Having children is very expensive so when there is an opportunity to do something that costs nothing, most of us jump at the chance. 'Free fun' gives an A-Z of things to do locally that doesn't cost anything.
The A-Z of Free Fun
A
- ABC Shop story time- Charlestown Square
Each FORTNIGHT, ABC shop holds story time in their shop at 9.30am. Each child gets a small gift bag that also contains a coffee voucher for mum or dad.
Sessions between 10.30am and 12.30pm on both Saturday and Sunday
Expose your child to the world of fine arts with this free, hands on activity for young people. Different art theme each week where children try to re-create a specific artist featured in the Art Gallery. Highly recommended for ages 3 and up. No bookings necessary.
B
- Blackbutt wildlife exhibits
Entrance Carnley Ave New Lambton
PH: 49043344
Wildlife exhibits open 9.00am to 5.00pm every day of the year. Feed the ducks, visit the koala sanctuary or take one of the many bush walks past the kangaroo and emu enclosure. A perfect venue the children will love. Whilst the wildlife exhibits are free a gold coin donation is appreciated to help maintain these wonderful displays. Picnic and recreation facilities open from 7.00am to 5.00pm EST (eastern standard time) or 7.00am to 7.pm DST (daylight savings time).
- Borders Story Time- Westfield Kotara
Each week on a Saturday, a staff member becomes a story teller reading stories to amuse and delight young minds. 11am upstairs in children's books. Duration is approx. 20-30 minutes. NB: Will only run if there is enough attendance.
C
- Cycleways
Take an opportunity to dust off the bike and take the family out to utilise the number of cycleways dotted around Newcastle. Cycleways are a safer way to keep an eye on your little ones when they are not confident riders. Follow the link below to find a cycleway in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie.
Newcastle- http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/trafficinformation/downloads/bicycbicycnewca_dl1.html
Lake Macquarie- http://www.lakemac.com.au/page.aspx?pid=109&vid=10&fid=505&ftype=File&dlp=True
Maitland- http://www.maitland.nsw.gov.au/Recreation/Recreationsub#cycleways
D
- DIY Kids Workshops-Bunnings Kotara
Each week Bunnings hold simple DIY workshop for kids at midday on Saturday and Sunday. A different theme is chosen weekly and run about ½ hr in duration. Face painting commences at 11am prior to workshops so in between the kids can utilize the inside play equipment.
E
Newcastle features many natural environments for the kids to explore.
- Blackbutt reserve walking trails,
- Glenrock state conservation area coastal bushland, between Merewether and Dudley beaches, nature trails, waterfalls and rockpools,
- Kooragang wetlands, walking and cycling tracks..great place for a family picnic amongst the wetlands.
F
- Fernleigh Track
The Fernleigh Track is a disused railway corridor stretching 15.5 kilometres between Adamstown and Belmont. Pack your bikes and jump on at one of the entry points for safe family cycling or walking amongst the natural bushland setting. A safe and easy parking entry point to Fernleigh track is the Dibbs St Adamstown section where you can park in adjacent streets that aren't too far from the track entry.
- Fort Scratchley
Take the family to Fort Scratchley and take a stroll around the grounds to soak up the history that was made between 1797 to present day.
Admission to the top area of the Fort and self guided tours are free however tunnel tours will be at a cost. Make sure you visit when the ‘Big Guns' are fired to experience the atmosphere of the Fort at it's best and to reflect on the past. Generally the ‘Big Guns' are fired on four main days a year;
- Australia Day Weekend
- Anzac Day
- June long weekend (anniversary of the shelling of Newcastle)
- October Long weekend
Other festivities such as marching bands and jumping castles are usually planned at the Fort to co-incide with the firing of the Big Guns except Anzac Day which continues to be a solemn day of mourning and reflection. A local piece of history every Newcastle child should know about.
G
- Geocaching
Geocaching is the free high-tech treasure hunt where you use a GPS to find geocaches hidden by others. A geocacher can place a geocache in the world, pinpoint its location using GPS technology and then share the geocache's existence and location online. Anyone with a GPS device can then try to locate the geocache. It's a great way to be outdoors and enjoy the thrill of the hunt! A traditional cache is the original cache type consisting, at a bare minimum, a container and a log book. Normally you'll find a tupperware container, ammo box, or bucket filled with goodies, or smaller container ("micro cache") too small to contain items except for a log book. The coordinates listed on the traditional cache page are the exact location for the cache.
