School holidays are fast approaching. The 3rd of July to the 20th brings the daunting task of trying to keep the kids entertained for two weeks. Here are some options to get everyone out of the house and having some fun.

Rui Ceramics in Warkworth are hosting a few workshops for kids to get their hands dirty and experience the art of creating with clay. Children will have a chance to make ceramic mugs or bowls, which they will also have the chance to decorate, before they are bisque fired, glazed and fired again before being ready to be collected. For more information, or to secure a spot for your child, see the Rui Ceramics page on Facebook, email [email protected], or call 021 1815888.

The Warkworth Museum can be a great outing for the whole family, especially with their current exhibit from North Shore Miniatures. The exhibition of all that is small includes their interpretation of the famous Hogwarts Castle from the Harry Potter series of books, as well as castles, cottages and dolls. As well as this, the Museum is stocked full of local history, and ever-changing exhibitions on life from the past to the present. One of their most impressive exhibitions is the textiles collection, with a large range of men’s, women’s and children’s apparel and household items dating from late 1700 to the present day. You can also take a stroll around the beautiful Parry Kauri Park and see some of our gorgeous native flora.

If your kids don't mind a little mud, join park rangers, members of Tawharanui Open Sanctuary Society Inc (TOSSI) and other volunteers on July 5th to help plant the trees TOSSI have grown from seed collected from within Tawharanui Regional Park. Wear good enclosed boots or shoes, and weather-appropriate clothing. Bring along your own spade too, if you like, though there will be some available for you to borrow. Hungry helpers will be treated to a sausage sizzle for all their hard work. 

Mahurangi East Library have plenty of events to keep everyone busy including:

• Fairy story time, followed by a little library fairy tea party
• A visit from Evelyn Davis, who will cast her storytelling spell with her one-of-a-kind storytelling mats, figures and handmade props to foster imagination and curiosity, wonderment and awe in everyday life
• A box fort Nerf play time to release some of that chaotic energy. 

For more details on these events and more, see the Mahurangi East Library Facebook page.

For those rainy days where everyone is cooped up inside, Matakana Cinemas has got you covered. Showing favourites like the Harry Potter series and all of the enchanting Studio Ghibli classics, there's something for kids of all ages (and young-at-heart adults). For a full list of what to catch on the big screen, and showing times head to https://www.matakanacinemas.co.nz/