Hey Reader Let's swap some goals, shall we? (This newsletter isn't just about me sharing what's on in Geelong. It's about you, too!) My big goal that feels scary... I want to actually have enough lollies for all the trick-or-treaters this Halloween without either running out by 7pm or having a cupboard full of leftover chocolate until Christmas. It feels ridiculous to admit this stresses me out, but every year I either buy too little and have to turn kids away (heartbreaking!), or I massively...
12 days ago • 4 min read
Hi there Reader Children's Week is here, and in celebration, Geelong is running Kids FunFest—and honestly? They've absolutely delivered this year. Until Sunday 26 October, there are literally dozens of free (yes, FREE) events happening across the region as part of Kids FunFest, and they're the kind of activities that celebrate what childhood should be about—play, creativity, connection, and having their voices heard. We're talking toy library celebrations, nature play in the forest, music...
19 days ago • 4 min read
Hi there Reader Spring in Geelong really is something special, isn't it? That sweet spot between "too cold for the playground" and "too hot to function" where you can actually enjoy being outside without layering up or melting down. This week is packed with events that are absolutely worth leaving the house for. We're talking Royal Geelong Show (the big one!), free family rides along the waterfront, community festivals, and enough children's activities to keep even the most energetic little...
26 days ago • 3 min read
Hey Reader Let me ask you something... Are you like me? You know... you've had some great family adventures so far this year, but you still focus on that list of "must-do" activities you made back in January that's been sitting untouched on your phone? To the point that maybe you ignore all the beach days and playground discoveries, and instead just feel guilty about not being the "organised family activities coordinator" you thought you'd become this year? Yeah. Me too. I figured I wasn't...
about 1 month ago • 3 min read
Hi there Reader Something really small happened this week that's probably not worth mentioning, but I'm going to anyway because it actually made my whole day better. I was at the post office yesterday morning, juggling my matcha and a stack of packages, when this older gentleman held the door open for me. Nothing groundbreaking, right? But then he smiled and said "looks like you're having one of those mornings too." We ended up chatting for five minutes, and I walked out feeling genuinely...
about 1 month ago • 4 min read
Hi there Reader Quick question for you... In the last month, how many new Geelong spots have you explored with the kids? Think playgrounds, cafes, walks, markets - anywhere that was new to your family. Hit reply and let me know your number. No judgement here - whether it's zero or twenty, I'm just genuinely curious about how our Geelong families are getting out and about. REPLY TO ME Joyce xx P.S. Number lower than you'd like? This week's newsletter has 9 easy-to-reach spots perfect for a...
about 2 months ago • 3 min read
Hi there Reader Spring's finally arrived and we're all itching to get back outside more, and honestly, I'm feeling a bit scattered trying to plan all the adventures everyone's suddenly wanting to go on. But I wanted to make sure I got this week's newsletter to you because there's something that's been bugging me lately. You know what I really can't stand? When the weather app says "sunny" and then you step outside to grey skies and that annoying coastal wind that seems to come from every...
about 2 months ago • 3 min read
Hi there Reader Do you like pickles? I'm partial to a good gherkin myself. But you know what pickle I absolutely cannot stand? When you've planned the perfect outdoor day with the kids and wake up to absolutely bucketing rain. You know the feeling - everyone's already excited, you've packed snacks, and suddenly you're staring out the window at grey skies thinking "well, crap." Here's how I get out of it: I keep a secret list on my phone called "Rainy Day Wins" - places in Geelong that are...
2 months ago • 3 min read
Hi there Reader I’ve been thinking lately about how lucky I am to do this work, sharing local events, creating content, and helping other parents stop winging it every weekend. So I figured I’d share a little love note to my job. Here are 5 things I really love about being your local go-to gal for Geelong With Kids: 1. It gives families their weekends back.No more endless scrolling or “what should we do today?” convos that go nowhere. I love helping people skip the overwhelm and get straight...
2 months ago • 3 min read