Top 10 School Holiday Activities in the Hunter Valley
Summer school holidays are the perfect opportunity for some family time in the Hunter Valley, with a variety of activities to keep the whole family entertained. We are child friendly here at Scarborough Wine Co and have a fabulous kids zone with a lovely grassed area, giant blackboard and games but we thought we would also share with you some of our favourite things to do with kids in between wine tasting.
Hunter Valley Wildlife Park
Open every day of the school holidays, the Hunter Valley Wildlife Park is home to a wide range of animals: birds, meerkats, kangaroos, alligators, lions, and almost everything in between. The park offers daily shows and animal encounters – you can even feed some of the resident kangaroos!
138 Lomas Lane, Nulkaba
Horse Riding Adventures
Keeping with the animal theme, if you’re after something slightly more interactive for the kids, Hunter Valley Horse Riding may be just what you’re looking for. The picturesque Hunter Valley provides the perfect backdrop, and Hunter Valley Horse Riding cater for all ages, even offering a group ride tour and horse and carriage rides so the whole family can get involved.
917 Hermitage Road, Pokolbin
Christmas Lights Spectacular at Hunter Valley Gardens
From 1st November - 26th January, Hunter Valley Gardens transforms into a magical oasis of dazzling, twinkling lights. There's endless themed light displays, amusement rides, roving entertainment, hearty food and beverages. A fun, family night out to get your little ones excited for the festive period.
2090 Broke Road, Pokolbin
Tulloch Wines - Junior Tasting Experience
Let the kids get involved and keep them entertained whilst you enjoy your Tulloch Wines tasting experience. A specially prepared kids tasting with 3 different soft drinks & 3 matching snacks (nut & gluten free) will be presented. Please note, a Junior Tasting Experience can only be booked as an add-on to an adults tasting.
638 De Beyers Road, Pokolbin
Hermitage Road Cycleway
If you need a break from all of the food and wine tasting, and the kids need to burn off some energy, the dedicated cycleway is a great way for the family to get some fresh air and admire the Brokenback Mountains from a different angle. Stretching all the way from the New England Highway to Broke Road, you can choose to cycle for as little or as long as you like, and there’s no shortage of bike hire in the area.
Hermitage Road, Pokolbin
Hunter Valley Farm and Adventure Centre
This dedicated adventure centre has a wide range of activities for both adults and kids. Our favourite family activities here are the segway tours, interactive animal feeding at the farm and the pizza making class. Bellissimo!
Mistletoe Lane, Behind Hunter Valley Resort, Pokolbin
Balloon Aloft
For the family who aren’t afraid of heights and early mornings, nothing quite compares to witnessing the sunrise from the basket of a hot air balloon. View the magic of the Hunter Valley as it comes to life in the morning light, and once you’re back on solid ground, enjoy a gourmet breakfast at Peterson House. An experience that’s sure to delight the whole family.
Aqua Golf and Putt Putt
You’ll find this fun little golf lovers paradise nestled in the Hunter Valley Gardens Village. For big and little kids alike, the putt putt course is 18 holes of fun. Aqua Golf is a great test of your golf swing, with the chance to win prizes if you’re lucky enough to get your ball in one of the baskets!
Hunter Valley Gardens Village, Broke Road, Pokolbin
Go Karts Go Hunter Valley
For the thrill seeking family, Go Karts Go is located about a 10 minute drive from Cessnock. With specifically designed Junior Go Karts and Double Carts, they cater for kids as young as 5. The race track is the longest and fastest track in the Hunter Valley region, and it’s sure to get the adrenaline pumping!
202 Neath Road, Kearsley
Sweet Treat
We’re lucky enough to have our own gelato company in the Hunter, located at Pokolbin Village on Broke Road. Part of the Smelly Cheese Shop, their handmade gelato and sorbet is delicious, and a favourite with locals and visitors. The Ferrero Rocher gelato is a must try for Nutella lovers, and the lemon sorbet is delightfully refreshing. You can even buy 1 litre tubs and take a few scoops of heaven home with you.
2188 Broke Road, Pokolbin