Explore Newcastle with Kids

Mini Explorers Welcome: Discovering Newcastle with Children

We’ve been hard at work in the Babyology office searching out the best activities to help keep your kids entertained. Today, we’re showing you 10 amazing things to do with your kids in the Newcastle region of NSW. If you’re from the Hunter or are planning a holiday to the vineyards and need some ideas to keep the kids happy, we’ve got you covered.

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1. Newcastle Museum

The museum is packed with things to do for all ages. For under-fives, there’s a dedicated area, Mininova. It’s a soft play area where the littles can run wild and you can rest your weary feet, or get in on the action too. 

On Tuesdays at 10.30 am, there is a book reading session called Tuesday Tales. The Newcastle Museum also has a great science area for school-age kids. Entry is free, and you can hit up Sprout Canteen for a yummy snack afterwards.

2. Fighter World

Do you have a budding pilot in the family? An adrenaline junky? Or perhaps a history lover? Fighter World is a hidden gem in the Hunter, filled with all kinds of planes from decades ago, right up to a modern F-111C jet. Your little pilot can get right into the action and into the cockpit of some of the aircraft. 

Fighter World is near Williamtown RAAF Base, just 20 minutes north of Newcastle. There’s a cafe, but you can also pack a picnic and eat while listening to the sounds of the operational air force base nearby. Admission is $40 for a family of 2 adults and all kids under 18.

3. Hunter Wetlands Centre & Spoonbill Cafe

There are so many things to do at the Hunter Wetlands Centre. There are walking and bike trails, so don’t forget to pack the scooter. You can view a huge variety of wildlife, go on a self-guided eco-tour, listen to feeding talks, or have a picnic. 

There’s also a playground if there is still energy to be spent before you jump back in the car. Or hire a canoe and get out on the water with the birds, up close and personal. Spoonbill Cafe also has rave reviews if you’d prefer someone else to think about what to have for lunch. Entry is $5 per child or a family of 4 for $15 and is open 7 days.

4. Misty Valley Blueberry Farm

If you’re after a bit of a country adventure or want to give the kids a lesson on where our food comes from, Misty Valley Blueberry Farm is where it’s at. During picking season (mid-December to late January), you can go to the farm and pick fresh blueberries to your heart’s content. It’s not a year-round activity, but it’s one that’s marked in my calendar as a must-do for the summer season. 

It costs $15 per bucket (which is about $1.50 per punnet, a bargain when compared to supermarket costs), and the owners often spend the spring growing lots of other goodies you can take home to eat. Misty Valley Farm is in Brunkerville – only 50 minutes from Newcastle.

5. Fused Cafe

Sometimes, her mamma just needs a coffee. Or hot chocolate. Or if you’re like me, a Diet Coke. Fused Cafe in High St, Maitland is a great locally owned cafe that has a huge play area for the kids to go nuts over. The food is top-notch and not the usual frozen and fried fare you find at other play cafes. There is also no cover charge, so it doesn’t cost you to get in.

6. Speers Point Park and Sals Cafe

Now, we’ve told you about Speers Point Park before, but this place is worthy of another mention. It did win best play space in Australia after all. This amazing park is located in Lake Macquarie and is home to 2ha of fun. 

There is a bike track, slippery slide, flying Fox, BBQ area, and plenty of picnic space. Speers Point Park is also home to Sals Cafe, which is very pram-friendly. Salsa is great for a mother’s group catch-up or a family gathering. You’ll find Speers Point Park and Sals Cafe on Park Road at Speers Point.

7. Maitland Regional Art Gallery

I’m kind of in love with Maitland Regional Art Gallery. Other than the regular art gallery, there are weekly free art classes on Sundays (11 am-1 pm) for all ages – no bookings required. There are also art classes you can book in for during the week that range from baby art, which is all about fun and sensory play, to preschool age and right up to adults. Class rates are discounted for gallery members.

8. Blackbutt Reserve

If you haven’t been to Blackbutt Reserve, do yourself and the kids a favour and make a date. The reserve covers 128ha of natural bushland, with walking trails, picnic settings and wide open spaces. There are wildlife exhibits where you can get up close with natural wildlife like koalas and kangaroos, and a boardwalk makes it all wheelchair and pram-friendly.

