Hi there Reader

I’m guessing you’ve already been asked about twenty questions before you read this message, and at least one of them was “what are we doing today?”

Kids on school holidays really don’t hold back. The questions. The boredom. The endless snacks!

Meanwhile, this newsletter goes out to thousands of inboxes every week, and it’s mostly one-way – I talk, you (hopefully) read.

So for once, I thought I’d flip the script. This week, I want you to ask me anything.

Hit reply with absolutely anything – which events I’ve taken my own kids to, how we pick what makes the cut, or maybe even how I run this business or my favourite muffin recipe. I read all the messages and will reply personally (yep, it’s an entirely AI-free experience).

Joyce xx

P.S. If you haven’t already, grab our free Spring 2026 Guide – 100+ ideas to keep everyone busy this season. And keep an eye out: this newsletter and the next two weeks are packed with events and ideas for the rest of the school holidays.

🌟 Featured Experience

​Family Fun Bundle at Melbourne Skydeck (until Mon 19 October) Experience Melbourne from a difference perspective! Head up to the highest viewing platform in the Southern Hemisphere this school holidays, with family passes from $64 for one adult and two kids and littlies aged 0-3 always free. 📍Southbank

🗓️ Melbourne CBD ➝ More CBD picks

​Imaginator (Various dates until Sunday 4 Oct) An immersive light-and-play experience with giant beanbags and shimmering sculptures, for all ages. 📍Docklands

​RESET Festival (Various dates until Saturday 17 Oct) Free hands-on workshops and creative sessions for families at Fed Square, plus extra school holiday activities. 📍CBD

🗓️ Melbourne NORTH ➝ More north-side picks ​

​Story Studios School Holiday Program (Various dates until Friday 1 Oct) Playful writing workshops where kids craft their own stories, from mysteries to fantasy epics. 📍Carlton

​Spring Outdoors Festival (Various dates until Friday 27 Nov) Cultural walks, guided nature tours and hands-on conservation activities across Melbourne’s north. 📍Banyule, Manningham + Nillumbik

🗓️ Melbourne SOUTH ➝ More south-side picks ​

​Fizz Kidz School Holiday Programs (Monday 28 Sep – Friday 2 Oct) Hands-on holiday sessions where kids whip up their own fizzy, colourful creations to take home. 📍Cheltenham

​Wildlife Eco Explorer Holiday Program (Tuesday 29 Sep – Thursday 1 Oct) Behind-the-scenes wildlife encounters for curious kids aged 7-12, with places strictly limited. 📍Mount Martha

🗓️ Melbourne EAST ➝ More east-side picks ​

​Wyreena School Holiday Workshops (Various dates until Friday 2 Oct) Guided creative workshops where kids learn a new skill and take home their own masterpiece. 📍Croydon

​Space Academy (Daily until Sunday 4 Oct) An immersive space mission through the launch tunnel, with hands-on zones for budding astronauts. 📍Chadstone

🗓️ Melbourne WEST ➝ More west-side picks ​

​Whalebone (Monday 28 Sep) A funny, thoughtful theatre adventure about memory, invention and what makes us human. 📍Werribee

​Bubbles! with Dr Loz (Thursday 1 – Friday 2 Oct) A gloriously messy hour of bubble science, so leave the good clothes at home. 📍Altona North