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 sessions, cultural experiences, and so much more spread across Geelong, Bellarine and Surf Coast.
This year's theme is "Everyone should know about Children's Rights" (Article 42 of the UN Convention, if you're keeping track), and honestly it's just lovely to see the community coming together to recognise the talents, skills, and achievements of kids in such meaningful ways.
I've rounded up some of the highlights below, but definitely grab the full Kids FunFest program too because there's way more happening than I could fit in one newsletter.
Here's everything worth checking out this Children's Week:
Chat soon,
Joyce xx
P.S. Most of these events are free but bookings are essential for quite a few of them, so don't sleep on securing your spots. There's nothing worse than excited kids and a "sorry, we're full" email!
|
- 40th Anniversary Stay & Play (Saturday 18 Oct) Geelong West Toy Library is turning 40 and throwing a party complete with magical potion play, face painting, and all the toy favourites including that epic Unicorn Rollercoaster.
- Family High Tea (Saturday 18 Oct) Treat the family to a proper high tea at the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie where the adults get decadent treats and barista coffee while the kids enjoy creative pastries and endless milkshakes.
- Geelong City Market (Saturdays) Your Saturday morning destination for local produce, food, drinks and creatives, where you can shop, eat, discover and connect with Geelong region's best artisans.
- Voices, Play & Possibilities (Sunday 19 Oct) Grovedale Toy Library celebrates Children's Week with sensory play, storytime, inclusive yoga, and calm spaces at Biyal-a Library in this free family event that's all about play and connection.
- Let's Sing & Dance (Sunday 19 Oct) Kids aged 5 to 12 can learn traditional Filipino songs and try the Tinikling bamboo dance at this free Children's Week celebration at FAFAG Club Hall in Norlane.
- BOPS Music for Kids (Monday 20 Oct) This free Children's Week event brings interactive music sessions and a puppet show to Vines Road Community Centre, plus the first 30 kids score a special goody bag.
- Walk for Prems (Tuesday 21 Oct) Join the Walk for Prems or tackle the Mighty Trek Challenge to raise funds for families of premature and sick babies, with entertainment, kids activities and that moving symbolic incubator push.
- Nature Play Forest School (Wednesday 22 Oct) Celebrate Geelong Cup Day in the forest with Born Wild Community for nature art, muddy play and flora and fauna exploration in this free family-friendly event in Wallington.
- Musical Garden Show (Friday 24 Oct) Larissa's Imaginarium brings a free interactive show for under 6s featuring singing, dancing, instruments and mascot friends like Bluey and Peter Rabbit, followed by outdoor play.
|
|
|
Looking for something that ticks all the boxes—free, fun, educational and actually inspiring?
This family day is all about celebrating our planet with live music that'll have you tapping along, a hands-on art project where you can create alongside a First Nations artist, and environmental films that showcase the beauty of nature and the people protecting it. Your kids will be busy with face painting, storytelling and creative activities, while you get to hear from guest speakers who are doing incredible work on climate change. Yes please!
📍 Cloverdale Community Centre, Corio
📅 Sunday 26 October
|
|
|
We know how it goes—you pack all the toys for your regional getaway, the kids play with them for approximately 20 minutes, and then you're scrambling for entertainment ideas. Here's a thought: what if there was a toy library wherever you landed?
Turns out there are heaps of them scattered across regional Victoria, from the Mornington Peninsula to the Great Ocean Road, and they're all waiting to save your next family adventure.
|
|
|
PARTNER CONTENT
Sometimes you want to show visiting relatives or friends what this part of the world is really about, and this tour basically does all the heavy lifting for you.
Starting in Melbourne, you'll explore Geelong's waterfront before diving into indigenous culture at the Narana Centre where there's wildlife and art that'll genuinely fascinate everyone. Then comes the part the kids will talk about for weeks—a ferry crossing from Queenscliff to Sorrento with lunch included. You'll also stop at a strawberry farm (seasonal, but worth timing your trip for), take in the views from Arthurs Seat, and snap photos at those famous colorful bathing boxes.
|
|
|
Here's a Halloween experience that's actually age-appropriate for tweens and teens (12 years and up), which can be surprisingly hard to find. Colin Mockett OAM knows how to tell a story, and he's taking families through the National Wool Museum after dark to explore the building's genuinely spooky past.
We're talking three resident ghosts, dangerous historical events, and the kind of theatrical storytelling that makes old buildings come alive—or should we say...stay undead?
📍 National Wool Museum, Geelong
📅 Thursday 30 October
|
|
|
There's something brilliantly chaotic about combining Halloween with laser tag, and this event leans right into that energy in the best possible way. Picture this: darkness, spooky shadows, everyone in costume, and an hour of running around trying to outsmart the other team while looking absolutely ridiculous (in a good way). It's $30 per person which includes your game time, entry into the best dressed competition, and a lolly bag to take home—because it isn't really Halloween without some sugar.
📍 Next Level Skirmish Indoor Sports Stadium, Bell Park
📅 Friday 31 October
|
|