Father’s Day is on Sunday 6 September 2026, 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 10+ 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 mini 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 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.
Treat your dad to some doughnuts. DoughHeads are creating special Father’s Day doughnut packs. The two flavours are Maple Bacon Scroll, a Brioche scroll, dipped in spiced maple glaze and topped with pork crackle and bacon and a Banoffee Turnover filled with whipped dulce de leche, vanilla custard and banana, and covered in caster sugar and chocolate drizzle. Available in 2 packs, 6 packs or 12 packs, with an equal number of each flavour in every pack. Pickup or delivery Sunday 6th September ONLY. These packs are not available on alternate dates. Pre-orders are HIGHLY recommended.
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 at Dullboy’s Social Co
Treat dad to a free round of bowling or mini golf this Father’s Day, on the house when he’s with a paying customer. Stick around for the $15 pizza and mini golf combo, cheap house beers and frozen cocktails, and make a proper afternoon of it. Bowling gets busy, so book ahead.
Date: Sunday 6 September 2026
Time: From 12pm
Location: Dullboy’s Social Co, Warners Bay
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free round of bowling or mini golf for dads with a paying customer, $15 pizza + mini golf combo (see website for other pricing), bookings recommended
Website
Father’s Day Lunch Cruise around Newcastle Harbour
Give Dad a proper break this Father’s Day with a relaxed 2.5 hour cruise around Newcastle Harbour, complete with a buffet lunch and harbour views instead of a crowded restaurant table. Note that prams and wheelchairs can’t be accommodated on board, so it suits families with older kids best.
Date: Sunday 6 September 2026
Time: 12.30pm – 3pm (check in from 12pm)
Location: Queens Wharf Terminal, Newcastle
Age Group: Family friendly, children 2 to 12 (all under 18s must be supervised)
Cost: Ticketed – check website for prices
Website
Newcastle Medieval Festival
Knights in full armour, cannon fire and a medieval village pop up on the Foreshore for a weekend, with market stalls and combat demonstrations that go down a treat with Dads who love a bit of spectacle. Dress the family up for the occasion if you’re keen, though it’s not compulsory.
Date: Saturday 5 September – Sunday 6 September 2026
Time: Gates open 10am both days
Location: Foreshore Park, Newcastle East
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Ticketed — check website for prices
Website
Father’s Day Buffet Breakfast at Charlestown Golf Club
Treat Dad to a hearty buffet breakfast and a bucket of balls on the driving range this Father’s Day. It’s a relaxed morning out for the whole family, with kids under 12 at a discounted rate. Bookings are essential, so call ahead to lock in your table.
Date: Sunday 6 September 2026
Time: 9 – 11am
Location: Charlestown Golf Club & Driving Range, 1A Barker Ave, Hillsborough
Age Group: All ages (kids under 12 at reduced rate)
Cost: $45 per adult, $20 per child under 12
Website
Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom Advance Screening
Catch Shaun and the Mossy Bottom flock on the big screen before everyone else, with advance Father’s Day screenings running these September school holidays. It’s a fun pick for little ones who love Shaun’s slapstick humour, and a good option if you’re after something lighthearted for the holidays.
Date: Sunday 6 September 2026
Time: 10am
Location: Event Cinemas, Glendale and Kotara
Age Group: Young kids and up (great for preschool age and older)
Cost: Ticketed – check website for prices
Website
Dad’s Day Out at Hunter Valley Wildlife Park
Bring Dad along for a Father’s Day treat at Hunter Valley Wildlife Park, with a free BBQ breakfast to start the day and dads getting in free alongside a full-paying guest. Kids will love the hand-feeding encounters with kangaroos and giraffes, so it’s a great one for the whole family, not just Dad.
Date: Sunday 6 September 2026
Time: 9am to 4pm (BBQ breakfast 9am to 11am, while stocks last)
Location: Hunter Valley Wildlife Park, Lomas Lane, Nulkaba (near Cessnock)
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Dad free with a full-paying guest, general admission applies for others. Animal encounters and BBQ breakfast are complimentary but optional extras (like giraffe feeding) cost more.
Website
Father’s Day at The Lucky Hotel
Take Dad out for the day with mini golf in the bar, cold beers and a menu the whole table will enjoy. Book ahead as tables fill fast. Dad will receive a free beer on arrival, plus go into the draw to win a Father’s Day hamper packed with great prizes.
Date: Sunday 6 September 2026
Location: The Lucky Hotel, Newcastle
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free entry, food and drinks at standard menu prices
Website
Father’s Day Fit for a King at Tocal Homestead
Treat Dad to a slow-smoked lunch at Tocal Homestead this Father’s Day, with live music and a Southern-style banquet of brisket, pulled pork and spiced chicken. It’s a sit-down feast rather than a running-around event, so better suited to older kids or a relaxed family outing.
Date: Sunday 6 September 2026
Time: 11am to 3pm (11am arrival, rolling food service)
Location: Tocal Homestead, 957 Tocal Road, Paterson
Age Group: Family friendly, best for older kids given the sit-down lunch format
Cost: Ticketed – check website for prices
Website
Raiders of the Lost Ark: 45th Anniversary Screening
Take Dad back to the big screen this Father’s Day with a 45th anniversary screening of Raiders of the Lost Ark, Indiana Jones’ classic adventure through jungles, deserts and Nazi villains. A great pick for families with older kids or teens who love a bit of old-school action, and a fun alternative to the usual Father’s Day brunch.
Date: Sunday 6 September 2026
Time: 12 noon
Location: Tower (Five Star Cinemas), Newcastle
Age Group: Best for older kids, teens and adults (rated PG)
Cost: Ticketed – check website for prices
Website
Father’s Day Lunch Cruise on Lake Macquarie
Set sail with Nova Cruises for a relaxed lunch on the water, with a free arrival drink for Dad and a buffet spread of prawns, roast chicken and salads. It’s a lovely one for families who want a change of scenery without the fuss of a restaurant booking.
Date: Sunday 6 September 2026
Time: 12 – 2.30pm
Location: Nova Cruises, First Street, Booragul
Age Group: Family friendly
Cost: Ticketed – check website for prices
Website
Lemon Jam – Father’s Day
Head down to the water for a free, family friendly afternoon of live music from local band Lenny & The Jets, plus muscle cars on show. Bring chairs and picnic gear and settle in for a relaxed one to mark Dad’s Day.
Date: Sunday 6 September 2026
Time: 12 – 4pm
Location: Henderson Park, Lemon Tree Passage
Age Group: All ages
Cost: Free (sausage sizzle and raffle tickets available for purchase)
Website
Top Gun Double Feature: Father’s Day at Tower Cinemas
Give Dad the full needle-drop nostalgia this Father’s Day with a Top Gun and Top Gun: Maverick double feature at Tower Cinemas Newcastle. A solid pick for families with teens, or for a dad-and-kid outing built around a couple of classic action flicks.
Date: Sunday 6 September 2026
Time: 2pm & 4.30pm
Location: Tower (Five Star Cinemas), Newcastle
Age Group: Best for older kids, teens and adults (rated PG)
Cost: Ticketed – check website for prices
Website
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