Hunter Valley, in the heart of Wine Country, is famous for its rolling vineyards, gourmet food and wine tasting. It’s a dream destination for wine lovers but also a haven for families looking for an exciting, educational and relaxing break. Whether you’re on school holidays, a weekend, or just looking for a day out, there are plenty of things to do in Hunter Valley to make your family trip one to remember.
From animal encounters to outdoor adventures and beautiful gardens Hunter Valley has something for everyone. Dive into this ultimate guide to the top family friendly activities and experiences in this wine region. Join us on a Hunter Valley Wine Tour to explore the vineyards while tasting local wines and taking in the views.
Hunter Valley Gardens: A Magical World for Families
No family trip to Hunter Valley would be complete without visiting the magical Hunter Valley Gardens. With 10 themed gardens this attraction is a rainbow of colour, design and fun for kids and adults. The Storybook Garden is a must for families featuring oversized sculptures of Humpty Dumpty and Alice in Wonderland. This garden will capture your child’s imagination and is an adventure as they walk through stories come to life.
The Rose Garden and Japanese Pagoda are other peaceful spots to sit and take in the scenery. A great place for a family picnic the gardens also have interactive displays that change with the seasons. Visiting during school holidays brings even more magic with seasonal events like the Christmas Lights Spectacular where the gardens are turned into a winter wonderland.
After the gardens, head to the Hunter Valley Gardens Shopping Village. This quaint shopping precinct has boutique stores, local crafts and sweet treats for kids and adults.
Hunter Valley Wildlife Park: A Wild Adventure for Animal Fans
For a wildlife experience like no other, visit the Hunter Valley Wildlife Park. The park has a wide range of Australian native animals, exotic species and activities to keep the whole family entertained. Families can hand-feed friendly kangaroos and wallabies, get up close to koalas and learn about the many farm animals on display. Hunter Valley Wildlife Park has interactive enclosures where kids can get hands-on with the animals, making it an educational experience they’ll never forget.
Whether you’re on school holidays or a quiet weekend, the wildlife park has loads of things to do. The staff provide educational talks throughout the day to kids and parents about Australia’s most famous animals.
If you want to unwind after the park pack a family picnic and use the park’s picnic areas surrounded by the native bush.
Outdoor Adventures at Rydges Resort Hunter Valley
Looking for the ultimate family getaway? Rydges Resort Hunter Valley is the way to go. Located in the middle of Wine Country, the resort has family friendly rooms and is all about relaxation and activities for kids and parents. Lawn games, outdoor pools and kids clubs keep the little ones entertained while parents can chill out at Ubika Spa or wine taste.
One of the resort’s best activities for kids is Aqua Golf at the Hunter Valley Gardens Aqua Golf facility. Kids and adults can grab a golf ball, head to the tee, and try their luck at hitting the ball with the floating targets in the water. A bucket of balls is endless fun, and you can even win prizes. For some family-friendly competition you can also play Putt Putt on site.
Located near Broke Road, Rydges Resort Hunter Valley is close to all the regions attractions so it’s the perfect base to explore all of Hunter Valley.
Trail Rides and Pony Rides for a taste of the country
Families looking for outdoor fun will love horseback riding in Hunter Valley. Valley Horse Riding & Adventures and Chapman Valley Horse offer trail rides for all experience levels. Whether you’re new to riding or an old hand in the saddle, these trail rides are the best way to see Hunter Valley’s countryside. You’ll ride through vineyards, hills and farm animals and see the region from a whole new perspective.
For younger kids pony rides are a gentle and safe way to get them started with riding. Families can enjoy a guided pony ride where little ones can take the reins and experience being on a horse for the first time. It’s fun and a great way for kids to connect with nature.
Fun at Hunter Valley Zoo
For animal-loving families, a trip to Hunter Valley Zoo is a must. This smaller but engaging zoo offers a hands-on educational experience where you can feed animals such as giraffes, lemurs and kangaroos. Kids will love getting up close to the exotic and native animals, and the interactive displays will make learning about wildlife a fun adventure. The zoo also has feedings throughout the day where you can feed your favourite animals. It’s one of the biggest attractions for families visiting Hunter Valley.
Hot Air Ballooning
For a once in a lifetime experience families with older children can take a hot air balloon ride over the vineyards of Hunter Valley. As the sun rises you’ll float gently above the region’s beautiful landscapes, take in the views of the vineyards, olive groves and buildings below. This is especially breathtaking in the cooler months when the mist hangs over the vineyards and it’s like flying through a fairy tale.
Not suitable for very young children, families with teens or adventurous types will love this outdoor adventure. For families looking for something even more bespoke, Personalised Rides offer a customised ballooning experience, a truly unforgettable experience that captures the essence of Hunter Valley.
Family Friendly Wineries: Wine Tasting with Kids in tow
Hunter Valley is home to some of Australia’s best wineries but families don’t have to miss out on wine tasting because of the kids. Many family friendly wineries in the region offer activities and amenities for kids while parents enjoy the region’s famous wines. Wineries such as Tulloch Wines, Misty Glen Wines and Scarborough Wine Co. have kids menus, big outdoor spaces and lawn games to keep the little ones entertained while parents taste.
Some wineries even offer juice tastings for the kids so everyone can join in on the fun. The relaxed atmosphere and friendly staff at these wineries make them a great destination for families to experience the best of Hunter Valley’s wine region.
Werakata and Barrington Tops National Parks
For families who love the great outdoors, Werakata National Park and Barrington Tops National Park have plenty of opportunities for adventure. These parks have hiking trails and birdwatching and cycling routes suitable for kids of all ages. Whether you’re bushwalking or having a quiet family picnic surrounded by nature, the national parks in Hunter Valley are a peaceful escape from the daily grind.
Werakata National Park has easy trails for younger kids, and Barrington Tops National Park has more rugged trails for families who like to take on challenges. Both parks are great for wildlife spotting, with koalas, kangaroos, and various bird species that can be seen in the wild.
More Family Fun: Sweet Treats, Water Parks and Games
Hunter Valley has so much more to offer than just vineyards and gardens. Families can have a ball with plenty of fun activities. The Hunter Valley Chocolate Company is a kid’s dream come true for chocolate lovers. Watch chocolates being made and indulge in all sorts of yummy treats from creamy fudge to chocolate covered fruit.
In the warmer months, head to Splash Water Park for a day of water fun. With plenty of splash zones and water games, it’s the perfect way for kids to cool off and have a blast. Other options for active families are Giant Jenga, ice skating and outdoor games for kids of all ages. At many of the region’s hotels, like Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley, kids will also find big backyards and outdoor games to keep the whole family entertained.
Hunter Valley is a kid’s paradise. Whether you’re visiting during the school holidays or just for a weekend getaway, there’s no shortage of family fun, educational experiences and adventure in this beautiful region.
FAQ
What are the top family activities in Hunter Valley?
Families can enjoy; Hunter Valley Gardens, Hunter Valley Wildlife Park, Hunter Valley Zoo, horse riding and hot air balloon rides. Family friendly wineries and outdoor adventures at Werakata National Park and Barrington Tops National Park.
Where to stay with family in Hunter Valley?
Rydges Resort Hunter Valley and Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley have family friendly rooms with kids clubs, pools and lawn games.
Can kids join wine tastings in Hunter Valley?
Yes many family friendly wineries like Tulloch Wines and Scarborough Wine Co. have activities and non-alcoholic options for kids so the whole family can enjoy.
Are there animal encounters?
Feed kangaroos, meet koalas and learn about wildlife at Hunter Valley Wildlife Park and Hunter Valley Zoo.