When summer temperatures soar in the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, and Hunter regions, keeping kids cool and entertained can feel like a full-time job. Whether you’re dealing with a scorching 35-degree day or an extended heatwave, this comprehensive guide will help you and your family stay comfortable, safe, and happy during the hottest months of the year.
From local pools and beaches to air-conditioned indoor activities, we’ve covered all your options for beating the heat. Plus, if you’re planning to stay home, we’ve included practical tips for keeping your house cool and your kids occupied without leaving the comfort of your own four walls.
Go for a swim
When the temperature climbs, there’s nothing better than a refreshing swim at a local pool. The Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, and Hunter regions have excellent aquatic facilities perfect for families.
The City of Newcastle runs several fantastic pools that are open for the swimming season. Great news for budget-conscious families—it’s just $2 entry for Beresfield, Mayfield, Stockton, and Wallsend pools as part of a Council trial of reduced entry fees.
Lambton Pool remains the star attraction with its impressive aquatic playground, shaded toddler pool, learner pool, and the ever-popular giant waterslide. Remember to check opening hours for the playground to avoid disappointment.
Other Newcastle pools include Stockton, Mayfield, Wallsend, and Beresfield. Each offers family-friendly facilities and relief from the heat. Just remember to plan your visit around the hottest part of the day—try to avoid being outdoors between 11am and 5pm.
The outdoor pool at Maitland Aquatic Centre is an excellent spot for families. The giant bucket at the aquatic playground operates on weekends, providing endless entertainment for kids. Following essential repairs, the pool reopened from 8am on Saturday, 20 December. The centre features shaded baby pools, a café, and picnic areas for a full day out.
East Maitland Pool offers an Olympic-sized outdoor pool perfect for serious swimmers and those who want more space to splash around.
In Lake Macquarie, there are six pools in which to cool off – Charlestown Pool (which has a splash pad), Morisset, Speers Point, Swansea, Toronto and West Wallsend.
Morisset Swim Centre, Speers Point Swim Centre and Swansea Swim Centre reopened for the season so they are a great place to cool off when it’s warm. Charlestown Swim Centre, Toronto Swim Centre and West Wallsend are open year round.
You can also head to the beach before the temperature starts to climb too much. We’ve put together a list of 15 best beaches and ocean baths for families in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie. There are lots of great places to go for a swim.
For beach fun with little ones, check out the Canoe Pool at Newcastle Beach. The water isn’t too deep and the sand is perfect for erecting sandcastles. Just don’t forget a sun shelter to get some shade and make sure that the sand isn’t too hot.
Bigger kids can splash around in the Newcastle Ocean Baths. It’s been recently renovated and is a top spot to cool down.
Merewether Ocean Baths are also a great choice in the summer months. It also has a shallower sandy area protected by rocks from the ocean on the side of the baths, which is suitable for younger kids.
In Lake Macquarie, take kids to Grannies’ Pool. It’s a swimming lagoon near Blacksmiths Beach in Lake Macquarie. Facing the Swansea Channel, this shallow tidal pool is perfect for the preschooler set to splash around. As it’s a tidal pool, the depth varies so don’t go at low tide.
Older kids will love splashing around in Belmont Baths. The swimming enclosure consists of a shark-netted swimming area 70m long and 45m wide along with a 70-metre jetty that’s fun to jump off. There’s plenty of room for everyone including those with inflatables.
The upgrade of historic Toronto Baths was completed in 2024, and is great for a swim in hot weather if you’re on the west side of Lake Macquarie. This bathing area is now fully enclosed and more accessible. Upgrades include a new accessibility ramp into the water, new jetty decking and netting around the baths.
If you can’t be bothered to drag the kids and all the required paraphernalia to a pool, make your own aquatic fun at home. There are lots of fun water activities you can enjoy at home including running through a sprinkler, water balloons, water gun fights, water spraypainting and more.
In our article, 25 Water Play Activities To Do With Kids All Summer Long, we’ve included a range of activities suitable for all ages of kids from babies and toddlers right through to teens. Options include:
- Running through sprinklers
- Water balloon fights
- Water gun battles
- Water spray painting
- DIY slip ‘n’ slides
- Sensory water tables for toddlers
- Water limbo
- Sponge water relay races
These activities require minimal setup and provide hours of cooling entertainment. Just don’t forget sun protection, and avoid outdoor play during the hottest parts of the day.
Visit the playground early
If your energetic kids need to burn off steam at a playground, timing is everything. Head out very early in the morning before the heat builds and before metal slides and other equipment become too hot to touch.
Looking for a park with plenty of shade? Check out our list of shaded playgrounds in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, and Hunter. Some feature natural tree coverage, others have shade provided by shade sails, and many offer both. Shaded play areas can be several degrees cooler than unshaded ones, making morning play sessions more comfortable.
