PARENTS, it’s time to find extra things to fill the kids’ days as the school holidays approach.

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Port Stephens has plenty to offer parents without breaking the bank, which is particularly important as we tighten our belts due to the pandemic.

MarketPlace Raymond Terrace is offering some free School Holiday Fun but the offering is a little different once again thanks to Covid-19.

From Monday 28 September to Friday 2 October, kids can collect their free cooking product to take home and cook in the kitchen.

A new baking product can be collected daily from the Centre Management office between 10am and 2pm.

The team at MarketPlace Raymond Terrace are reminding families to enter the Facebook competition for the chance to WIN great mystery prizes.

From Monday 5 October to Friday 9 October it’s time to get crafty with a free craft kit which can be collected from the MarketPlace Raymond Terrace Centre Management Office.

There are some great parks in and around Port Stephens, and the team at the NOTA recommends checking out Boomerang Park, The Nelson Bay Foreshore, and Robinson Reserve at Anna Bay.

It’s not too early to take the kids to the beach and Port Stephens has 26 stunners with something suitable for every member of the family including the dog!

Consider taking your four legged friend for a swim at Bagnalls Beach, or take the children swimming at the sheltered Fingal Beach which will be patrolled by Surf Life Savers and remember to swim between the flags.

For surfers and bodyboarders try One Mile or Birubi Beach which are also patrolled.

Enjoy the rock pools and have a scramble at Boat Harbour, and keep an eye out for the migrating whales which will be heading south.

Take the kids to Little Beach and check out the Pelicans as they clean up the fish frames at the cleaning tables.

Take a stroll through the Fly Point Flower Gardens or the parkland at Barry Park where you can enjoy the wildflowers as they bloom through spring.

New on offer is a visit to the Koala Sanctuary at One Mile Beach, checking out the new facilities at Australia’s third largest aquarium Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters at Anna Bay, or booking into one of the new tours of Fingal Island and lighthouse.

For nature lovers don’t forget to visit Tilligerry Habitat where you may encounter a koala in the wild.

The cinemas are open again as are ten pin bowling and these make for great fun on grey or rainy days.

Of course the tried and tested favorites of checking out the sand dunes on a board, quad bike or simply for a walk are perfect for a sunny day.

So too is taking a climb to the top of Tomaree Headland or you can enjoy a similar view from the top of Lilly Hill Lookout if you are seeking an accessible option.

Leah Anderson, President of the Tomaree Business Chamber told News Of The Area, “There are some great shops in town, stop by for an icecream with the kids, check out the great eateries and we are encouraging people to buy local where they can during these school holidays.”

For more ideas on what to do and see these holidays visit the destination Port Stephens website and remember to stay COVID-19 safe.

By Marian SAMPSON