Hi Reader

You signed up for this list because you’re on the lookout for fun, creative, and memorable ways to make family time extra special.

Same here. It’s literally my job, and I love it.

Every week I dig through what’s happening across Melbourne to bring you the picks worth knowing about.

And this week, I thought it’d be worth pulling together some of our most popular reads and resources that are particularly well-timed right now:

👉 Autumn is officially here — and Melbourne is delivering. Head to our What’s On in Melbourne – March 2026 guide for the best of what’s happening this month. We update it regularly, so bookmark it and check back in.

👉 Easter is closer than it feels — and there is a lot going on for families. Get ahead of the planning with our Easter in Melbourne 2026 roundup. Egg hunts in stunning gardens, chocolate experiences, theatre shows… consider this your starting point (there’ll be much more coming soon).

👉 Thinking about a little getaway or staycation for the school holidays? We’ve rounded up the best family hotel deals in Melbourne right now — great options whether you’re after a pool, extra space, or just a change of scenery.

Happy browsing,

Joyce xx

P.S. Keep an eye on your inbox from next week. Our mega Autumn School Holidays post is almost ready, and trust me, it’s a good one.

🌟 Featured Events

​Eco Festival 2026 (Sunday 15 Mar) A free, pet-friendly community celebration in Petrie Park with garden workshops, live reptile displays, interactive art, face painting, food trucks, and market stalls. A full day out for families who love animals, the outdoors, and doing good by the planet. 📍 Montmorency

​Melbourne Museum Autumn School Holidays (Saturday 4 – Sunday 19 Apr) Hands-on making, immersive workshops, and drop-in activities fill the museum across the entire school holiday period — with Melbourne International Comedy Festival performances adding an extra spark of fun.📍 Carlton

🗓️ Melbourne CBD ➝ See More

​Ballet of Lights: Cinderella (Friday 13 Mar) Glow-in-the-dark ballet meets classical music in a dazzling, family-friendly show that’s pure enchantment. 📍 Melbourne CBD

​The Game Expo (Saturday 14 – Sunday 15 Mar) Two days of gaming culture with video games, tabletop, cosplay, tournaments, and creator meet-and-greets. 📍 South Wharf

🗓️ Melbourne NORTH ➝ See More ​

​Book Launch: Big Trouble with Too Many Frogs (Saturday 14 Mar) Celebrate the new laugh-out-loud adventure from Lachlann Carter and Last Kids on Earth illustrator Douglas Holgate. 📍 Brunswick East

​Moonee Valley Festival (Sunday 15 Mar) Free live music, food trucks, a unicorn dance party, wildlife presentations, and kids’ activities. 📍 Moonee Ponds

🗓️ Melbourne SOUTH ➝ See More ​

​Autumn in the Glade (Saturday 14 Mar) Markets, live music, artist studios, food trucks, and the inaugural Great Gasworks Monkey Hunt. 📍 Albert Park

​Teeny Tiny Stevies: Brain Fart Tour 2026 (Sunday 15 Mar) ARIA-winning ABC Kids favourites performing live — funny for parents, brilliant for kids, great for everyone. 📍 Dandenong

🗓️ Melbourne EAST ➝ See More ​

​Movie Night at Barngeong Reserve (Friday 13 Mar) Free outdoor screening of the live-action How to Train Your Dragon, with crafts, entertainers, and ice-cream. 📍 Croydon

​The Taming of the Shrew (Friday 13 – Sunday 15 Mar) Melbourne Shakespeare Company’s witty, high-energy, outdoor musical opener — perfect for a picnic night out. 📍 Malvern East

🗓️ Melbourne WEST ➝ See More ​

​Outdoor Family Fun Day (Saturday 14 Mar) Free face painting, giant inflatable, and petting zoo — no bookings needed, just show up and enjoy. 📍 Caroline Springs

​Newport Lakes Bush Dance (Sunday 15 Mar) An afternoon of Australian bush music at a gorgeous amphitheatre — steps taught on the day, BYO picnic. 📍 Newport