Summer is coming, and there’s a lot to look forward to. We’ve pulled together everything on offer across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter into one massive guide, so you’re never stuck for ideas. Most of what’s below is free or low-cost, and there’s something for every age group.
Jump to a section: Swimming · Playgrounds · Walks · Bike Rides · Events & Festivals · Active Fun · Scavenger Hunts · Places to Visit · Animal Encounters · Museums & Galleries · Picnic Spots · Summer Eats · Free & Easy Ideas · Backyard Fun · Weekend & Day Trip Ideas · FAQ
Swimming Spots
Nothing says summer here like a swim, whether that’s a wave at the beach, a dip in the ocean baths or an afternoon at the local pool. Where you go really comes down to age and swimming ability, so here’s a quick steer.
For babies and toddlers: the Canoe Pool next to Newcastle Ocean Baths and the shallow end of Merewether Ocean Baths are both recommended for under-5s. On Lake Macquarie, Grannies’ Pool at Blacksmiths is a tidal pool, so time your visit around high tide for the most water, and there’s a level path suited to prams and wheelchairs.
For confident swimmers and older kids: Nobbys Beach is one of Newcastle’s safest patrolled beaches, or head to the southern end of Merewether Beach, more sheltered thanks to the ocean baths nearby. On Lake Macquarie, Blacksmiths Beach is considered the most family-friendly of the lake beaches because the breakwall keeps conditions calmer, and Redhead Beach has surf breaks for the grown-ups plus rock pools and a creek for the kids.
Prefer calm, netted water? Toronto Baths and Belmont Baths are both enclosed swimming areas on Lake Macquarie, a good alternative when the surf’s too rough for little ones.
A quieter find: Naru Beach at Marks Point is a local favourite for its flat, crystal-clear water and lake views, though there are no amenities on site, so bring everything you need.
Plus Lambton Pool, our most popular public pool in Newcastle, with a shaded toddler pool, splash park and grassy picnic area. If you’re in the Maitland area, head to Maitland Pool.
See our full guides to Beaches & Ocean Baths, Swimming Pools and Dog-Friendly Beaches, or check what to pack for a family beach day.
Playgrounds
We’ve spent more than a decade exploring local parks with our own families, and we’ve visited and reviewed hundreds of playgrounds across the region, from giant destination playgrounds to hidden local favourites. Wherever you are this summer, there’s a great one nearby.
By region:
- Best Playgrounds in Newcastle – from the adventure playground at Blackbutt Reserve to the waterfront at Honeysuckle and the all-day Wallsend Active Hub
- Best Playgrounds in Lake Macquarie – headlined by the award-winning Speers Point Variety Park, plus the all-abilities Thomas H Halton Park at Croudace Bay
- Best Playgrounds in the Hunter Valley – epic climbing structures at Huntlee, all-abilities spaces in Maitland and Singleton
- Best Playgrounds in Port Stephens – the beachside obstacle course at Boat Harbour, sand and water play at Little Beach
By feature or age group:
- Best Playgrounds for Toddlers – age-appropriate equipment, soft surfaces and fenced spaces
- Best Adventure Playgrounds for Older Kids – challenging climbing structures and flying foxes
- Fenced Playgrounds – ideal if you have a new walker in the family
- Parks & Playgrounds with Shade – essential for the 30-plus degree days
- Playgrounds with All-Abilities Equipment
- Playgrounds with Flying Foxes
- Playgrounds with Scooter Tracks
- Playgrounds with Basketball Courts
- Transport-Themed Playgrounds – for the train, plane and rocket-ship lovers
- Playgrounds Near Cafes – because sometimes you need a coffee just as much as the kids need a swing
- Playgrounds Near Pubs & Clubs – for when lunch is part of the plan
Browse the full Parks & Playgrounds hub to find one close to you.
Family Walks
We’ve been exploring these tracks, through the stroller years, the scooter years and the “I’m tired, carry me” years, and there’s something here for every age and fitness level. A few favourites to get you started, from flat coastal strolls to proper bush adventures.
In Newcastle: Blackbutt Reserve is the region’s most popular nature walk destination, with nine trails through 182 hectares of bushland and free wildlife exhibits along the way. Bathers Way is the signature coastal walk, 6km from Nobbys Headland to Merewether Ocean Baths past beaches, ocean pools and playgrounds (most families do a section rather than the whole thing). For something flat and pram-friendly, try the Fernleigh Track, a 15km former rail trail with a tunnel kids love, or the Anzac Memorial Walk overlooking Bar Beach or the Stockton Shipwreck Walk, a flat 2km stroll to see the what’s left of the wrecked Adolphe.
In Lake Macquarie: The Warners Bay Sculpture Walk is a 2km flat foreshore path dotted with public art, including a flying pig and a giant Buddhist monk-child, finishing with a coffee at Warners Bay. The Ken & Audrey Owens Walk at Redhead starts at the Webb Park playground and winds through coastal heath to the beach. For something magical with young kids, the Boarding House Dam Walk in the Watagans is a 700m circuit past a 120-metre moss wall and a wooden bridge, genuinely one of the best short walks in the whole region.
