What’s happening Reader?
I’m going to keep it really short and sweet because well…I’m really sleepy to be frank. This week has been a LOT and I’m pooped.
But I need your help!
We’ve had a great start building Geelong with Kids and I love sharing the best things to do with kids in the region with you and everyone on this email list.
But I’d like to start connecting with more people, too.
So let me know…What is your favourite Geelong/Surf Coast/Bellarine-related Facebook group? I know there are LOTS of them, but I want to know where YOU are hanging out, Reader.
Hit reply and let me know!
Thanks Reader. You’re the best.
Joyce xx
|
- Great Ocean Road Running Festival (Saturday 17 May – Sunday 18 May) Join the returning Festival in Lorne and Apollo Bay, featuring family-friendly activities like a kite festival, beachside yoga, and live music – all FREE with a Race Bib.
- Revive Pre-Loved Clothing Market (Sunday 18 May) Hunt for fashion treasures at this sustainable market featuring quality pre-loved clothing, accessories, and footwear for all ages.
- International Museums Day: National Wool Museum (Sunday 18 May) A fun-filled day at the museum where kids can explore wool crafts, see live demonstrations, and discover exciting new treasures in celebration of International Museums Day.
- Modern Lives Exhibition (Daily until Sunday 18 May) Explore an inspiring exhibition of prints and drawings from the Colin Holden Collection in its last days at the Geelong Gallery, showcasing the influential women artists who shaped early 20th-century Australian printmaking.
- School of Rock (Various dates & times from Friday 23 May – Sunday 1 Jun) Rock out with this high-energy and family-friendly musical theatre performance about a wannabe rock star who turns a class of straight-A students into an awesome rock band.
- Cats & Dogs All At Sea (Daily until Sunday 20 Jul) Spanning 1900-1950, Sydney photographer Sam Hood’s poignant collection captures the deep emotional bonds between seafarers and their cherished animal companions.
- National Motoring Heritage Day + Caffeine & Gasoline (Sunday 18 May) Join passionate enthusiasts for a celebration of Australia’s rich motoring history featuring classic vehicles and a scenic coastal drive.
- Bellarine Nature Cadets (Thursday 22 May) Young nature lovers can discover the importance of Port Phillip Bay’s ecosystem and learn about conservation at Portarlington Harbour.
- Point Lonsdale Lighthouse Tours (Sundays until 29 Jun) Step inside one of the region’s most iconic landmarks and learn about maritime history with these fascinating guided tours of the historic lighthouse.
|
|
|
|
The Royal Geelong Show packs four days with blue ribbon competitions, vintage machinery displays, and the kid-favourite Harry’s Farmyard where little hands can pat and feed farm animals up close. With nightly arena entertainment, thrill rides for different courage levels, and showbags filled with treasures (or, as parents know them, “stuff that will break before you get home”), there’s something for everyone in the family.
Pro tip: Set a showbag budget BEFORE arrival to avoid the “but everyone else is getting five bags” negotiations!
📍Geelong Showgrounds
📅 Thursday 16 October – Sunday 19 October
|
|
|
|
Ever tried wrestling a tent into submission while your toddler makes a break for freedom? Victoria’s glamping scene offers cozy beds instead of deflating air mattresses, actual shelter that doesn’t leak, and zero time spent arguing about how to pack a tent into its impossibly small bag.
From beachside bell tents to bushland safari lodges, these spots will have your little explorers disconnecting from screens and reconnecting with nature—all while ensuring parents don’t need a vacation from their vacation!
|
|
|
|
PARTNER CONTENT
Discover the magic of the Great Ocean Road on this family-friendly day tour from Melbourne. Travellers will see the stunning 12 Apostles, explore limestone cliffs at Loch Ard Gorge, and may even spot cuddly koalas in their natural habitat.
The journey includes beautiful coastal views, a stop at the Memorial Arch, and a visit to the charming seaside town of Apollo Bay.
|
|
|
|
Tiny dancers and culture-hungry parents, this one’s for you. The Australian Ballet brings their toe-tapping talents to The Play House with a magical program of beloved performances.
Catch the magic on 19-21 June, with evening shows at 7:30pm and a family-friendly matinee on Saturday at 1:30pm—perfectly timed for little ones who turn into pumpkins after dinner!
📍Geelong Arts Centre
📅 Thursday 19 June – Saturday 21 June
|
|
|
|
Geelong’s epic pop culture gathering on Sunday, July 27 brings together comics, toys, and collectibles across 34 vendors and 60 tables that’ll have kids wide-eyed and adults nostalgic for Saturday morning cartoons.
The highlight for creative kids? A special “How To Create A Comic Character And Page” workshop designed for 8-15 year olds, while parents can browse the stalls and reconnect with their own childhood favourites (we won’t tell if you buy that vintage action figure “for the kids”).
📍Geelong West Town Hall
📅 Sunday 27 July
|
|
