Once kids start school, family adventures take on a whole new dimension.
School-age kids have more stamina, greater independence and an ever-growing list of interests. They can walk further, ride longer, try new sports and tackle activities that weren’t possible when they were younger.
If you’re looking for things to do with school-age kids in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter, you’re spoilt for choice.
From scavenger hunts, bike rides and pump tracks to snorkelling, kayaking, Nippers, geocaching and camping, there are plenty of ways to get kids aged 5 to 12 out exploring.
And when the weather doesn’t cooperate, there are movies, bowling, escape rooms, indoor adventures, board games and plenty more.
Here’s our guide to things to do with primary school-aged kids around Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter.
In this guide
- Good to Know
- What’s On & school holiday activities
- Scavenger hunts
- Playgrounds & outdoor adventures
- Walks & bushwalks
- Bike rides, pump tracks, BMX & skate parks
- Geocaching & disc golf
- Beaches, pools & ocean baths
- Snorkelling
- Kayaking & stand-up paddleboarding
- Nippers & surf lifesaving
- Fishing
- Kids classes, sport & creative activities
- Museums, libraries & educational outings
- Indoor adventures
- Movies, bowling & mini golf
- Escape rooms
- Family attractions & day trips
- Camping adventures
- Family dining & Kids Eat Free
- Birthday party ideas
- Family fun at home
- Free & low-cost activities
- Best activities by age
- Tips for getting out
Good to Know
- School-age covers a big age range. What appeals to a five-year-old can be very different from what an 11 or 12-year-old wants to do, so always check age, height and ability requirements.
- Let kids have a say in what you do. Give them a few choices or take turns choosing the family activity for the weekend.
- As kids become more independent, introduce activities that give them a challenge such as longer walks, bike rides, snorkelling, kayaking or geocaching.
- Don’t assume they’ve outgrown playgrounds. Bigger destination playgrounds, climbing equipment, flying foxes, basketball courts and pump tracks can keep older primary-school kids entertained.
- Always check opening hours, prices, booking requirements and age restrictions before heading out.
- For outdoor adventures, check weather and conditions before you leave and take water, sun protection and appropriate footwear.
What’s On & School Holiday Activities
There’s always something happening for families around Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter.
Check the Newy with Kids What’s On section for festivals, shows, workshops, markets, community events and other family activities happening throughout the year.
School holidays bring even more options.
Every holidays, we update our Newcastle School Holiday Guide with activities, events, shows, workshops and free things to do across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter.
It’s worth checking the guide before each school break as many holiday activities require advance bookings and popular sessions can fill quickly.
During the warmer months, you’ll also find loads of seasonal inspiration in our Ultimate Summer Guide to Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter.
Try a Newy with Kids Scavenger Hunt
Turn an ordinary family walk into a treasure hunt with one of our free Newy with Kids scavenger hunts.
Follow the clues, search for landmarks, answer questions and collect letters to reveal a mystery phrase.
School-age kids are at a great age for scavenger hunts as they can help read the clues, navigate and work out the answers themselves.
We have scavenger hunts in locations around Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Port Stephens, so choose somewhere you’ve never explored or rediscover a familiar place in a completely different way.
Choose your adventure from our Newy with Kids Family Scavenger Hunts.
Playgrounds & Outdoor Adventures
School-age kids definitely haven’t outgrown playgrounds. Look beyond small neighbourhood playgrounds and head to some of the region’s larger destination parks with climbing equipment, flying foxes, obstacle courses, basketball courts, bike tracks and plenty of space to run around. Use our Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter Parks and Playgrounds Guide to find somewhere new.
Speers Point Park, Wallsend Active Hub, Richley Reserve and other larger playgrounds can entertain a wide range of ages, making them particularly useful if you have siblings. Here’s our guide to Best Adventure Playgrounds for Older Kids in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter.
Walks & Bushwalks
As kids get older, you can gradually swap short toddler-friendly walks for longer family adventures.
Explore Newcastle’s coastline, walk beside Lake Macquarie or head into the bush for a family hike.
School-age kids can also get more involved in planning the adventure. Let them follow the map, look for trail markers, carry their own small backpack or choose where you’ll stop for lunch.
Start with our Best Walks for Families in Newcastle for family-friendly walks around the region.