The general rule of thumb is, "If you take an item, leave an item, and write in the logbook." Some caches are themed, so make sure to read the description before going on a hunt. For more information go to www.geocaching.com.au to find your local GPS treasure hunt!
H
- Harbour
We have one of the largest working harbours right under out noses and if your children are anything like mine, the site of a tug pulling a ship in or out of the harbour will keep them entertained for hours.
If you're lucky you might also catch a glimpse of the planned sailing events on the harbour various times a year by the local yacht clubs.
Anywhere along Newcastle foreshore offer excellent vantage points for viewing however, Nobby's breakwall being the mouth to the harbour, will give a close and exciting view for children.
I
- I spy……
Head up York drive in King Edward Park and count the number of tankers waiting off shore to come into Newcastle Harbour. It's a marvelous site with ships anchored from north to south of Newcastle for hundreds of km's.
J
- Jumping castle- Harrigans Irish Pub
Head over to Harrigans Irish pub for free fun for the kids from 2pm-4pm each Sunday. A jumping castle, songs and games will keep the kids entertained whilst you enjoy yourselves as well.
K
- Kite Flying
Check the weather forecast and schedule a windy day to take the kids out to fly a kite they have built or you have purchased. A great destination for kite flying is the grassland near the Fort at Shepherds Hill park(top of King Edward Park). Not only do you get some great gusts of wind in this spot but the view is spectacular.
L
- Libraries-Storytime
Storytimes are held for children under five at various Newcastle Region Library branches and surrounding areas. Storytime is designed to introduce the magic of books to children and then a small craft activity is usually done by the children. The FREE session runs for 40minutes. Bookings are essential. See your local library for more details or watch Alphabet Street event calendar to see when library storytimes are on.
M
- Markets
There are a number of markets in Newcastle and surrounding areas that you can (as my mother in-law says) have a ‘mooch' around. Some have entertainers that will keep the kids interested whilst you window shop (remembering that this is the free section). Some of the well known markets include;
- Olive Tree Markets -1st Saturday of each month
- Newcastle City farmers and craft markets-Most Sunday's excluding last two weekends in July and December
- Maitland Fair- 1st Sunday of each month
- Hamilton Family fun markets-3rd Saturday of every month
N
- Nelson Bay Little beach
A perfect warm weather favourite activity is to pack a picnic lunch and head to Little Beach in Nelson Bay. A very child friendly beach for children to swim as it is a non surf beach and on most sunny days boasts crystal clear water allowing children to see the sandy bottom beneath them. There is also a large playground to keep the littlies amused whilst you picnic. NB: Although the water is calm there could be some unexpected drop off's on the sand in the water so keep your eye on your children at all times.
- Newcastle Regional Museum
Although the NRM is currently closed, plans are underway for a new facility based at Honeysuckle and will re-open in 2010. As well as showcasing some wonderful military and Aboriginal exhibits, the NRM is home to Supernova, a hands-on science centre where children are encouraged to get involved in the world of science through its interactive displays.
O
- Ocean Baths
Newcastle Ocean Baths and Merewether Baths have a long history as popular swimming spots. Merewether has two large saltwater swimming pools although only one would be suitable for children. Next to the Ocean Baths on Newcastle Beach is the Canoe Pool, a unique tidal pool which was designed for children to paddle about in when it was built in 1939. It is still a popular place in summer for families with small children. Don't forget to SLIP, SLOP, SLAP!
- Outdoor Cinema
In summer, King Edward Park hosts the perfect setting for the free movies at the Outdoor Cinema. Pack up the family with a picnic dinner and head to the free cinema that is run by Livesites over the summer period. Past family movies have included, Harry Potter, Happy Feet and Simpsons movie. Keep an eye on Alphabet Street special events over summer for a full schedule of family style movies.
P
- Parks and Playgrounds
Parks and playgrounds are a perfect place to exert some energy for children. Ride a bike, kick a ball or play on the play equipment in the many parks that are located in Newcastle and surrounding areas. Some of our favourites include;
- Blackbutt (Carnley ave entrance) has a duck pond, playground and picnic facilities including BBQ's. It also has a great grassed area where a ball can be kicked or games can be played.
- Speers Point Park- probably one of the best designed playgrounds for both mobile and non-mobile children. The park has climbing nets, clanging chimes, boardwalks, slides, swings and ramps.
- Newcastle foreshore park- climb aboard the 3801 in the playground at Foreshore park and pretend you are driving the train at Steamfest. There is also a swing for the disabled and if raining the carriage sheds are perfect for riding your bike without getting wet.
