Hunter Valley Winter Fun: Child-Friendly Cellar Doors & School Holiday Activities (July 2025)

Looking for the perfect winter escape with the kids in tow? The Hunter Valley is more than just a wine lover’s paradise — it’s packed with family-friendly cellar doors, winter events, and open-air fun that make it ideal for a July school holiday getaway.

From toasty pizza nights and snow play to interactive tasting experiences for little ones, here’s your guide to the best family fun in the Hunter this winter.

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🍷 Top Child-Friendly Cellar Doors in the Hunter Valley

1. Saddlers Creek Wines – Pokolbin
A new family favourite! Sellers Creek offers kids’ tasting platters featuring juice, fruit, and local nibbles so little ones can feel part of the experience. There are shaded picnic areas and wide-open lawns where kids can play while adults enjoy a relaxing wine tasting. Bring a footy or frisbee for post-lunch fun.

2. Glandore Wines – Pokolbin
Cosy up by the firepit or grab a table for one of Glandore’s famous Pizza Nights, happening on select evenings throughout the July school holidays. It’s wood-fired, family-friendly, and great for unwinding after a day of exploring. Check their schedule and book ahead — it’s a local favourite that fills up fast.

3. Gartelmanns Wines – Lovedale
Gartlemanns Wines is the perfect stop for wine tasting or lunch for the whole family! Farm animals on site will be a special treat for the kids. This is more than a cellar door. It’s a kid-friendly destination with hands-on activities and on-site dining options for all ages.

4. Molly Morgan Wines – Lovedale

Relaxed, homely and full of country hospitality. There’s room to run for the kids, and a peaceful outlook over the vines. Perfect for a casual family visit, and as an extra indulgence, you can add a cheese board to your tastings. Yum!

5. Peter Drayton Wines & Ironbark Hill Brewhouse – Pokolbin

This one-stop shop is a family-friendly gem offering more than just delicious craft beers and wood-fired pizza. With a relaxed atmosphere, spacious outdoor seating, and a mix of local spirits, wines, and beers, it’s the perfect stop for a laid-back afternoon. Kids can roam while the adults enjoy a tasting paddle—a true all-in-one destination for groups and families alike.

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❄️ Winter Activities for Families in the Hunter Valley

⛄ Snow Time in the Garden – Hunter Valley Gardens (28 June – 21 July 2025)
The winter wonderland returns with:

• Ice skating
• Snow tobogganing
• Snow play zones
• Amusement rides
• Hot food stalls and live entertainment

It’s the ultimate winter experience for kids (and adults!) in the heart of the Hunter.

🐨 Hunter Valley Wildlife Park
See kangaroos, lions, reptiles and more. Perfect for a morning outing before heading to a nearby cellar door for lunch.

🎨 Holiday Workshops & Creative Fun
Check local venues for school holiday craft sessions or cooking classes — several wineries and community centres offer pop-up events during the break.

🧀 Foodie Stops for Families
Try Binnorie Dairy for kid-friendly cheese tastings, or sit down for a casual bite at The Deck Café Lovedale or Harrigan’s, both of which have kids’ menus and room to spread out.

Accommodation for the entire family!

Winter in the Hunter Valley is a magical time for families, and finding the right accommodation makes all the difference. With spacious homes, cozy fireplaces, and kid-friendly features like large gardens and entertainment rooms, Hunter Holidays is your go-to provider for family-friendly stays. Each property is handpicked for comfort and convenience, so you can focus on creating lifelong memories — whether it’s hot chocolates by the fire, movie nights, or exploring the local cellar doors and attractions together. Let Hunter Holidays help you plan the perfect winter escape that keeps everyone, from toddlers to grandparents, happy and warm.

Accommodation Search

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👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Tips for a Smooth Family Wine Adventure

• Pre-book tastings, especially if you’re visiting during the holidays.
• Dress in layers — mornings are brisk, but the sun often comes out by noon.
• Pack a rug and games for cellar doors with picnic areas.
• Look for structured kids’ options, like Saddlers Creek’s platters, to keep little ones engaged.

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Make the Most of the Winter Break

With crisp air, hearty reds, and loads of family-friendly fun, the Hunter Valley is an ideal destination this July school holidays. Whether you’re building snowmen at the Gardens or enjoying pizza by the fire at Glandore, there’s something special for every member of the family.