Wondering where you can take both your kids and furbaby? We’ve put together a guide of some local places for kids AND dogs in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter. We’ve included playgrounds with nearby off-leash exercise areas, dog-friendly walks as well as dog-friendly beaches.
Playgrounds near Dog Parks & Off-Leash Areas
Please keep in mind that the proximity of off-leash areas to playgrounds can vary; some are right next to each other, while others require a short walk. It’s also a good idea to check for any time restrictions, as some off-leash areas are only available during specific hours, such as early morning or late afternoon.
King Edward Park, Newcastle
When you get to King Edward Park, you have a couple of options. You can either take your dog to the off-leash area near the top parking lot first and let them run around while you enjoy the ocean views. Your kids can also burn off some energy running up and down the hill. Once everyone’s tired out, you can head down to the playground equipment. Or, you can do it the other way around and visit the playground first, then let the dog and kids run wild.
Dixon Park Reserve, Merewether
Head to Dixon Park Reserve in Merewether for some fun with your furry friend and the kids. The playground is fully fenced, so both your children and your dog can play safely. Leash free times are sunrise to 9am and 5pm to sunset. This is the perfect spot for an early morning or late afternoon outing with the whole family!
Islington Park, Islington
Visit Islington Park with your dog and kids. Your kids can enjoy the playground before you take the dog to the off-leash area for a play.
Nesca Park, Cooks Hill
Near the Nesca Park playground, you’ll find an off-leash dog area. There’s plenty of room for dogs to run around and for kids to chase after them.
Pitt Street Reserve, Stockton
Let your dog run free at Stockton’s off-leash area at Pitt Street Reserve while kids play at the nearby Pitt Street Reserve playground.
Thomas H Halton Park, Croudace Bay
Enjoy an early morning or late afternoon outing with the whole family at Thomas H. Halton Park in Croudace Bay. The kids can play on the playground while your dog enjoys the designated off-leash area during specific times on weekdays.
Leash free time is sunrise to 10am daily and 4.30pm to sunset, Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays.
Rathmines Park, Rathmines
Kids will love the plane-themed playground at Rathmines Park. When they’re finished, head over to the off-leash area on Stilling Street so your dog can have a run.
Raworth Park
If you’re looking for a place to take both your human and fur-babies, Raworth Park is ideal. Located at Raworth (between East Maitland and Morpeth) on Morpeth Road, this park has a shaded and fully-fenced playground for kids right next to a designated dog off-leash area.
The off-leash area is fully-fenced as well and, with plenty of space to run, an undercover rest area, accessible water and dog agility obstacles, it is the perfect place to take your four-legged friend along for a day out.
Huntlee District Park One, North Rothbury
Take the kids and the dogs for a family day trip to the Hunter Valley. There’s a fully-fenced dog park next to the incredible Huntlee District Park One Playground.
Kids, young and old, will love the huge playground. There’s enough equipment to keep them entertained for hours, and even an on-site café for when it’s time for lunch.
Family-Friendly and Dog-Friendly Walks
Newcastle Foreshore
Go for a wander with your kids and dogs along Newcastle Foreshore, between Honeysuckle and Nobbys Beach. It’s completely flat and great for kids to bike or scoot along. Follow up with a play at dog-friendly Horseshoe Beach near Nobbys Lighthouse.
Throsby Creek, Maryville
Enjoy a relaxing stroll with your kids and dog around Throsby Creek in Maryville and Carrington. This flat, easy walk is perfect for all ages and is great if you have a stroller. Plus, there’s a convenient off-leash dog area near Elizabeth and Young Street where your furry friend can run free.
Warners Bay Foreshore
This lakeside walk is fun for the whole family. Take your dog for a walk while the kids bike or scoot. As well as lake views, enjoy art sculptures and nearby Warner Park Playground.
Shipwreck Walk, Stockton
To see reminders of Newcastle’s maritime history, take your kids for a walk along the Shipwreck Walk. During the 19thand early 20th centuries, many ships were shipwrecked as they tried to navigate entry in Newcastle Harbour. Today, it’s a great family walk which combines history with scenic views and you can also bring your dog on a lead.
Fernleigh Track, various entry points between Adamstown and Belmont
You don’t have to do the whole Fernleigh Track. Just choose a length that suits your family and your dog. Stay aware on the track as it can be busy with walkers and cyclists. Dogs must stay on a leash and remember to clean up after them.
Belmont Wetlands Walk
Wander through the Belmont Wetlands. Belmont Wetlands State Park offers short, family-friendly and dog-friendly walks through beautiful coastal bushland and wetlands.
Dog-Friendly Beaches
Want to take your kids and dogs to a beach? Head to a dog-friendly beach where they can both play on the sand and in the water.
Horseshoe Beach, Newcastle
This harbour beach is a favourite for dog owners. Your dog and your kids can enjoy the gentle waves at Horseshoe Beach.
Redhead Beach
In Lake Macquarie, you can take dogs and kids down for a play on the sand at Redhead. Access is off Cain Street, Redhead. While dogs are prohibited on Redhead Beach, south of Second Creek is leash-free at all times.
Blacksmiths Beach
Blacksmiths Beach is also a dog-friendly beach. The leash-free area covers the part of Nine Mile Beach extending from the beach car park off Awabakal Avenue, northerly to the Belmont Golf Club boundary.
Fenced Dog Parks
Acacia Avenue Dog Park, North Lambton
Acacia Avenue Dog Park in North Lambton is Newcastle’s first fenced dog park where owners can legally let their dogs roam free inside their very own playground. The park is divided into two separate areas, one for smaller dogs and one for larger dogs.
Maryland Drive Reserve Dog Park, Maryland
The facility located at Maryland Drive Reserve features a dog bubbler, shelter with seating, informal sandstone garden beds, and extensive landscaping including trees for shade as part of stage one. There’s a pre-existing off-leash dog area adjacent to the newer fully-fenced area.
Raworth Fenced Dog Park, Raworth
A pleasant 35-45 minute drive from Newcastle, this fully-fenced dog park has plenty of space for your dog to run. There’s also an undercover rest area, accessible water and dog agility obstacles. Perfect for a dog day out!
Speers Point Fenced Dog Exercise Area
Speers Point Dog Exercise Area is located directly across Five Islands Road from Speers Point Variety Playground. The fenced area offers a secure space for dogs to run and socialise, featuring dog agility equipment, water fountains for both pets and people, bench seating, and a shaded picnic table.
Thomas H Halton Dog Park
Located at Croudace Bay, on Bareki Road, this 2,000m squared, fenced dog area not only has a shaded picnic table and bench seats but also dog agility equipment.
For more information about off-leash dog exercise locations, visit the City of Newcastle website, Lake Macquarie City Council website and Maitland City Council website.
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