Choose a distance that suits the youngest member of your family and gradually work your way up to longer adventures.
Bike Rides, Pump Tracks, BMX & Skate Parks
Once kids are confident on wheels, there are loads of places around Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter to ride.
Go for a Family Bike Ride
Pack the bikes and explore one of the region’s shared paths and cycleways. A bike ride can be an activity in itself or combine it with a playground, picnic, swim or cafe stop. Our Kid-Friendly Cycle Paths in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter includes routes for different ages and abilities.
Tackle a Pump Track
For kids who want more of a challenge, head to a pump track. Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter have everything from beginner-friendly tracks to large asphalt circuits where confident riders can practise their skills. Find one in our guide to 11 Pump Tracks in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter.
Try BMX or a Skate Park
Got a kid who loves jumps, ramps and tricks? Older school-age kids might enjoy BMX tracks and skate parks, whether they’re riding a BMX bike, skateboard or scooter. Browse our guide to 30+ Skate Parks in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & the Hunter or try the BMX track at Tenambit.
Try Geocaching or Disc Golf
Looking for something a little different?
Go Geocaching
Geocaching is basically a real-world treasure hunt. Using a smartphone and GPS coordinates, families search for hidden geocaches tucked away in parks, bushland and other locations. It’s a fun way to motivate reluctant walkers and gives kids a mission rather than simply telling them they’re going for a walk. Find out how to get started in our guide to Geocaching With Kids.
Play Disc Golf
Disc golf is similar to golf, except instead of hitting a ball into a hole, players throw a frisbee towards a metal basket. It’s easy to learn, inexpensive and something the whole family can play together.
There are disc golf courses at Styles Point Reserve in Rathmines, Jesmond Park as well as in Lambton and East Maitland. Find our local disc golf guides by searching Disc Golf on Newy with Kids.
Beaches, Pools & Ocean Baths
One of the best things about raising kids around Newcastle and Lake Macquarie is having so many places to swim. As children become stronger swimmers, they can start enjoying more than shallow paddling spots. Spend a day at the beach, swim at an ocean bath or head to one of the region’s public swimming pools.
Browse our guide to Family-Friendly Beaches & Ocean Baths or find a Swimming Pool in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter. Always choose a swimming location appropriate for your child’s ability and supervise kids closely around water.
Go Snorkelling
Once kids are confident swimmers, snorkelling is a great way to explore what’s beneath the water. You don’t have to travel to the Great Barrier Reef either. There are fantastic snorkelling locations around Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Port Stephens where families can spot fish and other marine life.
Start in calm, shallow water while kids get used to their mask, snorkel and fins before progressing to deeper locations. Discover 6 Spots to Snorkel With Kids in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Port Stephens.
Try Kayaking or Stand-Up Paddleboarding
Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding are fun ways for families to get out on the water together. Lake Macquarie and the waterways around Newcastle have plenty of places to paddle, from sheltered bays suitable for beginners to longer routes for more experienced families.
If you’re just getting started, choose calm water and a short distance while kids learn how to paddle, steer and balance. Our Guide to Kayaking & Stand-Up Paddleboarding in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter includes places to paddle and useful information for families.
Give Nippers a Go
Growing up near the coast, Nippers is a great way for kids to become more confident around the beach and ocean. Junior Surf Life Saving, commonly known as Nippers, teaches children surf awareness and beach safety while they participate in activities such as swimming, board paddling, beach sprints and flags.
It’s also a great way for kids and parents to become part of their local surf lifesaving community. Find out how Nippers works and discover local clubs in our Guide to Nippers & Surf Life Saving in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & the Hunter.
Go Fishing
Fishing is another easy outdoor activity to introduce during the primary-school years. You don’t need a boat or expensive equipment to get started. Find a family-friendly fishing spot, pack some snacks and enjoy a few hours beside the water. Even if you don’t catch anything, kids can learn how to bait a hook, cast a line and patiently wait for a bite. Our Best Fishing Spots for Kids in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter includes family-friendly locations around the region.
Kids Classes, Sport & Creative Activities
School age opens up a huge range of organised activities. Kids can try swimming, gymnastics, dance, martial arts, soccer, basketball, tennis, athletics, music, drama, art and plenty more. Check out our Kids Sports Guide in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter Valley
You don’t have to commit to an activity forever. School holidays and introductory programs can be a good opportunity to let kids try something new before signing up for a full term. Browse our Kids Classes in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter to see what’s available locally.
