Find a Playgroup in the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter Playgroup Guide

Are you new in town, a new parent or just looking for some new friends for your child or yourself? Join a local playgroup in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie or the Hunter. Playgroup is an informal session where mums, dads, grandparents, caregivers, children and babies meet up in a relaxed and friendly environment.

Here’s a list of Newcastle playgroups sorted by suburb as well as some special interest playgroups. Many are affiliated with Playgroup NSW and operate during school terms. Be sure to contact the playgroup beforehand to confirm date, time and vacancies.

If you’re involved in a playgroup that’s not on this list or have started a playgroup and are looking for new members, send us the details and we’ll add you to this list.

Adamstown

Mainly Music Adamstown Playgroup
Belair Baptist Church, 130 Garden Grove Parade
Friday 10am

This is a fun, nurturing, music group for parents or primary care givers to enjoy together with their young child. The quality program helps develop physical skills, language, and creativity and gives families a chance to think about the God-part of life. Two groups operate on different days and a lovely morning tea follows each session. Waiting list operational. For further information contact Penny Pickering on 0412 186 758.

Anna Bay

Mainly Music Anna Bay Playgroup
The Salvation Army, 14 Port Stephens Drive, Anna Bay
Wednesday

Mainly Music is a fun music group for parents or primary caregivers to enjoy together with their young children from 0 – 5 years old on Wednesday mornings during school terms. For more information, contact Angela on (02) 4982 0192.

Belmont

Belmont Christian College Community Playgroup
Beginners Playground, Belmont Christian College, 65 John Fisher Road
Thursday 9.30am –11.30am

The Belmont Christian College Community Playgroup is is a relaxed and friendly group that meets each Thursday during school term time. They begin their morning with outside play in the purpose built Beginners (Prep) playground. They then move inside for a story, music and craft. Children are then free to explore and engage in activities and toys in the classroom. For more information please contact Mishell Smith on 0431 956 566 or the College on 4922 8300.

Belmont Bugalugs Playgroup (NSW Playgroup member)
Belmont Neighbourhood Centre, 359 Pacific Highway
Tuesday 10:00am

This small group of families, which includes children from babies to 5 years, meets on Tuesdays at 10:00am. They have a good sized indoor play area with plenty of storage and toys and a good kitchen to make a cuppa. Entrance is on the side of the building. Playgroup does not meet in school holidays. Please give Coordinator Elly, a call for more information: 0466 254 048. All Welcome.

Mainly Music Belmont Playgroup
All Saints Anglican Church, 24 Church Street, Belmont
Thursday

Mainly Music is a fun music group for parents or primary caregivers to enjoy together with their young children from 0 – 5 years old on Thursday mornings during school terms. For more information, contact Anne on 0400 772 786.

Belmont North

Mainly Music Belmont North Playgroup
Eastlakes Salvation Army, 360 Pacific Highway
Monday 9:30am – 10:45am

Mainly Music is a fun music group for parents or primary caregivers to enjoy together with their young children from 0 – 5 years old on Monday mornings during school terms. Morning tea is provided and costs $5 per family. For more information, contact Emily Screen on 0402 839 533.

Cameron Park

Cameron Park Mini Munchkins Playgroup (NSW Playgroup member)
Cameron Park Community Centre, 107 North Lakes Drive
Monday and Friday 10:00am

Cameron Park Mini Munchkins Playgroup offers a session on Mondays and Fridays from 10:00am. There is a combination of mums, dads and grandparents who attend. The ages of the children who attend range from under 12 months to the year before they go to school. Cameron Park Community Centre is a great venue with a large room, lots of toys, outdoor play area for bike riding, craft and kitchen access. The room also comes with air con for the very hot days and cold days. To organise a visit, call Playgroups NSW so they can get you in touch with the co-ordinator. All Welcome. Playgroup does not meet during School Holidays.

Cardiff

Macquarie Care Playgroup
Macquarie Life Church, Corner of Macquarie & Wentworth Roads
Tuesday 10am

Check out the amazing child-friendly facilities with a fully fenced yard, child-sized toilets, safety gates and covers on all doors. There’s also have off street parking and parent facilities. The group meets every Tuesday morning in school term from 10am to 12pm and costs $2 per family per week. See the Macquarie Care Playgroup Facebook page for more information.

