Did you know it’s snowing the Hunter Valley this year? Well, not really but something just as amazing and wintery is happening! Snow Time in the Garden is back for another epic year of frosty fun and we can’t wait to pack the car, rug up the kids and head to Hunter Valley Gardens for a day of icy activities.
Snow Time in the Garden will run from June 24 to July 23, so there’s plenty of time to pick the perfect day in the school holidays and make your way up there.
To hype you up for this event, we’ve made a list of all the awesome attractions and things to do below. Whether you’ve been before or this will be your first ever Snow Time in the Garden, you and your fam are going to have a magical time. It’s something we look forward to every winter school holidays!
Things to Do at Snow Time in the Garden
Love rides, ice skating, giant slides, warm winter eats or cool creatures? There’s something here to delight the little kids and the big kids (we’re looking at you, adults)!
Snow Time Ice Skating Rink
Image: Hunter Valley Gardens
Ice skating pros and those new to the activity will love going for a spin (or a shuffle) on the ice skating rink. It’s divvied up into two sections, so the smallest members of the family have a safe space to practise their skating skills. Then there’s another area for those aged six and over who want to show off their gliding abilities.
Images: Playing in Puddles
You get 20 minutes on the ice and session times work on a first-in/first-served basis. If this activity is high up on your to-do list, we recommend arriving early to get your ice skating tickets (they can be collected from 9.30am). The first session starts at 10am and the last session starts at 4pm. Skating aids (Bobby Seals) are available for kids six and under. They need to be booked at the same time as your skating session.
Giant Ice Toboggan
Images: Hunter Valley Gardens
Thrill seekers will want to ride this 45-metre ice slide over and over again. The Giant Ice Toboggan has been a highlight for us in previous years and we can’t wait to get back on it these school holidays. It’s fast, it’s fun and the smiles you’ll see on everyone’s faces as they slide their way down on their tubes will be infectious. Totally recommend!
Mega Snow Play Zone
Images: Hunter Valley Gardens
Okay, we said it wasn’t really snowing in the Hunter this June and July, but how about some man-made snow? You will spend ages in this area building snowmen. In previous years, Hunter Valley Gardens has provided shovels, buckets, garden trowels and wooden blocks to help with your snowy creations. Why not build you entire family in snow form while you’re there? And once you’re done, treat yourselves to a friendly snowball fight.
Hot tip: come prepared by wearing a waterproof jacket and pants, as well as gloves. Wearing shoes with good grip will stop you slipping over too. If in doubt, it’s always handy to pack an extra set of clothes and a towel!
Walk-Through Snow Cave
Images: Playing in Puddles
Animal lovers will adore this experience. Hop inside the snow cave to meet animatronic Arctic creatures like polar penguins and polar bears. Lots of selfie opportunities in here!
All the Rides
Images: Hunter Valley Gardens & Playing in Puddles
What’s a super fun day out without the rides? There are five to check out at Snow Time in the Garden this year. There’s the lovely, gentle Venetian carousel, a twenty-five metre ferris wheel, a speedy swing chair to get your heart racing, a thrilling superslide, and our all-time carnival favourite – the twisty teacups!
Be mindful that rides aren’t included in your entry price. You’ll have to get a $6 ticket for each ride, or grab a bonus pack of six for $30.
Tuck into Warm Winter Food
Images: Playing in Puddles
After all the rides and activities, your tummies will be rumbling. There will be food stalls in the Snow Time area filled with delicious offerings. Think loaded fries, nuggets, fish and chips, woodfire pizza, donuts, churros and more. Yum. The Garden Terrace Café will also be open from 9am to 3pm, serving up winter treats.
Unfortunately, you can’t bring you own food and drinks into the Gardens. You can bring in your own bottled water though.
Snow Time in the Garden
When: Saturday June 24 to Sunday July 23. All activities operate between 9.30am until 4.30pm, and last entry for Snow Time activities is 3pm.
Where: Hunter Valley Gardens, 2090 Broke Road, Pokolbin.
Age group: All ages.
Entry costs: Adult $38, Child $28, Family Pass (1 adult, 2 children) $88, Family Pass (2 adults, 1 child) $94, Family Pass (2 adults, 2 children) $116, Extra Child $25. Children under three are free. Snow Time activities (ice skating, giant ice toboggan, snow play and ice cave) are included in your entry.
Ride costs: One single use token is $6 or you can purchase a bonus six token pack for $30. Ride tokens can be purchased from the ticket booth located in the event area.
Contact: hvg.com.au
Written By: LOUISE MEERS
Writer
Louise spent a decade in the publishing industry writing for children and was the editor of K-Zone magazine prior to moving to the Central Coast in 2018. These days you’ll find her wrangling her toddler at playgrounds all over the Coast, and creating content from a cosy corner in her living room.
