Looking for things for tweens and teens to do in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie or the Hunter region? Whether your older kid enjoys outdoor adventures, sports, creative activities or simply hanging out with friends, there are plenty of fun options around town.
From adrenaline-pumping activities to chilled hangout spots and unique local experiences, we’ve rounded up 75 ideas to keep tweens and teenagers entertained across the region.
We’ve even had help compiling this list from the experts — local high school students who know exactly where teens like to go.
This guide is perfect if you’re:
- planning weekend activities with tweens or teenagers
- looking for school holiday ideas
- helping teens find fun things to do with friends
- visiting Newcastle with older kids
Many of the activities below also link to other Newy with Kids guides where you can find more details and inspiration.
In this guide
Whether your teen wants adventure, something creative, or just a good place to hang out with friends, there’s plenty happening across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter.
Outdoor Adventures | Beaches & Water Activities | Sports & Action Activities | Creative & Cultural Activities | Indoor Fun | Nature & Wildlife Experiences | Cheap & Free Things | Food & Hangout Spots | Unique Experiences
Good to Know
- Tweens and teenagers are much more likely to enjoy an outing they’ve had a say in planning. Give them a few options or let them choose what the family does.
- Check age, height and supervision requirements before booking activities such as go-karting, climbing, escape rooms and water sports.
- Some activities are perfect for teens to do with friends rather than as a family. Bowling, movies, shopping, mini golf, the beach and grabbing something to eat are easy options.
- Public transport can give older kids more independence. Look for activities close to trains, buses, light rail or the Stockton Ferry.
- Don’t assume your teen doesn’t want to spend time with you. A walk, meal, movie or activity they genuinely enjoy can be an easy way to spend time together without making it a big production.
- Keep an eye on the Newy with Kids What’s On and School Holiday Guides for workshops, shows, festivals and activities aimed at older kids.
School Holiday Activities for Tweens & Teens
School holidays can feel very long when you’ve got a tween or teenager at home saying there’s nothing to do.
Check our Newcastle School Holiday Guide each school holidays for workshops, shows, events, activities and free things happening around Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter.
It’s worth checking early as some workshops and activities for older kids have limited places and need to be booked in advance.
During the warmer months, you’ll also find loads of ideas in our Ultimate Summer Guide to Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter, including beaches, swimming spots and outdoor adventures.
Outdoor Adventures
Ride the Fernleigh Track
The Fernleigh Track is one of the most popular walking and cycling paths in the region. This 15 kilometre shared pathway follows an old rail line between Newcastle and Lake Macquarie and even passes through a historic railway tunnel. It has multiple entry and exit points, so you can do a quick stroll to a half-day adventure.
Try Sandboarding in the Stockton Sand Dunes
Sandboarding down the giant dunes at Stockton is one of the most exciting outdoor activities near Newcastle. Tours usually include a 4WD ride through the dunes before reaching the massive sand bowl.
Walk the Yuelarbah Track in Glenrock
This scenic bushwalk takes you through rainforest and across bridges before reaching Glenrock Lagoon and Burwood Beach.
Walk up Tomaree Headland
The short but steep walk up Tomaree Headland rewards you with incredible views across Port Stephens.
Venture along the Tomaree Coastal Walk
Feel like exploring more of the area? The National Parks Tomaree Coastal Walk runs from Tomaree Headland to Anna Bay and stretches for 27 kilometres. If you’re not up for the full walk, you can do a shorter 4km walk from Anna Bay to Little Kingsley Beach or a 1km walk from Boat Harbour to Slot Canyon.
Ride the Warners Bay Foreshore Cycleway
Ride, walk or skate along the shared pathway between Speers Point and Eleebana with beautiful views across Lake Macquarie.
Explore the Lake Macquarie Sculpture Walk
The Lake Macquarie Sculpture walk is a flat 2 kilometre foreshore walk between Eleebana and Warners Bay featuring a series of outdoor sculptures.
Walk the Newcastle Memorial Walk
The Newcastle Memorial Walk offers spectacular coastal views and is one of the most popular scenic walks in the city.
