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 entertained.
From pirate adventures that'll have them talking like buccaneers for weeks, to high tea that actually welcomes sticky fingers, we've rounded up the events and activities that get the family tick of approval.
Joyce xx
P.S. What's your family's go-to rainy day activity when you're stuck indoors? I'm always on the hunt for new ideas that don't involve more screen time. Hit reply and let me know.
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- ​Benito's Pirate Treasure Escape Room (Saturdays + Sundays) Ahoy mateys! Channel your inner pirate at this interactive escape room where families work together to find Pirate Benito's buried treasure while learning about local maritime history.
- ​Little Bluebirds PlayLinks (Tuesdays) A creative haven where little ones explore art and music while parents connect with other families in a supportive, facilitated environment.
- ​Jam for Refugees Launch Event (Thursday 19 Jun) An all-ages evening of music and community spirit at Pivotonian Cinema to support a great cause, complete with drinks and grazing tables.
- ​Connect Up Supported Playgroups (Various dates, times & locations each week) Safe, welcoming spaces for families with under-5s to socialise, play and build connections across multiple locations throughout each week.
- ​First Steps Programs (Mondays + Tuesdays) Two weekly programs offering music education and nature-based learning for babies through preschoolers with the grown-ups who love them.
- ​Brownie Festival Tasting Sessions (Saturdays + Sundays until 29 Jun) Chocolate lovers unite for 16 limited-edition brownie flavours as part of the June Brownie Festival – because who doesn't need more chocolate in their life?
- ​Wildflower Kids Nature Immersion (Mondays, Wednesdays OR Fridays depending on location) Let nature be your playground in these child-led outdoor adventures for families with 0-5 year olds across Ocean Grove, Drysdale and Portarlington.
- ​The Australian Ballet on Tour (Thursday 19 Jun - Saturday 21 Jun) Experience world-class ballet right here in Geelong with a program blending classical favourites and contemporary innovation – perfect for ballet newbies and seasoned fans.
- ​Artfully Repurposed Exhibition (Daily until Sunday 13 Jul) Discover quirky art made from upcycled treasures at Queenscliff Neighbourhood House Gallery – from reimagined hats to creative wall-hangings.
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When your 7-10 year old has been bouncing off the walls asking "what can I do?" every five minutes, this supervised cricket camp is basically a parent's dream come true. Your little legend gets to swing bats, tackle obstacle courses, and make new friends.
Choose from single-day sessions or go all-in with the two-day option—either way, they'll come home happily exhausted and full of stories about their cricket adventures.
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📍 St Josephs College, Herne Hill​
đź“… Thursday 10 Jul, Thursday 17 Jul, or both days
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There's something magical about watching your kid's face light up when they're sitting tall in the saddle for the first time—this guide covers everything from gentle pony parties for the tiniest riders to scenic trail adventures for more confident kids across Melbourne and Victoria.
Whether you're dealing with a horse-obsessed child who's been galloping around the living room for months or looking to tick off a bucket-list experience, these spots cater to different ages and experience levels.
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PARTNER CONTENT
How many places can you tell your friends you swam with wild dolphins AND seals in the same day? This isn't some touristy tank experience—it's the real deal in Port Phillip Bay, where curious marine life comes right up to say hello.
While international tourists plan entire trips around this experience, you can literally drive there in under an hour and be back home for dinner. Perfect for creating those "remember when we..." stories that your kids will still be talking about years later.
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Australia's most prestigious portrait competition lands in Geelong, featuring famous faces to everyday heroes.
This touring exhibition is an opportunity to see the finalists in the Archibald Prize 2025, where the portraits tell stories of our times through paint and brushstrokes, making it surprisingly engaging even for shorter attention spans.
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​📍 Geelong Gallery, Little Malop St
đź“… Saturday 30 Aug - Sunday 9 Nov
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Finally, a high tea that doesn't give you side-eye for bringing the kids. This monthly indulgence has returned to Paddock Bakery and proves that elegance and family-friendly can absolutely coexist. You get your sparkling wine and artisan pastries, the kids get their sweet treats, and everyone leaves feeling a bit more sophisticated than when they arrived.
Book ahead because this first-Sunday tradition fills up fast with parents who've discovered the secret to civilised afternoon dining with children.
đź“Ť Paddock Bakery, North Geelong
📅 First Sunday each month—Next: 6 Jul
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