If you’re looking for something creative and educational to do with your kids, the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Hunter region has plenty of galleries and museums worth exploring. From interactive science exhibits and hands-on art studios to heritage homes and aviation displays, there’s something for every age and interest.
Many venues offer free or low-cost entry, school holiday programs, and family-friendly cafés making them perfect for a rainy day outing or a weekend adventure.
Galleries for Families
Lake Macquarie Multi-Arts Pavilion (MAP mima)
96 Creek Reserve Road, Speers Point, NSW
0448 409 604
Website: Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima
MAP mima is a cutting-edge space where contemporary art, digital installations, and live performances come together. The venue sits near Speers Point Park, so it’s easy to combine a gallery visit with an afternoon at the playground. You’ll find national and international art exhibitions, digital screenings, theatre performances, and music events throughout the year.
For the youngest visitors, MAP mima runs Mother’s Club offers a beautiful opportunity for mums and dads to slow down, connect, and enjoy meaningful time with their babies in a calm and welcoming space.
They also host Digitales: Storytime and Art for ages 2 – 5 on the third Thursday of each month—a great introduction to art for little ones. The outdoor precinct also hosts markets and community events, giving families plenty of reasons to visit beyond exhibitions.
Museum of Art and Culture Lake Macquarie, yapang
First Street, Booragul, NSW
(02) 4921 0382
Website: Museum of Art and Culture Lake Macquarie, yapang
Don’t let the size fool you — MAC yapang is an ideal spot for families, even with restless kids. Set in a beautiful lakeside location, this gallery hosts interesting local and Australian exhibitions. What makes it special is the Family Activity Corner, baby change facilities, and an on-site café. If the kids need to burn off energy, the surrounding Sculpture Park offers plenty of space to explore outdoors. There’s regular family art sessions to enjoy. Just check the website to see what’s coming up.
Maitland Regional Art Gallery (MRAG)
230 High Street, Maitland, NSW
(02) 4934 9859
Website: Maitland Regional Art Gallery
Maitland Regional Art Gallery (MRAG) showcases rotating art exhibitions throughout the year and is welcoming to families. The on-site Seraphine Caféis a lifesaver—grab a coffee, cake, or lunch while the kids settle in.
Every weekend, check out Free Art Sundays, where children and parents can enjoy free art activities together. MRAG also runs school holiday programs and family workshops throughout the year, so it’s worth checking their website for what’s on during your visit.
Newcastle Art Gallery
1 Laman Street, Cooks Hill, NSW
(02) 4974 5100
Website: Newcastle Art Gallery
The Newcastle Art Gallery reopened on 28 February 2026 with expanded new spaces and a strong focus on family engagement. You can book a timed entry and enjoy a free 45-minute guided tour from Friday to Sunday — a great way to get expert insight without additional cost.
Families can also drop into Studio Weekends every Saturday and Sunday from 10am – 12pm for free, all-inclusive hands-on sessions. These drop-in art-making workshops are inspired by current exhibitions and suit all ages and abilities. No booking needed, just turn up and create. There’s now a cafe in the art gallery so enjoy a snack or a meal before or after your visit.
PACC Art Gallery
198-202 Vincent Street, Cessnock, NSW
(02) 4993 4266
Website: PACC
PACC’s Art Gallery (second floor) is a vibrant cultural hub celebrating innovation and inclusivity. The gallery features a changing annual program of contemporary art—painting, sculpture, digital art, and more—alongside a retail space showcasing local artisans’ work.
Right next door, the Makers Space invites families to get hands-on with workshops, programs, and collaborative creative projects. Check their What’s On page for current exhibitions and upcoming family workshops.
The Lock-Up
90 Hunter Street, Newcastle NSW
(02) 4925 2265
Website: The Lock-Up
The Lock-Up is an 1800s police station reimagined as a contemporary art space. It runs regular art exhibitions throughout the year. The Lock-Up offers monthly hands-on art-making session for kids and families at The Lock-Up in Newcastle, Crafternoons are inspired by what’s currently showing in the gallery, so each one is a little different. A good option if your kids like making things and you want something with a bit more substance than a standard craft activity. This is a by donation program for children of all ages and their families.
Museums & Heritage Sites
Dobell House
47 Dobell Drive, Wangi Wangi NSW
0400 770257
Website: Dobell House
Dobell House is the preserved home and studio of famous Australian artist Sir William Dobell. This unique ‘lake house’ (originally a 1920s weekender, expanded over 40 years) is listed on the NSW State Heritage Register and managed by the Sir William Dobell Memorial Association since 1971.
