If you’re looking for something to do with the kids these July school holidays, something that’s not overly loud or over in five minutes, add Geelong Sports Museum to your list.
Set within GMHBA Stadium and just a short walk from South Geelong train station, it’s an easy outing that offers a mix of storytelling, hands-on activities and space for kids to explore at their own pace. This winter, the museum’s newest exhibition, GENERATIONS: Cats Fans. Then, Now, Always, adds another layer, one that speaks just as much to parents as it does to children.
A Shared Story Families Will Recognise
The new GENERATIONS exhibition focuses on something many Geelong families will already understand: being a Cats supporter is something that’s handed down through families.
Through vibrant images, precious objects and iconic moments from different eras, the exhibition looks at how support for the club has been passed from grandparents to parents to kids. It doesn’t assume prior knowledge, so even younger visitors or those new to the game can follow along, but it will feel especially familiar to families who already have those rituals, watching games together, wearing team colours or talking about memorable matches.
For children, it’s a simple introduction to the idea of history and continuity. They see how people before them followed the same team, celebrated the same wins and stuck through the same losses. For adults, it often brings back their own memories of going to games, listening on the radio or sharing those moments with family.
It’s not a long, heavy exhibition, it’s a thoughtful one, and it naturally creates opportunities for conversation between parents and kids.
Also read: 40 Best Things to Do in Geelong with Kids
Enough Interaction to Keep Kids Engaged
Museums with children succeed when there’s a balance between looking and doing, and this is something Geelong Sports Museum handles well.
Step up to the microphone
The commentator booth is a standout. Kids can step inside and try calling a game themselves, using prompts and scripts to guide them through key sporting moments, including from the AFL, Big Bash League and a Matilda’s match. It’s straightforward enough for primary-aged children to jump into, and it quickly becomes one of those activities they want to try more than once.
There’s something about hearing their own voice in the moment that makes it engaging without needing a lot of explanation. Parents usually end up joining in!
BMX stories with a different energy
Alongside the Cats exhibition, the museum’s BMX display offers a completely different perspective on sport. It explores local BMX culture, including racing and freestyle, with a focus on creativity and community.
For kids who might not connect with traditional team sports, this space often resonates. The visual style, the bikes and the personal stories give it a more informal, accessible feel. It’s a good reminder that sport, and the communities built around it, can look very different from one activity to another.
Suited to Primary School-Aged Kids
One of the strengths of the museum is that it doesn’t try to do too much at once. The scale is manageable, which works in your favour if you’re visiting with younger children or siblings of different ages.
Displays are easy to navigate, text is broken up with visuals and there’s enough variety to keep children moving through the space without losing interest. You won’t feel rushed, but you also won’t need to set aside an entire day.
For families, that makes it a practical choice:
- It works as a half-day outing
- It’s indoors, which helps on colder days
- It’s engaging without being overwhelming
It’s also flexible. You can take your time, skip sections, revisit favourites or pair it with lunch nearby.
Easy to Get There
The museum is just a short walk from South Geelong train station, making it a straightforward option if you’d rather avoid traffic or parking. For families coming from Melbourne or nearby regions, it’s an accessible day trip without a complicated plan.
If you are driving, there is also free all-day parking available within the Kardinia Park precinct, along with free timed street parking nearby, giving you flexible options depending on your plans.
Being located at GMHBA Stadium also means it’s easy to find and close to other amenities if you want to extend your outing.
Worth Adding to Your List
The GENERATIONS: Cats Fans. Then, Now, Always exhibition adds a meaningful layer to what is already a solid family-friendly space. Combined with the interactive commentator booth, the BMX display and a layout that works well for primary school-aged children, it strikes a balance that’s not always easy to get right.
It’s not about big spectacle or high-energy entertainment. Instead, it offers something quieter but still engaging, stories to explore, activities to try and a chance to share an experience with your kids that goes beyond filling time.
If you’re planning the July holidays and want an outing that’s easy, interesting and genuinely family-friendly, Geelong Sports Museum is a good place to start.
Plan Your Visit
If you’re planning a visit during the school holidays, it’s worth thinking ahead.
Geelong Sports Museum is open Thursday to Saturday from 10.00am to 2.30pm. Tickets can be purchased at the door, but during busy holiday periods it’s recommended to book online in advance to secure your spot and make your day run smoothly.
This article has been published in collaboration with Geelong Sports Museum.
