With a few days left, it is a good time to take the kids to Grahame Park, Carrington, and Smith Park, Hamilton North, where the playgrounds have had $150,000 makeovers.

At Smith Park, the new set up includes two slides, climbing structures, a nest swing and a picnic area, while a play fort, double slides and a picnic shelter with an electric barbecue are among the attractions at Grahame Park.

Another great place to spend family time outdoors is Blackbutt Reserve. Make a crafty clay creature at the Wildlife Arena between 12.30pm and 1.30pm up until Friday or pat some resident critters and learn interesting facts during the 11am Reptile show until Sunday.

 Drop into Newcastle Museum to visit our family friendly exhibition Voyage to the Deep*, which follows the explorations of Captain Nemo and his Nautilus submarine.

The Museum, Newcastle Art Gallery and Newcastle Region Libraries are continuing this week and through the weekend with their offerings of fun and educational workshops, story times and craft - many of them free.

A link to the full school holidays brochure and schedule is available at newcastle.nsw.gov.au.

*Note: Voyage to the Deep is a paid exhibition.