The Best Family Friendly Winery in the Hunter Valley

Welcome to the Hunter Valley, where sprawling vineyards, rolling hills and clear blue skies create the perfect backdrop for a relaxing family day out. The Hunter Valley is not only known for its award-winning wines, but also for its family friendly wineries that cater to the young - and the young at heart. 

At Brokenwood Wines, we believe that wine tasting and family time can go hand in hand, and we're excited to invite you to explore the best of what the region has to offer. Join us for a picture-perfect weekend in the heart of Wine Country, where you can revel in the beautiful scenery while indulging in delicious local produce. 

From food and tasting options for adults and kids at our own family friendly winery to kid-friendly activities in the surrounding Hunter region, we’ve put together an ultimate guide for your next family adventure to Wine Country. 

What Makes Brokenwood Wines Family Friendly

At the heart of our Pokolbin winery is the importance of family. Brokenwood Wines embraces long-standing family traditions and values, and we take pride in opening our Cellar Door to both adults and children alike.

Plenty of Space to Run and Play

When it comes to kid friendly wineries, our beautiful grounds are a great place to start. The outdoor grassed areas at Brokenwood Wines are perfect for your mini-me's to play while you kick back and relax with a glass of our award-winning wine. Recline on our Terrace Wine Bar and let the good wine flow while you watch the little ones having a ball on our lush lawns directly below.

Menus That Cater to the Whole Family

In addition to our exquisite Cellar Door menus, we also have plenty of delicious kid-friendly options available at our Terrace Wine Bar, that even the fussiest eaters will love. Tempt your little ones with wood fired pizzas, including the all-time favourites like Classic Margherita and Four Cheese. We also provide gluten free bases and vegan cheese to suit dietary requirements. 

While you indulge in our premium wines, the kids can sip on their own idea of heaven with our range of non-alcoholic drinks. Choose from fresh tropical juices, soft drinks or melt-in-your-mouth hot chocolates, the perfect accompaniments to a family lunch or afternoon grazing at the best family friendly winery in the Hunter.

Kid Friendly Cellar Door Activities

Have an inquisitive little one? When it comes to Cellar Door activities, we’re always happy to accommodate our youngest guests on our guided wine tours, where they can safely explore the many indoor and outdoor areas of our winery including the Chef’s Gardens and expansive barrel room.

If you’re visiting on a Friday or Saturday, make sure to take a seat with your crew at Terrace Wine Bar to catch live music from 3pm. Order another round of your favourite wine, cold soft drinks for the kids, a moreish charcuterie board with a little something for everyone, and let the good times and great music roll.

Things To Do in the Hunter Valley for Families

We’ve talked about our fun-filled Cellar Door and delicious local produce, both of which are ideal for family trips. But the good fun and great wine doesn’t stop at our doorstep. There are an abundance of things to do in the Hunter Valley for family getaways, and the best part? They’re all a hop, skip and a jump away from Brokenwood.

Image credit: Destination NSW

Walk on the Wild Side at the Hunter Valley Zoo

Just a few minutes away from our Cellar Door in picturesque Pokolbin is the Hunter Valley Zoo. This hidden gem nestled in the heart of the region is the perfect family-friendly activity to balance out all that indulgent wining and dining. Some of their highlights include:

• Kangaroo and Lorikeet Walk
• Lion Encounter (weekends only)
• Giraffe Feeding Encounter
• Meerkat Encounter
• Zoo Keeper Talks
• Become a Zoo Keeper for a Day (school holidays only)

With over 400 animals from 70 different species, the Hunter Valley Zoo is a true delight for animal enthusiasts of all ages. What really sets this place apart is the chance to get up close and personal with some of the critters. You can hand-feed kangaroos, wallabies, and emus, or even go on a meerkat encounter for some real-life Lion King action. Plus, if you're a bird lover, the zoo has an impressive aviary filled with colourful parrots, cockatiels, and lorikeets.

