There’s a lot happening around the New England these school holidays.
Check out what’s happening in your neighbourhood or take an adventure across the region and explore your own backyard.
Gunnedah
The autumn school holidays arrive at an exciting time at the movies, with a colourful collection screening at the Gunnedah Civic’s big screen.
The blockbuster A Minecraft Movie (rated PG) is already drawing big crowds as the popular video game comes to life. A Minecraft Movie stars Jack Black and Jason Momoa and is the story of four misfits pulled through a portal into a cubic world where they must embark on a quest.
Also on the big screen at the movies is Looney Tunes’ The Day the Earth Blew Up (PG), where Porky Pig and Daffy Duck discover that Earth is under threat from a bizarre bubblegum invasion.
Another animated favourite, Dog Man (G), a story by Captain Underpants creator Dav Pilkey, will screen until Wednesday, April 23.
On May 1, Thunderbolts (classification to come) begins screening. This Marvel movie features depressed assassin Yelena Belova and a band of misfits. Also coming soon is Bonnie and Clyde: The Musical, filmed live at London’s Theatre Royal Drury Lane during two special concerts in January 2022.
These movies will screen alongside other movies including The Alto Knights, Andre Rieu’s 75th Birthday Celebration: The Dream, Small Things Like These, and The Amateur.
The Gunnedah Cultural Precinct also has a treat in store for kids five and up when Mr Snotbottom visits on Thursday, 8 May at 11.30am. This is a hilariously disgusting kids’ live show brimming with all the gooey, slimy, yucky topics that kids love. Tickets are $15.50 and are available through www.thecivic.com.au
For younger children, and those who are into books and craft, Gunnedah Shire Library favourites Crafty Creations and Book Buddies will delight littlies. Take a look at Gunnedah Shire Library’s Facebook page for times and booking details.
Mums and Dads – Australia’s most iconic comedy tour is on its way to Gunnedah for some light relief after school holidays.
The Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow will hit the stage at the Gunnedah Town Hall on Thursday, 12 June.
Tickets are available through https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1379835
Armidale
From thrilling Dungeons and Dragons sessions to LEGO free play, and even a Nintendo Switch ‘come and try’ day, there’s something for children of all ages during Armidale Regional Council’s school holiday program.
A wide range of activities will be delivered at Armidale and Guyra Libraries, Armidale Folk Museum, Armidale Mall, and at Rologas Fields as part of a diverse school holiday program that includes Youth Week 2025.
Armidale Library will kick off its school holiday program on Monday 14 April by releasing ‘Take home craft bags’, all-day Lego free play will be on offer Tuesday 15 and 22 April (no bookings required), and on Wednesday 23 April there will be paper craft fun for all ages (bookings essential).
On Wednesday 16 April, a Dungeons and Dragons campaign at Armidale Library kicks off for Youth Week (bookings essential).
Guyra Library will be hosting virtual reality sessions on Wednesday 16 and 23 April (bookings essential). Easter bingo will be held on Thursday 17 April (bookings essential), and on Thursday 24 April there will be a Nintendo Switch ‘come and try’ day (bookings essential) at the library.
Visit the Armidale Folk Museum these school holidays to create your own poppy for the museum’s Anzac ‘garden’ or crack the code to ‘decipher the past’. These free activities will be on offer all school holidays.
“We are thrilled to offer such a diverse range of activities that will bring our community together this school holiday season. Whether you’re building, battling, or crafting, our programs are designed to spark creativity, build connections, and provide kids with the opportunity to explore new and exciting hobbies,” said Armidale Regional Council Mayor Sam Coupland.
“The school holiday programs are designed to be inclusive, engaging, and – most importantly – fun!”
Young people will also have the chance to enjoy some outdoor activities at Armidale Mall and at Rologas Fields as part of the school holiday and Youth Week program.
Council is hosting ‘Crate City’ in the Beardy Street Mall for an exciting art, culture, and music experience. Children and young people can enjoy a jam-packed program of events at a pop-up creative play space in the mall, including badge making, NECOM Mini Minstrels, NERAM Art Play, Aboriginal Keeping Place Kids Club, Headspace Art Show, and a Mad Proppa Deadly Concert featuring the award-winning artist Barkaa.
In collaboration with NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors (STARTTS), Council is delivering an outdoor games program on Rologas Fields on Tuesday 15 April from 11am to 3pm. Young people can join in a soccer or volleyball game – or have some fun with the program of novelty games planned.
“Our team has worked hard to ensure there’s something for children of all ages. These activities are not only about entertainment but about fostering creativity, teamwork, and community spirit,” said Mayor Coupland.
“Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to create memories, make new friends, and have an unforgettable school holiday experience!”
Across the New England
Meanwhile, the NSW Government is hosting several events to occupy the kids these holidays.
Armidale: Armidale Junior Rugby Union clinic- April 14, 9:30am to 12:30pm at NEGS, 13-83 Uralla Road.
Baan Baa: Tennis clinics, outdoor movie night, ANZAC day dawn service breakfast and bus trip to Yarrie Lake- April 14-25, times vary, 18 Barenbah Street.
Inverell: Craft and painting activities- April 22, 5pm to 7pm at Inverell Youth Centre, Vivian Street.
Gunnedah: Paint by number art activity- April 22, 4pm to 5pm at the Studio Room, 83 Chandos Street.
Emmaville: Bush kids first aid- April 24, 10:30am to 12:30pm at Emmaville War Memorial, 93 Moore Street.
Walcha: Workshop in songwriting and cooking- contact number 6774 2500.
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