‘Rain, rain go away, come again another day!’ Today was going to be a family day. We were so organised and ready to spend the day together. We knew there was a chance of rain, but when does the weather person ever get it right? Fortunately, rainy days in Lake Macquarie don’t mean you have to sit at home. We have loads of options right here in Lake Mac. We can all enjoy family time inside. Here’s a few ideas to get you thinking outside the box.
Ice skating
With public sessions for all abilities, and all ages, head to Hunter Ice Skating. They offer an area for new skaters with skating frames to support you while you learn to skate, and an area for more advanced skaters. This is a perfect place to spend a couple of hours together having fun. You can hire your skates at the venue. Make sure you bring thick socks and wear warm clothes as it’s cold inside, particularly if you’re sitting watching the kids. There’s also a cafe where you can buy food and drinks. Check out Hunter Ice Skating
Head to the movies
This is a favourite with the kids. We’d like to think it has nothing to do with the large slushie and bucket of popcorn but my nose might grow! We always take an extra layer during the cooler months. When we settle into our seats, the lights dim and the picture starts, It’s so nice to feel warm and comfy. There’s a few cinemas around Lake Macquarie to choose from, so book online and enjoy!
Event Cinemas Glendale
Let us bring the family fun and popcorn!
- 02 4952 0974
Play laser tag
If you’re looking for a little indoor fun you can head to one of our local laser tag arenas. Are you ready for your mission? Grab your weapon. Put on your battle pack. You’re ready to join laser tag skirmish. Run between different areas using your combat skills to take on your fellow soldiers. You’ve got a couple of choices:
Read a book at the library
We’ve always loved reading but using the library came into its own for us when we had kids. Everyone benefits from a huge selection of books that have become family favourites. We recently discussed the books they remembered best from when they were little. It’s a great way to occupy the family on a rainy day, and the Lake Mac Libraries have much more on offer these days. Find a library near you: Lake Mac Library’s
Enjoy art at the (MAC) Museum of Art and Culture
A visit to the Museum of Art and Culture in Booragul should be top of your rainy day list. You can visit the exhibition for free, admire the amazing collection, and head into the cafe afterwards for a drink and a bite to eat. If the rain stops you can enjoy a walk around the sculpture garden and admire the amazing lake views. You don’t get a better location than this art gallery! If you want to find out what exhibition is currently showing click here: Museum of Art and Culture
Have fun at an indoor playground
We’ve got some great indoor parks that cater for your little kids. They can enjoy trampolining, playing in a ball pit, or sliding down a super slippery dip! How about practicing their gymnastics on bars, rings, and balance beams? Crawling through the climbing frame or bouncing on inflatables? While they’re playing you can enjoy a coffee or a snack at the cafe. Have a look at these and see which one will suit you:
Chipmunks Playland & Cafe - Belmont
#Play all day at Chipmunks Playland
- 02 49452667
LEAP Museum
Learn, Explore, and Play
- 0425458258
Practice mountain climbing
Do you have a climber in your family? Have you considered visiting a bouldering gym? This is an indoor climbing gym where your climber can enjoy scaling the heights. Children from 5 years of age can join in the fun. Discover the local climbing park and burn that childhood energy? Pulse Climbing, Warners Bay
Enjoy lunch out
We’ve got so many amazing places to eat around Lake Macquarie that it’s impossible to name them all! From enjoying a tasty treat on The Boulevarde in Toronto, to a delicious coffee at Warners Bay. A fish ‘n chip lunch in Swansea to a toasted sandwich in Cardiff. Wherever you travel you’re going to find a great place to stop for a while. Kids can enjoy a milkshake, a light lunch, or a slice of banana bread. Don’t forget to take something to keep them amused. We take a bag full of pens, games, and paper that has been coming out with our family for the past twelve years! Have you been to Club Charlestown or Belmont 16s lately?
Belmont 16s Sailing Club
Together on the water
- 4945 0888
Club Charlestown
Where Good Friends Meet
- 02 4943 3766
Head to an indoor skate park
If you’ve got a skateboarder or a child who loves to scoot, how about taking them to Parry Street Skate Park? This indoor skate park allows them to keep skating even when it’s raining. Enjoy riding your BMX? You can do that too. Got some roller skates and want to learn how to use them? How about taking some lessons here? Give them a call to find out what sessions are available before you head over to: Parry Street Skate Park
Enjoy the thrill of go-karting?
If you have older kids who are looking for some adrenaline-fueled fun and want to get behind the wheel of a kart, how about the thrill of go-karting? With fast-speed karts navigating a well-designed indoor track, this is surely a winner activty. To ride the kart you must be at least 140 cm tall. Have a look at XTreme Karts at Warners Bay here: Extreme Karts Warners Bay
Play a game of ten-pin bowling
Nowadays when you head to the ten-pin bowling alley, there’s much more on offer. You can play mini-golf, have a game of laser tag, play arcade games, enjoy a meal, and keep your family happy for hours. We’ve got a couple of places in Lake Macquarie to channel your inner KingPin!
Have you ever tried virtual reality?
If you haven’t you should put this on your to-do list. If you’ve done it before no doubt you’ll want to do it again. Putting on your virtual reality goggles and escaping to new worlds is a great way to escape the rainy days. The best part of this experience is everyone in the family aged over 6 years can join in the fun (kids need to be able to read the menu and for goggles to fit).
Play the games at the arcade
If your child enjoys playing video games, arcade games or enjoying a ride on a simulator, take them to the arcade. It’s a stimulation overload! With lights flashing, loud music, and lots to keep them amused this is always a vote-winner with our families. Timezone has two locations you can head to, Charlestown or Kotara. Find out more here: Timezone Charlestown
Explore Lake Mac in gumboots
Whatever activity you choose for your rainy day we’re sure you’ll have a lot of fun and beat some of those rainy day blues. And if the rain doesn’t put you off, how about wearing a raincoat and some gumboots and heading out on one of our local walks? Check out our Family Walks here.