If your child is eligible, also check the latest information about the NSW Active and Creative Kids Voucher.
For kids interested in learning another language, browse our guide to Community Language Schools in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & the Hunter.
Museums, Libraries & Educational Outings
Learning doesn’t have to feel like school. Visit Newcastle Museum, explore an art gallery, head to a library or visit a historical site and let kids follow their interests. School-age children are old enough to properly engage with exhibitions, ask questions and participate in workshops and hands-on activities. See our Best Galleries & Museums Guide for Families in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter.
Local libraries also run school holiday activities, Lego clubs, craft sessions and other programs for children. Read our guide to Baby and Kids Programs at Local Libraries or check the Newy with Kids What’s On Guide for upcoming workshops.
For learning at home, we’ve also rounded up 25 of the Best Educational Websites for Kids.
Indoor Adventures
When it’s raining, extremely hot or you just want something different, there are plenty of indoor activities for school-age kids. Depending on their age and confidence, try trampoline parks, climbing centres, ninja and obstacle courses, laser tag, arcade games or indoor sports. Older children can usually participate in much more of the equipment independently, which makes this age particularly good for indoor adventure venues.
Browse our Indoor Play Centres & Indoor Activities in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter or our Rainy Day Activities Guide for more ideas.
Movies, Bowling & Mini Golf
Sometimes you just want an easy family outing. Head to the cinema to see the latest family movie, challenge each other to a game of tenpin bowling or see who can get a hole-in-one at mini golf.
These activities work across a broad age range and are particularly useful when you’re trying to find something siblings can enjoy together. They’re also great backup options for rainy days, heatwaves and school holidays. Browse our Indoor Places to Visit With Kids for local ideas.
Try an Escape Room
Got older school-age kids who enjoy puzzles and solving mysteries? An escape room can be a fun family challenge. Work together to search for clues, solve puzzles and complete challenges before the time runs out. Different rooms have different themes, difficulty levels and minimum ages, so check the details before booking. Find family-friendly options in our guide to Escape Rooms in Newcastle & the Hunter Valley.
Family Attractions & Day Trips
School-age kids are usually much easier to take on longer day trips than toddlers and preschoolers. Pack some snacks, jump in the car and explore somewhere beyond your usual neighbourhood. Head to Port Stephens for beaches and outdoor adventures, explore Maitland and the Hunter Valley or plan a family day out around Lake Macquarie. Check out our Best Day Trips Guide From Newcastle to Enjoy With Your Family.
You can also visit wildlife attractions, adventure parks, museums and other family destinations around the Hunter. Browse our Family Attractions in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter for inspiration.
Go Camping
School age is a great time to introduce kids to camping. There’s something exciting about sleeping in a tent, cooking outside, exploring after dark and waking up somewhere completely different. You don’t necessarily have to rough it either. Holiday parks can offer swimming pools, jumping pillows, playgrounds and other facilities while still giving kids the fun of a camping holiday. Find somewhere to stay in our Family-Friendly Camping & Holiday Park Guide.
Try Backyard Camping First
Not sure whether your kids are ready for a camping trip? Pitch a tent in your backyard. Eat dinner outside, use torches after dark, play games and sleep in sleeping bags. You’ll get most of the excitement without worrying about what happens if someone decides at 10pm that they hate camping. We’ve got plenty of ideas in our guide to Backyard Camping With Kids.
Family Dining & Kids Eat Free
Eating out generally becomes easier once kids reach school age. They can choose their own meal, stay at the table longer and perhaps even make it through dinner without someone crawling underneath it. Here’s our Family-Friendly Dining Guide.
Make an occasion of it and head out for breakfast, lunch or dinner as a family. To save some money, check our Kids Eat Free & Cheap Guide for Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter. We organise the offers by day of the week, making it easy to see what’s available when you’re planning to eat out.
Birthday Party Ideas
Birthday parties get more interesting once kids reach school age. Instead of a traditional party at home, kids might want bowling, mini golf, laser tag, climbing, sport, art, gaming or another adventure with their friends. Of course, you can still keep things simple with a playground party, picnic or celebration at home.
