With just days remaining until the end of the school holidays, it is the perfect time to rediscover your own backyard with a little help from Newy with Kids and their family scavenger hunts.
Currently, there are five locations to choose from, including Blackbutt Reserve, Civic Park and Honeysuckle, Foreshore Park, Stockton Scavenger Hunt and Wallsend Brickworks Park.
And, they’re as popular as ever.
Newy with Kids chief fun finder Reena Bilen said it was a great way to take in the sights of Newcastle – with a bit of learning thrown in.
“The hunts are self-directed, so once you have your map you can go at your own pace,” she explained.
“They are a terrific activity for families to do together as you hunt for points of interest and answer the questions listed on the map to solve the mystery phrase.
“It’s the perfect opportunity to take in the sights of the city, discover our landmarks and learn interesting things about parts of Newcastle that you have probably passed a hundred times but never noticed before.”
The scavenger hunts were developed with support from a City of Newcastle’s Boost Your Place placemaking grant.
They are available in hard copy from City of Newcastle’s Visitor Information Centre at Museum Park or can be downloaded from the Newy with Kids website.
“The hunts have been a hit so far with more than 2500 downloads from our website and lots of great feedback from families,” Ms Bilen said.
“We are currently in the process of developing a scavenger hunt for Newcastle Museum and hope to have that one ready to go in February.”
Participants are also glowing in their praise.
“I did the Stockton scavenger hunt [today] with my five and seven-year-olds,” Kathy Gurr said.
“They both loved it.
“It was the best couple of hours.
“I can’t wait to do the others and I hope there are other locations like the wetlands, Ash Island and Fort Scratchley in the pipeline.
“Thank you [Newy with Kids] for such a great idea and execution of the scavenger hunts.”