In Maitland: The Maitland Park Loop is a flat, paved 1.8km loop past the War Memorial and gardens, easy with a pram, scooter or bike.
In Cessnock & the Hunter: The Finchley Cultural Walk in Yengo National Park is an easy 1km return walk to see some of Australia’s best Aboriginal rock engravings, suitable for all ages.
In Port Stephens: You can do shorter walks along the 27km Tomaree Coastal walk. You can either do a short walk from Anna Bay to Little Kingsley Beach or a short walk from Boat Harbour to Slot Canyon and combine a walk with a visit to the beach.
See the full guides: 20 Best Newcastle Walks, 21 Best Lake Macquarie Walks, Best Maitland Walks, Best Cessnock & Hunter Valley Walks, plus our roundups of Pram-Friendly Walks and Dog-Friendly Walks.
Bike Rides
Drag the bikes out and explore somewhere new. Head out early morning or late afternoon in summer to dodge the heat.
- 15+ Cycle Paths in Newcastle – suits a range of ages and abilities
- Cycle Paths & Trails in Lake Macquarie – 10-plus options
- Kid-Friendly Cycle Paths in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter – 15 routes for smaller riders
- Where to Bike in Port Stephens: 7 Family-Friendly Trails – family rides around Port Stephens
Also worth a look: cycling in Cessnock & Hunter Valley and Newcastle’s best family mountain biking trails.
Events, Fairs & Festivals
Summer is peak event season around here. Check our Events Calendar regularly as we keep it updated, or browse:
- Markets Guide – find your nearest weekend market
- Live Music Outdoors – free gigs and outdoor sessions
- New Year’s Eve Guide – where to watch, what’s on, family-friendly options
- Lake Mac Festival
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.
- Kayaking & Stand Up Paddle Boarding
- Disc Golf – try the 6-hole beginner course at Armstrong Park, Lambton, or the lake views at Styles Point, Rathmines
- Mini Golf
- Skate Parks – 30-plus around the region
- Pump Tracks – 11 spots
- Playgrounds with Basketball Courts – 16 spots to shoot some hoops
- Water Parks – 7 places to cool off
- Snorkelling Spots – 6 spots to explore with kids
- Chasing a waterfall? Somersby Falls is a beautiful, easy stop, or head into the Watagans for the moss wall at Boarding House Dam Walk and Gap Creek Falls.
Newy With Kids Scavenger Hunts
Get out and explore the region! Newy with Kids has developed a series of free family scavenger hunts to download. 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 spoiled 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.
- Blackbutt Reserve – native animals, playgrounds and walking trails in one spot
- Caves Beach – rock pools and sea caves
- Swansea Headland – search for fossils
- Catherine Hill Bay – rockpools and historic jetty
- Hunter Wetlands Centre – boardwalks and birdlife
- Nobbys Headland – open on weekends
- Morpeth – a great small-town day trip
- Stockton Bight Sand Dunes – some of the largest moving sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere
- Explore Newcastle on Public Transport – a different way to spend a family day out
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.
- Animal Encounters & Experiences – our full roundup
- Blackbutt Reserve – native animals close to the city
- Tilligerry Habitat – koala spotting in the wild
- Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary
- Aussie Ark – Tasmanian devils and native species
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
- Museums & Galleries Guide
- Fort Scratchley – tunnels, history and harbour views
Newcastle Museum – hands-on and air-conditioned, good for a hot day
Fighter World – get up close to jets - Miss Porter’s House – experience historic Newcastle life
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!
- 40+ Newcastle Family-Friendly Spots with Playgrounds & Kids Areas
- Kids Eat Free Spots
- Best Ice Cream Shops
- Best Fish and Chips
- Farmers Markets Around Newcastle to Visit With Your Kids
Free & Easy Ideas
Don’t need to spend a cent to have a great day. A few of our favourite low-cost, low-effort ideas for whenever you’re stuck for something to do:
- Playground tour – pick a few you’ve never visited and see how many you can tick off before summer’s out
- Geocaching – a free treasure hunt you can do locally or on holidays
- Sunset photography – head to a scenic spot in golden hour, your phone camera is all you need
- Street art tour – explore the city’s murals and back-alley art on foot or by bike
- Bubble parade or sidewalk chalk – cheap, easy, and always a hit with the neighbourhood kids
For more, see our full guide to Free & Low-Cost Things to Do.
Backyard Fun
Staying home doesn’t mean a boring summer. Here are ideas for fun activities you can enjoy without leaving home.
- 25 Water Play Activities To Do With Kids
- Backyard camping – all the fun of camping without leaving the yard
- 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
However you spend it, we hope this guide helps you make the most of summer with your family. Bookmark this page and check back, we’ll keep adding to it as new events and openings come up throughout the season.