Festivals, trains + treetop adventures

The Big Kids’ Bulletin

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Hi there Reader

I’ve been thinking about travel habits lately – specifically, whether I’m someone who finds a great spot and returns again and again, or someone who’s always chasing the thrill of exploring somewhere new.

The truth is, there’s real comfort in returning to familiar places. You know what to expect, where the good stuff is, and there’s no risk of disappointment.

But there’s also something magical about that first visit to a new town – stumbling upon hidden cafรฉs, discovering unexpected views, feeling like a proper explorer.

I think I fall somewhere in between, but I’m curious about you: when it comes to family trips around Victoria, are you a creature of habit who sticks with tried-and-true favourites, or do you prefer ticking off new destinations?

Drop me a reply – I’d love to know!

Joyce xx

P.S. Feeling inspired to venture somewhere new? Browse our guides to Shepparton, Yarra Valley, Queenscliff, Bendigo and beyond for your next family escape.

Weekend Event Picks

๐Ÿ—“๏ธ Melbourne CBD โž See More

  • โ€‹Family Weekend: Dungeons and Dragons (Saturday 7 – Sunday 8 February) Young adventurers can enjoy free D&D activities including green screen photos, character crafting, shield design, and guided one-shot adventures with experienced Dungeon Masters. ๐Ÿ“ Melbourne CBD
  • โ€‹NBL: Melbourne United v Adelaide 36ers (Saturday 7 February) Watch Melbourne United take on the Adelaide 36ers in an action-packed basketball showdown featuring world-class athletes and unforgettable entertainment (kids under 4 free). ๐Ÿ“ Melbourne CBD

๐Ÿ—“๏ธ Melbourne NORTH โž See More โ€‹

  • โ€‹Candlelight: Tribute to Coldplay and Imagine Dragons (Saturday 7 February) Experience the hits of Coldplay and Imagine Dragons under flickering candlelight at Fitzroy Town Hall, with optional Sidedoor tasting experience, games and trivia. ๐Ÿ“ Fitzroy
  • โ€‹Victoria’s Pride Street Party (Sunday 8 February) Celebrate progress, love and diversity with a full day of LGBTQIA+ art, live music, performances, stalls and community culture to close out Midsumma Festival (open to all families and allies). ๐Ÿ“ Fitzroy

๐Ÿ—“๏ธ Melbourne SOUTH โž See More โ€‹

  • โ€‹Waterfront Festival (Friday 6 – Saturday 7 February) Two huge days of live music, food trucks, rides, free entertainment and a spectacular fireworks finale along Frankston’s stunning foreshore (free entry). ๐Ÿ“ Frankston
  • โ€‹Making Faces: Beci Orpin (Daily until Sunday 8 February) Last few days to experience this fun, colourful and interactive portraiture installation inspired by the Archibald Prize 2025. ๐Ÿ“ Geelong

๐Ÿ—“๏ธ Melbourne EAST โž See More โ€‹

  • โ€‹Kylie and Dannii Disco Park (Friday 6 February) Celebrate Boroondara’s sparkling pop stars with drag queens, trivia, DJ Chelsea Wilson spinning Minogue hits, and prizes for best disco outfits (free, solar-powered event from 6pm). ๐Ÿ“ Camberwell
  • โ€‹Herald Sun Caulfield Charity Family Day (Saturday 7 February) Quality racing meets family fun with Paw Patrol and Justice League stage shows, character meet and greets, rides, face painting, pony petting and an AFL skills zone, all raising funds for 12 charities. ๐Ÿ“ Caulfield

๐Ÿ—“๏ธ Melbourne WEST โž See More โ€‹

  • โ€‹Spotswood Summer Sessions (Saturday 7 – Sunday 8 February) Pop-up music events featuring local musicians, bands and DJs with tasty bites from nearby traders in a free, family-friendly celebration of community and summer vibes. ๐Ÿ“ Spotswood
  • โ€‹Sunshine Lunar New Year Festival (Sunday 8 February) Hampshire Road transforms into a celebration with live entertainment, rides, street food, Lion and Dragon dancing, eating challenges with $500 prizes, and cultural activities (spectacular firecracker finale at 6:30pm). ๐Ÿ“ Sunshine

New + Noteworthy

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

โ€‹Challenge Acceptedโ€‹

Think your crew has what it takes? Prison Island throws teams into 90 minutes of physical and mental challenges across themed cells. May the best escape artists win!

TOT RECOMMENDS

โ€‹Party Smarterโ€‹

Join us at the Braybrook Community Sustainable Living Expo on Wednesday 11 February for party snacks and reusable party kit demos that’ll make your next celebration kinder to the planet.

โ€‹Steam Dreamโ€‹

Little train fans will love the heritage steam journey between Queenscliff and Drysdale. Grab a Lineside Guide, bring the family (and the furry friends), and enjoy the ride.

โ€‹High Upon the Treetopsโ€‹

Powered by sunshine and fuelled by fun, this off-grid adventure park delivers heart-pounding treetop action in the gorgeous Otway Ranges for climbers of all levels.
โ€‹

โ€‹Hot Pot Heavenโ€‹

Hot pot is the ultimate interactive meal, and Melbourne’s got the goods. Check out our guide to the best broths and family-friendly dipping experiences.

โ€‹After Dark Adventureโ€‹

Give your older kids something genuinely spine-tingling. This walking tour uncovers Melbourne’s eerie past with expert storytelling and properly creepy vibes.

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โ€‹Pedal to The Metalโ€‹

Nothing gets hearts racing quite like go karting. We’ve tracked down Melbourne’s best indoor and outdoor circuits for your next adrenaline-fuelled family outing.
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โ€‹No Vacancies, Lots of Funโ€‹

This “hotel” at Chadstone’s Social Quarter serves up challenge rooms instead of room service. Think puzzles, creativity and family-friendly competition in a totally unique setting.

Hot Off the Feed

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๐Ÿ“Crown Metropol, Melbourne

Check out our latest reel…

๐ŸŠโ€โ™€๏ธ Weโ€™ve found the perfect staycation escape in Melbourne – think iconic 27th floor indoor pool, daily buffet breakfast + valet parking!
โ€‹
Crown Metropol has just launched a special offer that you can buy now and choose dates later!
โ€‹
If a luxe family-friendly staycation is on your wish list, this hotel ticks every box. The rooms are peaceful and roomy, the beds are ridiculously comfy, and youโ€™re right in the middle of everything Melbourne has to offer.
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The real standout? The stunning heated indoor pool with sweeping city views. Think luxe loungers, warm water, and that โ€œI could stay here all dayโ€ vibe ๐Ÿ˜Œ
โ€‹
โœ… Planning ahead pays off! Book a limited-time package that includes buffet brekkie at Mr Hive, valet parking, and late checkout. Just comment โ€œMETROPOLโ€ and we’ll send you our affiliate link!

About Joyce Watts

Joyce Watts is a former intellectual property, IT and media lawyer turned serial entrepreneur.

As well as being the founder of TOT: HOT OR NOT she helps businesses with their SEO, email marketing & social media as BrightSmart.com.au; she owns an online bike store CycleStyle.com.au and develops and produces creative experiences for families via WheelieGoodFun.com. She used to publish another popular lifestyle and food blog called MEL: HOT OR NOT The decisive guide to Melbourne.

She lives in inner-city Melbourne with her husband, two children and seven bikes.

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