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.
Joyce xx
P.S. Number lower than you'd like? This week's newsletter has 9 easy-to-reach spots perfect for a quick family adventure. Check them out!
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- Family-Friendly Saturday (Saturday 20 Sep) Live rock music designed for parents who want to enjoy gigs while their kids dance along – perfectly timed between lunch and dinner.
- Mario the Maker Magician (Saturday 20 Sep - Sunday 21 Sep) An all-ages theatre experience from New York featuring robots, magic, and slapstick comedy that delivers belly laughs and surprising moments of heart for the whole family.
- Big Wonder Weekend (Saturday 20 Sep - Sunday 21 Sep) A free street festival at Geelong Arts Centre featuring roving performers, treasure hunts, live shows, and culinary delights for tiny tastemakers.
- SPOT Live on Stage (Saturday 20 Sep - Sunday 21 Sep) Eric Hill's beloved puppy comes to life in an interactive show with puppetry, songs, and puzzles perfect for children from 18 months and their adults.
- Magical Movie Singalong Cruise (Tuesday 23 Sep + Tuesday 30 Sep) A 90-minute indoor musical adventure along the Yarra River featuring live performances of hits from Frozen, The Lion King, Moana and more where kids and parents sing and dance together.
- Junior Renegades Cricket Camp (Monday 22 Sep + Monday 29 Sep) One-day camps for kids aged 7-10 featuring cricket basics, supervised games, and team activities to build skills and confidence through cricket fun.
- Velveteen Rabbit (Tuesday 23 Sep - Wednesday 24 Sep) Born in a Taxi's playful reimagining of the classic children's story with live projections and audience participation, where toys take charge and your child's special snuggly toy becomes a VIP.
- Urban Upcycle Creation Station (Wednesday 24 Sep) Let imaginations run wild as kids transform everyday items into rockets, robots, unicorns, dragons, and whatever else they can dream up on the Bellarine Peninsula.
- AFL School Holiday Programs (Various dates from Tuesday 23 Sep - Thursday 2 Oct) Two programs available: Auskick for ages 4-7 and Superkick for ages 8-12, perfect for sharpening skills or just having fun with friends.
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Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Studio Ghibli with artist Bec Wilson for this magical 4-hour workshop. You'll create your own Totoro-inspired acrylic painting on canvas, make hand-drawn paper stickers, and work together on collaborative paste-up artworks.
It's perfect for budding artists aged 8+ who don't mind getting deliciously messy while bringing their favourite characters from Ponyo, My Neighbour Totoro, and Kiki's Delivery Service to life.
📍 Bluebird House, South Geelong
📅 Wednesday 1 October
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Let me be honest—I'm not what you'd call an outdoorsy parent. I like the idea of nature, but I also really appreciate easy setups, minimal fuss, and definitely no wrestling with tent poles at dusk while small children complain about mosquitoes. So when I heard about the Decathlon 2-Second Pop-Up Tent, I was genuinely intrigued.
Could a tent really set itself up in two seconds? After putting both the 2-person and 3-person versions through their paces, I can confirm this is every camping-reluctant parent's absolute dream come true.
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PARTNER CONTENT
This half-day snorkelling adventure offers families the chance to get up close with Port Phillip Bay's most playful marine residents. Your tour begins with confidence-building snorkelling at Popes Eye, where kids can practice in calm, shallow waters among colourful fish.
Then it's off to Chinaman's Hat, where around 40 young Australian fur seals become your swimming companions. Perfect for all ages and abilities, with sightseeing options available for those who prefer to stay dry and watch from the boat's viewing platform.
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Give tired clothing a creative second life at this inspiring hands-on workshop designed for young sustainability champions. Kids aged 8+ will learn to transform pre-loved garments or plain fabric using wooden stamps, vibrant fabric paint, and simple appliqué techniques. With plenty of fabric swatches to experiment on and loads of inspiration provided, it's a great introduction to both upcycling and creative design. You can bring something from home to upcycle, or use what's provided—either way, your budding designer will leave with something uniquely theirs.
📍 National Wool Museum, Geelong
📅 Thursday 2 October
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The Victorian State Ballet brings Tchaikovsky's most beloved masterpiece to life with internationally recognised artists. You'll witness unforgettable moments including the ethereal White Swan pas de deux, the Black Swan's thrilling 32 fouettés, and the world-famous Four Cygnets' Dance.
This spectacular production features a breathtaking sea of white tutus and serves as the perfect introduction to classical ballet for families of all ages.
📍 Geelong Arts Centre
📅 Friday 17 October
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