A free day out in Newcastle with kids
This is a free day in Newcastle, with a science museum, a clifftop walk, a park, ocean baths and a beach across the harbour. All five stops are free to enter. They sit between 2.1 and 3.7 km from the centre. The only cost is the ferry to Stockton, which is a separate fare, and food.
Most stops are close together on the east side of the city, so you can walk much of it. Bring hats, swimmers and a picnic. Newcastle Ocean Baths are closed on Wednesdays for cleaning, so avoid Wednesdays. Stockton Beach is only patrolled from 26 Sep 2026 to 26 Apr 2027, so check the dates before you swim.
Every stop is a listing on Funtivities, checked against the place's own website. Last reviewed 24 October 2026. Prices and hours can change, so check the listing before you go.
The day at a glance
- Morning: Newcastle Museum
- Late morning: Newcastle Memorial Walk
- Lunch: King Edward Park
- Afternoon: Newcastle Ocean Baths
- Late afternoon: Stockton Beach
Morning
Start at Newcastle Museum
Newcastle Museum, Newcastle · Museums & Science Centres · Ages 0-17 · Free
A free city museum with the hands-on Supernova science gallery and exhibitions on Newcastle's history and industry. Kids can press and try things in the science gallery.
Tip: No hours are listed here, so check the museum's page before you go.
Late morning
Walk the Memorial Walk
Newcastle Memorial Walk, The Hill · Nature & Outdoors · Ages 0-17 · Free
A free, 24-hour clifftop memorial bridge walk with ocean views, linking Strzelecki Lookout to the Bathers Way. A good walk for school-age kids.
Tip: Open 24 hours and free.
Lunch
Picnic at King Edward Park
King Edward Park, The Hill · Playgrounds & Parks · Ages 0-17 · Free
A large clifftop park with a playground, a rotunda, lookouts and open grass. It is home to the Bogey Hole ocean pool. Bring lunch.
Tip: Free to enter.
Afternoon
Swim at Newcastle Ocean Baths
Newcastle Ocean Baths, Newcastle East · Swimming & Aquatics · Ages 0-17 · Free
Free historic ocean baths in Newcastle East with change rooms and seasonal lifeguards. Bring swimmers and a towel.
Tip: Closed Wednesdays for cleaning.
Late afternoon
Take the ferry to Stockton Beach
Stockton Beach, Stockton · Beaches & Rock Pools · Ages 0-17 · Free
A long patrolled beach across the harbour by ferry, with a playground near the wharf, a breakwall walk and shipwrecks. The ferry ride is part of the fun.
Lifeguard patrol: 9:00am – 5:30pm, 26 Sep 2026 – 26 Apr 2027.
Tip: Patrolled 9am to 5:30pm from 26 Sep 2026 to 26 Apr 2027. The ferry is not free, with a child fare listed at $1.65.
Before you go
- Newcastle Ocean Baths are closed on Wednesdays for cleaning, so the plan works every day but Wednesday.
- All five stops are free to enter. The Stockton ferry is a separate fare.
- Stockton Beach is patrolled from 26 Sep 2026 to 26 Apr 2027.
- The museum has no listed hours here. Check before you go.
Questions parents ask
What are the best free things to do in Newcastle with kids?
Newcastle Museum has a hands-on science gallery and is free. King Edward Park has a playground, the Memorial Walk has ocean views, and Newcastle Ocean Baths are free to swim in.
Is Newcastle Museum free?
Yes. Newcastle Museum is a free city museum with the hands-on Supernova science gallery and exhibitions on Newcastle's history and industry. Check its page for opening hours.
Can we get to Stockton Beach by ferry?
Yes. Stockton Beach is across the harbour by ferry. It has a playground near the wharf, a breakwall walk and shipwrecks. The beach is patrolled from 26 Sep 2026 to 26 Apr 2027.
More days in Newcastle with kids
- Your first day in Newcastle with kids - The places to start with when you have one day and want the best of the city.
- A rainy day in Newcastle with kids - Indoor stops close together, so a wet day still works.
- A beach day in Newcastle with kids - Patrolled beaches, calm water and what is near the sand.
- Newcastle with toddlers and under-5s - Short distances, space to run and places built for under-5s.
- Newcastle with teenagers - Things teenagers choose for themselves, not just tolerate.
- Visiting Newcastle with kids: all guides