Hi there Reader
It’s Amy here (Tot’s Content Manager), popping into your inbox while Joyce is off adventuring with her crew for the school holidays!
We’ve just come back from two amazing family holidays – one to Darwin and one to Bali (yep, we loved it so much we went back again!).
I know travelling with little ones isn’t always picture-perfect… here’s a snapshot: my 2-year-old mid-meltdown, lying flat-out on the floor of a 5-star resort foyer in Bali.
Not exactly the relaxing moment I had in mind, but hey – we made memories, and I’d do it all again in a heartbeat.
I love Melbourne in winter – the snug jumpers, hot chocolates and crisp air – but sometimes it’s nice to escape the cold for a bit too.
✈️ Plan your escape:
And for those of you sticking around, I’ve got plenty of local inspiration below…
Amy xx
P.S. WOW our upcoming Tot Reader Party on Ice is already booked out! Don’t worry, you can still get on the ticket waitlist – see you on the ice ⛸
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Stay + Save
Finally, a hotel directory that gets families.
Planning a staycation in Melbourne with the kids shouldn’t require a PhD in deal-hunting.
Whether you’re after a hotel with space to breathe, a pool where the kids can burn off energy, or a location that won’t add an hour to every outing, we’ve done the scrolling and comparison shopping to curate the best family-friendly hotel deals in Melbourne.
From spontaneous weekend city breaks to school holiday escapes, these offers make quality family time achievable and affordable.
This isn’t a one-and-done list either—we’re constantly updating with the latest deals and family-perfect offers. Because good hotels at great prices shouldn’t be hard to find!
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Top Picks
⭐ Featured Events
- Crime Busters: Forensic Investigators (Saturday 5 Jul – Sunday 20 Jul) Turn your little detectives loose at Old Melbourne Gaol to solve mysteries involving Ned Kelly’s skull and a daring 1880s escape. Melbourne CBD
- Proudfoot and Friends (Saturday 5 Jul) Join Australia’s most dynamic First Nations performer Lucas Proudfoot for an interactive comedy-musical featuring digital puppeteering and animated projections. Moonee Ponds
- Playbound Festival (Saturday 5 Jul – Sunday 20 Jul) Dive into 16 days of family-friendly performances, workshops, and activities designed to spark curiosity and wonder for ages 0-12. Various locations in Melbourne
- Kaleidoscope Kids (Tuesday 8 Jul – Thursday 10 Jul) Warm up creativity this winter with guided arts workshops covering everything from acting and music to visual arts and crafts for ages 5-13. Moorabbin
- School Holiday Fun at Bunjil Place (Monday 7 Jul – Sunday 27 Jul) Theatre shows and free art workshops await kids of all ages at this creative winter wonderland. Narre Warren
- Electric Wonderland (Friday 4 Jul – Sunday 20 Jul) Transform your winter nights at this spectacular light festival featuring interactive installations, laser tunnels, and giant illuminated flowers in Rosalind Park. Bendigo
- Firelight Festival (Friday 4 Jul – Sunday 6 Jul) Warm up at Melbourne’s free winter festival celebrating light, flames, and delicious food with spectacular waterfront installations and live entertainment. Docklands
- Newport Folk Festival (Friday 4 Jul – Saturday 5 Jul) Join storyteller and musician Fred Smith for a heartwarming evening of music, laughter, and memorable tales the whole family will enjoy. Newport
- Jurassic World Rebirth at Watergardens (Monday 7 Jul – Friday 18 Jul) Step back in time for an interactive dinosaur adventure featuring animatronic creatures, AR experiences, and fossil egg discoveries that’ll thrill budding paleontologists. Watergardens
- Southeast Winter Festival (Thursdays – Sundays until 20 Jul) Melbourne’s biggest indoor family festival features epic rides, live shows, food trucks and magical glow nights all under one roof. Scoresby
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Partner Faves
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Saturday art sessions where the mess stays at the venue. Your little Van Goghs can paint, eat, and cocoa-up while you relax with a tipple at the Auburn Hotel.
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Melbourne Demons take on North Melbourne Kangaroos in Round 18 action that promises thrills, spills, and epic footy moments. Plus, kids go free during Rounds 16-19.
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Animated projections, cultural celebration, and one seriously talented performer combine for a show that’s equal parts educational and entertaining.
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Classical ballet meets modern magic! Dancers in glowing costumes are bringing this beloved fairy tale to life.
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Escape to gold rush glory (without the pickaxe) plus a dose of history, culture, and family fun just a short drive from Melbourne – discover the best things to do in Bendigo!
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From acting to crafts, music to visual arts—these affordable school holiday workshops cover it all.
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We’ve teamed up with our favourite boot brand Merry People to share our list of the best winter events for Melbourne families.
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