Our Ultimate Newcastle Kids Birthday Party Guide includes venues, entertainers, activities, party hire and other ideas across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter.
Family Fun at Home
Not every weekend needs an outing. As kids get older, there are lots of activities you can genuinely enjoy together at home.
Have a Family Movie Night
Choose a movie, make some popcorn, pile up the cushions and have a family movie night.Take turns choosing the movie so everyone gets a pick. Our Best Family Movies Guide has plenty of suggestions.
Find a New TV Show
Looking for a TV show the whole family can watch? Our Best Kids TV Shows to Watch as a Family includes suggestions for different age groups, from younger children through to tweens and teenagers.
Have a Family Games Night
Board games become much more interesting once kids reach school age. Younger children can enjoy quick and simple games, while older kids can start tackling strategy and cooperative games that adults actually enjoy playing too. Find something for your family in our guide to Best Board Games for Kids, Teenagers & Families.
Free & Low-Cost Activities
You don’t need to spend a fortune keeping school-age kids entertained. Go for a bike ride, tackle a scavenger hunt, head to the beach, explore a bushwalk, visit a playground, borrow books from the library or pack a picnic. Try geocaching, play disc golf, visit Newcastle Museum or explore somewhere new around Lake Macquarie.
We’ve rounded up loads of budget-friendly ideas in our guide to 75+ Free & Cheap Things to Do With Kids in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens & Hunter.
Best Activities by Age
School age covers seven years, so the activities a child enjoys at five can be very different from what appeals at 12.
Every child is different, but these are some ideas to get you started.
Things to Do With Kids Aged 5–7
Kids in the early primary years still love playgrounds and imaginative play but they’re becoming ready for bigger adventures.
Try:
- Destination playgrounds
- Newy with Kids scavenger hunts
- Easy family bike rides
- Swimming
- Short bushwalks
- Newcastle Museum
- Library activities
- Beginner-friendly pump tracks
- Fishing
- Family movies
- Bowling and mini golf
- Simple family board games
- Backyard camping
Things to Do With Kids Aged 8–10
By eight to ten, many kids have the stamina and skills for longer and more adventurous activities.
Try:
- Longer bike rides
- Bushwalks
- Geocaching
- Snorkelling
- Kayaking
- Stand-up paddleboarding
- Nippers
- Fishing
- Pump tracks
- BMX and skate parks
- Disc golf
- Climbing
- Bowling and mini golf
- Camping trips
- Family attractions and day trips
Things to Do With Kids Aged 11–12
Older primary-school kids are approaching the tween years and often want more challenge and independence.
Try:
- Longer hikes
- Snorkelling
- Kayaking and SUP
- Nippers and ocean activities
- Pump tracks and BMX
- Skate parks
- Escape rooms
- Climbing
- More adventurous day trips
- Camping
- Geocaching
- Strategy board games
- Activities they can plan themselves
This is also a good age to let kids become more involved in planning family outings. Give them a budget, a few parameters and let them research where the family should go.
Tips for Getting Out With School-Age Kids
Getting out with school-age kids doesn’t require the same amount of equipment as going out with babies and toddlers, but a little planning still helps.
- Let kids have some input into where you go. They’re much more likely to enjoy an activity they’ve helped choose.
- Keep snacks and water handy, especially for longer walks and outdoor adventures.
- Check age, height and swimming requirements before booking activities.
- Encourage kids to carry their own backpack with their water bottle, hat and other essentials.
- Match the adventure to the youngest or least confident member of the family.
- Build up gradually to longer walks, bike rides and water activities.
- Don’t discount simple outings. Older kids can still enjoy a playground, beach afternoon or picnic.
- Try something new occasionally. Geocaching, snorkelling, kayaking, disc golf or camping might become a new family favourite.
- Give kids more responsibility as they get older. Let them navigate, pack their gear, choose the route or help plan the day.
Most importantly, take advantage of this stage when kids are old enough to do so much but still young enough to want to head out on adventures with you.
Let them choose the playground, follow the scavenger hunt clues, paddle the kayak, navigate the bushwalk or decide where the family should go next.
There are loads of things to do with school-age kids in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter. You just need to choose your next adventure.