Ultimate Guide to Summer in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter

With a busy year behind us, we’re all in the mood to have a great summer. There are so many exciting things to do in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & the Hunter that we decided to collate the ideas into one massive guide. Here is the Newy with Kids Ultimate Guide to Summer. It’s packed full of ideas for summer family fun, many of them free and low-cost so it won’t bust your budget.

With the list below, you’ll find plenty to keep the whole family happy, active and entertained. No chance whatsoever for kids to say they’re bored! Enjoy a summer of fun!

Swimming Spots

Head to a local beach, ocean baths or one of the swimming spots around the region.

Naru Beach Lake Macquarie

Playgrounds

We’re blessed with so many different playgrounds in the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Hunter region. You can choose from large playgrounds like Lake Macquarie Variety Playground in Speers Point Park, Blackbutt Adventure Park in Newcastle, Bridges Hill Park in Cessnock or smaller, less-visited neighbourhood playgrounds.

Check out our guides to find out more about playgrounds in our region including our Playground map.

Family Walks

Go for a walk with kids. We’ve put together a collection of our favourite family walks around the region. Explore historical and cultural sites, experience nature or enjoy stunning views of harbours, lakes and beaches. Whether you’re looking for a stroller-friendly walking track, a flat walk for your toddler or preschooler or a more challenging bush walk or nature hike for school-aged kids, we’ve got you covered.

Stockton Shipwreck Walk

Bike Rides

Jump on your bike and head out for a ride. We’ve put together a collection of our favourite family bike rides and mountain bike trails in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Hunter to suit a variety of ages and abilities.

Family Bike Rides Fingal Bay

On the Calendar: Events, Fairs & Festivals

Summer is peak event season with lots of family-friendly events to enjoy. Check out our Events Calendar, we’ll keep updating it as we find out about more events.

Active Fun

Get out and enjoy summer. We’ve put together a big list of activities to do with kids. Whether it’s taking out a SUP on some calm bays, playing frisbee golf or playing mini-golf, there’s plenty of fun to be had.

Newy With Kids Scavenger Hunts

Get out and explore the region! Newy with Kids has developed a series of family scavenger hunts to download. Our newest one is for the stretch between Merewether and Bar Beach.

Each self-guided scavenger hunt is designed to get families exploring on foot. Just download and print 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!

Places to Visit

We’re truly blessed with some iconic spots in the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Hunter region. Get out for the day and explore one of these places with your family.

Caves Beach summer things to do Lake Macquarie

Family Day Out Itineraries

Need inspo for a family day out? Here is the Newy with Kids Family Day Out series, filled with free or low-cost ideas for exploring Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter with kids.

Animal Encounters

Do your kids love animals? Check out these zoos, wildlife parks and reserves in Newcastle & Hunter Valley that gives families the opportunities to get up close to animals.

Museums & Galleries

The Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Hunter region is full of educational and entertaining museums and galleries. Enjoy a family day out with your kids to learn more about Hunter history, art, science and transportation

Fort Scratchley Newcastle

Picnic Spots

Food always seems to taste better outdoors. Pack a picnic and enjoy the outdoors. We’ve put together a collection of spots in the region to enjoy a picnic outdoors with your family & friends.

Warner Park, Warners Bay

Summer Eats & Cool Treats

What’s summer without some tasty treats!

Ice Cream Spots Newcastle Lake Macquarie Hunter Valley

Backyard Fun

Planning some staycation activities this summer? Here are ideas for fun activities you can enjoy without leaving home.

water activities for kids

Travel

Whether you’re want a day trip, weekend away or a longer stay, here’s some travel inspo for you. There are some amazing places to visit in New South Wales.

Seal Rocks

For even more to do this summer, check out our monthly calendar of events!

And if you’re hosting friends and family this summer, check out our roundup of Where to Take Out of Town Visitors

Have a fun summer!

Last Updated:

Newy with Kids

Since 2012, Newy with Kids has been Newcastle's most trusted family guide, built on over a decade of local knowledge. Founded by local mum Reena Bilen, our platform serves thousands of parents and carers seeking reliable information on family-friendly activities across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, and the Hunter. Our content is created and regularly updated by a team of local parents who live in the region. From curated attraction guides and event listings to kids eat free deals and school holiday programs, we provide the local expertise families rely on for planning adventures with children of all ages.

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Newy with Kids

Newy with Kids is the go-to family guide for Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter region, helping parents, grandparents and carers discover kid-friendly attractions, playgrounds, events, school holiday activities, kids-eat-free options and birthday party ideas in one trusted place.

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