It can be a massive change being home with a new baby especially if you’ve been working and are now on maternity or paternity leave. As well as missing adult conversation, the days can feel so long and boring. In fact, it can feel a bit like Groundhog Day with every day the same as the one before.
To combat the boredom, here’s a list of weekly, fun challenges you can do with your baby in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter before they turn one. There’s activities to get you and bub out of the house, which is important when you need a change of scenery or some intellectual stimulation, but there’s also some fun and interesting projects for when you feel like staying in.
1. Go for a walk with your baby
Need some inspiration to get moving? There’s lots of great walks that you can do around the region. Whether you prefer a flat walk or one with hills, strap your baby in a stroller and get out in the fresh air. See our article 20 best Newcastle walks and bush trails for inspiration or choose from one of our following favourites: Eleebana to Speers Point, Lambton Park, Fernleigh Track or the hilly Bar Beach to Merewether walk.
2. Attend Baby Book Club
Visit your local library and join in one of their fun and educational baby programs. All of the local libraries including Newcastle Libraries, Lake Mac Libraries and Maitland City Libraries organise programs like Baby Book Time. Most have special baby book packs for parents to borrow as well.
3. Take your baby to a family-friendly café or restaurant
Get dressed up and go out to eat. Find somewhere family-friendly where babies and prams are welcome. Here’s our list of family-friendly dining spots.
4. Join a playgroup
Joining a playgroup is a great excuse to get out of the house and a good way to make new friends. Playgroups provide babies, toddlers and young children with a wide variety of early learning experiences including play time, music, stories, arts and crafts and excursions. Find your perfect playgroup in our Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter Playgroup Guide.
5. Get snapped
Babies grow and change so quickly so it’s worth getting some professional photos taken of your baby. There’s loads of family photographers in the area, just do an online search or ask around for a recommendation.
6. Make a photo book
Wondering what to do with all the photos you’ve taken of your gorgeous baby? Make a photo book. You can do it all online and get a photo book mailed directly to you. Order one for the grandparents too!
7. Join a mother’s group
In the early years of motherhood, mothers groups can be a great support network. Take your baby out and meet up with some other mums. Here’s 10 activities you can do with your mother’s group.
8. Visit the animals at Blackbutt Reserve
Take your baby to Blackbutt Reserve to meet the animals. There’s plenty of tranquil picnic spots to relax and enjoy your time. If you feel like a wander, introduce your child to some of the resident animals such as koalas, emus, kangaroos, wallabies and wombats. A series of boardwalks makes it easy to push a stroller around and lets little ones view the animals in the wildlife exhibits up close.
9. Take your baby to a beach or pool
In summer, take little ones down to the beach. The Canoe Pool at Newcastle Beach, the shallow area at Merewether Beach and the Granny’s Pool at Blacksmiths Beach are ideal spots to take babies. Here is our list of best beaches for kids and families. If you prefer to go to a local pool, there are shallow toddler pools at Lambton Pool, Wallsend Pool, Charlestown Swim Centre, Speers Point Swim Centre, Swansea Swim Centre, Morisset Swim Centre, Lakeside Leisure Centre and Maitland Pool.
10. Catch up on your reading
Need some intellectual stimulation? Read a book. Visit your local library or, if that’s a challenge, borrow an e-book or audiobook from the library. Here’s our tips for how to save money on books and magazines.
11. Learn how to do infant massage
Infant massage is relaxing and soothing for both parent and bub and can help strengthen your bond. Research online for techniques or try a local infant massage class.
12. Go to an indoor play centre
Indoor play centres are a great option during the week when it’s hot or raining. Babies are usually free to enter and can play in age-appropriate areas while parents enjoy a catch-up. See our list of indoor play centres in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter.
13. See a movie
Don’t miss out on the latest movies – take your baby with you. Here are 9 places to see a family movie in the Newcastle area. Reading Cinemas have Baby’s Day Out and Event Cinemas have Bring Your Baby sessions on Wednesdays. These movie sessions have the lights dimmed but it’s not completely dark so you can still feed bub or keep an eye on little ones.
14. Visit a farmers market
Lose yourself in fresh produce straight from the farm and buy food directly from local farmers and artisans at a farmer’s market. Push bub around in a stroller or pop them into a baby carrier and watch them take delight in all the new sights, smells and sounds. Here’s a list of local farmer’s markets.
