Our Makerspace
Something for everyone
Outdoor Makerspace
Messy Play
The Yard's outdoor makerspace offers hands-on creativity in an open-air setting. Makers explore, build, and paint with real tools and sustainable materials, along with an array of loose parts. Makers can also engage in the whimsical art of crafting potions and concoctions in our mud kitchen. —igniting imagination and creativity in the great outdoors!
Making Room
Crafters paradise
3 - 99 years old
With over 120 materials at makers fingertips, creativity knows no bounds! Makers can choose from a variety of bases of our peg wall or start from scratch with their imagination. We emphasise process over product, encouraging makers to explore, experiment, and enjoy the journey of creation. Whether building, crafting, or designing, the possibilities are endless! A space to unleash the inner artist and bring unique ideas to life in a vibrant, inspiring space.
Tool Shed
Tool enthusiasts
3 - 99 years old
Makers can discover the joy of building and crafting with real tools! Our Tool Shed is designed to inspire creativity and hands-on learning. With a variety of tools and materials available, makers can explore woodworking, construction, and DIY projects while developing essential skills and confidence. We prioritise safety and encourage collaboration, allowing everyone to learn and create together. Dive into a world of imagination and craftsmanship in the Tool Shed—where every project is an opportunity for exploration and growth!
Splatter Room
Colourful chaos
3 - 99 years old
Makers can experiment with various tools to paint, layering colours to create unique abstract masterpieces. Emphasising the joy of the process over perfection, we encourage everyone to explore their imagination without the pressure of matching an example. Dive into a world of vibrant expression and let creativity flow freely in the Splatter Room!
Our makerspace can be a busy place sometimes!
We are so grateful that there are so many many grown ups that want to visit with their littles. With a bit of pre-planning you can make sure everyone gets the most from their visit.
Tips to help you plan a visit
1. Arrive early!
We occasionally have a line before our drop-in sessions begin. We recommend arriving early (5 - 10 minutes) before your desired session begins. We cannot start the session until everyone has arrived, in order to meet safety requirements. Your cooperation is appreciated to ensure a smooth and safe experience for all participants.
2. Closed-in-shoes
We require both children and their grown ups to wear closed-in shoes in every area of our makerspace.
3. Dress for mess.
Adults as well as children cannot fully enjoy our makerspace if they have to worry about their clothes. Creativity can get messy and also, bathroom accidents can occur when young children become deeply engaged. We recommend bringing along an extra set of clothing, just in case. When have a change room and bathroom facilities available on site for convenience.
4. 0 - walking
Children aged 0-walking are welcome to join with their older siblings! However, as our site isn’t fully equipped for crawling exploration, please ensure little ones are in a pram or baby carrier. We also have a cosy spot in our outdoor makerspace where they can enjoy some tummy time or sitting play, with an adult staying close by to supervise.
Location & Parking
Address
Parking
57 Station Street
Waratah, 2298
Parking directly outside our makerspace is limited to 1 hour. We recommend parking a bit further down the street or on Tighe Street or Dulling Street for longer stays.
Entering The Yard. Newcastle
For all sessions, please wait by the fence, and a Yard staff member will let you in through the gate shortly before the session begins.