Starting School: Your Complete Guide (Orientation to First Day)
Do you have a child starting school? Here’s some great advice from other parents about uniforms, school lunches, volunteering and the first day of school.
90+ Experience Gift Ideas for Kids and Families (Not More Toys)
Skip the toys. 90+ experience gift ideas for kids and families across Australia, sorted by age and type, from stargazing nights to weekend getaways.
Tooth Fairy Guide for Aussie Kids: Letters, Gift Ideas & How Much to Leave
Losing a first tooth? Here’s how much the tooth fairy leaves in Australia, a free letter template, and the best tooth fairy gift ideas, including the Royal Australian Mint’s Tooth Fairy $2 coin.
How to Make Mum Friends in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter
Feeling isolated as a new parent? Here’s where to find mum groups near Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter, plus real ways to make mum friends.
24 Books to Help Your Child Feel Ready for Starting School
Starting school is a major milestone for both you and your child. If you’ve got a little one starting Kindergarten soon, here’s a selection of books to help with the transition to “Big School”.
Find a Playgroup in the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter Playgroup Guide
Are you new in town, a new parent or just looking for some new friends for your child or yourself? Playgroup is an informal session where mums, dads, grandparents, caregivers, children and babies meet up in a relaxed and friendly environment. Here’s a list of Newcastle playgroups sorted by suburb as well as some special interest playgroups.
10 Play-Based Activities for Preschoolers
Here are some play-based activities and ideas that will support your preschooler and prepare them with the skills to be a lifelong learner.
11 Pump Tracks to Get Your Kids’ Adrenaline Racing in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter
From beginner-friendly loops to world-class asphalt circuits, the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Hunter region has more pump tracks than you might think. Here’s where to find them.
Rainy Day Activities for Kids in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter
Looking for rainy day activities for kids? From museums and libraries to indoor play centres, movies and bowling, here are plenty of fun ideas around Newcastle and Lake Macquarie.
Visit Newcastle and Hunter Toy Library to Borrow Toys & Games for Your Kids
Borrow toys for your kids at the Newcastle and Hunter Toy Library, a volunteer run community organisation that promotes play for children aged newborn to eight.
Best Kids TV Shows to Watch as a Family — From Preschoolers to Teenagers
Not all kids TV shows are created equal. This list covers the best shows for every age group — from gentle preschool picks your toddler will love to shows tweens and teens will actually choose to watch. Includes Australian favourites and international hits, all sorted so you can find the right show for the right age.
Visit Your Local Library for Fun & Educational Baby and Kids Programs
Visit your local library for free programs for families such as Baby Book Time, Storytime and Lego Club as well as the opportunity to borrow books, toys, eMags, Audiobooks and more.
25 Best Educational Websites for Kids
From ABC Kids to Khan Academy, these are the best educational websites for Australian kids from preschool through to high school — vetted, practical and mostly free.