Hey Reader
We all spend too much time on email. So I want to give you something today that’s easy to read and a good way to spend time. Are you ready?
Awesome.
- Geelong’s Baywalk Bollards never get old – seriously, every time we’re in Geelong the kids insist on visiting them and I’m reminded why they’re such a beloved local treasure. Even more exciting is the ongoing redevelopment of Rippleside Park located along the bollards trail – it’s set to reopen mid-2025 and I can’t wait to see what they’ve created for families!
- This Instagram reel perfectly captures the beauty of autumn mornings in the Geelong Botanic Gardens. What I love about this spot is that it’s situated right inside the gardens, so it’s the perfect place to sit back with a coffee while the kids can run around the surrounding gardens and open space.
- Reminder: the best family days out are often the free ones – I know I bang on about this, but some of our most treasured memories have been made at free beaches, playgrounds, and walking trails. Don’t feel pressured to spend big to make magical moments with your kids.
- Perfect family day out alert: This restaurant in central Geelong is offering 15% off all food and drinks with a ferry ticket purchase from Port Phillip Ferries – what a brilliant way to combine a fun ferry ride with a meal. The kids love being on the water and you get to enjoy some quality food and drinks that don’t break the bank.
Okay. That’s all for this week. Thanks for letting me email you every week, Reader. It means the world that you trust me to fill your inbox with the good stuff.
Hit reply if you need anything or have recommendations to share – I’m always around and love hearing from you.
Joyce xx
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- Mega LEGO Club (Saturday 31 May) Perfect for LEGO fans aged 5+ to explore their creativity and see where their imagination takes them in this hands-on building session.
- Bridging Now to Next (Saturday 31 May) Take part in sharing what reconciliation means to you for National Reconciliation Week 2025 by decorating a paper gum leaf and adding to the library tree.
- Big Freeze Geelong (Sunday 1 Jun) Watch 14 brave souls take the plunge down the legendary Big Freeze slide at St Mary’s Anthony Costa oval while raising funds for Fight MND—expect plenty of footy, food and family fun.
- Monsters, Music & Me Workshop (Wednesday 4 Jun) A creative workshop for Grade 5-6 students combining monster-making, music sessions and art to build confidence and self-belief in a safe, empowering environment.
- National Celtic Festival (Friday 6 Jun – Monday 9 Jun) Immerse yourself in world-class folk music, traditional pipers, epic food trucks and storytelling that’ll keep the whole family spellbound across this four-day cultural celebration.
- Winchelsea Community Market (First Sunday of every month) Hunt for treasures among 30 stalls featuring locally made goods, fresh produce, crafts and food stalls, plus enjoy some Devonshire tea and local entertainment.
- Mother Goose Baby Song & Rhyme (Tuesdays during school term) Strengthen the bond with your baby through shared rhymes, songs and stories designed to support early language development for little ones 12 months and under.
- Gallery Tots (Fridays) A free weekly catch-up at Geelong Gallery where you and your 18-month to 4-year-old can explore art, enjoy storytelling and play together—advance bookings essential as sessions sell out fast.
- Winter Grassland Walk (Thursday 5 Jun) Celebrate World Environment Day with a family-friendly walk along the Bellarine Railway Corridor to learn about indigenous plants, tackle some weeds and enjoy morning tea together.
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Get ready for a magical adventure this June long weekend, as Kryal Castle transforms into a dazzling unicorn-filled wonderland over three days of jam-packed family fun.
Just over an hour’s drive from Geelong, this enchanting destination invites families and mini fantasy enthusiasts to immerse themselves in a fairytale world with unicorn rides, face painting, captivating puppet shows, whimsical craft zones, and roaming magical creatures.
📍Kryal Castle, Leigh Creek
📅 Saturday 7 Jun – Monday 9 Jun
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Forget fancy resorts with eye-watering price tags—Victoria’s holiday parks pack serious value without the pretension.
We’re talking jumping pillows that’ll tire out even your most energetic toddler, swimming pools for those “just five more minutes” moments, and playgrounds that actually live up to the hype.
Just remember to book early, because apparently everyone else has figured out this secret too!
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PARTNER CONTENT
This 3.5-hour eco-adventure has you zooming through towering trees 35 metres above the forest floor—basically nature’s version of a roller coaster, minus the queues and overpriced snacks.
Perfect for older kids who’ve outgrown the playground but aren’t quite ready for bungee jumping, this fully guided experience comes with all the safety gear and briefings you need. Your biggest challenge will be convincing them to come back down to earth afterwards.
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Australia’s favourite children’s entertainer is back, and she’s bringing the party to you! Emma Memma’s Dance Island Party tour hits Geelong on Sunday 13 July, promising the kind of singing, dancing and inclusive fun that’ll have your kids (and let’s be honest, you too) moving and grooving.
📍Costa Hall, Deakin University Waterfront
📅 Sunday 13 Jul
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The three bears are back and they’re not just asking “who’s been sleeping in my bed?”—they’re putting on a show about it! This classic fairy tale will come alive at the Potato Shed in July with singing, dancing and plenty of audience participation that’ll have your little ones joining in from their seats.
Under 2s go free, which means more money for post-show ice cream treats!
📍The Potato Shed, Drysdale
📅 Tuesday 15 Jul – Thursday 17 Jul
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