Local & Independent
Created by a local mum Reena Bilen with a team of contributors, Newy with Kids keeps you up to date with what’s happening in the Newcastle, NSW region. It’s your guide to family-friendly attractions, activities and events in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & the Hunter.
Whether it’s information on playgrounds, cafes, school holiday activities, kids concerts or family events, Newy with Kids provides parents, grandparents and carers with information about things to do with kids of all ages from newborns to teens.
Who created Newy with Kids?
Hey, thanks for dropping by! I’m Reena, creator and managing editor of Newy with Kids. After my daughter was born in 2010, it was one of the happiest times of my life, but it was also one of the most challenging. I went from full-time work surrounded by other adults to being at home with a new baby on 12 months maternity leave. Honestly, some days it sucked.
I was lonely and life started to feel a bit like Groundhog Day with every day the same as the one before. I wanted to get out with my baby but I just didn’t know where to go. (I didn’t grow up here – I’m originally from Edmonton, Canada).
I remember thinking that it would be so useful to have a website that contained information on local attractions, events and activities for parents with babies and kids. So I started one!
I started the website in late 2012 while I worked part-time as an IT professional. It gave me a great excuse to get out of my messy house and explore Newcastle & the Hunter “researching” kid-friendly attractions, activities and events with my young child. Sometimes, my firefighter husband tagged along on our adventures as well.
Since then, Newy with Kids has become a trusted website, Facebook page and Instagram account which provides information to thousands of families in the Newcastle and Hunter region.
No matter if you’re looking for a new playground, kids eat free offers, school holiday activities or an upcoming kids concert, Newy with Kids is your go to guide.
Here’s some of our most popular posts on Newy with Kids
- Free and Low-Cost Things to do with Kids in Newcastle & the Hunter
- Newcastle Birthday Party Guide
- Kids Eat Free Guide for Newcastle
- Pregnancy & Childbirth Guide
- Newy with Kids Moving to Newcastle
- Parks and Playgrounds Guide
- Newcastle Best Beaches & Ocean Baths for Kids
- Best Family Walks around Newcastle
As well as the fun factor, this website has given me the opportunity to meet some amazing and interesting people in this community.
I’ve made so many friends through Newy with Kids and also have to give a big shoutout to my readers, some of whom have been there since the very beginning. Thanks for your support!
I also have to thank my team of contributors who share their adventures, insights and parenting advice. And if you have still questions about me or Newy with Kids, check out out this Q&A featuring questions from Newy with Kids readers.
Reena
P.S. I would love to hear from you. Comments, questions and suggestions are all very welcome. Get in touch via email or LinkedIn.