Hey Reader

I think one of the fun things of being a parent and carer is experiencing something again, but through your kid’s eyes.

I first saw The Lion King as a teen in London, and I was blown away. Next year, The Lion King is heading to Melbourne and I cannot WAIT to take my kids, partly so I can witness them discover it for themselves.

I’d love to know the thing that blew your mind as a kid, and whether your own kids have gotten to experience it too. Hit reply and tell me more!

Joyce xx

P.S. Spring is almost here! Our free Spring 2026 Guide just dropped – 100+ ideas for the season ahead. Download it here.

​Tot Perks SS26 officially opens tomorrow!

We’ve been busy locking in new perks for members this season and we can promise that the experiences and giveaways we’ve lined up will blow you away.

🎉 Pop-up parties with exclusive member access for you and your guests
​🎁 Automatic entry into every giveaway
​💰 Everyday discounts that will save you money

We’ll be sending a few more emails than usual between tomorrow and when doors close next week, so keep an eye on your inbox.

Not your thing? Click here to opt out of Tot Perks SS26 emails and we’ll stick to your usual newsletters.

🌟 Featured Event

​Classic Kids: Carnival of the Animals (Saturday 29 Aug) Send in the kids’ own animal drawings beforehand and they might see them projected live during this MSO family concert. 📍Southbank

​Circus Royale (Friday 28 Aug – Sunday 13 Sep) Wire walkers, aerialists and the motorbike globe of death roll into Watergardens under the big top. 📍Taylors Lakes

🗓️ Melbourne CBD ➝ More CBD picks

​SIX the Musical (Various dates until Sunday 4 Oct) Henry VIII’s six queens remix 500 years of history into an 80-minute pop concert at the Comedy Theatre. 📍Melbourne

​How to Train Your Dragon 2 in Concert (Thursday 27 – Sunday 30 Aug) Watch Hiccup and Toothless battle to save the dragons on the big screen while the MSO plays the score live. 📍Southbank

🗓️ Melbourne NORTH ➝ More north-side picks ​

​Thomastown by Night: Heritage Walk (Saturday 29 Aug) Rug up for a free, no-bookings dusk walk through Thomastown’s history along Edgars Creek and Westgarthtown. 📍Thomastown

​Family & Friends Day (Sunday 30 Aug) Three soccer matches, face painting and a sausage sizzle make this an easy sideline day for kids of all ages. 📍Preston

🗓️ Melbourne SOUTH ➝ More south-side picks ​

​Comedy Hypnosis Show (Friday 28 Aug) Brave a spot on stage or just watch from your seat as Haiming Jiang turns volunteers into the night’s stars. 📍Frankston

​Steamlight Nights (Saturday 29 Aug) Ride a historic steam train under the stars, then warm up by the fire pits and toast marshmallows at the winter-themed station. 📍Queenscliff

🗓️ Melbourne EAST ➝ More east-side picks ​

​Wine & Wildlife at Healesville Sanctuary (Saturday 29 – Sunday 30 Aug) Sip Yarra Valley drops beside life-sized dinosaurs while kids under 18 get in free. 📍Healesville

​Cirque Mother Africa (Sunday 30 Aug) Acrobatics, drumming and dance combine for an all-ages show straight from the heart of Africa. 📍Ringwood East

🗓️ Melbourne WEST ➝ More west-side picks ​

​Footscray Flix (Friday 28 – Sunday 30 Aug) Catch an 80s or 90s classic in a pop-up 100-seat cinema with red carpet and 1980s ticket prices. 📍Footscray

​Geelong Dog Lovers Market (Sunday 30 Aug) Bring the pup along to browse dozens of pet stalls at Little Creatures – entry’s free and parking’s easy. 📍Geelong