Blackbutt Reserve: 100% Fun at Richley Reserve Adventure Playground
Enjoy a play in the adventure playground in Richley Reserve at Blackbutt Reserve. It’s a great playground that encourages nature play, adventure and risk-taking.
Best Picnic Spots in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & the Hunter
Good food and great company are best enjoyed outdoors. Whether you’re after a beachside barbecue, a lakeside lawn, or a nature picnic in the national park, the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Hunter region has no shortage of great spots for families. Here’s our guide to the best picnic spots across the region.
Best Picnic Spots in the Cessnock Area
The Cessnock area has some great picnic spots for families, from national park walks and state forest pine trees to heritage playgrounds and Hunter Valley Gardens. Here’s our guide to the best spots, most with barbecues and playgrounds included.
Best Picnic Spots in Newcastle
Newcastle has no shortage of great picnic spots, from beachside parks along the Bathers Way to harbour foreshore and leafy inner-city reserves. Here’s our guide to the best spots for families, with barbecues, playgrounds, and plenty of space to spread out.
Best Picnic Spots in Maitland
Maitland has some great picnic spots — riverside settings, heritage parks, and plenty of space for kids to run around. Here’s our guide to the best spots for families, from Morpeth Common to Walka Water Works and beyond.
Best Picnic Spots in Lake Macquarie
Lake Macquarie has some of the best picnic spots in the region — most with water views, barbecues, and playgrounds nearby. Here’s our guide to the top spots for families, from Warners Bay Foreshore to Caves Beach and beyond.
The Best Day Trips From Newcastle to Enjoy With Your Family
Get out for a drive & explore the region. Here are the best day trips from Newcastle covering coast, wineries, lakes, rainforest & a couple of lighthouses.
Celebrate the Winter Solstice with the Luminous Festival in Maitland
There’s a winter festival in Maitland that you won’t want to miss! The winter solstice celebration, Luminous, is heating up with a full program of light displays and interactive experiences.
Float Your Boat 2026: Watch a Flotilla of Boats Sail Past on Lake Macquarie
Gather on the shores of Lake Macquarie to see boats pass by for Float Your Boat. It runs on Friday 19 & Saturday 20 June 2026
Step Back in Time at Maitland Heritage Fest Family Fun Day 2026
Looking for a fun winter outing with the kids? Head to Maitland on Sunday 14 June 2026 for the Maitland Heritage Fest Family Fun Day, a celebration of local history, hands-on fun and classic community charm.
Borrow More Than Just Books From Your Local Library
Save money, do your bit for the environment and teach kids about sustainability by borrowing instead of buying. Offering so much more than just books, you might be surprised by all the things available to borrow from a local library including STEM kits, toys and games, seeds, power tools and more.
Where to Eat Out With Kids in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & the Hunter (50 Family-Friendly Spots)
Here’s a selection of family-friendly cafes and restaurants in Newcastle, Maitland and Lake Macquarie that offer playgrounds or kids area.
Get on Your Bike! 15 Kid-Friendly Cycle Paths in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter
Get on your bike. Here’s some of the best kid-friendly cycle tracks around Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Hunter.
Where to Bike in Lake Macquarie: 10+ Cycle Paths & Trails to Enjoy With Your Family
We’ve put together a collection of our favourite family bike rides and mountain bike trails in Lake Macquarie to suit a variety of ages and abilities.