The exhibits are open 10 am to 5 pm every day, and it’s free! There is a small fee if you use one of the carparks, which goes to support the park. A new addition is an impressive playground that is built to resemble a bowerbird’s nest. Seriously, go check it out!

9. Rockpooling at Cowrie Hole

Down near the ocean baths in Newcastle, there is Cowrie Hole – an amazing spot to explore natural rockpools. Cowrie Hole provides a great opportunity to get up close with sea life. The whole family can enjoy searching for crabs and other creatures living in the rockpools.

After some time spent frolicking in the nearby Merewether Ocean Baths or Bar Beach, you’re sure to conjure up an appetite. The Hood Milkbar is just a 12-minute walk from Bar Beach and an even shorter drive. 

They have a very impressive gelato menu, so the kids may think you went to The Hood because they’d like it. The Hood is family-friendly dining with a ’50s flair. You can get fries, mac & cheese, burgers, and subs from their huge menu. 

The Best Things To See and Do With Toddlers in Newcastle

Are you planning a day trip with your toddler? Newcastle has a lot of toddler-friendly activities that are just waiting to be explored! There’s plenty to keep your child entertained, from play areas to parks that are perfect for strolling with a pram. Here are some of the most memorable things you can do in Newcastle with your toddlers, whether you are a local or a visitor.

Included are the Best Activities That You Can Do for Free in York!

Every week, one question that gets thrown around almost like clockwork is: “What shall we do this weekend?” Ever since moving here, I’ve been on a mission to find the best ways to keep both myself and my almost-three-year-old entertained. 

Greater Newcastle has plenty to offer toddlers, including parks, open spaces, and beaches. You’ve come to the right place if you are looking for fun things to do with your kids in Newcastle. Here’s my go-to list of Newcastle toddler-friendly activities, tested and approved by a very energetic nearly-three-year-old.

What to Do With Your Toddler in Newcastle For a Fun Day

Are you looking for a way to have a great time with your toddler? This vibrant city offers a wide range of activities for children, whether you are looking for outdoor adventures, hands-on fun, or a cozy café with plenty of space to run around. We’ve selected the best activities for your family day, from interactive museums to parks that are suitable for toddlers.

1. Museum Magic in Newcastle

When I’m looking for something fun and engaging, but not too demanding, the Newcastle Museum is a godsend. In the last three months, we’ve been three times because of a dinosaur exhibition. Spoiler alert: My daughter is a dinosaur fanatic. It’s free, has interactive exhibits, and plenty of space for my toddler.

 Supernova’s science center has buttons to push and levers that can be pulled. It is toddler heaven. Open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm (seven days per week during holidays). This is a great option for rainy days or hot days when you are wondering what to do with your kids in Newcastle.

2. Nobbys Beach is a Beach for Toddlers

Nobbys is my favorite beach. My daughter also loves it. Nobby’s Beach is the best of many great beaches in Newcastle. There are gentle waves, a large stretch of sand to dig and run on, and the beach is mostly safe and patrolled all year round. 

There’s also a snack kiosk (very important). Bonus: If your child is willing, you can take them on a walk to Nobbys Lighthouse. This is a great activity to do with your kids if you are exploring Newcastle. Highly recommended!

3. King Edward Park

King Edward Park, one of Newcastle’s parks, is a favourite. The park has plenty of room to run, picnic areas, and ocean views. Bring a ball and a picnic mat, then let your kids do what they want. If you feel ambitious, you could also venture down to the Bogey Hole. But be warned: it is a little difficult with a young child.

4. Maitland Park

Maitland City, a rapidly growing regional city located just 30 minutes away from the town centre. If you are up for a quick trip, Maitland Park has some of the best playgrounds for all abilities in the area. It is large, well-designed, and suitable for toddlers. 

It has a scooter track, and there is plenty of shade. This is important in the summer. We spent the whole morning there and had lunch and coffee on our way back.

5. Honeysuckle Play Area – Waterside Playtime

Honeysuckle has a beautiful scent! When I first saw it, I felt grateful for being here. There’s a small play area for toddlers and a path that runs along the water, perfect for scootering. We bring snacks to eat by the water and watch the boats. This is one of our favorite family activities in Newcastle.

Conclusion