Admission includes unlimited time to explore the house, garden, and Dobell Park—giving kids space to move around outdoors after viewing indoor exhibits. Trained volunteer museum guides are on hand to help kids understand the exhibits. Open Wednesday 10am–3pm; Saturday–Sunday 1pm–4pm (or book a private tour).
Dungog Museum
105 Dowling Street, Dungog, NSW
(02) 4992 1993 or (02) 4992 2094
Website: Dungog Museum Facebook page
Housed in the beautiful heritage-listed 1898 School of Arts building, Dungog Museum is open Saturdays 10am–2pm. The core exhibition, “Dungog: Making the Community,” tells the story of the region through themes including local Aboriginal history, the arrival of Europeans, local photographs, sporting memorabilia, and farming equipment.
Kids will love the “search and find” activity, which makes exploring local history interactive. There’s also a dedicated room with changing exhibitions, so there’s always something new to discover on return visits.
Fighterworld
49 Medowie Road, Williamtown, NSW
(02) 4965 1810
Website: Fighterworld
Just 20 minutes north of Newcastle, Fighterworld is an aviation museum where kids can walk around, touch, and peek into the cockpits of famous aircraft. Housed in two hangars, the collection includes the Mirage III, Avon Sabre, Gloster Meteor, the first Australian-built Vampire jet, and the mighty F-111. It’s hands-on and tactile—perfect for plane-loving kids. For more information, including tips on making the most of your visit, read the Newy With Kids review of Fighter World.
Fort Scratchley
Nobbys Road, Newcastle East, NSW
(02) 4974 1422
Website: Fort Scratchley
Fort Scratchley is the only Australian coastal installation to fire on an enemy vessel during World War II. You can explore self-guided tours of the fort, viewing cannons and defence structures. Kids love seeing the large cannons and taking in ocean views.
For a deeper experience, pay for a guided tour with Fort Scratchley Historical Society volunteers to explore underground tunnels and learn detailed histories. There’s a small playground outside the fort (handy if history fatigue sets in) and plenty of space for a picnic. On special occasions like Australia Day and Anzac Day, you can witness the guns firing—a memorable (if loud!) experience. For more information, including tips on making the most of your visit, read the Newy With Kids review of Fort Scatchley.
Miss Porter’s House
434 King Street, Newcastle, NSW
(02) 4927 0202
Website: Miss Porter’s House
A National Trust property, Miss Porter’s House is now a living snapshot providing visitors with the experience of early to mid-twentieth century inner-city life in Newcastle. Built by the Porters in 1909, the family lived in this freestanding Edwardian terrace until 1997, when they left it to the National Trust with all its contents intact. Miss Porter’s House is open on the second Sunday of each month. For more information, including tips on making the most of your visit, read the Newy With Kids review of Miss Porter’s House.
Murrook Cultural Centre
2163 Nelson Bay Road, Williamtown NSW 2318
(02) 4033 8800
Website: Murrook Culture Centre
Discover local Aboriginal culture at Murrook Culture Centre, situated on Worimi land at Williamtown. Explore the interactive exhibition centre, enjoy storytelling and art displays, have a bite to eat at Yapay Djalgil Murrook Café, take part in one of the many workshops available or sign the kids up for a school holiday program. Be prepared to leave with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the timeless traditions of Aboriginal culture.
Newcastle Museum
Workshop Way, Newcastle, NSW
(02) 4974 1400
Website: Newcastle Museum
The Newcastle Museum is a local family favourite with free admission—one of the best freebies in the region. The interactive Supernova science exhibits keep kids entertained while learning, and the Newcastle Fire and Earth exhibition explores the region’s industrial history. Don’t miss the 6-minute BHP Steelmaking Show with special effects; it’s surprisingly engaging. The museum also runs excellent school holiday workshops, making it a go-to option when the kids are home. Free entry + quality programming = highly recommended. For more information, including tips on making the most of your visit, read the Newy With Kids review of Newcastle Museum.
Sugar Valley Library Museum, kirantakamyari
156 Portland Drive, Cameron Park NSW
(02) 4921 0111
Website: Sugar Valley Library Museum, kirantakamyari
The Sugar Valley Library Museum, kirantakamyari, located in Cameron Park, is a co-located facility providing an engaging space for people to learn, create, and connect. The libraries services include a multimedia/tech space, a workshop area, and a dedicated children’s zone, while the museum, the first of its kind in Lake Macquarie, showcases the rich history of West Wallsend with its inaugural, immersive exhibition, “Westy: we built this history,” developed alongside the West Wallsend District Heritage Group.