Stay cool inside
On days of extreme heat or during heatwaves, the safest option is to stay inside. Here’s how to keep your home cool and your kids entertained.
Simple strategies can make a significant difference to your home’s temperature:
- Keep curtains and blinds closed during the day to block out heat
- Identify the coolest rooms in your house and set up camp there
- Use fans strategically (they’re cheaper than air conditioning but still effective)
- Run air conditioning if available, focusing on one or two rooms rather than the whole house
- Close doors to unused rooms to concentrate cooling where you need it
With kids stuck inside, you’ll need a solid entertainment plan. Some ideas:
- Movie marathons with popcorn
- Video game tournaments
- Board game competitions
- Arts and crafts projects
- Indoor treasure hunts
- Building forts with blankets and cushions
- Reading challenges
For more comprehensive indoor activity ideas, check out our articles on keeping kids entertained at home.
Libraries: Free Cool Spots
When you need a break from the heat, go enjoy someone else’s air conditioning. Libraries are great places for some free cold air. Each City of Newcastle library is a designated “community cool spot”, which residents can visit for free to cool down. You and the kids can cool down plus borrow some books, magazines,and other stuff including Maker Kits. Lake Mac Libraries are also cool spots so visit them if there’s a branch close to you.
In the Hunter Valley area, visit one of the Maitland City Council library branches such as Maitland Library, East Maitland Library, Rutherford Library or Thornton Library. Cessnock & Kurri Kurri libraries are also designated community cool spots so visit them to escape the heat.
Museums and Galleries
Also, check out museums and galleries such as the Newcastle Museum, Newcastle Art Gallery (limited sections open – check website for hours), Museum of Art and Culture and Maitland Regional Art Gallery. The kids will enjoy themselves and they might even learn something.
Indoor Centres
If you don’t mind paying, indoor play centres like Kids World Playland at Stockland Green Hills, Pixie Play Cafe in Rathmines, Chipmunks in Belmont, and EMF jnr at Westfield Kotara can be a godsend in the heat. The Playground at Ninja Parc (pictured below) is a 4-story soft play course for under 8 years. Here’s a list of indoor play centres in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Hunter.
Don’t forget about a chilled movie theatre. For those with babies, enjoy a session of Spit the Dummy at Reading Cinemas Charlestown or Bring Your Baby at Event Cinemas at Glendale and Kotara during the week. For older kids, there are usually kids movies screening at the cinemas.
When all else fails, just grab your kids and go to Charlestown Square, Westfield Kotara, Stockland Greenhills or another indoor shopping centre and enjoy the air-conditioned surrounds.
Get out of the heat and have some fun at Dullboys in Warners Bay or Rutherford for bowling and arcade games. Challenge your friends or family to a game of bowling or some indoor mini golf at Rutherford. You can also visit Strike Bowling and Holey Moley at Charlestown Square.
A top place to go in a heatwave is the Hunter Ice Skating Stadium in Warners Bay. You can cool down and try ice skating. Skate hire is included in the price.
Hydration Station
Staying hydrated is crucial during hot weather. Make sure your family drinks plenty of water throughout the day to prevent dehydration.
Pro tip: Keep several bottles of water in the freezer. They’re excellent for coolers (keeping everything cold) and provide icy-cold drinking water as they gradually melt. This is especially useful for beach or pool trips.
Cool Food Ideas
Stock your fridge with ready-to-eat cool foods:
- Washed and cut strawberries
- Blueberries and grapes
- Watermelon chunks
- Cucumber slices
- Baby carrots
- Cherry tomatoes
Freezer trick: Chill fruit in the freezer for 30 minutes before serving. Partially frozen grapes and berries are particularly refreshing and feel like special treats.
Light Meals for Hot Days
Keep cooking to a minimum with these cool meal ideas:
Lunch Options:
- Cucumber sandwiches
- Cold pasta salads
- Garden salads with protein
- Wraps and rolls
- Cheese and crackers with fruit
- Cold quiches or frittatas (made earlier in the day or the night before)
Dinner Ideas:
- Greek salad with feta and olives
- Vietnamese rice paper rolls
- Cold noodle salads
- Gazpacho or other cold soups
- Barbecue (outside) with salads
- Sandwich platters
Desserts:
- Yoghurt parfaits
- Smoothies
- Fresh fruit platters
- Frozen fruit kebabs
Homemade Icy Treats
Have homemade ice blocks ready in the freezer for instant cool treats. Décor’s Lickety-Sips are excellent ice block moulds that kids can either lick or sip through a built-in straw.
Fill them with:
- Fruit juice (100% juice is healthier)
- Diluted cordial
- Smoothie mixture
- Yoghurt blends
- Coconut water
- Pureed fruit
Making ice blocks together can be a fun activity on a cooler evening, giving kids something to look forward to the next day.
