10 of the Best Places to Take Kids in the Hunter Valley
- Family
Let’s be honest, whenever you think of the Hunter Valley it’s probably boozy weddings and cheeky weekenders: great for adults, visiting dozens of wineries, but not exactly exciting for children. However, there are some great attractions and activities to do with kids in the Hunter Valley!
Here’s our pick of the best places to play and stay in the Hunter Valley for the whole family.
10 of the Best Places to Take Kids in the Hunter Valley
1. Hunter Valley Gardens
If you want acres of beautiful scenery for the kids to soak up nature, and see life-sized Story Book characters that will thrill their little imaginations, then Hunter Valley Gardens is the place to visit. An outing to the award-winning themed gardens will take between 2-3 hours and all the pathways are stroller-friendly. Explore a 10m high waterfall, topiary displays, man-made ponds, statues, murals, beautiful architectural structures and much more. The Gardens hold special signature events throughout the year, including Snow Time in the Gardens, the Mega Creatures Night Safari, Christmas Lights Spectacular and the Mega Easter Hunt. There are carnival rides during event periods and the Garden Terrance serves delicious bistro food.
The surrounding Hunter Valley Gardens Shopping Village is a quaint place to go if you’re looking for a bite to eat, souvenirs and knick-knacks or forgot to bring your toothbrush from home! The collection of over 20 boutique stores sells sweets, honey, wine, candles, books, toys, handmade crafts and loads more. Children may like to stare at the rows of sweets at the British Lolly Shop or glance over the books and toys at Village Books. There is a small playground adjacent to the Village.
Location: 2090 Broke Rd, Pokolbin
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2. Beyond Ballooning
Beyond Ballooning is a family-owned and operated business nestled in the heart of the Hunter Valley. Their local team is passionate about ballooning, turning every hot air balloon flight into an incredible adventure. They’re dedicated to creating unforgettable experiences and celebrating life’s most special moments.
A hot air balloon ride with Beyond Ballooning is a unique and memorable way to mark a milestone or share a magical morning with loved ones. As you gently drift over Australia’s oldest wine region, you'll be able to soak up stunning views of rolling vineyards and valleys, all illuminated by the warm morning light. Beyond Ballooning's daily sunrise flights include a one-hour sunrise hot air balloon flight, a gourmet Champagne breakfast at Rydges Resort Hunter Valley and a complimentary digital photo package.
Location: Lovedale, NSW
3. The Vintage Holiday Houses
In the heart of this picturesque region, The Vintage Holiday Houses offer a perfect retreat for families, with over 60 stunning holiday homes tailored for every type of getaway, including pet-friendly options. These contemporary holiday homes feature amenities such as sparkling pools, state-of-the-art media rooms, and expansive greens ideal for practising your swing. For those seeking relaxation, indulge in a soothing massage or explore the area’s breathtaking landscapes through scenic walking and biking trails. Active families can take advantage of day and night tennis courts, along with a well-equipped health and fitness centre. When you’re ready to venture out, the best of the Hunter awaits just moments away.
With special holiday offers available, The Vintage Holiday Houses are an idyllic home away providing an idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of city life where you can soak up the tranquillity of the countryside.
4. Nineteen Casual Family-friendly Dining
NINETEEN is the ultimate destination for families seeking a relaxed dining experience filled with delicious eats. Located within The Vintage Estate, this inviting bar and restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, making it a perfect pit stop during your Hunter Valley adventures. The menu is packed with mouthwatering options, and the kids will love favourites like crispy chicken strips, fish and chips, linguini pasta, and cheeseburgers, each paired with a scoop of ice cream.
NINETEEN is a vibrant hub of activity featuring live music on weekends, seasonal events, and live sports on big screens. While parents savour a moment of peace, kids can delight in the playground and enjoy colouring activities. With an upstairs Bistro, an outdoor deck, and a lively downstairs Sports Bar and Beer Garden, there’s ample space for everyone, including pets! Plus, don’t miss their Airstream food truck pop-ups and an extensive drink menu highlighting local Hunter Valley wines — perfect for parents looking to unwind. So gather the family, find a cosy table, and soak in the friendly ambience at this hidden gem in Pokolbin.