Walk up to Nobbys Lighthouse
Take the walk along the breakwall to Nobbys Headland to the lighthouse and enjoy panoramic views across the harbour. It’s currently open weekends and public holidays from 8am to 4pm.
Walk the Hickson Street Track
This coastal walk above Glenrock starts from Merewether Heights and offers sweeping views of the coastline and Burwood Beach.
Go mountain biking
Head out on the trails. Here are some recommendations for some of the best mountain bike tracks in the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter region.
Venture along the Great North Walk
Walk different, smaller sections of the Great North Walk. It’s over 250km from Newcastle to Sydney.
Go Camping
Pack the tent and head away for a family camping weekend. Older kids can help pitch the tent, cook dinner, build a campfire where permitted and explore the area.
If you prefer a few more creature comforts, choose a holiday park with pools, games rooms, sports facilities and other activities for kids and teens. Find somewhere to stay in our Family-Friendly Camping & Holiday Park Guide. Not ready for a full camping trip? Get your teens to try backyard camping with friends instead.
Beaches & Water Activities
Hang Out at Newcastle Beach
Newcastle Beach is one of Newcastle’s favourite teen hangouts thanks to its central location close to public transport and easy access to the beach and skate park.
Explore the Sea Caves at Caves Beach
At low tide, Caves Beach reveals a network of sea caves perfect for exploring. In addition to the caves, there is lots to do at Caves Beach including swimming, surfing and sunbaking.
Go Fishing
If your teens love to fish, there’s plenty of spots for them to go. Here’s our list of local fishing spots.
Swim at Newcastle Ocean Baths
The iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths offer a large ocean pool with lifeguards on duty.
Go Surfing at Merewether Beach
Merewether Beach is one of Australia’s best surf beaches and a favourite with local teens.
Swim at Belmont Baths
Belmont Baths offers a large netted swimming enclosure and a long jetty perfect for jumping into Lake Macquarie.
Play Beach Volleyball
Grab some friends and head to the beach volleyball courts at Newcastle Beach or Nobbys. You can head down at any time without making a booking, just jump online to the Beach Volleyball Newcastle NSW social group on Facebook, see who’s available and head down to play.
Go Kayaking or Stand-Up Paddleboarding
Get out and enjoy the water around the region in a kayak or on a stand up paddleboard (SUP). Here’s a list of top spots to go for a paddle.
Go Snorkelling
Grab a mask and snorkel and explore what’s beneath the water. There are some great snorkelling spots around Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Port Stephens, from calm locations for beginners to spots better suited to confident swimmers. Check out our guide to 6 Spots to Snorkel With Kids in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Port Stephens.
Free water activities
Want to entertain your tweens and teens? Head to Trinity Point Marina. You can try e-biking, stand up paddleboarding or kayaking for free.
Watch the Sunset at Bar Beach
Bar Beach is one of the best places in Newcastle to watch the sunset.
Swim at Glenrock Lagoon
Take a walk through Glenrock and cool off with a swim in the lagoon.
Cool off at The Bogey Hole
Go for a swim at the convict-built Bogey Hole. This much loved swimming hole below King Edward Park in Newcastle is a great place to cool off and steep yourself in local history.
Sports & Action Activities
Go Go-Kart Racing
Discover the need for speed and go go-karting. Go-Karts-Go has courses at Broadmeadow, Kearsley & Nelson Bay. If you want an indoor option, Xtreme Karts Warners Bay is a huge indoor centre, purpose-built for go kart racing.
Play Laser Tag
Battle friends in an indoor laser tag arena at Strike Bowling or Red Alert Laser Tag.
Try an Escape Room
Put your problem-solving skills to the test in an escape room. Work together to search for clues, solve puzzles and complete the challenge before the time runs out.
There are a number of escape rooms around Newcastle and the Hunter Valley with different themes and difficulty levels. Check age requirements before booking as some rooms are better suited to older teens. Find one to try in our guide to Escape Rooms in Newcastle & the Hunter Valley.
Tackle Ninja Parc
Teens can swing, jump and climb like a ninja at Ninja Parc, a course with over 20 obstacles. In the same building you’ll also find Climb Parc, which features 19 climbing walls with auto-belay systems.
