Things to Do With Kids in Newcastle
Newcastle is one of those rare cities where a family can spend the morning hand-feeding kangaroos, the afternoon at the beach, and the evening eating fish and chips on the foreshore. From The Executive in New Lambton, most of the city’s best family attractions sit within a 10 to 20-minute drive, and a few are walkable from the front door.
This guide pulls together the things to do in Newcastle with kids we recommend most often to guests at the hotel. Sorted by category, with practical insider notes, age suitability tips, and notes on which spots are free.
Outdoor Adventures and Nature in Newcastle
Family-friendly nature spots are easy to reach from The Executive, with wildlife parks, walking trails, wetlands, and outdoor adventures all within a short drive.
Whether you're planning a picnic, bike ride, bushwalk, or a chance for the kids to spot native animals, Newcastle has plenty of outdoor activities the whole family can enjoy.
Blackbutt Reserve
The Blackbutt Reserve is the most popular family stop for guests staying with us. The 182-hectare reserve is a 44-minute walk from The Executive, or a 4-minute drive, with native wildlife enclosures, walking trails, and picnic areas. Kids can get up close to koalas, wallabies, emus, wombats, and peacocks. Entry is free. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and a picnic.
Glenrock State Conservation
The Glenrock State Conservation Area offers coastal bushwalks down to Glenrock Lagoon. The Yuelarbah Walk is the family-friendly option (around 3.4km each way), with bridges, waterfalls, and rainforest sections. Recommended for kids aged 4 and up. Some steep parts, so leave the pram in the car.
Hunter Wetlands Centre
The Hunter Wetlands Centre at Shortland is a 15-minute drive from the hotel. Accessible boardwalks, frogs, turtles, fish, and over 200 bird species. Kids can hire canoes to explore Ironbark Creek, or try dipnetting for a gold-coin donation. Reptile and bird-feeding talks run on weekends. Admission fee applies.
Fernleigh Track
The Fernleigh Track is a 15km paved trail running between Adamstown and Belmont. Flat, sealed, and shaded in sections. Ideal for family bike rides, scooters, or strolls with the pram. Pick a short loop, or tackle the full length across a day.
Hunter Region Botanic Gardens
The Hunter Region Botanic Gardens at Heatherbrae is around 30 minutes north. 30 hectares to wander, a small maze, cubby house, and sensory squares. Worth combining with a Port Stephens day trip.
Newcastle’s Family-Friendly Beaches
Newcastle is home to some of the best family-friendly beaches in NSW, with calm ocean baths, rock pools, playgrounds, walking paths, and patrolled swimming areas all within easy reach of The Executive.
Whether you're travelling with toddlers, older kids, or teenagers, there are plenty of safe and scenic spots to spend a day by the water.
Newcastle Beach
The Newcastle Beach sits at the city edge, around a 15-minute drive from the hotel. The Newcastle Ocean Baths next door suit younger swimmers and the Canoe Pool next to them is the standout for toddlers and preschoolers. Shallow, sandy, sheltered, with parking close by.
The Kiosk handles food on the sand. Patrolled in season.
Merewether Beach
The Merewether Beach is the family favourite for older kids. Rock pools at low tide, a beach promenade good for prams, and Merewether Surfhouse nearby for waffles and coffee. The Merewether Ocean Baths next door has a shallow side built for little kids.
Bar Beach
The Bar Beach is patrolled year-round and has a roped-off swimming area, a beach kiosk, sheltered picnic tables, plus a skate park and playground a short walk away. Rock pools at the Northern end keep kids busy for hours.
Nobbys Beach
The Nobbys Beach has wide promenades, year-round lifeguard patrols, and the Nobbys Headland walk up to the lighthouse (800m, with a small climb at the end). Swell at Nobbys handles the coffee, all-day breakfast buns, and hot chips.
Bogey Hole
The Bogey Hole below King Edward Park is a historic ocean pool dug by convict labour in the 1820s. Best for confident swimmers and older kids. Slippery rocks and the occasional wave, so keep an eye on conditions.
Playgrounds and Adventure Parks
Newcastle and Lake Macquarie are home to some of the best family playgrounds in the region, with climbing towers, flying foxes, water play areas, scooter tracks, and waterfront parks all within easy reach of The Executive.
