With the weather heating up and school holidays upon us, here are some ideas to keep the kids entertained.
Check out the Mid North Coaster’s picks for family-friendly events in October.
Know of any upcoming events? Send an email to: [email protected].
Looking for our September events? Scroll down to the bottom of the page.
🟡 Junior ranger: Dorrigo rainforest kids nature play
Image credit: Louise Walpole/NPWS.
A ranger-guided nature adventure where kids can explore World Heritage-listed rainforest through games, guided sensory activities and wildlife discovery. This experience is designed for kids aged five to 12 (kids under five can attend with a parent or carer).
🗓️ Wednesday September 7
📍 Dorrigo National Park, Dorrigo
🎟️$11
More information
🟡 Trial Bay Gaol: Life behind bars kids tour
Image credit: John Spencer/DCCEEW.
A family-friendly tour of the historic Trial Bay Gaol near South West Rocks, where kids will discover what life was like for prisoners held behind the walls.
🗓️ October 6 and 7
📍 Trial Bay Gaol, Arakoon
🎟️$18
More information
🟡 Koala Kids Club
The Coramba Hotel offers Koala Kids Club every Saturday and Sunday, with free kids activities from 1-3pm.
🗓️ Every Saturday and Sunday
📍 Coramba Hotel, Coramba
🎟️Free
More information
🟡 Boo at the Zoo
A Halloween-themed event at Billabong Zoo in Port Macquarie, featuring a trick-or-treat trail, animal encounters, a kids disco and face painting.
🗓️ Saturday 31 October
📍 Billabong Zoo, Port Macquarie
🎟️From $39.50
More information
🟡 Where is the Green Sheep?
Where is the Green Sheep? is an immersive visual theatre experience based on the children’s book by Mem Fox and Judy Horacek. Suitable for ages one to six.
🗓️ Tuesday 27 October
📍 The Glasshouse, Port Macquarie
🎟️$30
More information
🟡 Bellbrook Yowie Festival
The Bellbrook Yowie Festival returns to Bellbrook for a weekend of music, entertainment, country fun and yowie folklore.
🗓️ October 2-4
📍 Bellbrook Hotel, Bellbrook
🎟️ Adult $10, kids under 14 free
More information
🟡 City of Coffs Harbour school holiday program
Coffs Harbour's council is putting on a range of school holiday activities until October 11, including workshops, shows, films and adventures in nature.
🗓️ September 28 to October 10
📍 Coffs Coast
🎟️ Depends on the activity
More information
🟡 MidCoast Libraries activities
Libraries in the MidCoast LGA offer regular activities for kids through the school holidays, including bingo, wildlife workshops, art and craft and movie screenings.
🗓️ Throughout October
📍 MidCoast library facilities
🎟️ Free
More information
🟡 Mid North Coast Co-operative Library Service
Libraries at Port Macquarie, Laurieton and Wauchope will host sessions where kids can create craft items like marionette chicks, pom-pom sheep or a hobby horse.
🗓️ Throughout October
📍 Port Macquarie-Hastings Libraries
🎟️ Free
More information
September events
🟡 Bluey’s Big Play
A theatrical adaptation of award-winning Australian children’s television series Bluey comes to Port Macquarie after a global tour.
🗓️ Tuesday September 1 and Wednesday September 2
📍 The Glasshouse, Port Macquarie
🎟️Single: $59.90, Child (up to 12 years) $55
More information
🟡 Hastings Farm Gate Tour
An annual showcase of locally grown produce, offering a self-drive tour of properties across the Hastings region.
🗓️ Saturday September 12 and Sunday September 13
📍 Farms across Hastings region
🎟️On sale now
More information
🟡 Riverside Rhythms Festival
A day of music, markets and community activities on the banks of the Macleay River at Kempsey, headlined by Nambucca Valley artist Tasman Keith.
🗓️ Saturday September 5
📍 Riverside Park, Kempsey
🎟️Free
More information
🟡 It’s OK on the Macleay
Annual community event celebrating diversity in the Macleay Valley, featuring a runway show, free entertainment and games for the kids.
🗓️ Sunday September 20
📍 Riverside Park, Kempsey
🎟️Free
More information
🟡 Pig racing at the Fredo Pub
The historic Fredo Pub is hosting pig racing, live music and activities for families on Father’s Day.
🗓️ Sunday September 6
📍 Fredo Pub, Frederickton
🎟️Free entry
More information
🟡 Little Lego Lovers
A regular opportunity for kids and parents to create with Lego at the Nambucca Heads Library.
🗓️ Every Friday in September
📍 Nambucca Heads Library
🎟️Free
More information
🟡 Introduction to Acrylic Painting
Beginner courses for kids and adults wanting to learn to paint using acrylics, with artist Deborah Broughton.
🗓️ Saturdays in September
📍 Studio45, Gladstone
🎟️Kids: $30 per class, Adult: $60 per class
More information
🟡 Kids Gamer Party
An evening of games, music, dancing and visits from beloved gaming characters at Social Alley in South West Rocks.
🗓️ Wednesday September 30
📍 Social Alley, South West Rocks Country Club
🎟️Free
More information