We’re bringing the excitement with hands-on, educational activities during the school holidays:
Wednesday 9 July Slither into our Craft Workshops where kids can create their own pet snakes. This creative activity is a wonderful way for little ones to connect with other local children whilst expressing their creativity during the holidays. The craft sessions provide a perfect opportunity for children to process what they’ve learned about reptiles whilst developing fine motor skills and artistic expression.
Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 July Live reptile encounters for curious minds and brave explorers, with exciting educational shows at 11am. Children will have the opportunity to observe these fascinating creatures up close, learn about their habitats, behaviours, and the vital role they play in our ecosystem.
Whether you pop in for a workshop or make a morning of it, Castle Mall is the place to be these holidays.
Meet Our Resident Reptile Expert
Leading our exciting reptile encounters is Christian, a passionate wildlife educator whose extraordinary journey began at just 19 years old when he made history as Australia’s youngest zoo owner. With over a decade of experience in the animal industry, Christian’s unwavering love for wildlife has been the driving force behind his remarkable career.
Christian brings a wealth of expertise from his extensive work in zoos across Australia and internationally, where he has honed his skills in conservation and education. As a certified venomous snake handler, he fearlessly works with some of the world’s most dangerous snakes, drawing from experiences gained during his travels to South Africa and his work here in Australia. His commitment to wildlife extends far beyond captivity, as a certified wildlife carer, Christian is dedicated to the well-being of animals both in controlled environments and in their natural habitats.
Educational Adventures That Inspire
With an impressive array of qualifications in captive animal management and a fervent advocacy for conservation, Christian excels not only at caring for animals but also at educating others about the critical importance of conservation and responsible animal care. His passion for teaching shines through as he shares his knowledge and experiences, empowering children and families to make a positive impact on the world of wildlife.
During our school holiday programme, Christian will guide young explorers through fascinating encounters with live reptiles, sharing captivating stories about these incredible creatures whilst teaching respect for wildlife and the importance of conservation. These educational experiences are designed to spark curiosity, reduce fear through understanding, and inspire the next generation of wildlife advocates.
Everything You Need for School Holiday Success
Castle Mall has all the school holiday essentials covered, making it easy for families to combine educational fun with practical shopping. Castle Mall News Agency supplies affordable stationery for all those creative projects and school preparation needs, ensuring you’re well-equipped for the term ahead.
Northwest Growers offers a fantastic range of fresh fruit and vegetables, perfect for preparing healthy snacks to fuel young adventurers and nutritious winter dinners for the whole family. After a morning of reptile encounters, there’s nothing better than fresh, local produce to keep energy levels high.
For those looking for a special treat along with all the essentials, Tong Li Supermarket provides an exciting range of Asian snacks and ingredients, perfect for introducing little ones to new flavours. As they’re also tied with an IGA, you’ll find all your day-to-day essentials in one convenient location, making it simple to tick everything off your shopping list.
Join us for an unforgettable school holiday experience where learning, creativity, and family fun come together in the heart of Castle Hill.