Have some fun at Dullboy’s Social Co
At Dullboy’s Social Co at Warners Bay and Rutherford, teens can enjoy tenpin bowling lanes, 18 hole mini golf courses, video arcade games, dodgem cars, and VR simulations.
Go Bowling
Challenge your friends to a game of tenpin bowling at one of the local centres. Try Dullboy’s at Warners Bay or Rutherford, Strike Bowling at Charlestown Square, or StrikeZone at Raymond Terrace.
Play Mini Golf
Mini golf courses around the region offer fun challenges for groups of friends. There’s indoor and outdoor putt putt courses.
Ride a Pump Track
Pump tracks are popping up around Newcastle and Lake Macquarie and they’re a big hit with teens riding bikes, scooters and skateboards.
Go for a Skate
There’s tons of skate parks in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & the Hunter where teens can shred. Popular spots include South Newcastle Beach and Bar Beach skate parks.
Shoot Hoops at a Basketball Court
Basketball courts at parks across Newcastle are popular hangouts for teens.
Get Fit
Work out with your friends at one of the outdoor fitness stations. In Newcastle, get fit at outdoor fitness stations located at Camp Shortland, Islington Park, Lambton Park, Stockton Foreshore, South Newcastle Beach and Wallsend Active Hub. In Lake Macquarie, there’s seven fitness trails.
Play Disc Golf
Disc golf is like golf played with a frisbee and it’s available to play for free at four courses in the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Hunter region.
Learn How to Surf
Learn how to surf with Newcastle Surf School or try stand up paddle boarding with Newcastle Stand Up Paddle School.
Join a Sporting Team
Check out our huge list of local sporting clubs for teens. There’s everything from Baseball and Dance to Ice Hockey and Martial Arts.
Support your Local Sports Team
Buy a homegame ticket or season pass to support the NRL and NWRL Newcastle Knights teams or the Newcastle Jets men and women’s soccer team.
Creative & Cultural Activities
Explore Newcastle’s Street Art
There is no shortage of street art throughout Newcastle. From larger pieces of art and murals to lesser-known back alley artworks, you’ll find multiple artworks around town by some of Newcastle’s favourite artists, like Trevor Dickinson, Matt Adnate and Jordan Lucky.
Take a Photography Walk
Grab a camera or phone and explore Newcastle’s harbour, beaches or laneways capturing photos.
See a show
Head out to a local venue and watch a musical, comedy or concert. Check out venues like Civic Theatre Newcastle, Cessnock Performing Art Centre, Warners Bay Theatre, Newcastle Exhibition Centre (NEX) and Newcastle Entertainment Centre.
Go op shopping
Head to an op shop with your friends! You can shop for pre-used clothes at your local Vinnies, Salvos or independent op or vintage shop. It’s a sustainable and affordable activity. Check out the op shops at Wallsend, Toronto and Hamilton.
Organise a Clothes Swap
Invite friends over and organise a clothes swap. Everyone brings clothes they no longer wear and swaps them for something new-to-you. It’s a fun and sustainable way to refresh your wardrobe.
Head to a museum or art gallery
If you need a culture fix, head to a local museum or art gallery like Fighterworld, Miss Porter’s House, or Newcastle Museum. If you feel like an art fix, head to Maitland Regional Art Gallery, Lake Macquarie Multi-Arts Pavilion (MAP mima) and the Lake Macquarie Museum of Art and Culture (MAC) and the newly reopened Newcastle Art Gallery.
Lean into YA fiction
Write fan fiction, draw character art, 3D print models, Cosplay and more at the Young Adult Book Club, on the first Thursday of the month at Newcastle Library.
Try Cosplay or Character Art
Teens interested in pop culture can create costumes, fan art or character designs.
Upcycle your clothes
Book in for a workshop at Upcycle Newcastle and learn how to recycle old jeans and t-shirts into tote bags, yoga mat bags, aprons, skirts and more.
Indoor Fun
Go Ice Skating
Hunter Ice Skating Stadium in Warners Bay offers public skating sessions and Friday night skates.
Watch a Movie
Catch the latest film with your friends. You’ll find everything from the major chains like Event Cinemas and Hoyts to smaller, independent theatres like Tower Cinemas and Lake Cinema that offer a unique, local experience. Here’s our list of local spots.