Tocal Homestead
957 Tocal Road, Paterson, NSW
(02) 4939 8901
Website: Tocal Homestead
Explore this magnificent homestead and its collection of colonial farm buildings dating back to the 1830s. Visitors can self-guide through the site and enjoy stunning views across the valley. Tocal Homestead is open selected Sundays throughout the year—check their website for dates and any special exhibitions.
Currently Closed
Richmond Vale Railway Museum
262 Leggetts Drive, Kurri Kurri, NSW
(02) 4018 7230
Website: Richmond Vale Railway Museum
Currently closed pending redevelopment. No reopening date confirmed. Check their website for updates.
Step back in time and discover the history of steam worked railways in the Cessnock Coalfield and the Hunter Valley. Families can ride on the historic steam trains on selected days of the month. The Museum, located at Kurri Kurri, contains a large range of artefacts, maps and photos which documents the history of the Richmond Main Colliery, the development of the South Maitland Coalfields, the equipment used and the social impact of coal mining on the local communities. For more information, including tips on making the most of your visit, read the Newy With Kids review of Richmond Vale Railway Museum.
Maitland Gaol
6-18 John Street, Maitland, NSW
(02) 4936 6482
Website: Maitland Gaol
Maitland Gaol closed as a correctional institution in 1998 after housing some of Australia’s most notorious criminals and you used to be able to experience life on the inside.The heritage site closed to the public in 2025. Maitland City Council voted in December 2025 to return the site to NSW Government, with its future use still to be determined. Watch for announcements about potential future heritage tourism opportunities.
Plan Your Visit
Free & Low-Cost Options
Looking to keep costs down? Here are your best bets:
- Newcastle Museum – Free admission with paid school holiday workshops
- Newcastle Art Gallery – Free entry and free Studio Weekends (Sat–Sun 10am–12pm)
- Maitland Regional Art Gallery – Free Art Sundays
Parking & Accessibility
- Newcastle Art Gallery & Newcastle Museum (Honeysuckle) – Paid parking available on-site; consider street parking on quieter days
- Fort Scratchley – Free parking on-site
- Speers Point (MAP mima) – Free parking at Speers Point Park
- Most venues have accessible toilets and stroller-friendly spaces; call ahead if you have specific accessibility needs
Best Age Groups
- Ages 2–5: MAP mima (Digitales), MAC yapang (Family Activity Corner), Newcastle Art Gallery (Studio Weekends)
- Ages 6–10: Fighterworld, Dungog Museum, Newcastle Museum, Fort Scratchley, Newcastle Art Gallery (Studio Weekends)
- Ages 10+: All venues; heritage sites particularly rewarding
School Holiday Programs
Most galleries and museums run special school holiday workshops. Popular options include:
- Newcastle Museum (interactive workshops)
- Maitland Regional Art Gallery (art activities)
- MAP mima (art and digital activities)
- Murrook Cultural Centre (cultural workshops)
Rainy Day Tip
All of these venues are excellent indoor options when the weather turns. The Newcastle Museum and Fighterworld are particularly good for keeping kids engaged on gloomy days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Newcastle Museum (free admission), Newcastle Art Gallery (free entry + free Studio Weekends), Maitland Regional Art Gallery (free Art Sundays), and MAC yapang are your best bets for zero-cost outings.
Yes, MAC yapang has a dedicated Family Activity Corner. MAP mima offers Digitales: Storytime and Art for ages 2–5 on the third Thursday of each month. Newcastle Art Gallery’s Studio Weekends (Saturdays and Sundays) are all-inclusive for all ages.
Weekday visits (especially mid-week) are quieter than weekends. School holidays are busier but offer special family programs worth planning around.
Most do. Newcastle Museum, Maitland Regional Art Gallery, MAP mima, and Murrook Cultural Centre all run school holiday workshops.
MAC yapang (café next door), Maitland Regional Art Gallery (Seraphine Café), Newcastle Art Gallery (Hilliers Cafe), Murrook Cultural Centre (Yapay Djalgil Murrook Café), and Dobell House (bring a picnic to the grounds).
You might also like:
Newcastle Museum: What To Know For a Fun Family Day Out
50 Fun Activities For Grandkids & Grandparents in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter