Just 35 minutes from Newcastle, Maitland is one of the Hunter’s most underrated family destinations. The city sits on the banks of the Hunter River and has a strong sense of history, a yummy food scene, and a solid range of parks, playgrounds, and free activities for families.
Whether you’re a local looking for something new or visiting Maitland on a day trip, here’s our guide to the best things to do in Maitland with kids.
Jump to: Parks & Playgrounds | Picnic Spots | Walks | Bike Rides | Skate Parks | Attractions | History & Culture | Rainy Day Options | Plan Your Visit | FAQs
Parks & Playgrounds in Maitland
Maitland has a good range of parks and playgrounds across the LGA, most with barbecues, open space, and facilities for a full family day out. For our full guide, see Best Playgrounds in Maitland & Hunter Valley.
Magic Garden, Maitland Park
The Magic Garden is Maitland Park’s all-abilities playground and one of the best in the Hunter. Fully fenced with softfall rubber flooring, it features three sets of swings, a xylophone, flying fox, batwing carousel, toadstools, a climbing structure with steps, slides, and a rock wall, and a liberty swing for wheelchair users. The fenced design means parents can watch comfortably from picnic tables just outside. Maitland Park itself is an expansive area of parkland with sporting fields, tennis courts, croquet lawns, a swimming centre, and 1.8km of cycling tracks. Bring bikes and scooters.
Harold Gregson Reserve, Maitland
A well-equipped park on High Street in central Maitland. There’s a playground suited to kids under 8 with a wooden play structure, baby swing, group nest swing, roundabout, and balancing area. Alongside the playground sits a full-sized basketball court, skate park, amphitheatre, events lawn, barbecues, and shaded picnic shelters. Close enough to walk to from Maitland train station.
Raworth Park, Raworth
A popular local park with a fully fenced playground sitting right next to the Raworth Dog Off-Leash area. An undercover eating area just outside the fence has two free gas barbecues. One of the better options if you’re bringing the dog along. Read more about Raworth Park.
Picnic Spots in Maitland
Maitland has some great picnic spots — riverside settings, heritage parks, and plenty of space for kids to run around. For our full guide, see Best Picnic Spots in Maitland.
Walka Water Works, Oakhampton Heights
Originally built in 1887 to supply water to Newcastle and the Lower Hunter, the heritage-listed site has barbecues, picnic tables, generous shade, and plenty of green space. Two walking trails wind through the park, including the Kangaroo Trail where you have a good chance of spotting a mob of kangaroos. Read more about Walka Water Works.
Morpeth Common, Morpeth
Ray Lawler Reserve, known locally as Morpeth Common, is a sprawling green space with impressive fig tree shade, two undercover barbecues, a playground, and views over a nearby cow and horse paddock. Cross the bridge into the main grassed area for one of the prettiest picnic settings in the region. Combine with a walk through Morpeth village. Read more about Morpeth Common.
Maitland Park, Maitland
A large, well-facilitated parkland with sporting fields, picnic spots, gas barbecues, tennis courts, croquet lawns, and a swimming centre. The Magic Garden playground is fully fenced right next door. Read more about Maitland Park.
Maitland Riverside, Maitland CBD
A relaxed riverside picnic option right in the CBD. The area stretches from Hunter Street to the Riverside Car Park along the Hunter River, with wide paths, peaceful river views, and picnic tables dotted along the way.
Harold Gregson Reserve, Maitland
Centrally located with barbecues, shaded picnic shelters, toilets, and a playground alongside a skate park and basketball court. A good all-in-one option for a family day in the CBD.
Walks in Maitland
Maitland’s walking options range from flat riverside paths in the CBD to heritage trails through historic villages and bushland tracks with wildlife. For our full guide, see Best Walks in Maitland for Families.
Maitland Riverside Walk
A flat, easy walk along the Hunter River through the CBD, starting from Hunter Street and extending to the Riverside Car Park. Look out for the flood markers showing the height of the 1955 floods, one of the most devastating in NSW history. A good history walk for curious kids.
Walka Water Works Trails, Oakhampton Heights
Two walking trails wind through the heritage-listed Walka Water Works site. The Bush Trail is known for expansive views, and the Kangaroo Trail offers a good chance of spotting kangaroos in the wild.
Morpeth Heritage Walk, Morpeth
Wander through one of the best-preserved 19th-century villages in NSW. Stroll past heritage-listed buildings, the original Arnott’s Bakehouse site at 148 Swan Street, and cross the heritage-listed Morpeth Bridge, one of the oldest surviving timber truss road bridges in NSW.
If the kids have energy to burn, there are family-friendly fun runs and walks worth a look too, like the Loxford Maitland Running Festival at the Regional Athletics Centre. See our full guide to family-friendly fun runs across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter for events to suit every age and fitness level.
Bike Rides in Maitland
The Maitland area is a great one to get on your bike. There are lots of cycle trails to enjoy with your kids to suit a variety of ages and abilities. Explore historical and cultural sites, experience nature or ride along the river.
Hunter River Shared Path, Maitland
The riverside shared path along the Hunter River through Maitland is a flat, easy ride for families. The route passes heritage streetscapes, riverside parks, and flood markers that tell the story of the famous 1955 Maitland floods. A good starting point is The Levee precinct.
Maitland Park Cycling Tracks
Maitland Park has 1.8km of cycling tracks within the park grounds, making it a great option for younger kids who are just finding their wheels. Flat, contained, and surrounded by open space. Read more about Maitland Park.
Skate Parks in Maitland
Maitland City Council has constructed seven skate parks across the LGA. Here are the two standouts for families. For the full regional guide, see Skate Parks in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter.
Harold Gregson Reserve Skate Park, Maitland
Centrally located on High Street in Maitland, the Harold Gregson Reserve skate park is well set up for beginners and intermediate riders. It sits alongside the playground, basketball court, and amphitheatre, making it easy to combine with a full family day in the CBD.
Lawes Street Skate Park, East Maitland
For more experienced riders, Lawes Street Skate Park in East Maitland has a range of elements for all skill levels and disciplines, including a 1.5 to 2.1 metre skate bowl. One of the more substantial skate parks in the region.
Attractions in Maitland
Maitland Regional Art Gallery (MRAG)
Housed in a beautiful heritage building in the CBD, MRAG is a free and genuinely family-friendly gallery. The building itself has a fascinating history, having served as a candle factory, soap-making facility, general store, and Maitland Technical College before becoming a gallery. Exhibitions change regularly with a focus on contemporary and community art. Visit on Sunday between 11am and 1pm for Free Art Sunday, where families can join free art activities inspired by current exhibitions. There’s a cafe on site with outdoor seating. Free admission. Read more about MRAG.
Heddon Greta Drive In
One of only two remaining drive-in cinemas in NSW and right on Maitland’s doorstep. Open every Friday and Saturday night year-round, plus every night during school holidays. Sessions usually include two or three films with a family-friendly option on offer. Priced per car, making it excellent value for families. Read more about Heddon Greta Drive In.
Maitland Aquatic Centre, Maitland Park
A solid wet or warm weather option. The complex includes a 50-metre outdoor pool, a 25-metre indoor heated pool, and a splash pad with a tipping bucket. Suitable for all swimming levels, with lessons available. Admission cost applies.
East Maitland Pool
Another local option with an outdoor swimming pool, shaded baby pool, and kids play equipment. A good choice for a casual swim without the crowds of the main aquatic centre. Admission cost applies.
History & Culture in Maitland
Morpeth Village
One of the most historically significant villages in the Hunter, Morpeth was once one of the busiest river ports in NSW. The heritage streetscape is beautifully preserved, with independent shops, galleries, and cafes lining the main street. Walk past the original Arnott’s Bakehouse site at 148 Swan Street and cross the heritage-listed Morpeth Bridge before heading to Morpeth Common for a picnic. Read more about a day out in Morpeth as well as Morpeth Common.
