Hi Reader

I don’t often use this space to talk about things outside of Tot, but I wanted to share a couple of things I’ve been loving lately – plus something we made ourselves this week.

1. ​ABC’s Australian Story went behind the scenes of Play School for its 60th anniversary. If Big Ted and the arched window were as much a part of your childhood as mine, it’s a lovely nostalgic watch. Turns out even the pauses in each episode are scripted, and there’s still a decades-long feud among former presenters about the diamond window.
2. The Raising Children Network is marking 20 years this year too, and their Raising Learners podcast is worth a follow – real experts, real practical advice, no fluff. The latest episode has Professor Julie Green talking with Parents Victoria’s Gail McHardy about getting involved in your school community.
3. And the thing we made? If you’re chasing a big day out on a small budget, we rounded up some of our favourite Melbourne spots under $20, and one of them’s completely free.

Right, that’s my three. Hit reply and tell me yours – I’d love to know what’s keeping you inspired lately too.

Joyce xx

P.S. Coming this Friday: Tot Teens, a new monthly newsletter for families with teens and tweens. It’s opt-in only, so just click here to receive the first edition if that’s something useful for your family stage.

🌟 Featured Event

​Melbourne Urban by Spartan (Saturday 8 – Sunday 9 Aug) Take on obstacle course races for every level at Werribee Racecourse, from the family-friendly Kids Race to full endurance courses. 📍Werribee

🗓️ Melbourne CBD ➝ More CBD picks

​Ballet of Lights: Sleeping Beauty in a Sparkling Show (Sunday 2 Aug) Illuminated costumes and swirling choreography bring this classic fairytale to life in a one-off Melbourne performance. 📍CBD

​Melbourne Record Fair (Sunday 2 Aug) Browse over 20,000 new and used records from Melbourne’s best vinyl dealers, with food, drinks and DJs at Queen Victoria Market. 📍CBD

🗓️ Melbourne NORTH ➝ More north-side picks ​

​The Learning Playground (Saturday 1 Aug) This one-day festival turns learning into play with hands-on games, designer talks and a resource-packed marketplace for the family. 📍Preston

​Gem Show (Saturday 1 – Sunday 2 Aug) Trade stalls, jewellery, faceting demos and kids’ activities including a rock quiz and lucky dip. Free entry for under-16s. 📍Pascoe Vale

🗓️ Melbourne SOUTH ➝ More south-side picks ​

​Bluey’s Big Play: The Stage Show (Saturday 1 Aug) Bluey and Bingo pull out all their games to get Dad off the bean bag in this Emmy-winning stage show. 📍Dandenong

​K-Pop Demon Hunter Party (Sunday 2 Aug) Sing and dance along to Rumi, Zoey and Mira’s biggest hits at The Espy’s first-ever K-Pop kids’ party. 📍St Kilda

🗓️ Melbourne EAST ➝ More east-side picks ​

​Melbourne Tartan Festival (Saturday 1 Aug) A celebration of Scottish music and culture, with original and traditional tunes followed by the Club’s famous afternoon tea. 📍Canterbury

​Go for Gold Family Event (Sunday 2 Aug) Pool inflatables, Dive Club demos, gymnastics and Ninja stations plus a free BBQ at Aquanation’s family celebration. 📍Ringwood

🗓️ Melbourne WEST ➝ More west-side picks ​

​Elmo’s Circus Dream (Friday 31 Jul – Sunday 2 Aug) Elmo and his Sesame Street friends discover their circus talents in this all-new musical stage spectacular. 📍Waurn Ponds

​Grazeland AFL Round Screenings (Saturday 1 – Sunday 2 Aug) Catch every game of the weekend’s AFL round on the big screen while kids tackle Funky Monkey Bars and Giant Jenga next door. 📍Spotswood