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Geelong with Kids

Holy 🐄 something new is coming

Published 26 days 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 can all try together something to add a little spark to your days, with zero pressure.

September’s challenge? “Try 4 New Things.”
​That’s one new thing each week, it could be a new playground, a new dinner recipe, a new local walk, or even a new board game. The point isn’t what you do, it’s just that you do something new together.

Hopefully the events and ideas I share in these newsletters can help you get started.

And I’d love to know what you try, Reader. Feel free to hit reply and let me know what new adventures you’ve discovered, I might even feature your idea next time!

Here’s to a season of fresh starts.

Joyce xx

Top Picks

  • ​Geelong Family Fun Day (Saturday 23 Aug) Taste your way around the world while the kids enjoy virtual reality experiences, face painting and glow gear, plus there's a playground to keep them entertained.
  • ​Thrive Calm Session (Saturday 23 Aug) A seaside wellbeing session for parents and kids (8+) featuring breathwork, movement, and connection games designed to create calm for the whole family.
  • ​Birds & Horses Book Week Performance (Saturday 23 Aug) Celebrate Book Week with original songs inspired by beloved books, performed at your local library.
  • ​Local Authors Fair (Saturday 23 Aug) Meet ten local independent authors, browse their books for sale, and enjoy readings and talks in a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.
  • ​Mega LEGO Club (Saturday 23 Aug) Join other LEGO fans aged 5+ to take on weekly challenges or freestyle your own brick creations.
  • ​Revive Pre-loved Clothing Market (Sunday 24 Aug) Skip the endless op shop racks and browse carefully curated pre-loved fashion from local sellers bringing high-end thrifting to Geelong.
  • ​Book Week at MOPA (Daily until Sunday 31 Aug) Help your little ones create their very own "Book About Me" with writing and illustration activities that celebrate what makes them uniquely wonderful.
  • ​Family Friendly Sundays at The Sands (Sundays) Every Sunday from 2-5pm brings afternoon snacks, live music, sports on the big screen, and plenty of space for kids to run around.
  • ​Polly Farmer Exhibition (Wednesdays - Fridays) Explore the legacy of Australian football legend Graham 'Polly' Farmer through artifacts, images, and stories that shaped a generation.

New + Noteworthy

​ROAM Around Geelong​

Geelong's cultural heart is getting a major makeover for one incredible day, transforming into a giant playground of art and performance.

Wander between iconic venues watching live acts, exploring interactive installations, and discovering striking visual art with the whole family. It's the kind of multi-sensory experience that'll have everyone from toddlers to grandparents completely mesmerised.
​
📍 Multiple locations around Geelong
📅 Saturday 11 October

​Your Getaway Close to Home​

The perfect staycation doesn't have to involve passports or epic road trips – sometimes it's just a few minutes down the road.

Holiday Inn Geelong has mastered the art of family-friendly comfort with cozy rooms, great food, and activities that'll keep everyone happy. It's one of those places where parents actually get to relax while the kids are having a blast.

PARTNER CONTENT

​Skyward at Sunrise​

Want to become the family that has the coolest stories at school drop-off? This sunrise hot air balloon ride over Geelong and Port Phillip Bay is basically guaranteed legend status.

You'll drift peacefully above the coastline watching the world wake up below – it's one of those pinch-me moments that creates the kind of memories your kids will still be talking about as adults.

​Flour Power​

Behind-the-scenes at Paddock Bakery, kids aged 6-12 learn hands-on baking skills from the real deal.

Your little ones get to play proper pastry chef for a day – complete with their own apron and everything! They'll come home with a certificate, a box full of their creations, and most definitely with flour in their hair.
​
📍 Paddock Bakery, North Geelong​
📅 Monday 22 September - Wednesday 24 September + dates in early October

​3 Happy Tricks​

Remember when learning about mental health felt boring? Yeah, The Resilience Project didn't get that memo either. Their beloved kids show is back with toe-tapping tunes and unforgettable stories that sneak in wellbeing strategies without feeling like homework.

Your kids will walk away humming the songs and actually understanding gratitude, empathy, and mindfulness – now that's what we call a win-win.

📍 The Play House, Geelong Arts Centre
📅 Wednesday 24 September

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