Morpeth Museum
Located in the former Morpeth courthouse, the museum has small but interesting exhibitions on the village’s history. Kids can sit in the Judge’s chair, stand in the dock, spend time in a cell, and browse the Arnott’s biscuit memorabilia collection. Cost: Low cost entry.
The Levee, Maitland CBD
The heart of Maitland’s CBD dining and shopping precinct, set against beautiful heritage architecture along the Hunter River. Look out for flood markers showing the height of the 1955 floods. The area hosts regular family-friendly events throughout the year including Maitland Taste, Riverlights, and New Year’s Eve fireworks.
Walka Water Works, Oakhampton Heights
Built in 1887 and heritage-listed, Walka Water Works is a fascinating piece of local infrastructure history. The Pump House, walking trails, birdlife-filled lake, and open picnic areas make it as practical as it is historical. Read more about Walka Water Works.
Rainy Day Options in Maitland
When the weather turns, Maitland has a good range of indoor options. Reading Cinemas Maitland is one of the more affordable movie options in the region. For bowling, indoor mini golf and arcade games, head to Dullboy’s in Rutherford.
For a quieter afternoon, the Maitland City Library branches at Maitland, East Maitland, Rutherford, and Thornton run regular school holiday programs.
The Maitland Regional Art Gallery is also worth noting as a rainy day option — free entry, a cafe on site, and regular family programming make it one of the better indoor choices in the LGA.
Plan Your Visit
Maitland has a great calendar of family-friendly events throughout the year. Steamfest, Riverlights and the New Year’s Eve fireworks along the Hunter River are among the annual highlights. See our events guide for what’s coming up.
Use these guides to help plan your time in Maitland:
- Best Playgrounds in Maitland and Hunter Valley
- Best Picnic Spots in Maitland
- Best Walks in Maitland for Families
- Summer Art Fest at Maitland Regional Art Gallery
- What’s On Maitland This Summer?
- Family-Friendly Dining around the Region
- Kids Eat Free in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & the Hunter
- Free & Low-Cost Things to Do in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter
- School Holiday Activities in Newcastle & Lake Macquarie
- Best Camping & Holiday Parks Within 3 Hours of Newcastle
Frequently Asked Questions
Maitland is known for its rich heritage, the Hunter River, and some of the best-preserved 19th-century streetscapes in NSW. The historic village of Morpeth, the Levee precinct, and Walka Water Works are among the most visited spots. It’s also well known for the devastating 1955 floods that shaped the city’s modern layout.
Yes. Maitland has a strong range of free family activities including the Magic Garden at Maitland Park, Harold Gregson Reserve, Morpeth village, Walka Water Works, Morpeth Common, and the Maitland Regional Art Gallery. The Heddon Greta Drive In is one of the most popular family outings in the region.
Top free activities include the Magic Garden playground, Harold Gregson Reserve, Morpeth village and Morpeth Common, Walka Water Works, the Maitland Riverside Walk, and the Maitland Regional Art Gallery.
No. Maitland Gaol has been closed since early 2024 due to fire and electrical safety issues. In December 2025, Maitland City Council voted to hand the site back to the NSW Government. The future of the attraction is currently uncertain. Check the Maitland Gaol website for the latest updates.
Maitland is approximately 35 minutes from Newcastle by car via the A43. It’s also accessible by train on the Hunter line from Newcastle Interchange.
Maitland is approximately 175km north of Sydney, around 2 hours by car via the M1 and Hunter Expressway.
Exploring More of the Hunter Region Maitland makes a great starting point for exploring the wider Hunter region with kids. Check out our guides to Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Hunter Valley and Port Stephens for more family-friendly days out close by. for more ideas close by.