Clothing choices matter significantly in hot weather.
For Kids:
- Choose loose, lightweight clothing
- Natural fibres like cotton are best (they breathe better than synthetics)
- Light colours reflect heat
- Don’t forget hats and sunglasses
- Consider sun-protective clothing for beach and pool days
For Babies and Toddlers:
- A singlet and nappy may be sufficient indoors
- Use lightweight muslin wraps for outdoor sun protection
- Ensure hats have good neck protection
Cooling Tips:
- Wet towels or cold packs on arms or neck provide quick relief
- Soak feet in cool (not ice cold) water
- Give kids a cool bath before nap time or bedtime
- Provide a cold or frozen facecloth to cuddle
- Use a spray bottle filled with water from the fridge for quick spritzes
Naptime and Bedtime in the Heat
Hot weather can make sleep difficult, especially for young children.
Settling Strategies:
- Give kids a cool bath before bed
- Use lightweight cotton sheets or just a sheet
- Position a fan to circulate air (not directly on the child)
- Close curtains during the day to keep bedrooms cool
- Use cooling pillows or cool gel packs (wrapped in cloth)
For Babies:
- Ensure the room isn’t too cold from air conditioning
- Use appropriate-weight sleep bags for the temperature
- Check baby’s chest to ensure they’re not too hot or cold
- Offer extra feeds for hydration (breast or bottle)
Don’t Forget Your Pets
Pets suffer in the heat too and can’t tell you when they’re uncomfortable.
Essential Pet Care in Hot Weather:
- Ensure constant access to fresh, cool water
- Provide shaded areas, preferably with airflow
- Never leave pets in cars (even for “just a minute”)
- Walk dogs early morning or late evening when it’s cooler
- Consider a cooling mat or damp towel for them to lie on
- Watch for signs of heatstroke: excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, vomiting
Extended Heatwave Survival
During multi-day heatwaves, you may need additional strategies.
Day-by-Day Planning:
- Create a schedule rotating between different cool activities
- Alternate paid activities (movies, play centres) with free ones (libraries, shopping centres)
- Schedule early morning outdoor time while it’s still cool
- Plan indoor activities for the hottest afternoon hours
- Keep evening activities light and cool
Meal Planning:
- Prepare meals early in the morning before the heat builds
- Use slow cookers or pressure cookers (they produce less ambient heat than ovens)
- Plan no-cook meals for the hottest days
- Keep the fridge well-stocked with cold drinks and snacks
Maintaining Sanity:
- Lower your expectations for activities and productivity
- Screen time rules can be relaxed during extreme heat
- Focus on keeping everyone safe and reasonably happy
- Remember that this weather will pass
Creating a Heat Action Plan
It’s worth having a plan before extreme heat arrives.
Prepare in Advance:
- Stock up on water bottles and fill ice cube trays
- Make sure fans are working and air conditioning is serviced
- Buy ingredients for easy, cool meals
- Have indoor activities ready to go (new books, craft supplies, puzzles)
- Check that sunscreen and hats are stocked
- Keep a list of air-conditioned venues and their opening hours
- Have emergency numbers handy (doctor, nearest hospital)
Check Resources:
- Monitor the Bureau of Meteorology for heat warnings
- Sign up for local council heat alerts
- Know where your nearest cool spots are
- Have the NSW Health website bookmarked for heat safety information
Stay cool, stay safe, and enjoy the summer!
Watch for heat-related illnesses
Sun Smart Guidelines: Follow the Slip, Slop, Slap rule—slip on protective clothing, slop on SPF 30+ sunscreen, and slap on a hat. Avoid outdoor activities between 11am and 5pm when UV radiation is at its peak.
Hydration is Key: Keep water bottles filled and easily accessible. Frozen water bottles are brilliant—they keep coolers cold and provide icy-cold drinking water as they melt.
Watch for Warning Signs: Heat-related illnesses can develop quickly. Watch for nausea, vomiting, faintness, dizziness, loss of appetite, weakness, headaches, reduced sweating, and decreased urine output. If symptoms appear, seek medical advice immediately. The NSW Health website has a helpful urine colour chart to check hydration levels.
Check on Vulnerable People: Don’t forget to check on elderly family members, friends, and neighbours to ensure they’re coping with the heat.
Final Thoughts
Surviving (and even enjoying) summer heat with kids in the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, and Hunter regions is entirely possible with the right approach. Mix outdoor water activities with air-conditioned indoor time, stay hydrated, protect skin from the sun, and don’t hesitate to adjust your expectations during extreme temperatures.
Remember that the most important things are keeping everyone safe, cool, and reasonably content. If that means more screen time, visits to the shopping centre, or sleeping arrangements in the coolest room of the house, that’s perfectly fine.
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6 Water Parks to Cool Off This Summer in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter