreation centre locations across the Coast this summer.
+ Niagara Park Stadium
WHERE: 18 Washington Ave, Niagara Park
DATES & TIMES: Mon 10, 17 & 24 January and Tues 11, 18 & 25 January, 3:30pm – 5pm.
+ Lake Haven Recreation Centre
WHERE: Goobarabah Ave, Gorokan.
DATES & TIMES: Mon 10, 17 & 24 January and Thurs 13, 20 & 27 January, 4pm – 5:30pm.
Entry Costs: $12.50 per person.
Due to COVID case numbers and staff shortages, the following events have, sadly, had to be cancelled
Crud Muffins at Parkhouse @Kibble, Gosford
UPDATE 14 January 2021: Due to COVID and staff shortages, the Crud Muffins events through January have, sadly, had to be cancelled.
The Crud Muffins are opening another portal to the NadRad at Parkhouse @ Kibble, Gosford these January school holidays in conjunction with the reIMAGINE Festival and Central Coast Council. There’ll be a HUGE line-up of events including FREE and ticketed interactive performances and creative workshops. Plus there’ll be three weeks of all-day art activities to get amongst! Here’s what to expect:
+ Opening Night: The Crud Muffins Inc welcomes Coasties to their official Parkhouse portal opening night, where they’ll be celebrating the space they’ve CULTivated.
DATE & TIME: Weds 12 January, 6 – 8pm | COST: FREE. Find more details on the website.
+ Roundabout Circus Play Space: Learn to hula-hoop or juggle rings, walk the slackline, attempt the unicycle, or try acro-balance with a friend. Whether you’re a strongman or a clown, there’s something for everyone!
DATE & TIME: Weds 12 January, 2 – 4pm | COST: FREE.
+ Crafternoons: Got a craft project you’d like some company completing? Stuck for ideas on how to resolve a crafty creation or simply looking to start something new? Join The Crud Muffins for a casual crafternoon of creative fun!
DATE & TIME: Sundays 16, 23 & 30 January, 3 – 6pm | COST: FREE.
+ Beneficial Bugs with the Wild Pollinator: Join Ben, The Wild Pollinator, in this family-friendly event to learn all about the weird and whacky, supremely diverse, and beautifully beneficial bees in your backyard. Plus, you can build your own bee hotel!
DATE & TIME: Thurs 13 January, 5.30-7pm | COST: $15 per child; Book here.
+ Bendy Buddies: The Bendy Buddy Birthing program is a CRUD initiative designed to awaken your inner child as you’re guided through the process of imagining new life into this realm in the form of a roughly hand-sized posable friend.
DATE & TIME: Friday 14 January, 5.30-6.30pm| COST: $5 per child; Book here.
+ Silly Scribbles and Wobbly Wibbles: During this fun workshop, kids will be guided through some fun and simple art games designed to encourage creative thinking and collaboration.
DATE & TIME: Sat 15 January, 5.30-6.30pm | COST: $5 per child; Book here.
+ Paint Along with Sneaky Natiky: Experience the joy of painting in this animal-inspired paint-along. Participants will receive step-by-step instructions to help them produce a colourful canvas that they can add to their portfolio and proudly parade to everyone who cares to look!
DATE & TIME: Weds 19 January, 5.30-7.30pm | COST: $35 per person; Book here.
+ Upcycled Accessory: Teens can create their own upcycled badge to pin to their clothing or accessories using scrap materials and a simple hand-stitched coiling method. Suited to kids 13+.
DATE & TIME: Fri 21 January, 5.30-6.30pm | COST: $5 per child; Book here.
+ The Horror Harlequin Hoop Honorarios: A roving all-inclusive hoop troupe out to inspire and dream big!
DATE & TIME: Sat 22 January, 3-4pm | COST: FREE
+ Handpan Jam with Daddy-O Dank: Have a handpan? Love the gentle and ethereal sounds handpans make? Or simply curious what instrument a handpan even is? Then join in the handpan jam!
DATE & TIME: Sun 23 January, 2-3pm | COST: FREE
+ Creature Creator Class with Imaginary Ambiance: Learn the ins and outs of how to draw animals, both real and imaginary, and how to create critters right from your mind!
DATE & TIME: Thurs 27 January, 5.30-7pm | COST: $25 per person; Book here.
All events will be held at Parkhouse @ Kibble, Donnison Street, Gosford NSW. For more information or to see the full line-up of activities on offer (including adult events), visit the website.
Pool Inflatables at Central Coast Swimming Pools
UPDATE 14 January 2021: Due to staff shortages the pool inflatables have been cancelled.
There’ll be a bunch of inflatable fun happening at pools across the Central Coast these summer holidays. Here’s what’s happening at a pool near you:
+ Pool Inflatable Obstacle Course & Slide:
WHERE: Gosford Olympic Pool, 42 Masons Parade, Gosford.
DATES & TIMES: Tues 4 – Fri 21 January (weekdays only), 11am – 2pm.
+ Pool Inflatable & Waterslide:
WHERE: Peninsula Leisure Centre, 243 Blackwall Road, Woy Woy.
DATES & TIMES: Tues 4 – Fri 21 January (weekdays only), 11am – 2pm.
+ Pool Inflatable:
WHERE: Wyong Olympic Pool, 4 Ithome St, Wyong.
DATES & TIMES: Mon & Weds only from 5 – 24 January, 11am – 2pm.
+ Pool Inflatable:
WHERE: Toukley Aquatic Centre, Heador St, Toukley.
DATES & TIMES: Tues & Thurs only from 4 – 25 January, 11am – 2pm.
Who: Pool inflatables are suitable for kids aged 5 -17 years.
Cost: Cost included in pool admission fee.
More information: All participants need to complete a swim test before attempting inflatables.
Inflatable Fun on the Central Coast
UPDATE 14 January 2021: Due to staff shortages the indoor inflatables have been cancelled.
The school holiday inflatables are back and ready for a bounce at the following locations:
+ Sport and Inflatable Fun
WHERE: Lake Haven Recreation Centre, Goobarabah Ave, Gorokan.
DATES & TIMES: Thurs 13, 20 & 27 January, 10am – 11:30am.
+ Jumping Castle Inflatable Fun
WHERE: Peninsula Leisure Centre, 243 Blackwall Road, Woy Woy.
DATES & TIMES: Thurs 13 & 20 January.
Entry Costs: $9.90 per person.
Australia Day at The Entrance and Woy Woy
UPDATE 14 January 2021: Due to COVID case numbers the 9pm Australia Day fireworks have been cancelled.
Head to The Entrance Foreshore or Woy Woy Foreshore this Australia Day for fireworks from 9pm!
The reImagine Festival is proudly presented by Central Coast Council
Feature image supplied by Central Coast Council.
