Meg White
It may not be the first place that comes to mind if you’re considering a day out with the family, but there are a few secret gems hiding in the Medowie/Raymond Terrace area to interest families with children of all ages.
If you want a place to take both your kids and dogs, visit Raworth Park near East Maitland. It has a playground and off-leash dog area.
Take an iconic tour of Newcastle on Newcastle’s Famous Tram. It’s a genuine replica of the original Newcastle working tram and a fun way to discover beautiful parks, beaches and historical sights.
If you have a little train lover in your family, you can’t beat a visit to Richmond Vale Railway Museum. Enjoy steam ride train rides, play with signalling equipment and learn about the Richmond Main Colliery.
Visit Maitland Park Playground, a fenced all-abilities playground with equipment suited to a range of ages.
If you’re looking for a unique day trip with the family, then head to Tilligerry Habitat, north of Newcastle. It’s one of the best places to spot koalas in the wild.
Father’s Day is just around the corner (Sunday 6 September) and what better excuse for the kids to get crafty and create something handmade for their Dad, Pop or Grandad.
Keep exercising through the lockdown. Here are our favourite fun workouts. All can be done at home with kids and require little to no equipment.
Two playgrounds, exercise area & half-sized netball/basketball court, bike & scooter paths and public art makes Bower Reserve Playground in Medowie a top family spot.
Nature, culture, history. Belmont Lagoon Walk in Lake Macquarie has it all. This flat 4.3km walk is a great family walk.
Fully-fenced with shade cloth, the Fern Bay playground is great for kids of all ages. It includes swings, rope bridge climbing equipment and basketball / handball court.
Explore Stockton on a family bike ride. This 7km flat and easy bike path stretches from Stockton Bridge around the peninsula to the breakwall.
Don’t miss the reptile show at Blackbutt Reserve in Newcastle. It’s an educational & entertaining hands-on experience for kids and adults.
Milk a cow, bottle-feed baby animals, ride a tractor-trailer and pat a koala. There’s so much fun for families at Oakvale Wildlife Park in Port Stephens.