With the warmer weather making a welcomed return, discover where to stay and play with the kids in the Hunter Valley. With a fantastic line up of activities, there’s no shortage of family fun to keep the little ones entertained. Here's to what to do with kids in the Hunter Valley these school holidays!
STAY
In the Hunter Valley there's a great range of resorts, holiday homes and vineyard getaways for the family, check out the full range of places to stay here.
Rydges Resort Hunter Valley
With a kids water park, carousel, mini train ride, games room and Kids Club, Rydges Resort Hunter Valley is a haven of fun for families. Not to forget, their on-sight golf course and swimming pool means there truly is something for all families! With multiple restaurants and their popular buffet breakfast, Rydges Resort Hunter Valley is a great place to simply relax. It's central location means wineries and family activities are only moments away.
voco Kirkton Park
Spring school holidays at voco Kirkton Park are all about family fun in the Hunter Valley. Kids can start the day feeding the resident pigs and chickens, before splashing in the pool house or exploring the rose gardens. Parents can relax with happy hour at the onsite restaurant Epoche Bar & Pizzeria or unwind with a High Tea in the Conservatory. With wide-open spaces and activities for all ages, it’s the perfect spring escape.
Palmers Lane Estate
Palmers Lane Estate is built for family adventures, with a swimming pool, tennis court, playground and plenty of room to kick a ball around this place will encourage you to get outside for some fun. Their lodges can accommodate up to 14 guests and are fully equipped with kitchens, dining and living areas. As the suns sets behind the mountains you're sure to spot some local Kangaroos jumping around. Plus, Palmers Lane Estate is located only moments away from some of the best family friendly venues in the Hunter Valley.
Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort
Nestled in the Hunter Valley's picturesque hinterland surroundings, Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort promises a tranquil and indulgent escape, ideal for a leisurely holiday with family. Relax by the onsite pool, take the family out for a round of golf on the championship golf course or simply unwind at the luxury villa style accommodation.
Chateau Elan
Chateau Elan at The Vintage offers a fantastic family resort getaway with onsite activities including the 18-hole championship golf course, a recreation centre with a 25-metre heated outdoor pool, a spa with 17 treatment rooms, a Hydrotherapy Lounge, outdoor hot and cold plunge pools, tennis courts, a children’s playground, BBQ area, and a fully equipped gym. Guests can choose from super-luxury Spa Suites or private villas featuring King Rooms, and One and Two-Bedroom Villas, many with balconies or terraces overlooking The Vintage fairways and scenic Hunter Valley landscapes.
Hunter Valley Stays
When travelling with the family, there's nothing quite like a place that feels like "a home away from home'. Check out Hunter Valley Stays collection of properties with expansive living rooms, swimming pools, tennis courts and games rooms. Their property locations are set amongst beautiful and inspiring landscapes whilst enjoying close proximity to the best of the Hunter Valley including stunning golf courses, spas, ballooning, cycling, fine dining and of course, award winning cellar doors and wineries. Their homes make a great place for the whole family to gather. Be sure to check out the Zookeepers Cottage located next door to the Hunter Valley Wildlife Park where you'll be able to spot giraffes, lions and zebras as they roam from your accommodation. Another popular favourite with families is Sweetacres Hunter Valley Stays with a billabong, swimming pool and games area.
In house experiences
For the ultimate parent relaxation and family time explore the Hunter Valley's range of in-house experiences which come to your accommodation. Book in a relaxing massage, spa treatments, restorative yoga or mindful healing meditation with Heavenly Hunter Mobile Massage and Day Spa. Enjoy a fun and interactive in-house wine tasting which the whole family can enjoy with non-alcoholic options for children and non drinkers with at Stay n' Sip. And even get the night catered for by Hunter Valley Catering so you can simply unwind, relax and enjoy time with family.
PLAY
Hunter Valley Gardens
Enjoy the Hunter Valley Gardens in full bloom with the family these spring school holidays. Their school holidays activities include a pop-up nursery, lantern making workshop, baby lambs, Koi feeding talk, amusement rides and even an amphitheatre aviary butterfly house(weekends only). Conveniently located across the road is Hunter Valley Gardens Aqua Golf. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned pro, it’s always a blast for the whole family – and you might even score some awesome local prizes! Click here for more information on Spring school holidays at Hunter Valley Gardens.
Hunter Valley Wildlife Park
Take the family to Hunter Valley Wildlife Park, conveniently located in the heart of the Hunter Valley. Offering daily talks, animal encounters and sunrise wildlife tours, the kids will love the opportunity to feed the animals, pat the kangaroos and get up close to the Lions, Meerkats, Squirrel Monkeys and more.
