Geelong families, this one's for you


Hey Reader

Are you ready to turn winter blues into rainbow hues?

This week's lineup is packed with creative workshops, outdoor adventures, and cosy market vibes that'll have your kids asking "what's next?" instead of "are we there yet?"

Grab a cuppa and let's get into it.

Joyce xx


Top Picks

  • Kayaking for Kids Term 3 (Saturdays from 26 Jul – 13 Sep) Perfect for budding water babies aged 8-16 who want to paddle their way to confidence while learning essential water safety skills.
  • Piccadilly Winter Market (Sunday 27 Jul) Escape the winter chill indoors at Deakin Waterfront Campus for a cosy market filled with local treasures and warm community vibes.
  • Geelong Comic & Toy Fair (Sunday 27 Jul) Whether your kids are into superheroes or collectables, this fair brings together 34 vendors plus a comic creation workshop for budding artists aged 8-15.
  • Family Christmas in July Workshop (Sunday 27 Jul) Beat the winter blues by creating festive watercolour cards with local artist Bec Wilson – because who says Christmas magic can't happen in July?
  • Plant it Forward: Geelong Nature Festival (Various events + locations until Sunday 27 Jul) Take part in Plant it Forward days and National Tree Day events, where communities come together to restore local green spaces.
  • Beci Orpin—Through the Streets of Your Town (Daily until Sunday 17 Aug) Step into a vibrant, hands-on world created by artist Beci Orpin, where kids can play, create, and explore colours and shapes inspired by city streets and contemporary art.
  • Lego® Spike Prime (Tuesdays until 26 Aug) Watch your 8-12 year olds become tiny engineers as they build, code, and problem-solve their way through this hands-on STEM adventure.
  • Clay Play at MoPA Geelong (Daily until Thursday 14 Aug) Get ready for delightfully messy fun as kids create their own clay monsters – because sometimes the best art comes with dirt under the fingernails.
  • Rotary Geelong West Book Fair (Friday 1 Aug - Sunday 3 Aug) Dive into thousands of pre-loved books at pocket-friendly prices while supporting a fantastic community cause.

New + Noteworthy

Rain Drops and Baby Bops

When was the last time you and your baby just... stopped?

This intimate cello performance invites the tiniest audience members to experience the gentle rhythm of rain in a sensory wonderland designed just for them.

Perfect for parents who want to introduce their little ones to the magic of live performance without worrying about crying or crawling interruptions.

📍 The Open House, Geelong Arts Centre
📅 Tuesday 16 September - Wednesday 17 September

Tech Meets Tradition on the Waterfront

Ready to turn your regular waterfront stroll into a high-tech treasure hunt?

Geelong's iconic bollards spring to life through augmented reality, telling their historical stories in ways that'll captivate curious kids.

Just download the app and watch Jan Mitchell's colourful characters share their secrets while you enjoy the bay breeze.

PARTNER CONTENT

High Upon the Treetops

Take your little adventurers to new heights at the Otway Fly Treetop Walk.

This is a great day out for families with kids—with a special "Prehistoric Pass" designed for children—the Otway Fly Treetop Walk takes around 1 hour to complete and provides a walk in the fresh air, great sights, and pure natural tranquility.

A Musical Tale of Courage

Following in her famous father's footsteps, the Gruffalo's Child is ready to prove that even little ones can be brave explorers.

This West End musical adaptation brings Julia Donaldson's beloved sequel to life with all the charm and gentle thrills that made the original a bedtime favourite.

📍 Wyndham Cultural Centre, Werribee
📅 Thursday 11 September

Young Artists Take the Spotlight

Local students showcase their artistic talents in portraits celebrating regional personalities, proving that inspiration can be found right in our own community.

This is a wonderful opportunity for families to see how young creatives interpret the faces and stories that shape our region.

📍 Geelong Gallery
📅 Daily from Sunday 30 August - Sunday 9 November


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