That’s a wrap for Term 1 of the 2023 school calendar, and although the weather may be a little unpredictable these days, it doesn’t mean you need to get caught leaving the kids in front of a screen for hours on end.

The Hunter region is bursting with inspirational activities bound to stimulate their senses, both indoors and out.  

Here’s our top 13 things to do these April school holidays (might be an unlucky number for some, but not for you if it beats boredom!) 

1. Mountain biking: The Hunter Region is renowned for its mountain biking trails. From beginners to advanced and everything in-between. Check out Glenrock, Lovedale, Holmesville and Cooranbong to name a few. 

2. Bushwalking: It’s free, it comes with fresh air, exercise and a mental health boost and our region is teeming with tracks to explore. Whether it’s pounding the pavement with a coastal view, or crunching leaves in a national park. When was the last time you climbed Mt Sugarloaf?  

3. Quad biking: Port Stephens has become synonymous with quad biking, jump on and check out the largest moving coastal dunes in the Southern Hemisphere. 

4. Ferrying: Catch the ferry to Stockton and explore Newcastle’s oldest suburb. It costs less than $2.50, departs every 20 minutes and takes just six minutes. 

5. Golfing: There are more than a dozen golf courses in the Hunter region, many with driving ranges allowing the kids to test their strength. There’s also mini golf at Broadmeadow and Charlestown, and Aqua Golf at Hunter Valley Gardens. 

6. Library: For a budget friendly holiday activity, check out your local library, many of which will be hosting events throughout the holidays. Maybe even borrow a book to fill the two-week void.  

7. Zoos: For the animal-lovers there’s always the Cessnock Zoo, Hunter Valley Wildlife Park, Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, The Hunter Wetlands, or a little further south The Australian Reptile Park on the Central Coast. 

8. Museums: Newcastle Museum, Museum of Art and Culture yapang,  FighterWorld in Williamtown, Miss Porter’s House Museum, Fort Scratchley, and Maitland Gaol are just a few historic places in the Hunter region where kids can learn about the past by taking part in one of the many school holiday activities on offer. 

9. Hog Watts: If you love Harry Potter, you might not be able to go past Newcastle’s Famous Hog Watts. The unique full-day interactive and educational experience promises fun, creativity, and nutritious food with classes including Wand Making, Potion Making, Creative Writing/Drawing, Herbology, and Quill Making. These events do fill up fast so be quick, work some magic. 

10. Climbing: Okay, so the plan is to wear them out right? Then you’ll need to try Ninja Parc, Newcastle Parkour, Revolution, Dullboys, Pulse Climbing and/or Springloaded. 

11. Art Galleries: There’s no shortage of art galleries in our city and its surrounds. While Newcastle Art Gallery might be under wraps while it gets a facelift, there’s always Lake Mac’s Museum of Art and Culture, Playstate Curate, and Mitch Revs Gallery, with many hosting kids activities and author talks. 

12. Blackbutt Reserve: Walk, have a barbecue or picnic, and count the animals free roaming at Newcastle’s own inner-city nature reserve. 

13. OOSH: And if it all gets too much, OOSH is a great option too!   

For more school holiday inspiration:

• Your guide to markets in our region
• Mr Stink to wow school holiday audiences
• Let’s Roller Skate Maitland

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