Carrington

KU Newcastle Supported Playgroup – Carrington
Carrington Public School, Young Street, Carrington
Thursday 10-12am

KU has a long history of delivering high quality supported playgroups across the Sydney Inner West and Newcastle Regions. They deliver targeted wellbeing and safety activities that support the needs of families and their young children. Supported playgroups are for parents with children between 0 – 5 years. Visit the KU website for more information.

Caves Beach

Mainly Music Caves Beach Playgroup
Swansea District Baptist Church, 15 Strathmore Road, Caves Beach
Thursday

Charlestown

Charlie’s Angels Playgroup
Charlestown Public School, 15 Frederick Street
Wednesday 9:30am

Charlies Angels Playgroup was established in 2012 and meets in the hall at Charlestown Public School. Activities include indoor playtime, craft, singing, stories, morning tea, outdoor sandpit and bikes. New families are always welcome, Wednesday 9:30 – 11:30am during school terms. Check out their website: www.charliesangelsplaygroup.weebly.com or email: CharliesAngelsPlaygroup@gmail.com

Charlestown Little Lights Playgroup (NSW Playgroup member)
C3 Church Victory, Level 1, 5 Hopetoun Street
Friday 10am – 11:30am

Little Lights Playgroup is a playgroup for children aged 0-5 years old, and welcomes all parents, grandparents, and carers. They meet every Friday during school terms from 9:30-11:30am in an area dedicated to children’s play. The morning is lightly structured with reading time, craft, food and free play. Bring morning tea for your children and enjoy a coffee when you arrive! Gold coin donation entry. For all enquiries please call 4922 6800, email littlelights@c3victory.org.au or visit their facebook page.

Clarence Town

Mainly Music Clarence Town Playgroup
Clarence Town Presbyterian Church, 29 Marshall Street, Clarence Town
Wednesday

Cooks Hill

St John’s Playgroup
St John’s Church, 107 Dawson Street
Wednesdays from 10am-12noon

St John’s Playgroup is a relaxed and informal Newcastle Playgroup where families can play, sing, do crafts and have fun together. Our playgroup meets in the beautiful leafy grounds of St John’s Church, Cooks Hill. Cooks Hill is close the centre of Newcastle NSW. We have use of the church hall, an outside patio, and the grass lawn, which means we can welcome your family whatever the weather! We have had mums, dads, grandmothers, grandfathers and even a great-grandfather join us, so come along and feel welcome. Parents and Carers often help out by bringing along some morning tea for the adults to share or organising a craft activity. Cost is only $5 per family and we ask families to bring along a piece of fruit that can be part of a fruit platter for the children. For more information, please email admin@saintjohns.com.au.

Edgeworth

Edgeworth Community Playgroup
Edgeworth Memorial Neighbourhood Centre
1 Minmi Road Edgeworth
Wednesdays 9.30am – 11.30am

Edgeworth Community Playgroup runs every Wednesday 9.30am – 11.30am during school terms. They have children of all ages 0-5 attend and the playgroup is held in a large open space hall with lots of activities set up weekly and there is a large fenced area for playing with a sandpit, swings and a fairy garden. All welcome and a gold coin donation is appreciated. For more information, please check out the Facebook page Edgeworth Community Playgroup.

Fletcher

Fletcher Playgroup (NSW Playgroup member)
Various locations in Fletcher
Monday 10:00am

We recommend that you contact the Playgroup to organise to visit a session with your child(ren). The Playgroup coordinator can provide you with a general idea of how the playgroup works, the ages of children attending, session fees, etc. Call Playgroups NSW 1800 171 882 for more info.

Garden Suburb

Garden Suburb Jumping Jellybeans Playgroup (NSW Playgroup member)
Garden Suburb Community Hall, 2A Prospect Rd
Tuesday 9:30am

Garden Suburb Jumping Jellybeans welcomes all parents and carers with children up to 6 years. The hall has a large play area indoors with a kitchen and a small grassed area used for outdoor play. Please send us an email before attending. Call Playgroups NSW 1800 171 882 for more info.

