Fill endless days exploring the Hunter Valley with the family. From strolling through Lavender fields, to exploring the largest Christmas light display in the Hunter Valley, horse riding, and enjoy a glass of wine at a family-friendly wineries, there's plenty of great ways to spend family time. Whether travelling with littlies or with teenagers, here’s tips on the best things to do in Wine Country with a family.
Hunter Lavender Farm
Only open for a couple weeks per year, don’t miss Hunter Lavender Farm if you are in the Hunter Valley between now and the 5th of January. See the Lavender fields in full bloom and wander between the rows to capture a picture-perfect moment. Visit their boutique shop for a refreshing lavender-infused gelato, lavender-inspired drinks, and crafted lavender products to take home. For a hands-on experience, join their Beekeeping for Beginners workshop or the Honey Harvest Experience to learn the secrets of sustainable beekeeping and harvest your own raw honey straight from the hive, suited to both adults and children.
Christmas Lights Spectacular at Hunter Valley Gardens
Take the family and immerse yourself in a magical world of over 4 million lights at Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Lights Spectacular. Wander through the themed displays, jump on the amusement rides, meet Santa and say hello to the roaming entertainment. Christmas Lights Spectacular is showing every night until Sunday 26 January 2025 (except Christmas Day).
Visit family friendly wineries
Why should the grown-ups have all the fun? Let the kids join in with their own special tasting adventures! While you enjoy your wine tasting at one of the many cellar doors, the little ones can enjoy non-alcoholic tastings and pairing experiences at family-friendly spots like Tulloch Wines, Wild Ren Wines, Saddler's Creek Wines, Pokolbin Estate, and Peterson House. It's a fun and delicious way for everyone to be entertained! Or head to places like Talits Estate, Degen Estate, Mercer Wines or Winmark Wines, where large grassy areas invite kids to run and play in the fresh air while you unwind with a glass of Chardonnay, Semillon, Rosé, or your favourite drop. Fun for them, relaxation for you—it’s the perfect family outing!
Hunter Valley Horse Riding & Adventures
Hunter Valley Horse Riding & Adventures is a great mix of horse riding and family farm adventures. Offering trail rides for both adults and children, family rides, and tractor hay rides to feed all the animals. They also offer pedal go karts, feeding the foals, canoes and accommodation for endless family fun.
Hunter Valley Farm and Adventure Centre
Check into the Hunter Valley Farm and Adventure Centre for a range of adventure experiences for the whole family. Choose from pony rides, archery, grape stomping and pizza making, candy making classes and more. Their on sight family-friendly restaurant 4 Pines makes it easy to spend a morning, afternoon or entire day at Hunter Valley Farm and Adventure Centre.
Go Karts Go
Get the adrenaline pumping at the region's biggest, fastest and most exciting 4-stroke go kart hire track with a massive 850m long track, Go Karts Go! Challenge your friends and family to an epic speed race like no other in the latest specification RIMO Schumacher full sized Go karts from Europe. Junior and adult accompanied twin seated go karts are also available to ensure the little ones get a go at zooming around too.
Sutton Estate
For the older kids, don’t miss the adventures at Sutton Estate. From axe throwing and a full-serviced Hunter Valley Smash room, to Axe Throwing and a chocolate escape room. There’s no shortage of fun at Sutton Estate.
Putt Putt and Aqua Golf
Be sure to check out the Putt-Putt and Aqua Golf at the Hunter Valley Gardens. Whether it's your first time or tenth time playing, it is always guaranteed to be great fun for the whole family - plus you can win some epic local prizes!
Hunter Valley Chocolate Company
Just like a kid in a lolly shop, the Hunter Valley Chocolate Company is set to be a highlight for the whole family. With three venues in the Hunter Valley their factory and showroom on Broke Road Pokolbin, Hunter Valley Gardens shopping village, and Peterson House you don't have to travel far for your chocolate fix including their crowd favourite chocolate coated ref frogs, caramel kisses and speckles.
