Looking for a fun and free way to get the kids outdoors and explore Newcastle? Our Newy with Kids scavenger hunts are a great way to get out and discover hidden gems around the city. Whether you’re a curious kid, a teen up for a challenge, or just someone who loves a good walk with a twist, these hunts are for you.
Thanks to support from the City of Newcastle’s Boost Your Place placemaking grants, we launched eight scavenger hunts back in 2021/22. And then added two more exciting hunts at Museum Park and The Station, made possible with funding from Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation (HCCDC).
Each self-guided scavenger hunt is designed to get families exploring on foot. Just download the PDF, head to the location, and follow the map. Along the way, you’ll track down points of interest, answer location-based questions, and crack the final mystery phrase!
It’s a great way to notice the little things such as historic landmarks, quirky signs, and curious features you might otherwise walk right past.
There are currently 10 locations in Newcastle to choose from perfect for weekend outings, school holidays, or spontaneous family adventures.
Download your free scavenger hunt maps here and start exploring today!
- Blackbutt Reserve Scavenger Hunt
- Please note kiosk has been removed – Q3 answer is snake
- Civic Park and Honeysuckle Scavenger Hunt
- Foreshore Park Scavenger Hunt
- Please note playground has been removed – Q5 answer is train
- Lambton Park Scavenger Hunt
- Museum Park
- Newcastle Museum Scavenger Hunt
- Newcastle The Station Scavenger Hunt
- Stockton Scavenger Hunt
- Throsby Creek Scavenger Hunt
- Wallsend Brickworks Park Scavenger Hunt
- Please note that due to vandalism, the play structure was replaced and a new play structure does not feature a marsupial. Q5a answer is marsupial
Outside Newcastle LGA
We’ve also created a scavenger hunt for Nelson Bay funded by Port Stephens Council and a scavenger hunt for Swansea funded by Lake Macquarie City Council.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does it work?
Download and print the scavenger hunt and visit the area marked on the map. Follow the trail marked on the map and look for different points of interest. There are questions associated with each point which may require you to notice a feature or read the plaque. You’ll then use letters from the answer to solve a mystery phrase.
Can I print the scavenger hunt?
Yes, the scavenger hunt is designed to be printed at home. It is one A4 page that can be printed double-sided (on long-side) and contains a map and list of questions.
What if I don’t have a printer?
You can download the scavenger hunt to your phone and still follow the trail and answer questions. You just need a notepad to jot down the answers and then figure out the mystery phrase. If you have a iPad which works with an Apple Pencil, you can download the map and complete using an app (like Goodnotes) which enables you to fill in the PDF.
What age are these scavenger hunts suitable for?
The scavenger hunts are best suited to families with kids aged 4 – 16. If you have kids who can’t read, adults can read out the questions and get kids to search for the answer. For younger kids, there are also items that they can search for listed by icons. For older kids, it’s a fun activity that they can do with their friends while you supervise.
NBN News Feature – Newy with Kids Scavenger Hunts from Newy with Kids on Vimeo.
I don’t have kids. Can I still download and do the scavenger hunts?
Absolutely. It’s a fun way to learn more about the history and culture of different places around Newcastle.
How long does it take to do a scavenger hunt?
Anywhere from 30 minutes to an 90 minutes depending on how quickly your family can find points of interest, answer the questions and walk or bike to the next point on the map. You don’t need to do it all in one go. Stop off for a coffee or lunch and enjoy a family day out.
Are the areas marked on the map suitable for wheelchairs and strollers?
Yes, with the exception of Civic Park / Honeysuckle and Foreshore Park.
In the Civic Park / Honeysuckle scavenger hunt, you’ll need to use Darby Street footpath on the east side of Civic Park to get from the War Memorial Centre to the Civic Park.
In the Foreshore Park scavenger hunt, you’ll need to use the footpath in Foreshore Park instead of using the stairs in Stevenson Place.
What happens if we can’t figure out what the answer is for one of the questions or want to check our answer?
It’s frustrating when that happens. We’ve set up a special page which contains the answers to the questions listed on the scavenger hunt. Visit the Scavenger Hunt Hints page.
Why did you develop scavenger hunts?
We wanted to create a self-directed activity that families could do in their own time and in a COVID-Safe way. None of these scavenger hunts involves touching anything but rather observing and reading signs, plaques or places of interest.
We also wanted an opportunity to highlight landmarks which have historical and cultural significance, some of which get overlooked. It’s a chance to discover the hidden gems in our community and learn more about Newcastle.
Newy with Kids would like to thank the City of Newcastle for their support through the Boost Your Place placemaking program. This grant enabled Newy with Kids to research and develop this set of family scavenger hunts.