Glendale

Gecko Playgroup
Grace Evangelical Church
344-348 Lake Road, Glendale
Wednesday 10am -11:30am

Gecko Playgroup is a church-run playgroup for all children aged 0-5 years, providing a safe and fun place for children to enjoy free-play, craft, storytime and morning tea, while parents and grandparents can relax with others over a cuppa. They ask that each family contributes $3 per week (towards craft and activities), as well as a piece of fruit per child to share at morning tea time. Once a term they also enjoy a group outing (somewhere local and at minimal to no cost). For more information, contact Adam or Alice on 0405 511 526, email adam.collison@gecn.org or visit their website.

Glendale Garden Elves (NSW Playgroup member)
64 Reservoir Road, Glendale
Tuesday & Thursday 9:30am

This Playgroup is currently full and is only accepting new members through the waitlist. To join the waitlist please go to https://steinerplaygroup.weebly.com/ The playgroup is based on the indications of Rudolf Steiner. They endeavour to engage the will of the young children in a positive way and be good examples for them to imitate. Morning activities follow a rhythm of breathing in – breadmaking, singing, story and breathing out – shared morning tea and free play.

Greta

Greta Branxton Playgroup (NSW Playgroup member)
1 Water Street, Greta
Monday 9:30am

Greta Branxton Playgroup meets Mondays from 9.30am – 11.30am through school terms. They recommend that you contact their Playgroup to organise to visit a session with your child(ren). Their Playgroup coordinator can provide you with a general idea of how the playgroup works, the ages of children attending, session fees, etc. Visit the Greta Branxton Playgroup Facebook page or Call Playgroups NSW 1800 171 882 for more info.

Hamilton

Mainly Music Hamilton Playgroup
67 Cleary Street, Hamilton
Tuesday 10am

Mainly Music is a fun music group for parents or primary caregivers to enjoy together with their young children from 0 – 5 years old on Tuesday mornings during school terms. Morning tea is provided and costs $7.50 for one child and $10 for 2 or more children. For more information, contact Ashleigh on 0419 294 413. or visit their website.

Islington

Islington Baptist Church Playgroup
Islington Baptist Church
180 Maitland Road
Thursday 9:45am

There is fun and adventure for you to share with your child at IBCPlaytime. Exciting, fully enclosed play spaces engage young minds and hands, with weekly interest activities and regular music and story times. Find encouragement and friendship every Thursday during school terms, 9.45am to 11.45am at 180 Maitland Road, Islington. Contact Marion on 0429 411 704 or visit the Islington Baptist Church Playgroup Facebook page to get up-to-date details on the activities and cost, also so you can arrive connected with someone right from the start. They welcome all in the Islington and wider Newcastle community who care for babies, toddlers and preschoolers.

Jesmond

KU Newcastle Supported Playgroup – Jesmond
Jesmond Neighbourhood Centre, 44 Mordue Parade, Jesmond
Tuesday & Wdnesday 10-12am

Kotara

Mainly Music Kotara Playgroup
Church of the Good Shepherd Anglican Church, 101 Joslin Street, Kotara
Friday 9:30am

Mainly Music is a fun music group for parents or primary caregivers to enjoy together with their young children from 0 – 5 years old on Friday mornings during school terms (except the last). The session consists of a music group followed by a delicious, provided, morning tea and a playgroup. It provides an opportunity to have a cuppa and meet other families. It costs $5 per family with the first visit free! For more information contact Anne on 02 4943 5651.

Kotara South

St James Kotara South Playgroup (NSW Playgroup member)
St James Primary School Hall, 30 Vista Parade
Friday 9:00am

St James Playgroup welcomes all parents and carers with children up to 6 years (whether you are continuing on to St James Primary school or not). The hall has a large indoor play area with lots of options for play! New members are welcome to come along to a session (they operate during term time only). For more information, call Playgroup NSW on NSW 1800 171.

