You don’t have to spend a lot of money to keep the kids entertained this winter. Embrace the winter chill with budget-friendly fun! We’ve found 15 free or low-cost activities that will keep family and friends of all ages entertained all winter long.
Enjoy stargazing
A clear winter’s night is perfect for stargazing. If your knowledge of astronomy is lacking, spot planets and constellations using the ABC Beginner’s Guide to the Night Sky.
Binge some family movies
When it’s cold outside curl up with the family, pop some popcorn, and enjoy a movie marathon. Here’s our list of 100 family movies to watch with your kids – there’s something for everyone! If you feel like a winter-themed movie, dive into the icy adventure of Frozen, tap your feet with Happy Feet, or cheer on the underdogs in Cool Runnings. Looking for heartwarming tales? Try Eight Below, Ice Age, Smallfoot, or Abominable.
Take the kids for a play at a freshly refurbished playground
Rug up and head to one of the recently updated playgrounds in the region. In the Newcastle area head to Rawson Park at Stockton, Blue Gum Hills Regional Park Playground at Fletcher or the new playground at Adamstown, next to Adamstown Bowling Club. In Maitland, Harold Gregson Park includes a playground, skate park and full-sized basketball court. In the Lake Macquarie area check out the new playground on Lake Forest Drive.
Celebrate the winter solstice
This year, the year’s shortest day falls on Saturday 21 June 2025. Celebrate the extra darkness of the day with some festivities. Invite friends over, simmer some warm drinks like mulled wine, and light a few candles. From here on out, the days will keep getting longer!
Visit the Hunter Wetlands Centre
Shake off the winter blues by getting outside and into nature at the Hunter Wetlands Centre. The not-for-profit, community owned and operated wetlands are filled with a variety of biodiversity including 217 species of bird and several types of mammal, reptile, frog and fish. Magpie Geese Feeding (10:30am every day) and Guided Tours (Tue & Sat 10:30am) are included in the low entry price of $25 per family (2A, 2C or 1A, 3C). On weekends visitors can choose a reptile encounter for a small, extra fee.
Take advantage of what’s on offer at a local library
When it comes to your local library, don’t just think books! You might be surprised by all the things you can borrow, including STEM kits, toys, and games. Find a list of what’s available to borrow at your local library here.
You can also visit your local library for fun and educational baby and kids programs. Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Hunter libraries offer free programs for families such as Baby Book Time and Story Stomp sessions. There’s also lots of school holiday activities to keep school-aged kids entertained. Best of all is that library membership is free!
Rug up for a family walk
The Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Hunter regions offer a variety of walking tracks, perfect for a winter family adventure. Whether you prefer coastal or beach walks, lakefront strolls, or exploring the bush, there’s a path waiting to be discovered. Pack some water, sunscreen, and a hat, then grab the family and head out! Here are 14 Best Family Walks in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter.
Go camping – in the backyard!
If you don’t have the time or energy to go camping, camping in the backyard is a fun alternative. Ditch the car and crowded campsites, pitch a tent, grab your gear, and transform your backyard into an outdoor family adventure. Here’s How to Have a Fun and Memorable Backyard Camping Adventure With Kids.
Visit a local museum or art gallery
Looking for a fun and educational family day out in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, or the Hunter Valley? Dive into the region’s fascinating stories with a visit to one of its many museums and galleries. Have a fun day out while learning about Hunter history, art, science and transportation. Here’s our list of Museums and Galleries in the region.
Spot fairies at the fairy garden at Broadmeadow
For a whimsical experience, visit the Fairy Garden in Broadmeadow. This enchanted grotto created by a local neighbour features trees, winding paths, lots of plants and many figurines. It’s a lovely little spot to take young kids.
Stroll around a weekend market
Newcastle is home to a plethora of talented makers and artisans and, most weekends, there’s a selection of markets to choose from. The Newcastle City Farmers Market and Glendale Farmers and Artisan Market are good choices for locally grown produce and food stalls.
The popular Olive Tree Market in Newcastle’s Civic Park showcases some of the region’s finest artists, makers and live, independent music or, if a trash’n’treasure market is more your thing, you can’t go past the Lions Club of Adamstown Markets held every Sunday. See our article for a list of 15+ markets to visit in the Newcastle region.
Go whale spotting
June to November is official whale watching season and Newcastle and Port Stephens are on the whale migration route. It’s estimated that 10,000 humpback whales pass this region heading north. Here is a list of whale-watching spots in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Port Stephens where you can spot whales from shore.
Enjoy the outdoors at Blackbutt Reserve
Choose a sunny winter’s day to enjoy one of the two playgrounds and five picnic areas at Blackbutt Reserve. Although you’ll have to pay for parking, Blackbutt Reserve is free to enter. You can view native animals plus birds, lizards, snakes, wombats and koalas, hike one of the 9 different walking trails, have a barbecue and watch the free range ducks and peacocks. There’s also lots of grass for families to kick a ball, play frisbee or just run around. Here’s everything you need to know for a great visit.
Shoot some hoops at a local basketball court
Grab a basketball and head outdoors for some fresh air and hoops. Here are 13 playgrounds with basketball in the region.
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20+ Things to Do This Winter With Your Family Around Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter
70 Free & Low-Cost Things to Do With Kids in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter