Step outside and have an adventure with your kids, family and friends. We’ve put together a list of 15 free or low cost, must-do activities to keep everyone entertained this summer. There’s activities to suit all ages.
Playground tour
Make a list of playgrounds you haven’t visited before and embark on a playground tour. See how many you can tick off your list before the end of summer. Visit the Parks & Playgrounds section of our website for inspiration. In summer, when the sun is high, playgrounds with shade are the best choice. See our list of parks and playgrounds with shade.
Spend a morning at the beach
Summer in Newy is all about our fabulous beaches. Depending on their age and swimming ability, you’ll find a beach or ocean bath to suit your family. We love the Canoe Pool and Grannnies’ Pool for toddlers and little ones and Nobbies Beach and Caves Beach for older kids. For more recommendations check out 15 of Newcastle region’s best beach and ocean baths for kids and families and to make the most of your day out read 20+ things to bring to the beach for a family day out.
Geocaching
Have you tried Geocaching? If you haven’t, you should give it a go this summer. Geocaching is a fun, low-cost family activity that you can do locally or while you’re away on holidays.
Sunset photography
Golden hour, or magic hour, is the last hour of light before sunset, when daylight is redder and softer. It’s a great time of day to take photographs, especially portraits. Head to a scenic location and take some family photos. There’s no need for expensive photography equipment – your phone will do, although a selfie stick or a tripod will come in handy, as will the timer function.
Street art tour
There’s no shortage of street art in our city, from lesser-known back alley art to large murals. Explore the city by foot or on bike on a street art tour.
Play a round of disc golf
Disc golf is a simple, low-cost way to have fun outdoors as a family. Disc golf is similar to traditional golf but, instead of golf clubs and a ball, you use a frisbee. There is a great disc golf course at Jesmond Park or try the disc golf course at Styles Park, Rathmines with its wonderful views of Lake Macquarie. For those with younger kids, try the disc golf course at Armstrong Park in Lambton. It’s only has 6 holes and is a great introduction to disc golf.
Lemonade block party
There’s nothing quite like a traditional homemade lemonade stand to bring back memories of childhood summers. Encourage your kids to interact with neighbours and make friends by setting up a neighbourhood lemonade stand. Each participating household could make a different flavour (think cucumber, raspberry or sparkling lemonade) or, to make things simple, make up some pre-purchased lemonade-flavoured cordial. Freeze your ice cubes using lemonade-flavoured cordial ahead of time to prevent the lemonade being watered down.
Backyard camping
Marshmallow anyone? Recreate the magic of camping with your kids. Camping out in the backyard is a fun alternative, without the time and energy it takes to pack the car and go away camping. If you don’t have a tent you can improvise with a summer beach tent or some blankets. Just add some mats and sleeping bags. Here are our tips for how to have a fun and memorable backyard camping adventure with kids.
Cool off with water play in your backyard
You don’t need to have a pool or even leave home to engage in water play. Slap some sunscreen on yourself and the kids then check out these 25 water play activities to do with kids all summer long. There’s ideas for all ages.
Go for a family bike ride
There’s a plethora of great places to go for a family bike ride in and around Newcastle. Drag out the bikes and explore a new area. Little ones on training wheels can ride while you walk. Head out early morning or late afternoon when it’s not too hot. Check out these 15 kid-friendly cycle paths in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & The Hunter.
Head to your local pool
Pack a picnic lunch and some pool toys and head down to your local public pool. Refer to our list of public swimming pools in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter. Admission charges vary depending on the venue. Lambton Pool is always a popular choice with lots of shade, a toddler pool and a fantastic splash park.
Go fishing
Get back to nature and make some lasting memories by dropping a line in one of the many beautiful waterways in the region. You don’t need a bunch of expensive gear to give it a try. Read our tips and choose from our best fishing spots for kids.
Bubble parade
For an activity that will be a hit with the local kids, grab some cheap bubble wands and head out for a walk around your neighbourhood on a bubble parade. Encourage anyone who wants to participate to join you. One person should be holding a bluetooth speaker playing some funky music.
Brighten up your paths with sidewalk chalk
A big box of sidewalk chalk will keep kids young and old entertained for hours. Kids can decorate the concrete surfaces or paths around your house or, if you have a front footpath, work together with other kids in the neighbourhood to create collaborative chalk masterpieces. Turn sidewalk chalk into the ultimate summer art activity by using water spray bottles and old paintbrushes to create chalk paintings.
You might also like:
Ultimate Guide to Summer in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter
70 Free & Low-Cost Things to do with Kids in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter
50 Fun Activities for Grandkids & Grandparents in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter