57 days until 2027...

Published about 12 hours ago • 2 min read

The Weekend Wrap

Curated weekend fun + latest posts, straight to your inbox

Hi Reader

I’ve been spending my evenings with my nose in a book and my weekends on my bike, and I’m in no hurry to stop.

Then I looked at the calendar. There are fewer than 60 days left in 2026, and a list of things I keep saying I'll get to.

Top of mine is sorting somewhere for the summer holidays, because the good spots go early. Our Beach or Bush Stays guide to holiday parks with play areas is a good start, and our travel page has plenty more ideas.

Where are you heading this summer, or where do you wish you were? Hit reply and tell me. I’m always on the lookout for places to add to our guides, and your tips are the best source I’ve got.

Joyce xx

Event Picks

🗓️ Melbourne CBD ➝ More CBD picks

​Diwali at The Museum (Saturday 7 Nov) Free henna, rangoli and dance from 11am at the Immigration Museum, plus a $15 embroidery workshop. 📍Melbourne CBD

​Animal Crossing at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium (Until Sunday 8 Nov) Last weekend to collect stamps and a free character hat on the trail, with tickets from $19. 📍Melbourne CBD

🗓️ Melbourne NORTH ➝ More north-side picks ​

​Whittlesea Show (Saturday 7 – Sunday 8 Nov) Eroni's Circus, a kelpie dog display and science shows from 9am, with the grand parade around 2pm on Sunday. 📍Whittlesea

​Craigieburn Spring Carnival (Friday 6 – Sunday 8 Nov) Over 12 amusement rides for families, kids and teens at Craigieburn Central, open from 12pm on Saturday and Sunday. 📍Craigieburn

🗓️ Melbourne SOUTH ➝ More south-side picks ​

​Glen Eira Diwali Festival of Lights (Saturday 7 Nov) Free henna, Bollywood dancing, market stalls and food from 4:30pm to 9pm, with no bookings needed. 📍Glen Huntly

​Sandy Rotunda Birthday Concert Series (Saturday 7 Nov) Free concert with Hoodoo Mayhem at the 100-year-old Sandringham Rotunda, with bookings required. 📍Sandringham

🗓️ Melbourne EAST ➝ More east-side picks ​

​Drum Theatre 20th Anniversary Celebrations (Saturday 7 Nov) Free live performances from community groups and emerging artists, 5pm to 9pm, with an after party. 📍Dandenong

​Maroondah Festival (Sunday 8 Nov) Free entry from 10am for live music, Kids Kingdom and food trucks, with ride wristbands to buy. 📍Croydon

🗓️ Melbourne WEST ➝ More west-side picks ​

​Djerriwarrh Festival (Saturday 7 Nov) Free from 2pm with a Giant Bubble Zone, BMX showcase and food vendors, then fireworks if the weather allows. 📍Melton

​Wyndham Diwali 2026 (Saturday 7 Nov) Free open-air Festival of Lights celebration with culture, food and family entertainment from 1:30pm. 📍Wyndham Vale

New + Noteworthy
A child in a black jacket and pink leggings climbs across a large granite boulder on wheels at Rocks on Wheels playground in Southbank, gripping an overhead steel rail, with apartment buildings in the background.

​Rocks on Wheels​

Huge boulders and no handrails, for kids after a proper physical challenge.

 Three people playing mini-golf on an outdoor course landscaped with large rocks and greenery, under a clear blue sky.

​Wetlands and Wonder​

Wetlands, a ropes course and pedal boats on the Mornington Peninsula 90 minutes from the city.

​Retro Game Day​

Social games and plenty of 90s nostalgia, all under one roof at Chadstone.

​Meat-Free Feasts​

Family-friendly vegan and vegetarian spots, from casual cafes to fine dining.

​Storm Season Prep​

Thunderstorm asthma can affect kids who’ve never had it. Get prepared with RCH's fact sheet.

​Meals for Less​

Free kids' meals at cafes, pubs and restaurants around Melbourne.
A young girl mid-jump above an in-ground trampoline at an outdoor holiday park play area, legs outstretched, under a green shade sail. Sand surrounds the trampoline, with low fencing, cabins and other children playing in the background on a sunny day.

​Beach or Bush Stays​

Holiday parks by the beach or in the bush, with play areas to keep kids busy.

​Pedal to the Metal​

Indoor and outdoor go-kart tracks around Melbourne for racing-mad kids.

Enter to Win

Know someone who'd love this? Pass it on 🙏🏽

Connect your brand or event with 20,000+ families 🔊

Update your preferences to choose which editions you want to receive in your inbox 📬

Created with 🥑 + 🍵 in Melbourne | 🎁 to PO Box 2511, Footscray, VIC 3011 | Unsubscribe | Pause emails from us for 30 days.

Sign up to receive our hand-picked weekly tips from Melbourne + Victoria's leading family travel platform