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Geelong with Kids

The real reason I'm never stuck for ideas

Published about 1 month ago • 3 min read

Hey Reader

You know that feeling when the weekend rolls around and someone says, “So what are we doing today?”

And you freeze because your brain is juggling nap times, snack needs and weather apps?

Yep, I’ve been there. That’s exactly why I started doing this one simple thing that makes life with kids so much easier.

Every Sunday night after the kids are asleep, I do a quick scroll through what’s happening locally and drop a few ideas into a shared calendar or note on my phone. Parks we haven’t tried, upcoming events, maybe a cheeky café stop.

It takes less than 10 minutes but saves me hours of stress and second-guessing. And it’s honestly one of the best things I do to make sure our days off feel like fun, not just survival.

That’s what this space is about. Helping you feel ahead of the game, whether you’re juggling toddlers or planning for big kid adventures.

If you’ve got a go-to tip or trick of your own, I’d love to hear it.

Joyce xx

Top Picks

  • ​Superhero Family Disco (Saturday 16 Aug) Cape up for a superhero-themed dance party where kids under 3 boogie for free from 6-10pm.
  • ​AFLW Round 1: Geelong V North Melbourne (Saturday 16 Aug) Season 10 kicks off with the home team taking on North Melbourne in what promises to be an action-packed match.
  • ​Balyang Bolt Community Run (Sunday 17 Aug) Choose your distance from 1km to half-marathon along the beautiful Barwon River, with kids' activities and face painting to keep little ones entertained.
  • ​Community Tree Planting Day (Sunday 17 Aug) Get your hands dirty at Flinders Memorial Park with a free BBQ lunch included for all volunteer families.
  • ​Historical Children's Literature Pop-Up Exhibition (Monday 18 Aug - Friday 22 Aug) Dive into centuries of Australian children's stories with craft activities and a blackout poetry competition running all week.
  • ​Gutsy Girls Adventure Film Tour (Tuesday 19 Aug) Be inspired by fearless female adventurers in this adrenaline-pumping collection of mountain biking, cave diving and BASE jumping films.
  • ​Museum Explorers: Mini Makers (Wednesday 20 Aug) Perfect for preschoolers who love getting messy with process art and sensory play inspired by the museum's exhibitions.
  • ​Top Dog Film Festival (Wednesday 20 Aug) Two hours of heartwarming canine stories celebrating the incredible bond between dogs and humans.
  • ​Bellarine Nature Cadets Farm Experience (Thursday 21 Aug) Kids aged 6-12 discover sustainable farming through hands-on activities and local wildlife education.

New + Noteworthy

​Beloved Children's Festival Returns​

The Geelong Wonder Children's Festival is back and it sounds like they've outdone themselves this year. We're talking spellbinding magic acts, musical moments that'll have everyone singing along, and storybook favourites that make kids' eyes light up.

The festival kicks off with the Big Wonder Weekend on 20-21 September - completely free and taking over Little Malop Street with roving performers and treasure hunts.
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📍 Geelong Arts Centre, Geelong
📅 Saturday 20 September - Thursday 25 September

​Bluey + Bingo Take the Stage​

If your little ones are Bluey obsessed (and honestly, what parent can escape it these days), then Werribee Open Range Zoo is where you need to be.

Bluey and Bingo are performing four FREE shows daily on the African Kia Lawns until 31 August, which means you just need to grab your zoo entry tickets and claim a spot on the lawn. It's one of those rare events where kids get to see their screen favourites come to life, complete with all the singing, dancing and playing along that makes Bluey so beloved.

PARTNER CONTENT

​Coldplay by Candlelight​

There's something pretty magical about hearing familiar songs in a completely different setting, and that's exactly what Candlelight Concerts deliver.

Coldplay's greatest hits get the intimate treatment at Geelong West Town Hall this October, where hundreds of candles create this incredible atmosphere that transforms songs you know by heart.

​Geelong's Young Talent Showcase​

There's something pretty special about watching young people showcase their talents, and that's exactly what's happening at the Ignite Youth and Art Festival next month.

Headspace Geelong's Youth Futures Crew has put together an event celebrating local young artists while highlighting how art supports mental wellbeing. This is a real chance to see and celebrate the young talent in the Geelong community, featuring everything from artwork displays to handmade goodies from youth-owned small businesses.
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📍 Barwon Valley Activity Centre, Belmont​
📅 Saturday 6 September

​One For the Glow Getters​

If you've got kids obsessed with anime, this blacklight art experience is going to be right up their alley. It's part of Pack Attack Geelong, a new pop culture and collectables event that honestly sounds preeeetty cool.

Kids create glow-in-the-dark anime art using fluorescent paints and character stencils - everything's supplied, so you just need to show up ready to get messy!

📍 Wishart Creative, Creative Geelong
📅 Saturday 13 September

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