❄️ Family Fun in the Hunter Valley: July 2025 School Holiday Guide
Looking for the best things to do during the July 2025 school holidays in the Hunter Valley? You’re in the right place. From snow play and wildlife adventures to live music, kids’ tastings, and exclusive wine offers, there’s something for every age group and every kind of family holiday.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or the entire break, here’s your complete guide to the top family-friendly events and activities in the Hunter Valley this winter.
⛸️ Snow Time in the Garden – Hunter Valley Gardens
📍 Pokolbin | 🗓️ 28 June – 27 July 2025
One of the most-loved winter events in the Hunter Valley, this snow-filled wonderland features:
- Ice skating
- Snow tobogganing
- Snow play zones
- Carnival rides
- Food trucks
Perfect for all ages, Snow Time in the Garden is a must-do these school holidays.
🐾 Junior Zookeeper for a Day – Hunter Valley Wildlife Park
📍 Nulkaba | 🗓️ 10 & 26 July 2025
Kids aged 8–11 can enjoy a hands-on wildlife experience, feeding animals and learning about life behind the scenes at the zoo. A fantastic way to mix fun and education during your family trip.
🐴 Horse Riding & Horse & Cart Rides – Hunter Valley Resort
📍 Hermitage Rd, Pokolbin
Let the kids saddle up for a guided trail ride or relax as a family with a scenic horse and cart vineyard tour. Great for all ages and run by friendly handlers on a working farm estate.
🧒 Kid-Friendly Wineries & Venues
Tulloch Wines – Juice & snack tasting for kids
Saddler’s Creek Wines – Kids’ tasting paddle & lawn games
Glandore Estate – Pizza nights and marshmallow toasting
Hunter Valley Resort – Horse riding, farm animals & on-site pizza
⛳ Hunter Valley Golf & Putt Putt Fun
📍 Hunter Valley Resort
Let the kids burn off some energy at the driving range or putt putt course, both set against the stunning vineyard backdrop. Clubs available for hire on-site. Perfect for teens, younger kids, or a casual family activity between tastings.
🧪 McCaffrey’s Winemaker for the Day
📍 Pokolbin | 🗓️ Select dates in July
For older kids, teens and adults, this interactive session lets you blend and bottle your own wine. It’s educational, engaging, and ideal for families who love learning together.
🎭 Live Family Entertainment
- The Listies: 110% Ready – 8 July at PACC, Cessnock
- Frozen JR Musical – Various dates at Civic Theatre, Newcastle
From outrageous comedy to magical musicals, these shows are great options for families looking for indoor fun during the cooler months.
🎸 Live Music in the Hunter Valley – July 2025
Looking to unwind with live tunes while the kids stay entertained? These venues combine music, great food, and a family-friendly vibe:
🎶 Goldfish Bar & Restaurant – Pokolbin
- Live music every Friday and Saturday night
- Weekly specials: $20 pizzas, $15 cocktails, and 2-for-1 pizzas on Sundays
- Vibrant and family-friendly atmosphere
🖱️ thegoldfish.com.au/whats-on
🎶 Saddler’s Creek Wines – Wine & Chill Weekends
- Live music Saturdays & Sundays, 12–4pm
- Food truck closes at 2:30pm
- Open lawns, kids’ tasting paddles, and plenty of space to roam
🖱️ saddlerscreek.com
🎶 NINETEEN Hunter Valley – Beer Garden Sessions
- Live music every weekend
- Great food, outdoor beer garden and relaxed atmosphere
🖱️ nineteenhuntervalley.com.au
🎶 Twilight Tunes at Ben Ean
Enjoy courtyard acoustic sets on Friday and Saturday evenings with wine tastings and casual dining.
🎶 IronBark Hill Brewhouse
Live music on the lawn, craft beer, wine, and kid-friendly picnic areas — great for groups and families.
🎶 Live at Harrigan’s
Live music every weekend at this family-friendly Irish pub with hearty food and indoor/outdoor seating.
🍷 Exclusive Offer: 2-for-1 Tastings + Free Bottle of Wine
Visit these three venues for a special school holiday wine tasting deal:
- Ben Ean – Restaurant, café, cellar door, pâtisserie
- Petersons Wines – Sparkling and reds in a relaxed setting
- Savannah Estate – Boutique wines and warm hospitality
🎁 Get 2-for-1 tastings plus a free bottle of wine when visiting all three!
🎄 Christmas in July at Locavore
📍 voco™ Kirkton Park | 🗓️ 11–12 July
Enjoy a cozy festive dining experience with a mid-year Christmas twist, featuring local produce, warming drinks and beautiful surroundings.
🍷 Hunter Valley Wine & Beer Festival
📍 Rydges Resort Hunter Valley | 🗓️ 12 July 2025
Live music, wine, beer, food stalls, and fun for the whole family. One of the region’s biggest winter events!
🔥 Stomp! Wines Fireside Tasting
📍 Lovedale | 🗓️ 12 July 2025
Unwind beside the fire while sampling boutique wines — a parent-friendly reward after a busy family day out.
🏃 Hunter Valley Winery Run
📍 Wandin Valley Estate | 🗓️ 20 July 2025
Enjoy fun runs for all fitness levels — including kids’ dashes — followed by wine tastings in the vines.
🚐 Transport & Tours
Vineyard Shuttle Service
📞 0409 327 193 | 📧 tours@vineyardshuttle.com.au
🌐 vineyardshuttle.com.au
Don’t drink and drive—book flexible wine tours or hop-on-hop-off transport.
✅ Friendly, local drivers
✅ Private and shared options available
🏡 Where to Stay: Hunter Holidays
Looking for family-friendly accommodation in the Hunter Valley?
Hunter Holidays offers a handpicked collection of homes and estates designed for families:
- Large homes with bunk beds, enclosed yards & fire pits
- Pet-friendly options available
- Close to Hunter Valley Gardens, wineries & activities
- Personalised local service
🌐 Book direct: www.hunterholidays.com.au
📞 Call: 0402 768 103
🧳 Start Planning Your July School Holiday Escape
Whether you’re skating at Snow Time, sipping wine by the fire, or dancing along to live music, the Hunter Valley in July is full of unforgettable moments for the whole family.
✨ Book your stay, reserve tastings, and start your Hunter Valley school holiday adventure today!