Perfect for burning off energy, packing a picnic, or planning a full family day out.
Blackbutt Adventure Playground
The Blackbutt Adventure Playground in Richley Reserve is a 60-metre setup with a climbing tower, bridges, slides, fireman’s pole, and rope courses. Built for older kids who want a proper challenge.
Foreshore Park
The Foreshore Park runs along the harbour with waterfront play areas, plenty of grass for picnics, and easy access to Honeysuckle for food.
Speers Point Park
The Speers Point Park at Lake Macquarie is worth the 20-minute drive south. A 12-metre climbing tower, 9-metre spiral slide, double flying fox, water play area, swings, and a scooter track. The flagship lakeside playground for the region.
Thomas H Halton Park
The Thomas H Halton Park at Croudace Bay is fully fenced with a pirate ship, water play area, and toddler section. Half-basketball court and skate park next door.
Webb Park
The Webb Park at Redhead has beach-themed play equipment, including wave-shaped climbing structures and a flying fox flanked by giant surfboards. Pair it with a swim at Redhead Beach for a full day out.
Stockton Active Hub
The Stockton Active Hub combines play equipment with harbour views, skate facilities, and flying foxes. Take the Stockton Ferry across from Queens Wharf for the full experience.
Museums, Galleries, and Rainy-Day Options
Newcastle has plenty of indoor activities for families, making it easy to keep kids entertained on rainy days or during slower afternoons.
From interactive museums and historic sites to art workshops, libraries, and indoor play centres, there are family-friendly options across the city for all ages.
Newcastle Museum
The Newcastle Museum in the Honeysuckle precinct is free, family-focused, and packed with interactive exhibits. The Supernova hands-on science space and the BHP Steelmaking Show are the standout draws. Easily a 2-hour visit. 10-minute drive from The Executive.
Fort Scratchley Historic Site
The Fort Scratchley Historic Site offers guided tunnel tours through fortifications that have guarded Newcastle’s harbour since the 1800s. Self-guided above-ground tours are free. Underground tunnel tours have a small fee. Panoramic views from the top.
Newcastle Art Gallery
The Newcastle Art Gallery runs free Studio Weekends every Saturday and Sunday from 10:30am to 12:30pm. Drop-in art sessions for all ages, no booking needed. The Brett Whiteley egg sculpture out front is a guaranteed kid photo.
Newcastle Libraries
The Newcastle libraries (including the New Lambton branch a short walk away) run free Storytimes, craft workshops, and coding clubs through the week. Most also stock toy and STEM-kit borrowing for guests with a library card.
Indoor play centres, trampoline parks, and bowling alleys across the city handle the high-energy rainy days. Chipmunks at Belmont has a play structure for under-12s with a cafe attached for parents.
Events, Shows, and Seasonal Fun
Newcastle hosts family-friendly events and entertainment throughout the year, from live sport and concerts to outdoor cinemas, markets, and seasonal festivals.
Whether you're visiting for a Newcastle Knights game, a touring kids’ show, or a weekend event, there’s always something happening close to The Executive.
McDonald Jones Stadium
The McDonald Jones Stadium sits 1.1 kilometres from The Executive, a walkable distance for Newcastle Knights games, A-League matches, and major concerts. Plenty of family-friendly fixtures across the year.
Newcastle Entertainment Centre
The Newcastle Entertainment Centre sits in the same Broadmeadow precinct. Disney on Ice, Bluey’s Big Play, the Wiggles, and other family touring shows regularly stop in. Worth checking the calendar around your stay.
Newcastle Shows, Events & Attractions
The Newcastle Show comes to the showground each year with carnival rides, animal displays, sample bags, and live music. A favourite local family day out.
Newcastle Permanent’s Cinema Under the Stars runs free outdoor movie nights across the region in summer. Bring a blanket, pack the snacks, and arrive early for a good spot.
Newcastle City Farmers Market at the Showground runs every Sunday and has open space for kids to roam alongside fresh-food stalls. The Olive Tree Market in Newcastle East, held on the first Saturday of every month, often features creative workshops and live music.
Newcastle New Year’s Eve along the foreshore is family-friendly, with early fireworks scheduled so the little ones see them before bedtime.
Where to Eat With Kids in Newcastle
The easiest option for guests staying with us is walking through to Wests New Lambton for on-site eateries with kid-friendly menus and kids play area.