5. Harrigan’s Hunter Valley
The newly refurbished Harrigan’s Hunter Valley is another favourite for those with kids in tow, complete with a swimming pool for the exclusive use of guests, family-friendly accommodation and extensive food options for the whole family! With spacious rooms and apartments, you can soak up the stunning outlook over local grapevines and across to the Brokenback Ranges or get cosy in front of your own fireplace.
Harrigan’s is also a stone's throw from all the best attractions, including Hunter Valley Gardens and Hunter Valley Aqua Golf and Putt-Putt, so it is an excellent place to base yourselves for your stay. With beautifully renovated spaces, Harrigan’s still maintains its relaxed village charm with a bistro that incorporates charming fireplaces and booths, plus an alfresco area and bar, all offering family-friendly dining and live music for a fun night out!
Location: 2090 Broke Rd, Pokolbin
6. Mortels Sheepskin Factory
Look for the world's biggest Ugg boots along Weakley's Drive and you've found Mortels Sheepskin Factory - an Australian-owned and operated company founded in 1958. As well as seeing this local landmark, you can watch the world-famous Australian product being made on a fully guided interactive tour through the shearing-shed-style factory.
The in-house Sheep’s Back Museum also offers a unique insight into the history of UGG boots, Mortels and sheepskin in Australia For a laidback lunch after taking it all in, the Café @ Mortels has a newly built 'shed' plus a great Little Lambs Menu for kids. Of course, you can also pick up some Ugg boots before you leave, straight from the source! Mortels also holds a seasonal artisan market for a fun day out with a variety of quality locally made products and live music. Check The Sunday Muster for dates.
Location: 1 Weakleys Dr, Thornton
7. The Chocolate and Fudge Factory
It’s not Willy Wonka’s, but it will still give your kids a buzz! This factory is where all the magic happens for the Hunter Valley Chocolate Company. They make all kinds of chocolate goodies like honeycomb, mint slices, giant jaffas and sprinkles, as well as handmade choccies disguised as penguins and frogs, and chocolate-covered jelly snakes and pretzels. Watch the kids’ eyes light up in front of the jelly bean towers or the chocolate fondue fountain. The factory also sells an impressive range of fudge, candies and nuts and you can taste test a few of their favourites.
Location: 2320 Broke Road, Pokolbin
8. Leisure Inn Pokolbin Hill
Family-friendly accommodation in the Hunter Valley doesn't come much better than at Leisure Inn Pokolbin Hill. Their tailor-made Little Adventures Kids Package is the perfect add-on to ensure the kids feel like royalty during their stay—complete with a pitched tent on arrival, along with a personalised welcome card and a collection of gifts. The pack includes slippers, a soft robe, a variety of treats, and a cuddly teddy bear they can take home as a keepsake from their stay. What more could little travellers wish for?
Leisure Inn Pokolbin Hill also has an outdoor swimming pool with sun lounges, a tennis court, a table tennis table, golf driving nets a playground and BBQ facilities. The range of room sizes and options for adjoining rooms make it a perfect escape for families!
Location: 485 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin
9. Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley
Nestled in beautiful wine country in the aptly named township of Lovedale, the family-friendly Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley is a luxurious retreat for parents that boasts amazing on-site activities to keep kids entertained, including the only splash park in the region.
Equipped with a dedicated Water Dragons Kids Club, teen lounge and games room, indoor crafts, mini train rides, a carousel and the new guests-only heated water park, your little travel buddies will have a ball at the Crowne Plaza. While they're in Hunter Valley heaven, make sure you tee up a round of golf or book a treatment at Ubika Spa for yourself!
Location: 430 Wine Country Dr, Lovedale
10. The Farm at Hunter Valley Resort
The Farm at Hunter Valley Resort is a family-owned and operated estate with 35 rooms and cottages perched on 70 acres of lush, secluded countryside among 45-year-old Shiraz vineyards. Little explorers will be enthralled with horse riding, segway tours and electric bike hire at the Adventure Centre, plus farm animals, an on-site pool, a tennis court and an abundance of wide-open spaces to play in and explore.
For little foodies, The Farm Hunter Valley also hosts a cooking school, pizza-making classes and candy-making classes. While the kids are entertained, grown-ups can sign up for the wine school or visit the wine theatre!
Location: Hermitage Rd &, Mistletoe Ln, Pokolbin
Book your Hunter Valley Accommodation now.
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