Hunter Valley Farm and Adventure Centre
Looking for some adventure these school holidays? The Hunter Valley might be known for its food and wine, but it’s also the perfect place to get active with the whole family. At Hunter Valley Farm and Adventure Centre, there's plenty to keep the kids entertained. Take in the beauty of the vineyards and Brokenback Mountain Ranges on horseback, carriage ride or Segway for a fun, unique viewing experience. If that’s not enough, why not try your hand at archery, have a go at grape stomping, or get up close with the farm animals? Plus, their onsite restaurant 4 Pines at The Farm is a popular favourite for families with their family-friendly menu and outdoor area with lawn games.
Go Karts Go
Challenge your friends and family to an unforgettable speed race at Go Karts Go! With the Hunter Valley’s biggest, fastest and most exciting 4-stroke go kart hire track, this is one not to miss. Awesome fun for the whole family, with Double, Junior and Adult karts available ensuring everyone gets a go zooming around the track. Book your spot here.
Rallyschool
Get the adrenaline racing by getting behind the wheel of a turbo rally car at Rallyschool. Hot laps are available for children as young as 10 years' old. They have a selection of purpose-built rally cars available to drive including Subaru WRX, Mitsubishi Evo and even a Toyota 86 for some rear-wheel drive fun. Find out more information here.
Kid friendly wineries
There’s no need to feel like you can’t enjoy a wine tasting with the kids in tow. Keep the kids busy at our wineries with expansive grounds, outdoor games and entertainment for all.
KIDS TASTINGS
Why should the grown-ups have all the fun? Let the kids join in with their own special tasting adventures! While you enjoy your wine tasting at one of the many cellar doors, the little ones can have non-alcoholic tasting and pairing experiences at places like Tulloch Wines, Scarborough Wine Co., Wild Ren Wines,, Saddler's Creek Wines, Pokolbin Estate and Peterson House. It's a fun and delicious way for everyone to be entertained! Or, let the kids run wild at Winmark Wines as they explore the properties art walk with an interactive colouring in guide whilst you sip Winmark's award winning Chardonnays.
WINERIES WITH SPACE TO PLAY
With wide open spaces and cellar doors situated on large estates, many venues offer large open spaces for kids to enjoy while you have your wine tasting. Be sure to pay a visit to places like Mercer Wines, Talits Estate, Scarborough Wine Co., Elbourne Wines, Margan Wines and Tulloch Wines who offer outdoor games and activities, and John Wallace Wines, Oakvale Wines and Hollydene Estate with large outdoor spaces to enjoy as a family. There are so many wineries in the Hunter Valley that cater to families. For a full list of wineries in the Hunter Valley, please click here.
Family Passes
Here’s some combination deals too sweet to pass up.
De Iuliis Hunter Valley Family Fun Pass
Discover the ultimate Hunter Valley family adventure with the all-in-one pass for two adults and two kids (aged 3-18), Begin with a refined wine tasting for adults at De Iuliis Wines, while children enjoy an engaging activity pack. Continue with a delightful cheese and fudge tasting at Hunter Belle Cheese Room, followed by a satisfying lunch at Taste of the Country. The adventure culminates at the Hunter Valley Wildlife Park, where you can explore a variety of animals, creating memorable moments for the whole family. Click here to learn more.
Saddler’s Creek Family Fun Pass
A curated family experience of indulgence and entertainment, designed so everyone in the family can enjoy the best the region has to offer. The package includes a guided tasting of premium wines at Saddler’s Creek Wines and kids tasting with fun drinks and tasting notes, a cheese plate to share and entry to Hunter Valley Wildlife Park (2 adults + 2 children). Click here to learn more.
Sweet Treats
What school holiday experience is complete without some sugar and sweets. From a dedicated desert bar to the Hunter Valley's very own patisserie, discover the sweet treat to top of your adventure.
Ben Ean
Visit the Ben Ean Patisserie for cheesecakes, macaroons, tarts, pies and decadent cakes all created daily by the in-house pastry chef. With views overlooking the nearby vineyard, Ben Ean makes the perfect stop for a sweet treat and a freshly made coffee.
Hunter Valley Chocolate Company
A visit to the Hunter Valley Chocolate Company, makes for a fun (and tasty) experience for the whole family. You can find Hunter Valley Chocolate Company at Peterson House, Hunter Valley Gardens Shopping Village and their Factory and showroom location on Broke Road. At their factory you'll even be able to see into the kitchen and watch how handmade chocolates are created. Popular favourites include the chocolate frogs, chocolate covered snakes, peppermint bites and the new Dubai chocolate.
Sabor Dessert Bar
With over 50 delicious desserts to choose from, Sabor Dessert Bar is a dream come true for dessert lovers! While the whole menu is available to children, find a few desserts specially made for little dessert lovers, like the Willy Wonka waffles and the kids dipping plate. It’s a yummy adventure everyone will love.
