Tastes of Geelong, The Listies + Adventure Park's Epic Winter Glow


Hey Reader

You know what made my week? Discovering that there's a Museum of Modern (f)Art where kids can climb through a replica fatberg.

I mean, who knew learning about what goes down the drain could be so entertaining?

It got me thinking about all the wonderfully weird and amazing things happening around Geelong that we might be missing out on.

So here's this week's collection of the unexpected, the magical, and the downright fun (fatberg included).

Joyce xx

P.S. Help me settle a debate - what makes the perfect winter weekend with kids? Cozy indoor vibes (art workshops, comedy shows) or bundling up for outdoor adventures (winter festivals, train rides)? Hit reply and let me know which camp you're in!


Top Picks

  • Tastes of Greater Geelong Winter Launch (Friday 20 Jun) Kick off your winter weekend with delicious food, cozy vibes and family fun right in the heart of Geelong's Cultural Precinct.
  • Winter Solstice Celebration (Saturday 21 Jun) Join the community for a free family celebration featuring fire twirlers, drumming, music and a lantern-making workshop.
  • Museum of Modern (f)Art (Saturday 21 Jun) A hilarious and educational experience where kids learn what should (and definitely shouldn't) go down the drain through games, crafts and even a climb-through fatberg.
  • The Listies: 110% Ready (Saturday 21 Jun) Melbourne's comedy duo tackles every parent's impossible dream - getting the family out the door on time (spoiler alert: chaos ensues).
  • Dance Magic (Sunday 22 Jun) Watch tiny dancers steal your heart with a magical show full of sparkles, smiles and all their favourite songs.
  • Geelong West Brass Band Concert (Sunday 22 Jun) An afternoon of beautiful brass music featuring local trombonist Harrison Steele Holmes, perfect for introducing little ears to live music.
  • Winter High Tea (Sunday 22 Jun) Treat yourself to bottomless bubbles and warming winter treats while the kids enjoy jazz tunes and waterfront views.
  • Bellarine Railway (Sundays until 31 Aug) All aboard for a scenic journey along Swan Bay in heritage carriages - the perfect family adventure on a winter's day.
  • G: Zines Workshop (Thursday 26 Jun) Let your creativity run wild at this free monthly zine-making workshop where both beginners and experienced creators are welcome.

New + Noteworthy

Snow Joke

Get ready for snow much fun with 150 tons of real snow, 3.3 million twinkling lights, and unlimited theme park rides all rolled into one magical experience. Walk through a dazzling 2-kilometre accessible light trail, meet an enchanting Ice Princess, and watch spectacular fire-twirling shows light up the night. The kids can play in the biggest snow zone outside the ski resorts while you enjoy ice sculptures and winter-themed activities.

📍 Adventure Park Geelong, Wallington
📅 Saturday 28 June - Saturday 9 August

Shop 'Til You Drop

Ready, set, save! Early access to the best End of Financial Year deals means more money for family fun and adventures. From updating your wardrobe to upgrading your home office setup, these Aussie brand deals are perfect for treating yourself and the family. Support local businesses while snagging fantastic bargains that won't break the budget. Mark your calendars - sales typically run until Monday 30 June, so don't miss out on these money-saving opportunities!

PARTNER CONTENT

For The Thrill Seekers

Buckle up for sideways action and dirt-flying speeds at Mount Cottrell Rally School - no driving experience required! Perfect for ages 10-90 who want the adrenaline rush without needing to be behind the wheel themselves. Climb into the passenger seat of a high-powered rally car for three professional laps of pure excitement. It's the perfect adventure for families with older kids who love a bit of speed and don't mind getting their hearts racing!

Maximum Fun at MoPA

Your little Picassos can create their own framed masterpieces inspired by works from some of history's greatest artists. It's the cutest way to introduce tots to incredible art while they get hands-on creative with their own mini versions. Remember that all MoPA activities are included with your ticket, making it fantastic value for money.

📍 Museum of Play and Art, Geelong
📅 Daily until Friday 4 July

Winter Wonder-ful Weekend

Step into a frosty playground where Mad Science Mayhem kicks things off with bubbling experiments that'll wow the whole family. Get crafty with the Craft Fairies offering face painting and whimsical winter creations, then browse the twilight markets for handmade treasures. Enjoy live tunes from The Lonely Weekenders while the kids laugh along to the hilarious Nicholas Ridiculous Show. Two days of cozy vibes, seasonal treats, and family entertainment with food and drink specials to keep everyone happy and warm.

📍 Little Creatures, South Geelong
📅 Saturday 5 July - Sunday 6 July


Geelong with Kids

Sign up to receive our tips on the best things to do in Geelong, Bellarine Peninsula + Surf Coast with kids. Your best 5-minute read, every week!

Read more from Geelong with Kids
Light Festivals in Melbourne and Victoria

Hey Reader Since I last emailed you, I've been thinking about how unique our little corner of the internet really is. We seem to be one of the only newsletters dedicated specifically to parents and carers of young kids in Geelong, Bellarine and Surf Coast – which honestly surprised me when I realised it, but also makes me pretty excited about what we're building together. It's made me reflect on a few other things about our little Geelong With Kids community: We've grown to over 130 readers,...

Archibald Prize 2025

Hey Reader Winter's settling in, and while I know this might be an unpopular opinion, I'm actually here for it—there's something about cooler weather that welcomes slowing down a little, plus all the cozy goodness of warm clothes, thick blankets, crackling fires, and that nostalgic feeling that comes with comfort food. And just because we're embracing the cozy vibes doesn't mean we're hibernating—there's still plenty happening around Geelong, the Bellarine and Surf Coast to keep the kids...

Secret World of Food Tastes of Greater Geelong

Hi there Reader This week has been a doozy. Recorded lots of training videos for my team Met up with a potential partner to map out how we can work together in 2025 Saw inbox zero for about 2 minutes But somehow I've made it to the end of the week (Friday morning counts as end of week, right?) AND found the perfect winter getaway itinerary for families on the Bellarine Peninsula. This family-friendly guide is packed with cozy cafes, indoor activities, and winter adventures that'll make the...