Some local playgrounds to be visiting these holidays include the brand new Riverside Park located on John Street, Rose Point Park, Town Head Park and Nowlan Park (aka Kangaroo park). Most have BBQ areas or cafes nearby so perfect for a picnic play date. 

The Singleton Town Pool is also open seven days a week and is cheap, safe way to escape the heat. With pools to suit all swimming abilities, it is an easy day out for young families and plenty of room to spread a picnic rug and ‘chillax’. 

The Singleton Town Library has several fun activity workshops happening across the holidays including coding club, lego club, ‘geek upcycling’ and virtual reality fun. Bookings are essential so check out their facebook page to get in contact. 

The Singleton Youth Venue have fun activity workshops happening across the weeks too. Board games, challenges, escape rooms and an Australia Day disco to keep teenagers active and entertained. 

Trivia nights are hosted across week nights at many of the popular clubs and pubs in town. It’s fun, easy, cheap and all ages can participate (under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian at licensed venues).

Tuesdays – 7pm onward at the Criterion Hotel and at the Imperial Hotel

Wednesday – 7pm onward Alroy Diggers Club

Thursdays – 7pm onward at the Royal Hotel

For those seeking a bit of adventure and an escape from the dry heat have you explored some of out water holes on the outskirts of town? Perfect for Australia day celebrations, a picnic or just a Sunday drive, many locals head out to these places for some fun. Please note to always clean up after yourselves and protect the environment. 

Crankey’s Waterfall. is a short 20 minute drive out of Singleton to Elderslie via Glendon Road. Put into your maps ‘Crankey Corner Road’ and continue along it past the last few rural houses and travel up the hill and roughly a minute into the ‘bush’ you will find a small parking area with a little wooden sign. If there has been rain you will hear the waterfall running and be able to follow the sound roughly twenty meters in. If you can’t hear the waterfall go directly straight from the sign in and you will soon see the gauge open up. 

Frying Pan Creek is an hour drive from Singleton behind Dungog and features a small camping ground area against the peaceful creek with occasional rapids after rain. 

Glennies’ Creek is not as exhilarating as jump rock locations as this spot is a quiet and peaceful with mild rapids in certain areas. Head North/East of Singleton out to Camberwell and turn right onto Glennies Creek Road. A very peaceful location, great for young children as it is very still creek stream. 

Ladies Well Allyn River is an hour twenty drive from the back roads of Singleton through Gresford. It is a popular spot for camping and across summer is always busy but with several swimming spots, jump rocks and rope swings there is plenty of room for everyone to have a splash. 

Scone Washpools. A natural swimming hole in Towarri National Park, only 500m from Washpools picnic area and viewing platform. The shallow stream is great for lying in and letting the water run over you like a spa.

Hidden bush walks, bike tracks and camping grounds can also be found in the surrounding areas of Singleton, so if you’re willing to take a little drive out to these places they can be very rewarding. 

Lake St Clair a peaceful 25 minute drive out along Bridgman Road with breathtaking views. Ideal for camping, boating, fishing, swimming or even just a drive, the lake offers hours of endless outdoor adventure for those of all ages. 

Mount Royal National Park is fantastic spot for bush walks, mountain biking, camping or even just a drive. Located 45 minutes out of Singleton past Lake St. Claire, Mt. Royal features several walking tracks including Pieries Peak walking track that allows visitors to hike from Youngville campground to a scenic lookout across the valley and lake. Visit https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/mount-royal-national-park/visitor-info for more information. 

Glennies’ Creek Dam is located at the end of Old Carrowbrook Road and is open most days to the public. Take a stroll or a ride across the dam wall and overlook Lake St. Clair. 

Deadmans Mountain bike loop is an easy eight kilometer smooth riding bike ride in the heart of the Hunter Valley bushland located in Werakata National Park, just between Cessnock and Kurri.  

Aussie Ark Conservation Facility has decided to open its doors for a short time only across these school holidays up until January 27^th and will welcome visitors daily between 10am and 2pm. Aussie Ark holds the largest population of the endangered Tasmanian devil but it also is home to the eastern quolls, parma wallabies, bandicoots, bush-tailed rock-wallabies and bettongs. Guided tours run three times daily every hour. Visit https://www.aussieark.org.au/ for more information.