15. Learn to cook something new
Being at home with bub is an opportune time to expand your cooking knowledge. Pull out your cookbooks and choose some new recipes to try. Slow-cooker recipes, air fryer or one-pan dishes are always a good option.
16. Do a play-based activity with your baby
The value of play-based learning is often underestimated. There’s lots of fun activities for babies that you can do at home, including craft and sensory activities. Here are 5 play-based activities for babies that you can do at home to get you started.
17. Learn another language
Always wanted to learn another language or even just a few words? Sign up for free on Duolingo, Babbel or other language apps and start learning.
18. Take a ride on public transport
Enjoy an outing on public transport and take your baby for their first train, bus or ferry ride. Newcastle’s light rail is also a good option. Low to the ground, it’s easy to roll prams and strollers on and off. You’ll end up at Newcastle Beach. Here’s our tips for enjoying a family day out on public transport in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter.
19. Visit a playground and put your bub on their first baby swing
There’s loads of parks and playgrounds in the area. Check out our list of parks and playgrounds for a detailed description. If you want playgrounds specifically for younger kids, check out our article: Best Playgrounds in Newcastle for Toddlers.
20. Learn more about your baby
Feel like you need some help understanding your baby? Learn more about the parenthood journey by visiting the Pregnancy Birth & Baby website – an Australian government resource.
21. Go for a picnic
There’s something about eating outdoors which makes food taste better. Either pack a picnic or order takeaway and find a nice grassy spot to lay out a picnic rug. See our list of best picnic spots for inspiration.
22. Visit an art gallery or museum
Pop your baby in a stroller or a baby carrier and visit one of the many great museums and art galleries in our region.
23. Do a parkrun
Have you heard of parkrun? It’s a free 5km, timed run or walk held every Saturday morning from 8am. Babies in strollers are not only welcome, but encouraged. There are a number of parkrun events in our local region, but the best ones for strollers are Stockton parkrun, Newy parkrun, Lake Mac parkrun and Lakeview parkrun.
24. Do a DIY or craft project
Get your craft on with a DIY or craft project. It doesn’t have to be big. In fact, we recommend starting small. Just ensure it’s something that will give you a sense of accomplishment. Head to Bunnings or the Kmart craft section for inspiration.
25. Make a Spotify playlist
Music can have a positive effect on mood. (It also makes housework more enjoyable). This week enjoy more music around your house and start, or add to, a ‘favourites’ playlist on Spotify.
26. Take in some street art
Go hunting for street art. There are murals all over the Newcastle region including Newcastle CBD, Mayfield, Wickham and Belmont. Check out our guide to the best street art & graffiti to see in Newcastle and include some on your next stroll.
27. Plan a mum’s night out for yourself and some friends
It’s healthy to get with your friends once in a while. Leave bub with Dad, a partner or trusted babysitter and go out and and enjoy some baby-free time.
28. Catch up on box sets or new shows on Netflix
Let’s face it. You’ve got the time. Binge-watch that series you’ve always been meaning to watch.
29. Keep a record or journal of your baby’s milestones
Spend some time updating your bub’s baby book. You might think that you’ll never forget the first time they smiled, rolled over or took their first steps, but time flies and the first 12 months are busy. Baby books and journals are great for recording your baby’s milestones and, when your child is older, you can both look back and reminisce.
30. Plant something
Plant a seed or seedling and watch it, as well as your baby, grow. In my kids’ first year I planted them a citrus tree. It wasn’t until they turned 6 that we were able to pick and enjoy the fruit, but it’s been nice to watch the trees grow each year as the kids get older.
31. Organise a date night with your partner
Enjoy some baby-free time to connect. Here’s some fun & romantic date night ideas around Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter. Much more than just dinner & a movie!
32. Walk around a new neighbourhood
Bored of walking around your own neighbourhood? Venture a little further and explore another suburb.
33. Learn to meditate
Mediation is a great skill to learn. There are some great apps, like Headspace and Calm, that guide you through the process.