- Gregson Park Hamilton- a popular venue to meet up with mums as there is a local barrista near by on Beaumont St. Gregson park is great for bike riding due to the many circular paths that will always lead the kids back to mum or dad. Play equipment is also available for the younger kids.
Remember mums to take a hat and sunscreen for the kids as the only shelter in most Newcastle parks is some tree shade.
Q
- Queens wharf
Perch the kids on the jetty and watch the ferry crossing between Newcastle and Stockton.
It is also the home of Queens Wharf tower where if you are game, you can climb the 30 metre tower(180 steps) to the observation deck where you can get 360 degree views of Newcastle and surrounding areas. The steps are narrow and winding and the tower does move a little during windy conditions so it is not recommended for younger children or scared mothers like me.
R
- Raspberry Gully Party- Charlestown Square
The Charlestown Square Raspberry Gully Club is especially for parents with children. The club meets every third Tuesday of the month in the upper level Food Court from 10am-11am at the Raspberry Gully Playground. The parties provide an opportunity for parents with children to enjoy FREE morning tea whilst the children are entertained. Each party consists of FREE food sampling and fun children's activities and entertainment. As a VIP member you will receive an invitation to each month's party, advanced notification of up and coming events plus you will receive special retail offers from the variety of stores at Charlestown Square. Sign up online to receive the benefits http://www.charlestownsquare.com.au/content.aspx?urlkey=raspberry_club
- Rock pools
Rock pooling is a family favourite with my children heading to local beaches in low tide to explore rock pools and their inhabitants. There are some great rock pools around Bar beach, Merewether and Newcastle beach.
If you prefer to have the sounds of nature around you, Glenrock State conservation area has plenty for those little explorers. Rocky creeks, waterfalls, and water worn rock pools are just some of the natural wonders that are a part of Glenrock Lagoon.
S
- Sand play
Grab your bucket and spades and head to one of the many beaches Newcastle and surrounding areas have to offer. Our favourite is Merewether beach where you can sit at the bottom of the ramp and create some fabulous sand structures or just dig with water. A great place to meet with other mums and grab a coffee at Swells or pack a thermos. Kids just love sand…don't forget to SLIP, SLOP,SLAP.
T
- Trains- Lake Macquarie Live Steam Locomotive Society Ltd
Velinda St
Edgeworth 2285
PH: 4958 7171
www.lakemacquarielivesteam.org.au
Model train rides run on the last Sunday of the month by a group of community members who build the trains and then share them with the public. Jump on one of the many miniature trains that run on different tracks whilst taking in the natural scenery. Trains run between 1pm and 4pm with a 20 minute break at 2.30pm. NB: Enclosed footwear must be worn
Free to the community however, a small donation in the donation box would be appreciated to continue the maintenance of the trains and tracks.
U
- Universe
Step outside on a clear night and introduce the children to the world of astronomy. Binoculars, telescope or the naked eye, try to find the constellations the big dipper, Cassiopeia, or the Milky Way. If you are lucky you may see a shooting star or a U.F.O if you are not so lucky.
V
- Volunteering-Community gardens
Community gardens are opening in various locations around Newcastle and are great ways to get kids involved in the garden. Fig Tree community garden has a family day on Thursdays where children can help in the garden with tasks like watering or pulling weeds. If this doesn't take their fancy the kids club house, tyre serpent and sand pit will.
NB: Although this community garden is free to take part in, a $5 annual membership is necessary to cover public liability insurance whilst on the site.
W
- Whale Watching (May-August peak season)
Whale watching in Newcastle is something that every child should experience at least once in their life time.
There are a number of pods of whales that stop in these warmer waters to feed and play for some time with their young as they make their yearly journey from the Antarctic. Two vantage points for viewing these beautiful creatures are Tomaree National Park near Nelson Bay and Strzelecki Lookout, Newcastle. Peak season is May-August.
X
- Xtreme Slopes
King Edward park has some great hills to slide down with cardboard. Test the slopes in the amphitheatre and then move to the slopes in the main park itself. Don't forget to take you cardboard with you when you leave.
Y
- Y can't I find anything for Y?
Z
- Zoom
Head north of Newcastle to Williamtown where every young boy will enjoy the sites of the many forms of aircraft that take off and land at Newcastle airport and R.A.A.F base. Not only can you view many commercial aircraft daily but you may also see the F/A-18 Hornet fighter and Hawk fighters that are housed at the R.A.A.F base. For premium free views head left at Medowie Rd and pull up before Fighter World which is located adjacent to the entrance of the R.A.A.F base.
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