The Bistro is the casual go-to for family meals. New Beijing handles hungry tweens. No booking required for most.
Bistro
The Bistro at Wests New Lambton is a relaxed, family-friendly dining spot serving classic pub favourites, pizzas, burgers, steaks, and share plates. Kids can enjoy a fun Kids Boxes menu with chicken pops, cheeseburgers, lasagna, and more, all served with chips or salad, a drink, and a fun kids pack. Located beside the Tree House Play Zone, it's the perfect choice for family dining, where kids can play while adults sit back and relax.
Texas Bar-B-Q Grill
The Texas Bar-B-Q Grill makes family dinners easy with Kids Eat for $1*. Kids can choose from chicken nuggets, vegetable spring rolls or fish bites, all served with chips and ice cream plus a frisbee to take home. A great place the whole family.
*T&C's apply. See website for details.
Modus Merewether
The Modus Merewether has a secure outdoor play area surrounded by sheltered seating. Wings, burgers and tacos for the grown-ups, with plenty for the kids too.
Napoli Centrale
The Napoli Centrale offers kids eat free Monday to Wednesday. Solid value for bigger family stays.
Scotties
The Scotties in Newcastle East is the local favourite for fish and chips on the grass. Pair it with a stretch of the Bathers Way coastal walk.
For more dining read our guide where it eat in Newcastle.
Staying at The Executive With Kids
Our Family Suites sleep four. Two kings convertible to four singles on request, with a separate lounge. Deluxe Double Queens also sleep four for tighter budgets, with two queen beds.
The pool deck does the heavy lifting after a long day with kids. Two tropical pools, a 12-person spa, free cabanas and sun loungers, and poolside food and drink service throughout the day.
Free covered parking removes the hardest part of family travel in a new city. No driving in circles, no daily fees. Bring the stroller, the bikes, the snorkels. EV charging is also complimentary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best free things to do in Newcastle with kids?
Blackbutt Reserve, Newcastle Museum, Newcastle Art Gallery’s Studio Weekends, the beaches, ocean baths, Canoe Pool, the Bogey Hole, library Storytimes, and the above-ground areas of Fort Scratchley are all free. Easy to fill a week of school holidays without spending much.
What can I do with kids in Newcastle on a rainy day?
Newcastle Museum (the Supernova hands-on science centre is a guaranteed hit), Fort Scratchley’s underground tunnel tours, Newcastle Art Gallery Studio Weekends, libraries, trampoline parks, indoor play centres and bowling alleys all work for wet weather.
What’s the closest family attraction to The Executive?
Blackbutt Reserve is a 4 minute drive from the front door, with free wildlife enclosures, native animals, walking trails, and picnic areas. McDonald Jones Stadium and Newcastle Entertainment Centre sit 1.1 kilometres away in the Broadmeadow precinct.
Are there things to do in Newcastle with kids on a budget?
Plenty. Newcastle’s beaches, playgrounds, Blackbutt Reserve, the museum, ocean baths, bush walks, and library programs are all free. Add Newcastle Permanent’s free outdoor cinemas in summer and you’ve got a full holiday without major spend.
What age group is Newcastle best for?
Pretty much all of them. Toddlers love the Canoe Pool and Blackbutt’s animals. Primary-age kids do well at the museum, beaches, and adventure playgrounds. Tweens and teens have skate parks, surfing breaks, Fort Scratchley, and the Fernleigh Track.
Are there family-friendly restaurants near The Executive?
Yes. There are on-site eateries at Wests New Lambton through the walkway, offering options including casual family meals at The Bistro and kid-friendly dining at New Beijing.
Nearby, Modus Merewether features a secure outdoor play area and great burgers and tacos, while Napoli Centrale offers kids eat free deals Monday to Wednesday. For a relaxed coastal meal, Scotties is a local favourite for fish and chips near the Bathers Way walk.
Do kids stay free at The Executive?
Kids Stay Free promotions may be available at selected times throughout the year. Offer details, including availability, ages and terms, will be provided on the packages page when the promotion is active.
Group accommodation options are also available for larger families and tournament parties.
Balance Gym Closure
Our gym will be closed for upgrades from 5th -13th November 2026 and will reopen Saturday 14th November. We appreciate your understanding.