Kurri Kurri

Kurri Kurri Samaritans CAPS Playgroup (NSW Playgroup member)
Various locations in Kurri Kurri
Thursday 9:30am

Samaritans CAPS is an early intervention and prevention program which focuses on building the bonds of attachment to enhance family function and increase community participation. All activities the service undertakes are planned and facilitated by skilled and qualified practitioners who understand the importance of play-based learning and child development, as well challenges families sometimes face. These playgroups are free! Call Playgroups NSW 1800 171 882 for more info.

Play Strong Kurri Kurri (NSW Playgroup member)
Kurri Kurri Centre, 131 Northcote Street
Wednesday and Friday 10:00am

Play Strong groups are supported playgroups that support parents to engage with early learning services. Call Playgroups NSW 1800 171 882 for more info.

Largs

Largs/ Bolwarra Playgroup (NSW Playgroup member)
School of Arts Hall-Largs, Corner of High St & Largs Avenue
Wednesday 9:30am

This is a lovely active group with children of all ages from babies through to school age. They welcome all newcomers. Call Playgroups NSW 1800 171 882 for more info.

Maitland

Early Links PlayConnect (NSW Playgroup member)
Maitland Presbyterian Church, Church Street
Thursday 9:30am

Support playgroup for children 0 -6 with Autism, Developmental delay or behaviour concerns. Call Playgroups NSW 1800 171 882 for more info.

Maryland

Maryland Building Tots Early Childhood Development Playgroup (NSW Playgroup member)
207 Maryland Drive, Maryland
Tuesday 9:30am

For children who are not currently accessing any early childhood education. They aim to support the child and family’s transition into a suitable EC placement. They are continuing to provide virtual playgroups and offer other transition to school services to families. All playgroups run weekly during school terms. Funded by the Department of Education. All playgroups run weekly during school terms. Please call 8977 8341 for further information.

Medowie

Medowie Tigers Playgroup (NSW Playgroup member)
Medowie Community Centre, 44 Ferodale Road
Tuesday 9:30am

Medowie Tigers are welcoming new families. They have a large open indoor space with kitchen facilities to make tea and coffee. Outdoors there is a covered area and a sandpit. They have lots of toys for a range of ages of children including baby mats, a reading corner & dress ups. This is a relaxed playgroup that runs from 9:30am to 11:30am in the Community Centre. Session Fee of $4 a week or a term fee of $35, this contributes towards the rent and new toys/equipment. Ask to join the closed facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/medowietigersplaygroup/ Or for more information about this playgroup email medowietigers@hotmail.com.

Merewether

Merewether Beachbabes (NSW Playgroup member)
Uniting Church-Merewether, 178 Glebe Road
Thursday 10:00am

Come and play at Merewether Beachbabes Playgroup! The group is currently welcoming new families but please email them before visiting our group as numbers are restricted. The group meets every Thursday morning during school terms. There is a lovely outdoor area with play equipment as well as an indoor play space in the church hall (no affiliation with the church, they just rent the space). Mums, dads, grandparents and carers enjoy socialising over a cuppa while kids enjoy free play as well as a different craft/physical activity organised each week (Covid-safe depending). Please email: merewetherpg@gmail.com for more information on joining our group.

Metford

Metford Community Playgroup (NSW Playgroup member)
Metford Community Hall, Corner Ingall & Lowe Street
Wednesday 10:00am

Please see their facebook page for latest updates and adventures or call Playgroups NSW 1800 171 882 for more info and to organise a visit. They do not meet during school holidays.

Morisset

Heritage College Lake Macquarie Playgroup
Heritage College, 85 Ironbark Road
Every second Thursday in school term at 9:30am

Heritage Playgoup provides a wonderful opportunity for you and your child to become familiar with the school setting and community. This free playgroup is a time for friendships to develop and an ideal setting for children to learn through play. Join the private Heritage College Lake Macquarie Playgroup Facebook group.

Newcastle

Cathedral Mainly Music Playgroup
Christ Church Cathedral, 52 Church Street, Newcastle
Thursday 10am

Mainly Music is a fun music group for parents or primary caregivers to enjoy together with their young children from 0 – 5 years old on Thursday mornings during school terms. Morning tea is provided and costs $5 per family. For more information contact Veronica on 0482 027 207 or visit their website.

