the ultimate hunter valley school holiday guide: fun for the whole family

school holidays in the hunter valley? we've got you covered.

school holidays are here, and if you're looking for ways to keep the kids entertained without sacrificing a little enjoyment for yourself, the hunter valley might just be your answer.

while we're known for our incredible wines, there's so much more to the hunter valley than cellar doors and long lunches. from outdoor adventures and wildlife encounters to beautiful gardens and family-friendly wineries, there's something for everyone.

and yes, you can absolutely bring the kids along for a wine tasting.

we've put together our guide to spending the school holidays in the hunter valley, with a few of our favourite local experiences and, of course, a stop at john wallace wines. 

1. explore hunter valley gardens

if there's one place that knows how to keep the whole family entertained, it's hunter valley gardens.

with beautifully maintained gardens, winding pathways and plenty of space to explore, it's an easy addition to your school holiday itinerary. 

for the september and october 2026 school holidays, hunter valley gardens is hosting its spring school holiday program, featuring activities including a butterfly aviary, baby lambs and family-friendly entertainment. 

it's a lovely way to spend a morning before exploring more of the hunter valley.

2. get up close with the animals at hunter valley wildlife park

animal lovers, this one's for you.

hunter valley wildlife park is a fantastic experience for families visiting the region, offering the opportunity to get up close with a variety of animals.

from kangaroos and koalas to meerkats and other wildlife, there's plenty to keep the little ones entertained.

it's also a great way to break up a weekend of winery visits with something specifically for the kids.

3. stop in at john wallace wine (yes, with the kids!)

now, we might be a little biased, but we think a family-friendly hunter valley itinerary should include a stop at john wallace wines.

we believe visiting a winery should be something the whole family can enjoy, which is why our cellar door is designed to be relaxed, welcoming and a place where everyone can settle in.

while enjoying a guided tasting of our Hunter Valley wines, the kids can make the most of our spacious outdoor areas, grass and games.

and if you're lucky, you might even get a visit from tilly, our resident cellar door dog, who is always happy to receive a few extra cuddles.

our wine tasting experience is just $15 per person and includes a selection of john wallace wines accompanied by complimentary cheese.

not in the mood for a tasting? no worries.

you can simply pop in, grab a glass or bottle of your favourite john wallace wine, find a spot overlooking the vines and enjoy an afternoon in the hunter valley.

the kids are entertained, the wine is cold and everyone's happy. sounds like a pretty good school holiday outing to us.

4. test your skills at hunter valley aqua golf

a hunter valley classic.

if you're looking for something a little more active, head to hunter valley aqua golf and see who in the family has the best swing.

it's a fun, relaxed activity that doesn't require anyone to be particularly good at golf, which is probably why we love it.

make it a family competition, have a few laughs and then head off to your next hunter valley adventure.

5. make a weekend of it

why squeeze everything into one day when you could turn it into a weekend away?

the hunter valley has plenty of family-friendly accommodation, from spacious vineyard villas to holiday homes with room for the whole family.

if you're planning to visit john wallace wines, there are some beautiful accommodation options around palmers land and pokolbin, making it easy to explore the region without spending your entire holiday in the car.

your school holiday plans are sorted

whether you're visiting the hunter valley for a day trip or planning a few nights away, there's plenty to keep everyone entertained.

and when you're ready for a little downtime, we'd love to welcome you to john wallace wines.

bring the kids, bring the dog, bring your favourite people and settle in for an afternoon overlooking the vines.