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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Here’s a selection of family-friendly cafes and restaurants in Newcastle, Maitland and Lake Macquarie that offer playgrounds or kids area.
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.
Get out of the house and go for a bike ride with your kids. We’ve put together a collection of our favourite family cycle routes in Newcastle.
June might be cooler, but there’s still plenty to get the family out the door. Discover June 2026 events, family activities, festivals and things to do in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & the Hunter.
Beat the winter blues without breaking the bank! Here are some fun, free or low cost activities to keep the kids happy all season long.
Planning a trip to Snow Time in the Garden at Hunter Valley Gardens with your kids? Here’s our tips for enjoying a fun family day out enjoying winter activities.