New Lambton

New Lambton Playgroup (NSW Playgroup member)
Uniting Church-New Lambton, 48 Regent Street
Wednesday 9:30am

The playgroup meets every Wednesday during school terms. They have lots of toys and space indoors and outdoors so can always welcome new families to our group. Please drop in and the friendly committee will show you around. Only $5 per session (first 2 free) or $40 for the whole school term. They organise craft or other activities e.g. bubbles, ball games, bathing the baby dolls every week and also have music time each week at 11:15 to close the session. Lots of fun for the kids and parents/carers alike! Please email newlambtonplaygroup@gmail.com.

Mainly Music New Lambton Playgroup
New Lambton Anglican Hall, Cnr Cromwell St & Oxford St, New Lambton
Wednesday 9:30am

Rutherford

Play Strong Maitland Neighbourhood Centre (NSW Playgroup member)
Rutherford Community Centre, Arthur Street
Tuesday (General) & Wednesday (Playstrong) 10am

Play Strong groups are supported playgroups that support parents to engage with early learning services. Please email ps.maitland.nhcentre@playgroupnsw.org.au to register your interest.

Shortland

KU Newcastle Supported Playgroup – Shortland
Shortland Public School, 360 Sandgate Road, Shortland
Thursday 9-11am

Singleton

Mainly Music Singleton Heights Playgroup
Singleton Baptist Church, Cnr Gardner Circuit & Bridgman Road, Singleton Heights
Friday

Mainly Music is a fun music group for parents or primary caregivers to enjoy together with their young children from 0 – 5 years old on Friday mornings during school terms. For more information contact Aimee on 0402 588 096 or email mainlymusicsingleton@gmail.com.

Stockton

Mainly Music Stockton Playgroup
St Paul’s Anglican Church, 34a Maitland Street, Stockton
Thursday 9:30am

Swansea

The Cottage Supported Playgroup
Swansea Community Cottage, Swansea Centre, 228-234 Pacific Highway, Swansea
Wednesday & Friday 10-12pm

Each Wednesday and Friday during School Terms only at The Cottage in Ocean Room 1 for children aged 0 to 6 years of age, not enrolled at school. Cost is $2 a session. Please bring along a good food item to share for morning tea. Come and enjoy the fantastic new kids play equipment!

Thornton

Play Strong Thornton (NSW Playgroup member)
28 Government Road, Thornton
Thursday 10:00am

Play Strong groups are supported playgroups that support parents to engage with early learning services. For all enquires please email ps.thornton@playgroupnsw.org.au.

Thornton Little Rascals (NSW Playgroup member)
Thornton Pat Hughes Community Hall, Taylor Avenue
Wednesday 9:30am

Running in the local community for 35 years. Wednesdays during school terms. Ages newborn to 6. Fees per family: $2 for your first week. $5 ever week after. No need to book in, just turn up and have fun! Visit their facebook page for more info or email: thorntonlittlerascals@hotmail.com.

Toronto

Mainly Music Toronto Playgroup
Toronto Baptist Church, 186-192 The Boulevard
Wednesday 9:45am

Valentine

Valentine Playgroup (NSW Playgroup member)
Valentine Progress Hall, 20 Allambee Place
Wednesday 10:00am

Valentine Playgroup meets Wednesdays at 10am to 12pm at Valentine Community Hall. Children from 0 to 6 are welcome to come along with their parents, grandparents, caregiver etc. They aim to provide a fun, friendly and safe environment for children to build positive friendship’s, play, craft and other activities. Ask to join the closed facebook page if you want to connect with us. Visit the Valentine Playgroup Facebook page or email valentineplaygrouplakemaq@gmail.com.

Wangi

Perry’s Wangi Playgroup (NSW Playgroup member)
Wangi Wangi Public School Hall, Beach Road
Monday 9:30am

Wangi First Playgroup is a small but lovely friendly group of mothers. Playgroup meets in the school hall on Mondays at 9:30 to 11:30am. We have a great indoor space with lots of toys and storage, and an outdoor gym area for the active children. Message the Perry’s Playgroup Wangi Facebook page to confirm your interest in attending.