As well as an abundance of gorgeous animals to meet and greet, the Hunter Valley Zoo has plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained. There's a playground for the kids, a picnic area for a bite to eat, and even a mini-golf course for some friendly competition. 

Amidst your weekend of winery tours and tastings, come explore the wild side of Wine Country at this fauna and flora oasis, one of the best things to do in the Hunter Valley for families. The Hunter Valley Zoo is open every day from 9am to 4pm, and with reasonable admission fees, it won't put a dent in your wine budget. Cheers to that!

• Where: 138 Lomas Lane, Nulkaba, NSW
• Opening Times: 9am-4pm daily
• Offerings: Wildlife encounters, educational talks, picnic area

Image credit: The Hunter Valley Gardens

Explore Paradise in the Hunter Valley Gardens

Located directly opposite our Cellar Door, the renowned Hunter Valley Gardens boast over 60 acres of gorgeous display grounds. They also feature 10 breathtaking themed gardens, each with its own unique character and charm. Some of our favourite family friendly activities here include:

• Storybook Garden
• Italian Grotto
• Sunken Garden
• Indian Tea House
• Rose Garden
• Amusement rides*
• Mega Creatures & Mega Creatures Night Safari (April school holidays only)

Kids will love the magical Storybook Garden, where they can explore their favourite fairytales brought to life. Get your heart racing on the on-site amusement rides*, including the Teacup, Ferris Wheel, Swing Chair and Superslide. 

• Where: 2090 Broke Road, Pokolbin, NSW
• Opening Times: 9am-5pm daily (times may vary during school holiday periods)
• Offerings: 10 themed gardens, kid-friendly rides, on-site eateries, school holiday exhibitions

*Available during school holiday periods

Image credit: Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley

Family Accommodation in the Hunter Valley

If you're planning a full weekend trip to Wine Country with the family, Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley is the ideal accommodation solution. Situated in the heart of the valley and only a few sips away from the best family friendly wineries in the region, this resort-style hotel strikes the perfect balance between luxury relaxation and kid-friendly fun. 

Hotel Highlights

• Kids Suite room option
• Splash Water Park
• Movie Room
• Arcade Games
• Tennis and Basketball Courts
• Golf Course

Take advantage of the Hunter Valley’s only water park at the on-site Splash Water Park, located next to the main pool so adults can recline in peace while the kids have a ball next door. There’s also a tennis court, basketball court, playground, arcade games and even a movie room in the grounds. With so many fabulous amenities, you might need more than a single weekend to indulge in the full Crowne Plaza experience!

While the kids are busy, Crowne Plaza invites you to sink into relaxation with their range of indulgent spa treatments and therapies, so you can unwind (with a glass of your favourite Chardonnay, of course) while the kids have fun with the hotel's supervised activities.

Of course, the hotel is also perfectly located for exploring the region's family friendly wineries and attractions. Book one of the hotel’s shuttle services to transfer you directly from the hotel to our Cellar Door and vice versa (or take advantage of our very own shuttle service on Friday and Saturday afternoons), so you can fully relax with a few exquisite vintages without the hassle of driving. 

• Where: 430 Wine Country Drive, Lovedale, NSW
• Room Types: Resort Villas, King Spa Suite, Standard Rooms, Haven Pool Rooms, Kids Suite
• Offerings: Splash Water Park, school holiday activities, pool, tennis and basketball courts, golf

Visit Brokenwood Wines with the Whole Family

Ready to get out of the city and into fresh, crisp Wine Country air? There are plenty of things to do in the Hunter Valley for families, and Brokenwood Wines is the perfect family friendly winery to start with.

Our sprawling Cellar Door and delicious local produce are ideal for family trips, and as one of the most family friendly wineries in the region, you and your crew will be welcomed into our Cellar Door with open arms. 

Whether you're looking for animal encounters, splash parks, beautiful gardens or great wine, there's something for everyone at the Hunter Valley. 

Explore our Cellar Door visitation offerings and book an experience online.