Book a Quiz Room
This interactive, TV-style quiz room Quizy puts teens centre stage with buzzing buttons, flashing lights, and all the excitement of a real game show. Each 60-minute session is packed with movie and cartoon trivia, fun physical challenges, and laugh-out-loud dance-offs.
Try Virtual Reality Gaming
UnrealVR in Charlestown offers immersive gaming experiences.
Play Arcade Games
Arcades at Timezone or Dullboys Social Co are always a hit with teens.
Sing Karaoke with Friends
Head to OK Karaoke in Newcastle or Strike Bowling Charlestown for fully private rooms just for your group of friends.
Browse Local Bookshops
Explore bookstores like Harry Hartog, MacLean’s Booksellers or Betty Loves Books. There’s a great selection of second-hand bookshops located along Beaumont Street, Hamilton as well as Cooks Hill Books.
Host a Board Game Night
Invite friends over and host a board game night. From hilarious party games to strategic challenges, modern board games are a fun way for teens to hang out and unplug for a while. Check out our guide to the best board games for teens.
Nature & Wildlife Experiences
Visit Blackbutt Reserve
Blackbutt Reserve is a 182-hectare nature reserve in Newcastle featuring walking trails, playgrounds and wildlife exhibits including koalas, wombats and emus.
Spot Koalas at Tilligerry Habitat
Tilligerry Habitat at Tanilba Bay is a great place to see wild koalas in their natural environment. This foreshore reserve in Port Stephens is a favourite feeding and resting spot for local koalas.
Explore Hunter Wetlands Centre
There’s plenty of nature to see at Hunter Wetlands Centre in Shortland. This nature reserve offers walking trails, bird feeding talks and canoeing (hire canoes available).
Ride Through Kooragang Wetlands (Ash Island)
Take bikes over to Hunter Wetlands National Park and explore Kooragang Wetlands, World War II relics and more.
Pat Sharks and Stingrays
Get up close to sharks and stingrays at the Irukandji Shark & Ray Centre. Change into a wetsuit and climb into one of the lagoons to get up close and personal.
Get on an Animal
Try horse riding or camel riding at Port Stephens.
Search for Fossils at Swansea
For something a bit different, head to Swansea Headland and search for fossils at low tide. Here, you’ll find remnants of a petrified forest from a volcano eruption 250 million years ago.
Go Stargazing
Head somewhere dark on a clear night and use an astronomy guide to spot planets and constellations.
Get Up Close to Animals
Love animals? Check out these zoos, wildlife parks and reserves in Newcastle & Hunter Valley that give visitors the opportunities to get up close to animals. You can see koalas and kangaroos at Blackbutt, spot turtles at Myuna Bay or see a Tasmanian Devil at Aussie Ark.
Go Birdwatching
The region is home to many species of birds.
Spot Dolphins and Whales
From June to November get ready to spot whales off the NSW coast. Here’s a list of the best local whale watching spots or go on a dolphin or whale watching trip on Coast XP, Nova Cruises or Moonshadow Cruises.
Get Your Hands Dirty
Get involved in Junior Landcare and help restore a degraded environment.
Cheap & Free Things for Teens
Try Geocaching
Use GPS on your phone to search for hidden caches around Newcastle.
Join ParkRun
ParkRun hosts free weekly 5km runs every Saturday morning.
Visit a Local Market
Newcastle is home to a plethora of talented makers and artisans and, most weekends, there’s plenty of markets to choose from.
Try a Newy with Kids Scavenger Hunt
These self-guided hunts are a fun way to explore local areas. There’s scavenger hunts for specific locations in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and even one in Nelson Bay and Shoal Bay.
Explore Shipwreck Walk
To see reminders of Newcastle’s maritime history, explore the Shipwreck Walk, a walk along the Stockton Breakwater which incorporates the wrecks and hulks of several iron and steel ships within the structure.
Go Orienteering
Try orienteering at a permanent orienteering course at Blue Gums Regional Park at Minmi or Brickworks Park, Wallsend.
Browse Street Libraries
Find a new book to read at a local street library. Street libraries are small book exchanges found in neighbourhoods.
