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Geelong with Kids

Don't let parking ruin your Halloween fun πŸŽƒ

Published 5 days agoΒ β€’Β 2 min read

Hey Reader

Can I save you from a complete family meltdown this weekend?

Picture this: Everyone's in costume, you arrive at the event and... there's literally nowhere to park. Cue 25 minutes of driving in circles while a vampire and a princess have breakdowns in the backseat.

Here's what seasoned Geelong parents do: Check Facebook events for parking info, arrive stupidly early, or park at a nearby shopping centre and walk. Sometimes the 10-minute walk saves you 30 minutes of car-based chaos.

Have you ever been caught in the parking nightmare at a family event? Reply and tell me your story, because misery loves company, right?

Joyce xx

Top Picks

  • St Laurence Halloween Market (Saturday 1 November) Get into the spooky spirit at this first-ever Halloween market where you can enjoy a fancy dress competition, trick-or-treat fun, and even a costume contest for your four-legged friends.
  • Chocolate Pumpkin Decorating (Saturday 1 November) Little witches and wizards can create their own chocolate pumpkins with spooky toppings from 9am to 5pm ($12 per person), plus there's free face painting from 10am to 2pm on Saturday.
  • Warralily Market (Saturday 1 November) Explore local artisan stalls while the kids enjoy free Lions Club train rides, free face painting, and the $5 Fun Farm, all set to live music in a dog-friendly atmosphere.
  • Geelong West Rotary Book Sale (Saturday 1 November - Sunday 2 November) Hunt for hidden treasures at this bargain book sale where all children's books are just $1 and adult books are $2.
  • Wallington Strawberry Fair (Sunday 2 November) Join this beloved Bellarine community fair celebrating over 130 years of strawberry-growing history at Wallington Primary School.
  • Winni Wizard & the Ditzy Dizzard (Sunday 2 November) Bring the family to this magical comedy show packed with songs, dances, and jokes that are guaranteed to be funnier than dad's (suitable for ages 4 to 400!).
  • Portarlington Greek Festival (Sunday 2 November) Experience Greek and Australian culture coming together with live music, dancing, delicious food, and two vibrant markets at this entry-by-donation festival from 10am to 5pm.
  • Ocean Grove Summer Market (First Sunday of every month) Browse crafts, clothes, produce, and food stalls while enjoying live music in the park next to the shopping centre.
  • Views of Geelong and Beyond (Daily until Sunday 9 November) Discover nationally significant Australian artworks that capture our region's natural beauty and Geelong's history since European settlement.

New + Noteworthy

Shoot Like a Pro

Young basketballers aged 13 and under can learn from one of Australia's most respected shooting coaches in this 3-hour clinic.

Master set shots, jump shots, and modern finishing techniques to level up their game.
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πŸ“ Bellarine Sports Centre, Drysdale​
πŸ“… Saturday 8 November

Spooky Snack Attack

Need frighteningly good food ideas for your Halloween party tonight?

We've rounded up 9 easy DIY recipes that are simple for busy parents but impressive enough to wow the little monsters.

PARTNER CONTENT

Sky-High Family Adventure

This sunrise hot air balloon flight takes you soaring above Geelong's coastline, Port Phillip Bay and the Bellarine Peninsula.

Fair warning: your kids will ask to do it again before you've even landed.

Lighting Up The Night

Australia's tallest floating Christmas tree is back!

Watch magical sound and light shows every 15 minutes from 8:30pm, and control the tree's colours from your phone between shows.

At 25 metres tall with 800 twinkling lights, it's perfect for a waterfront evening.
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πŸ“ Steampacket Quay Waterfront, Geelong
πŸ“… Saturday 22 November - Sunday 7 January

Stories + Sweet Treats

Give your Thursday a delicious twist with story time at the Chocolaterie.

Little ones enjoy two stories, games, and a free chocolate treat while you explore the stunning lawns, gardens and orchard.
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πŸ“ Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie, Bellbrae​
πŸ“… Every Thursday at 9.45am

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