Have a fun day out at the cinema with your family! Across the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, and Hunter region, you’re spoiled for choice. You’ll find everything from the major chains like Event and Hoyts to smaller, independent theatres that offer a unique, local experience. No matter your preference, there’s a perfect spot to enjoy the latest family flick.
Whether you have a newborn, infant or older child, there’s a cinema session for you. Enjoy a Bring your Baby or Baby’s Day Out session if you have little ones who need to nap or feed. Older kids can enjoy a G or PG-rated film. Look out for fun events too, like the special film festivals hosted by major chains. Best of all, you don’t have to break the bank, as we’ve included our top tips to save big on movie tickets!
Event Cinemas Glendale & Kotara
Take your baby with you to the movies! Event Cinemas at Glendale and Kotara host Bring Your Baby sessions every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. All adult carers are welcome – mums, dads, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and babysitters. The lights are dimmed so that you can still see what you are doing when feeding. Prams are not allowed to be taken into the cinema but staff will store them safely for you during the film. Please note that Bring Your Baby sessions are not held during school holidays.
If you’re after a bit of luxury, Event Cinemas at Kotara offer Gold Class. With comfier seats, a yummy menu and a range of extra benefits, Gold Class is an extra special treat for the whole family.
Save money: Sign up for free to be a Cinebuzz member to enjoy special FAMILY SAVER pricing on select family films before 5pm.
Grandparents don’t miss out! If you’re a Seniors member, you can access a special $36 Grandparents Pass (online booking fees apply). This includes 1 Senior and 2 Child tickets (for original sessions only).
Heddon Greta Drive-In
Enjoy a drive-in movie at Heddon Greta Drive-in, one of only two Drive-In Cinemas in NSW. They screen movies every Friday and Saturday evening, and 7 nights during school holidays (except early December). You’ll need a car and an FM radio, either in your car or a portable FM radio.
Save money: At Heddon Greta Drive-in, ticket price is $32 per movie, per car, up to eight people. It’s a great value way for the whole family to see a recent release movie, especially as you can take your own snacks and drinks in with you!
Hoyts Charlestown & Green Hills
If you’re looking for some comfortable movie seats, check out Hoyts Charlestown and Hoyts Green Hills. They have reclining chairs which are super comfy for long movies.
Save money: Sign up for Hoyts Rewards to save 10% on movie tickets, earn HOYTS Points and more! If you link your Hoyts Rewards to your Qantas Frequent Flyer membership, you can earn and use Qantas Points on movie tickets, treats at the candy bar and more.
Enjoy $13 tickets all Tuesday long, on eligible movie sessions, during Hoyts Cheap Tuesday. Online booking fee and surcharges apply. No further discounts apply.
Catch a movie at Hoyts before noon on Sundays and pay only $11 per ticket (conditions apply).
Lake Cinema Boolaroo
Lake Cinema Boolaroo is an independent movie cinema in Boolaro and regularly screens family films especially during school holidays. It’s cash only!
Save money: Another inexpensive place to catch a movie, Lake Cinema tickets are only $12 each. During school holidays, children’s movies are $10 per ticket, making it great value!
Lake Cinema also offer complimentary tea, coffee, milo and a biscuit!
Newcastle Permanent Cinema Under the Stars
Newcastle Permanent Cinema Under the Stars organises free outdoor family movies during the summer in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Maitland. Gates open at 5.30pm and screening starts at sundown. Fantastic live music kicks the evening off alongside other family entertainment.
Save money: You can’t get cheaper than FREE! Bring your own picnic dinner and snacks to eat while you enjoy the movie.
Cinema Under the Stars dates for 2025:
- Maitland: Friday 10 October 2025, from 5pm
- Newcastle: Saturday 13 December 2025, from 5pm
- Lake Macquarie: Saturday 28 February 2026, from 5.30pm
Reading Cinemas Charlestown & Maitland
For parents of infants, Reading Cinemas at Charlestown Square and Maitland host a Baby’s Day Out every Friday. These sessions are designed for comfort: the lights are dimmed so you can see what you’re doing, allowing you to relax without stressing over feeding or unexpected hissy-fits. Please note that Baby’s Day Out sessions are not available during school or public holidays.
Save money: Baby’s Day Out sessions include free entry for up to two children under five with one paying adult.
Sign up for free to Reading Rewards and receive discounted movie tickets every Tuesday.
Scotty’s Cinema Centre
Scotty’s Cinemas is a 5 cinema complex located at Raymond Terrace with comfortable seating and air-conditioned cinemas. They screen the latest releases as well as specialty films and also do special event screenings such as operas, live stage performances and concerts. Their candy bar is fully stocked with popcorn, chips, hot and cold drinks and choc-top ice creams.
Save money: For some of the best value in the region, look no further than Scotty’s Cinema Centre. They offer highly affordable $14 tickets to all standard 2D movies, making family entertainment easy on the budget. (Note: prices for special presentations may vary.)
Scotty’s Cinema bargain day is Tuesdays, excluding school holidays, where their 2D movie tickets are only $12 each.
Tower Cinemas Newcastle
The reels have started re-turning at Tower Cinema Newcastle. After seven years of closure, the iconic Tower Cinemas was reopened by Five Star Cinemas in November 2025. Screening classics, cult hits and new releases, there’s a movie for everyone! On Thursdays at 10.30am, get your Mums & Bubs tickets for $15 (free for bubs!) Enjoy lowered volume, dimmed lighting and a laid-back environment. Please note that prams are not permitted inside the cinema.
Save Money: Join the Star Club for $5 and get discounted ticket prices. Earn points for each dollar spent, to be redeemed in the snack bar and on tickets.
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