Go Plane Spotting
Watch fighter jets take off from Williamtown RAAF base near Newcastle Airport. You’ll have the chance to see takeoffs and landings, touch-and-go’s as well as flyovers.
Food & Hangout Spots
Grab Ice Cream or Gelato
Grab a cool treat by the harbour, beach or lake by trying one from our list of Best Ice Cream Shops in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter.
Get FroYo or Bubble Tea
Frozen yoghurt or bubble tea is a favourite teen treat at local shopping centres.
Eat Fish and Chips
Battered, grilled or crumbed? Grab some takeaway fish and chips and enjoy them by the harbour, beach or lake. Here’s our list of places to get fish and chips around Newcastle and Lake Macquarie.
Share Donuts from Doughheads
Doughheads donuts have become a Newcastle favourite. Grab a box of their colourful donuts and share them with friends — perfect for a sweet treat after the beach or a day exploring the city. They also have gelato and shakes as well.
Hang Out at Honeysuckle Waterfront
The harbour foreshore is a great place to meet friends.
Unique Experiences
Explore Fort Scratchley Tunnels
Take a guided tour through Fort Scratchley’s historic military tunnels.
Go on a Newcastle Ghost Tour
Discover spooky stories from Newcastle’s past with Newcastle Ghost Tours.
Catch the Stockton Ferry
The short ferry ride across the harbour is a fun mini adventure.
Walk Across Stockton Bridge
Try the Newcastle version of the Bridge Climb and walk across Stockton Bridge. The bridge is more than 50 years old and if you don’t mind traffic noise, you can walk across it, along a shared pathway in the centre of the bridge.
Visit Heddon Greta Drive-In
Watch a movie under the stars at Heddon Greta Drive-In. It’s one of the last drive-in movie theatres in New South Wales. Get in quick as it’s closing at the end of November.
Climb Newcastle Cathedral
You can climb the tower at Newcastle Cathedral for a great view of the harbour and city.
Represent Youth
Provide input into local community issues by joining the Newcastle Youth Council or Lake Macquarie Youth Council.
Best Activities by Age
Tweens and teens aren’t all the same. What appeals to an 11-year-old can be very different from what a 17-year-old wants to do.
Every kid is different, but here are some ideas to get you started.
Things to Do With Tweens Aged 10–12
Try scavenger hunts, bike rides, pump tracks, bowling, mini golf, movies, swimming, snorkelling, geocaching, disc golf, museums, board games and beginner-friendly escape rooms.
Kids this age often still enjoy doing activities with the whole family but are ready for more independence and bigger challenges.
Things to Do With Younger Teens Aged 13–15
Try kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, surfing, skate parks, go-karts, escape rooms, climbing, shopping, movies, bubble tea, beach days, photography, op shopping and activities with friends.
This is also a great age to let teens have more say in planning family outings.
Things to Do With Older Teens Aged 16+
Older teens might enjoy concerts and shows, eating out with friends, beach days, longer hikes, kayaking, surfing, fitness activities, markets, photography, escape rooms, sporting events and exploring Newcastle using public transport.
Look for activities that give them more independence while still providing opportunities to spend time together as a family.
Tips for Getting Out With Tweens & Teens
Getting older kids out of the house can sometimes require a different approach than it did when they were little.
- Ask what they actually want to do rather than automatically choosing the activity yourself.
- Let them bring a friend. An activity they aren’t interested in doing with their parents can suddenly become much more appealing with a mate.
- Food helps. Combine an activity with burgers, bubble tea, ice cream or another favourite treat.
- Give them more independence as they get older. Let them navigate, make the booking, work out the public transport or choose where you’ll eat.
- Don’t overschedule the day. One activity and somewhere to eat can be plenty. Don’t start too early either in the morning.
- Look for activities the adults genuinely enjoy too. Hiking, kayaking, escape rooms, board games and eating out can feel less like “entertaining the kids” and more like spending time together.
- Keep trying new things. Your teen might discover a new favourite activity they never expected to enjoy.
Most importantly, don’t assume your tween or teenager has outgrown family adventures. The activities might change, but there are still plenty of ways to get out and spend time together around Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter.