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...
11 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...
18 days 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...
25 days 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 1 month 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 1 month 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...
about 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...
about 2 months ago • 3 min read
Hi there Reader Spring has officially sprung (kind of). I’m still sending the kids out with both beanies and sunscreen, but at least there’s a bit more sun on our side. This change in seasons has me itching to do something new and if you’re anything like me, you’re probably feeling ready to shake off the winter cobwebs too. So this month, I’m starting something new here at Geelong With Kids... A monthly family challenge. Nothing big or over-complicated. Just one simple, fun challenge that we...
about 2 months ago • 3 min read
Hey Reader You know that feeling when the weekend rolls around and someone says, “So what are we doing today?” And you freeze because your brain is juggling nap times, snack needs and weather apps? Yep, I’ve been there. That’s exactly why I started doing this one simple thing that makes life with kids so much easier. Every Sunday night after the kids are asleep, I do a quick scroll through what’s happening locally and drop a few ideas into a shared calendar or note on my phone. Parks we...
2 months ago • 3 min read