Father’s Day is on Sunday 7 September 2025, and it’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate the special man or men in your life, whether that’s a father, grandfather, carer, or another significant male role model. The day doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated; it’s about making memories and showing appreciation.
From a relaxing day at the movies or an outdoor adventure to a delicious meal or quality family time, you can celebrate in a way that’s unique to your family. To help you get started, we’ve put together some ideas for making Father’s Day special as well as a list of local events happening this Father’s Day weekend.
Fun Activities To Do With Dad
Head out on a family bike ride. If the weather is favourable, enjoy the day by getting out of the house and going for a family bike ride. We’ve put together a collection of 15 kid-friendly cycle paths in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter. If Dad enjoys mountain biking, check out our list of best family-friendly mountain biking trails.
Play a round or two of disc (frisbee) golf. There are 4 disc golf courses in the region at East Maitland, Jesmond, Lambton and Rathmines. Pack a picnic lunch and a few frisbees and see who can finish the course in the least amount of throws. Read our article on where to play disc golf in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter.
Take him out for coffee. Choose from one of these local cafes with nearby playgrounds and, while Dad relaxes with a hot drink of his choice, the kids can have fun playing on the nearby playground equipment.
Enjoy a picnic lunch (or morning/afternoon tea). If the weather is good, pack a picnic lunch, a thermos and a picnic rug and take him to one of these best picnic spots in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter. If it happens to rain you can always throw out a picnic rug and enjoy a picnic on the lounge room floor at home.
Go to the movies. Catch the latest blockbuster on the big screen. Here are 9 places to see a family movie.
Challenge him to a round or two of mini golf. Putt putt golf is the perfect family activity – super fun for all ages. There are plenty of places to play putt putt golf in the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter region, including indoor and outdoor options.
Take him for lunch at a local pub or club. We’ve put together a list of playgrounds with nearby pubs and clubs. All these playgrounds are in walking distance of a pub or club so, after lunch, the kids can enjoy a play and a run around.
Shoot some hoops together. Challenge him to a basketball shootout. We’ve put together a list of 16 playgrounds with basketball courts in the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter. This is a good choice for families with lots of kids or kids of varying ages.
Go for a walk. There’s nothing quite like a good outdoor walk in winter time. We’re spoilt for choice in the Newcastle region. Be it a beach, harbour, lake or bush walk, get Dad outdoors and enjoy a family walk. Here are some of the best kid-friendly walks around Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter. For bushwalks, here are our picks for the best Newcastle walks and bush trails.
Go fishing. Find a quiet spot to settle back and reel ’em in. Here’s our list of best family fishing spots in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter, including some of our best tips for throwing in a line.
Local Events Happening on Father’s Day Weekend
There are a few events happening in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & The Hunter this Father’s Day weekend.
Father’s Day Farbecue at Dullboy’s Warners Bay
Give dad the perfect opportunity to rock his new pair of socks by treating him to a fun day out at Dullboy’s Social Co! Dads bowl or putt for FREE* all day, plus grab a smoked brisket bun and a beer from the Farbecue in the mini golf area from 11:30am to 3pm. Bookings available at The Diner for lunch or dinner feat. a brand new menu!
* Dad must be accompanied by a full paying customer. Cannot be used with other offers. Bookings recommended.
Date: Sunday 7 September 2025
Time: 9am – 10pm
Location: Dullboy’s Warners Bay
Website
Father’s Day at Dullboy’s Rutherford
Dads bowl or putt for FREE* this Father’s Day at Dullboy’s Social Co Rutherford! Enjoy a fun day out with the fam by enjoying a game of bowling, indoor mini golf and some competitive fun on the arcades. Make sure to book a table for lunch or dinner at Charlie’s Diner & Bar.
*Dad must be accompanied by a full paying customer. Cannot be used with other offers. Bookings recommended.
Date: Sunday 7 September 2025
Time: 9am – 10pm
Location: Dullboy’s Rutherford
Website
Conversations that Matter with Yumi Stynes, Emma Grey and Top Blokes
Join broadcaster and author Yumi Stynes, best selling author Emma Grey and the team from local organisation Top Blokes for a thought-provoking and inspiring discussion focused on consent, respect, healthy masculinity and safety. Together this panel brings heart, expertise, and lived experience to the kinds of conversations that can change lives.
Date: Saturday 6 September 2025
Time: 3pm – 4:30pm
Location: East Maitland Library
Age Group: Adults
Cost: $15 + booking fee
Website
Response III Sculpture in the Botanic Gardens
Enjoy a day at the Hunter Region Botanic Gardens with Dad! Their biennial collaboration with Newcastle University, Response III Sculpture in the Botanic Gardens, is on again!
Date: Runs until Sunday 14 September 2025
Time: Gardens open daily 9am – 4pm
Location: Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, Heatherbrae
Cost: View the sculptures as part of your $5 entry fee to the Gardens
Website
Nature Makers: Art, Garden & Growing Together (Family Workshop)
Get creative, get muddy, and grow something beautiful with Dad! These monthly, hands-on workshop series invites families to explore the wonders of nature through gardening, eco-friendly crafts, and environmental learning. This month’s session is Seed Stories: Grow and Create with Native Seeds.
Date: Sunday 7 September 2025
Time: 10 – 11.30am
Location: Landcare and Sustainable Living Centre, umali barai-ku, Booragul
Age Group: For kids aged 3-12 and their grown-ups
Cost: All workshops are free to attend, but bookings are required
Website
Father’s Day Breakfast or Lunch Cruise
Celebrate Father’s Day with a memorable yacht cruise on Newcastle Harbour. This 2.5-hour experience offers a perfect morning for relaxation and family enjoyment. This special Father’s Day Cruise is the ideal way to treat Dad to an unforgettable experience. Children under 15 can join the celebration, with breakfast included.
Date: Sunday 7 September 2025
Time: 9:30am & 1pm
Location: Lee Wharf, Honeysuckle
Cost: $79 for adults, $49 for kids aged 2 – 15
Website
Father’s Day Lunch Cruise
Make this Father’s Day one to remember with a relaxing lunch cruise aboard Nova Cruises. Set sail on Newcastle Harbour and treat Dad to a scenic afternoon on the water, complete with a free drink on arrival just for Dad!
Date: Sunday 7 September 2025
Time: 12pm – 2:30pm
Location: Lee Wharf, Honeysuckle
Cost: $70
Website
Fathers Day Lunch Featuring Fit for a King Platter
Treat dad like royalty with a Fit for a King Platter courtesy of seafood specialist The Kingfish Honeysuckle. This Father’s Day, The Kingfish Honeysuckle invites guests to honour all the father figures who’ve made an impact — dads, stepdads, grandads, and mentors with a meal as memorable as they are.
Available only Father’s Day weekend, the Fit for a King Platter brings together the best of the sea in a generous, share-style spread (ideal for 2–3). Fresh, vibrant, and served with signature coastal flair, the platter pairs perfectly with The Kingfish Honeysuckle’s stunning harbourside setting.
Date: Saturday 6 & Sunday 7 September 2025
Location: The Kingfish Honeysuckle
Website
Homegrown Market Speers Point
Buy Dad a special Father’s Day gift at the Homegrown Markets in Lake Mac! Celebrating all things handmade, eco focused and locally designed, find them by the lake at Speers Point Park.
Date: Sunday 7 September 2025
Time: 10am – 2pm
Location: Speers Point Park, Park Road, Speers Point
Cost: Free entry
Website
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