34. Visit a local market
Head to a local market and either pop bub in a carrier or push them around in a stroller. Our region boasts a wonderful selection of local markets. The easy, casual vibe will put you in a good mood and bub will enjoy experiencing all the new sights, smells and sounds. Here are 15+ markets to visit in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter. Most offer a fantastic selection of handmade or second-hand baby products.
35. Catch up with friends
Everybody gets busy, but it’s worth making the effort to catch up with old friends. Organise a date and time to suit you both and catch up in real life, not just online.
36. Enrol your baby in a baby class
Have fun doing a class with your baby. There’s loads of classes you can sign them up to like swimming, music, baby sensory and Gymbaroo. Here’s our list of baby and toddler classes in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter.
37. Go to a concert
Attend a kids show or concert with your baby. Kids under 12 months of age are usually free. Here are 20+ kids shows to attend in Newcastle, Central Coast & Sydney.
38. Take up a new hobby
Is there a new hobby you’ve always wanted to try? A great time to start is while you’re at home with bub. Whether it’s sewing, macrame, writing or pickling… just try something new!
39. Visit the Hunter Wetlands Centre
Help your baby connect with nature at the Hunter Wetlands Centre. They’ll love spotting the reptiles at the centre entrance and there are some great walking trails. You could even do a guided walking tour. Just make sure to pack the bug spray.
40. Take a print of your baby’s hand and foot
There are plaster casting kits available to purchase or you can do a DIY using ink and paper at home.
41. Go swimming with your baby
Baby swim classes are a great way for parents to bond with their baby as well as preparing baby for swimming lessons. There are plenty of baby swim schools in our region to choose from. Find a baby swim school in the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter region.
42. Create a time capsule
Make a time capsule to open in five, ten or even 20 years. Here are some ideas for how to make a family time capsule as well as ideas on where to store it.
43. Take your baby to see a fairy garden
Take baby to the fairy garden in Broadmeadow. It’s a magical place transformed from overgrown public land into an area where kids can explore and play.
44. Pamper yourself
Motherhood can be stressful so make sure you take opportunities to look after yourself and have a break. Go out and get a massage or a facial or enjoy a bubble bath or DIY spa treatment at home.
45. Make playdough
When your baby is a bit older they will enjoy playing with playdough. It’s great for developing their hand strength and fine motor skills as well. You don’t need to buy playdough. It’s so easy to make homemade playdough.
46. Plan baby’s first birthday
Baby’s first birthday is a huge and exciting milestone so plan a fun birthday to commemorate the occasion. If you need some inspiration, refer to the Newy with Kids Birthday Party Guide.
47. Go trainspotting
Bub will enjoy watching the kids going by on the miniature trains at Edgeworth Trains. You can even take bub for a ride. Edgeworth Trains operate on the last Sunday of each month.
48. Dress yourself and your baby alike
Sounds weird but it’s fun! Make sure you take selfies.
49. Go koala spotting
Go koala spotting at Tilligerry Habitat in Port Stephens. This 9-hectare flora and fauna reserve is approximately 45 minutes drive from Newcastle and is one of the best spots, locally, to see koalas in the wild. The walks are short, flat and well-maintained, with a wheelchair-accessible trail that is perfect for prams and strollers.
50. Join the Toy Library
Want different toys for your baby? Newcastle Region Library hosts The Newcastle & Hunter Toy Library at New Lambton Library where families can borrow up to 3 toys per child every week. The toys range in suitability for ages 0 to 8.
51. Record your family history
Start collecting your family stories and recipes. It will be invaluable for your child as they grow older. Here are 7 easy ideas to record your family history.
52. Celebrate surviving a year!
The first year with a new baby challenging for any parent. You’ve survived your first year! It’s an achievement, so celebrate the year and all that you’ve done!
Having a baby is a life-changing event! There’s so much to learn and to do. Newy with Kids is here to help with a big list of resources in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter including information on baby-friendly places, local playgroups, baby book sessions, baby sleep advice and more.
Heading back to work after maternity leave? Check out our guide to balancing work and family which is packed with useful tips to handle the responsibilities of work and family life.
In 2012, Reena founded Newy with Kids to share information about family-friendly Newcastle. Originally from Canada, she had no idea about what to do with her toddler and after searching unsuccessfully for a local family guide, decided to start her own. Since that time, both the toddler and Newy with Kids have grown keeping Reena busy. If you see her out and about, say hi.