Waratah West

KU Newcastle Supported Playgroup – Waratah West
Waratah West Public School, 22 Leonora Parade, Waratah West
Monday 9-11am

Warners Bay

Warners Bay Baptist Church Playtime
Warners Bay Baptist Church, 64 Queen Street, Warners Bay
Wednesday 10:00am

This is a great morning for parents and children from 0-5 years to come along to. Playtime runs during school terms. We meet in the Ministry Centre which is next to the church. It is a great time for parents to get together and encourage each other in the joys and challenges of parenting. The morning is organised and activities can include story-time, singing, games, puzzles, craft, painting, play-dough and outdoor play in a safe, enclosed area. Occasionally Playtime organises special events such as picnics at Blackbutt Reserve and fund raising like Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea. For further information contact the church office on 4947 4326 or via email at warnersbaybaptist@gmail.com.

Whitebridge

Whitebridge Kindymates Community Playgroup
Whitebridge Church of Christ Hall, 1 Foxdale Avenue, Whitebridge
Mondays during school term from 10am till noon

Kids from 0 to 6 with parents, grandparents and carers are welcome at Whitebridge Kindymates Community Playgroup. The cost is $2 per family.They have a fun lightly structured morning with outside play, play dough, craft, painting, singing and inside play with toys. A cuppa for the mums/carers is provided. Please bring morning tea for your child. Contact Merise on 0413886796 for more details.

Specific Playgroups

Estonians

Estonians in Newcastle Playgroup (NSW Playgroup member)
Henry Park Hall, Thomas Street, Hamilton South
Sunday 9:00am

Playgroup for families who speak Estonian and wish to keep the Estonian culture and language alive. Call Playgroups NSW 1800 171 882 for more info.

Indigenous

Play Strong Muloobinba Aboriginal Playgroup (NSW Playgroup member)
Elermore Vale Community Centre, 129 Croudace Road
Thursday 11:00am

This is an Aboriginal Playgroup welcoming all parents & carers with indigenous children. Call Playgroups NSW 1800 171 882 for more info.

Japanese

Japanese Playgroup (NSW Playgroup member)
Hunter Christian Church, 20A Hillcrest Parade, Highfields
Tuesday 10:30am

This is a Japanese Playgroup. Members speak Japanese and come from all over the Newcastle area. Ask to join the private Japanese Playgroup Facebook group before you visit the group. Please click on “Make an Enquiry” to send an email to the Coordinator of the group. They will then respond with when to visit and what to expect. Looking forward to hearing from you!

MyTime

MyTime groups provide support for mothers, fathers, grandparents and anyone caring for a child with a disability, developmental delay or chronic medical condition 0-18 years. Call Playgroups NSW 1800 171 882 for more info.

Cardiff MyTime (NSW Playgroup member)
Macqaurie Life Church, cnr Macquarie & Wentworths Rds
Friday 10:00am

Raymond Terrace MyTime (NSW Playgroup member)
Irrawang Public School SACCs, 11 Roslyn Street
Thursday 9:30am

Woodberry MyTime (NSW Playgroup member)
Woodberry Public School, Lawson Avenue
Tuesday 10:00am

Young Parents

Young Parents Group
The Place Charlestown, Charlestown Square
Corner of Frederick & Pearson Streets Charlestown (underneath Charlestown Square)
Fridays (during the school term) 12:15 pm – 1:30 pm

Young Parents Group is a social group for parents who are in their teens and 20’s. The group is a comfortable and welcoming space for parents and their children to meet, socialise, learn and share information. The group is hosted by The Place in a collaborative partnership with the Family Action Centre, Our Community Place, Lake Macquarie City Council, young parents and skilled volunteers. Activities are offered each week and the group is FREE to attend. Contact 4032 5500 or email programs@theplacecharlestown.org.au for more information or visit the YPG Charlestown Facebook page or website .

Do you have an edit or addition to the Playgroups list? Email Newy with Kids with the details.

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Started in late 2012 by a local mum, Newy with Kids has grown into a thriving go-to family guide for the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter region. Parents visit the Newy with Kids website to find things to do with babies, kids and teens. Whether it’s local attractions, upcoming events, kids eat free, school holiday activities or birthday party ideas, Newy with Kids is the best website for local parents to find local kid-friendly activities and information 24/7.