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 family fun.
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.

- Best Beaches & Ocean Baths for Families
- Swimming Pools in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter
- Newcastle Beach
- Nobbys Beach
- Stockton Beach
- Merewether Ocean Baths
- Belmont Baths
- Canoe Pool at Newcastle Beach
- Blacksmiths Beach
- Caves Beach
- Grannies’ Pool
- Naru Beach
- Moonee Beach
- Visit Jimmys Beach in Hawks Nest
- Best Things to Bring to the Beach for a Family Day Out
- Dog-Friendly Beaches in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Port Stephens
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.

- Best Playgrounds in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter for Toddlers
- Best Playgrounds in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter for Older Kids
- Parks & Playgrounds with Shade in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter
- Fenced Playgrounds in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter
- Playgrounds with All-Abilities Equipment in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter
- 8 Playgrounds with a Transport Theme in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter
- 16 Playgrounds with Basketball Courts in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter
- 14 Playgrounds with Flying Foxes in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter
- 9 Playgrounds with Scooter Tracks in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter
- 34 Playgrounds with Group Swings in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter
- Playgrounds with Nearby Coffee Shops & Cafes in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter
- Playgrounds with Nearby Pubs in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter
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.

- 20 Best Newcastle Walks & Bush Trails
- 14 Best Family Walks in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter
- 21 Best Lake Macquarie Walks To Do With Kids
- Best Maitland Walks To Do With Kids
- Best Cessnock Walks To Do With Kids
- Walk or Bike Along Honeysuckle Harbourside Promenade
- Take a Walk Through History at Macquarie Pier at Nobbys Breakwall
- Tomaree Coastal Walk: A Short Walk from Anna Bay to Little Kingsley Beach
- Tomaree Coastal Walk: A Short Walk from Boat Harbour to Slot Canyon
- Take a Walk & Enjoy a Neighbourhood Scavenger Hunt
- 20 Dog-Friendly & Kid-Friendly Places around Newcastle & Lake Macquarie
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.

- Where to Bike in Newcastle: 15+ Cycle Paths to Enjoy With Your Family
- Where to Bike in Lake Macquarie: 10+ Cycle Paths & Trails to Enjoy With Your Family
- 15 Kid-Friendly Cycle Paths in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter
- Where to Bike in Cessnock & Hunter Valley: Cycle Paths & Trails to Enjoy With Your Family
- Bike at The Bay: Family Bike Rides in Port Stephens
- Explore Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest by Bike!
- Try Newcastle’s Best Family-Friendly Mountain Biking Trails!
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.
- Newy with Kids Events Calendar
- Newy with Kids Markets Guide
- Enjoy Live Music Outdoors in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter
- Celebrate New Years Eve 2025 in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & The Hunter
- Free Art January at Maitland Regional Art Gallery
- Lake Mac Festival
- 2026 Maitland Show Guide
- 2026 Newcastle Show Guide
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.

- 15 Free & Low Cost Summer Activities to do with Kids in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter
- Where to Go Kayaking & Stand up Paddle Boarding in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter
- Where to Play Disc Golf in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter
- Where to Play Mini Golf in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter
- 30+ Skate Parks Around Newcastle & the Hunter
- 16 Playgrounds With Basketball Courts in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter
- 9 Must-Do Activities for Adventurous Kids around Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter
- 6 Spots to Snorkel With Kids in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Port Stephens
- Slide & Ride at Toboggan Hill Park
- Newcastle Treetops Adventure Park: Fun, Nature and Thrills for Kids
- Explore Newcastle’s Coast with CoastXP
- 7 Water Parks to Cool Off this Summer in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter
- Visit the Waterfalls at Beautiful Somersby Falls
- Discover the Moss Wall at Boarding House Dam Walk in the Watagans
- Explore Gap Creek Falls in the Watagans
Newy With Kids Scavenger Hunts
Get out and explore Newcastle! Newy with Kids has developed a series of family scavenger hunts to download.
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.

- Exploring Caves Beach
- Discover Fossils at Swansea Headland Fossils
- Explore the Rockpools in Catherine Hill Bay
- Blackbutt Reserve
- Explore Nature at Hunter Wetlands Centre
- Enjoy a Nature Day Out at Kooragang Wetlands in Hunter Wetlands National Park
- Explore Nobbys Headland On Weekends
- Heddon Greta Drive In – Enjoy a Movie in Your Car!
- Exploring the Stockton Bight Sand Dunes
- How to Enjoy a Family Day out on Public Transport in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter
- Enjoy a Family Day Out at Morpeth
- Enjoy a Family Day Out in the Medowie/Raymond Terrace area
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.
- Family Day Out: Honeysuckle to Nobbys Beach
- Family Day Out: Honeysuckle to Foreshore Park
- Family Day Out: Blackbutt Reserve
- Family Day Out: Newcastle East End
- Family Day Out: Bar Beach to Merewether Baths
- Family Day Out: Stockton
- Family Day Out: Redhead
- Family Day Out: Speers Point to Eleebana
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.

- See Native Animals at Blackbutt Reserve
- Hunter Valley Wildlife Park: What You Need to Know For a Great Day Out
- Oakvale Wildlife Park: Get Up Close to Animals
- Get Up Close to Ocean Life at Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters
- Koala Spotting at Tilligerry Habitat in Port Stephens
- Visit the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary
- Slithering Fun: A Review of Australian Reptile Park
- Enjoy a Family Adventure to Aussie Ark: Tasmanian Devil & Native Animal Sanctuary
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

- Visit Museums and Galleries in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter
- Newcastle Museum: Fun Family Day Out
- Visit Fort Scratchley for History, Tunnels & Views
- Get Up Close to Jets at Fighter World
- Experience Historic Inner-City Newcastle Life at Miss Porter’s House
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.

- Best Picnic Spots in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & the Hunter
- Best Picnic Spots in Newcastle
- Best Picnic Spots in Lake Macquarie
- Best Picnic Spots in Maitland
- Best Picnic Spots in Cessnock and Hunter Valley
Summer Eats & Cool Treats
What’s summer without some tasty treats!

- Eating Out With Kids: 40+ Newcastle Family-Friendly Spots with Playgrounds & Kids Areas
- Kids Eat Free in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & The Hunter
- Best Ice Cream Shops in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter
- Best Fish and Chips in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter
- 5 Farmers Markets Around Newcastle to Visit With Your Kids
Backyard Fun
Planning some staycation activities this summer? Here are ideas for fun activities you can enjoy without leaving home.

- 25 Water Play Activities To Do With Kids All Summer Long
- How to Have a Fun & Memorable Backyard Camping Adventure With Kids
- Get Back to Nature With a Backyard Scavenger Hunt
- 150+ Kids Activities For Family Fun at Home
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.

- 50+ Camping, Caravan & Holiday Parks to Stay Within a 3 Hour Drive of Newcastle
- The Best Day Trips From Newcastle to Enjoy With Your Family
- Central Coast With Kids: How to Enjoy a Getaway Next Door
- 15+ Things to Do in Hunter Valley with Kids
- Visit the Hunter Valley’s Best Kid-Friendly Wineries
- Explore Denman and Merriwa on a Day Trip
- Seal Rocks: Lighthouse, Beaches & Nature
- Family Fun: 10 Things to Do in Dubbo With Kids
- Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo: Everything You Need to Know For a Great Visit
- Top Things to do in Port Macquarie for Family Fun
- Top Things to Do in the Blue Mountains for Family Fun
- Visit Coonabarabran & the Warrumbungles for Bush Walks, Stargazing & the Observatory
- Explore the Snowy Mountains in the Summer Months
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