From exploring the largest Christmas light display in the Southern Hemisphere to family-friendly wineries, horse riding adventures and more, there's plenty of great ways to spend family time in the Hunter Valley. Here’s some of the best things to do in the Hunter Valley with kids.
Christmas Lights Spectacular at Hunter Valley Gardens
Take the family and immerse yourself in a magical world of over 4 million lights at Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Lights Spectacular. Wander through the themed displays, jump on the amusement rides, meet Santa and say hello to the roaming entertainment. Christmas Lights Spectacular is showing every night from 5:30pm until Monday 26th January 2025 (except Christmas Day).
Visit family friendly wineries
Family Friendly Wineries in the Hunter Valley
Many of our most popular wineries are not only family friendly but offer thoughtful extras, just for them.
WINERIES IN THE HUNTER VALLEY THAT OFFER 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 and Pokolbin Estate. It's a fun and delicious way for everyone to be entertained. Or, let the kids run at Winmark Wines as you explore the properties art walk with an interactive colouring in guide before tasting Winmark's award winning Chardonnays.
WINERIES IN THE HUNTER VALLEY WITH SPACE TO PLAY
With wide open spaces and cellar doors situated on large estates, many wineries in the Hunter Valley 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., Hope Estate 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), priced at $365. Your day begins at De Iuliis Wines with a wine tasting for adults and activity packs for kids, followed by a delightful cheese, fudge, and gelato experience at Hunter Belle Cheese Room. Conclude your unforgettable day with lunch and drinks at Taste of the Country, then immerse yourselves in the wonders of the Hunter Valley Wildlife Park. 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.
Fed Alpacas at Starline Alpaca Farmstay
Starline Alpaca Farmstay is a working alpaca farm and farmstay set in the Broke Fordwich wine region of the Hunter Valley, offering an easy mix of hands-on farm fun and relaxed country accommodation for the whole family. Visitors can drop in during opening hours to meet and hand-feed the alpacas, wander the paddocks and say hello to other friendly farm animals. Day visits are $15 per adult, $10 per child, $5 per bag of food or $45 family pass which includes 2 bags of food. After your visit make sure to their shop for an impressive range of products. For those keen to stay longer, the farm offers a range of self-contained cottages complete with kitchens, BBQs and plenty of open space to enjoy the fresh country air.
Horse Riding
Saddle up and take in the spectacular valley views with a horse riding adventure. Explore the Hunter Valley's natural wonders on horseback, with options for trail rides, guided tours, and even carriage rides. Check out Hunter Valley Horses, Hunter Valley Horse Riding and Adventures or Prestige Horse Carriages for an outdoor experience that combines breathtaking scenery with the joy of horse riding. It's a great way to immerse yourself in the beauty of the region. Click here to learn more.
Hunter Valley Farm and Adventure Centre
Check into the Hunter Valley Farm and Adventure Centre for a range of adventure experiences for the whole family. Choose from pony rides, archery, grape stomping and pizza making, candy making classes and more. Their family-friendly restaurant 4 Pines at The Farm makes it easy to spend a morning, afternoon or entire day at Hunter Valley Farm and Adventure Centre.
Go Karts Go and RallySchool
Feeling the need, the need for speed? Get the adrenaline pumping at the region's biggest, fastest and most exciting 4-stroke go kart hire track with a massive 850m long track, Go Karts Go! Challenge your friends and family to an epic speed race like no other in the latest specification RIMO Schumacher full-sized go karts from Europe. Junior and adult accompanied twin seated go karts are also available to ensure the little ones get a go at zooming around too. Or for something different get behind the wheel of a turbo rally car with purpose-built rally cars including Subaru WRX, Mitsubishi Evo and even a Toyota 86 for some rear-wheel drive fun at Rallyschool. Create exhilarating fun for the whole family. Click here to learn more.
Segway Adventures
The Adventure Centre offers a fantastic range of activities for the whole family, including thrilling off-road segway experiences. Whether you're eager to shoot your shot in a game of segway soccer or zip around on an off-road segway tour through the picturesque vineyards the Adventure Centre at The Farm has you covered. Click here to learn more.
Sutton Estate
For the older kids, don’t miss the adventures at Sutton Estate. From axe throwing and a full-serviced Hunter Valley Smash room, to Axe Throwing and a chocolate escape room. There’s no shortage of fun at Sutton Estate.
Putt Putt and Aqua Golf
Be sure to check out the Putt-Putt and Aqua Golf at the Hunter Valley Gardens. Whether it's your first time or tenth time playing, it is always guaranteed to be great fun for the whole family - plus you can win some epic local prizes!