The school holidays are here, and while they can be exciting, they can also leave parents wondering how to keep everyone entertained without spending a fortune.
The good news? You don’t need an expensive holiday or a packed itinerary to create moments your children will remember. Some of the best family memories are made with a picnic, a beach walk, a library visit, or simply spending uninterrupted time together.
Whether you’re looking for free activities, low-cost outings, or something a little different, here are some ideas to help make these school holidays special.
🌿 Free & Low-Cost Outdoor Adventures
Visit Blackbutt Reserve
A Newcastle favourite for good reason. Wander the walking tracks, meet koalas, wombats and kangaroos, enjoy the playground, and pack a picnic.
Explore Newcastle Museum
The museum is free to enter and has interactive exhibits that children love. During the holidays there are also special activities and the Mr Squiggle and Friends exhibition.
Go Whale Watching
July is one of the best times to spot humpback whales along our coastline. Head to Nobbys Headland, Fort Scratchley or Merewether for an unforgettable (and free!) experience.
Walk to Nobbys Lighthouse
Enjoy stunning harbour views, breathe in the fresh air and see how many ships the kids can count.
Explore the Sea Caves at Caves Beach
Visit at low tide and discover one of the Hunter’s most unique natural attractions.
Pack Bikes for Fernleigh Track
Ride part of the Fernleigh Track or enjoy a family ride along the Newcastle Foreshore.
Visit Speers Point Park
One of the region’s best playgrounds with plenty of space for kids to run around.
📚 Indoor Activities
Local Libraries
Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland and Port Stephens libraries are packed with free school holiday activities including LEGO, craft, STEM workshops, storytime and more.
Newcastle Art Gallery
Creative workshops are running throughout the holidays for young artists.
Family Movie Day
Many cinemas offer family sessions during the holidays—or create your own movie afternoon at home with popcorn and blankets.
🎨 Get Creative at Home
You don’t have to leave the house to have fun.
Try:
- Build a blanket fort
- Bake something together
- Create your own backyard Olympics
- Have a board game tournament
- Paint rocks for your garden
- Make homemade pizzas
- Start a gratitude jar
- Read a book together before bed
❄️ Special School Holiday Events
If you’re looking for something extra, here are a few local favourites:
- Snow Time in the Garden at Hunter Valley Gardens
- Winter Fun Fest at Nobbys Beach Reserve
- Disney on Ice
- STEM Punks workshops at Wallsend Library (free)
- Children’s Discovery Day at Hunter Region Botanic Gardens
- Where is the Green Sheep? at Civic Theatre
💙 Don’t Forget the Simple Things
Sometimes the moments children remember most aren’t the expensive ones.
An ice cream after the beach.
A sunset walk.
Hot chocolates after a bike ride.
Playing cards around the table.
A conversation without phones.
The school holidays don’t have to be perfect to be meaningful.
As parents and carers, one of the greatest gifts we can give our children is our time. These holidays, we hope you find moments to laugh together, explore together, and simply enjoy being together.
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” -Proverbs 22:6
Have a wonderful and safe school holiday break from all of us at Rhema 99.7.