Hey Reader
You know that feeling when you've planned the perfect family day out, only to have someone ask "what else can we do?" five minutes after arriving? Yeah, me too.
That's why I've become obsessed with finding those hidden gems and backup plans that keep everyone happy.
This week's lineup is packed with exactly those kinds of discoveries – from nocturnal bat encounters that'll have your kids buzzing with excitement, to hands-on food adventures for when you want to try something completely different.
Ready to become the family hero?
Here's everything you need to make it happen.
Joyce xx
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- Secret World of Food (Friday 18 Jul – Sunday 20 Jul) Kids can pick, cook, and compost their way through a hands-on food journey at the library, great for curious little eaters.
- Geelong Cats v St Kilda (Saturday 19 Jul) Cheer on the Cats in a big AFL clash, perfect for footy-loving families looking for a lively day out.
- Wild Walkabout: Ocean Grove Nature Reserve (Saturday 19 Jul) A guided adventure through one of the Bellarine's most amazing habitats where your kids can spot wallabies, echidnas, and countless other creatures in their natural home.
- Christmas in July at RGYC (Saturday 19 Jul) Rug up and enjoy a festive family lunch by the water with all the Christmas decor, minus the summer heat.
- Bike Birdwatch Family Adventure: Indented Head (Saturday 19 Jul) Cycle or walk along the Bellarine Coastal Trail with binoculars and treasure hunt lists, turning shorebird spotting into a fun family quest.
- Give a Hoot: Owl Day (Saturday 19 Jul) Meet some feathered friends up close and learn all about owls through fun hands-on activities, storytelling, and wildlife encounters for the whole family.
- Portarlington Bayside Miniature Railway Train Rides (Sundays + Wednesdays until 20 Jul) Enjoy the magic and charm of this railway experience, which winds through picturesque native parklands within Portarlington Bayside Family Park. This budget-friendly, family favourite will be running school holiday specials.
- Bats & Dark Skies Garden Night Walk (Wednesday 23 Jul) An after-dark adventure in Eastern Park and the Botanic Gardens, starting with flying fox fly-outs and ending with torchlight exploration of nocturnal wildlife.
- Adventure Park’s Winter Glow (Various dates until Saturday 9 Aug) Snow zones, glowing light trails, fire shows, rides and marshmallow roasting at this epic winter festival.
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Artist and designer Beci Orpin brings her signature fun and vibrant style to the Gallery's Learn Space with an interactive installation inspired by local artworks.
It's designed especially for children and families to explore together, so expect plenty of hands-on discovery. Perfect for little ones who love bright colors and getting creative in spaces made just for them.
📍 Geelong Gallery
📅 Daily until Sunday 17 August, 2025
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This working farm on Churchill Island feels like stepping into a storybook, minus the talking animals (unfortunately). Your little ones can meet real farm friends, explore historic buildings, and pretend they're pioneers while you soak up those Anne of Green Gables vibes.
Pack a picnic and prepare for the kind of wholesome family day that'll have you humming "Old MacDonald" for weeks.
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PARTNER CONTENT
PARTNER CONTENT
Spend an action-packed day exploring the bay in the Bellarine and Mornington Peninsulas on Explore Australia's Bay Sightseeing and Ferry Ride tour.
Get up close with local emus and wallabies, visit the colourful bathing boxes and admire panoramic clifftop coastal views. With lunch included, this is an unmissable day trip for families.
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When a puppet decides they're tired of their predictable plot, hilarity ensues in this clever tale about friendship and following your dreams.
Think Toy Story meets The NeverEnding Story, with puppetry so inventive it'll have your 5-12 year olds completely captivated. Fair warning: your kids might start questioning their own bedtime stories after this one.
📍 Geelong Arts Centre
📅 Monday 4 August, 2025
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Dust off those superhero costumes (or throw a tea towel around your shoulders) for a family disco that's more wholesome than a Marvel movie.
With dinner included and music that won't make your ears bleed, it's the perfect excuse to show your kids those legendary dance moves. Spider-Man wishes he could groove like you.
📍 Club Italia, Moolap
📅 Saturday 16 August, 2025
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