Running low on ideas? I've got you


Hi there Reader

I'm currently not at my desk right now (hello holidays!), but thanks to setting up my content schedule in advance, this newsletter was lovingly crafted during one of those productive moments when inspiration struck and the matcha was hot.

To keep you well-stocked with material and "last week of school holidays" fun while I’m away, I wanted to share a few things that I know have really helped other parents out:

🧳 This guide to balancing work + family during school holidays will help you stay sane without missing the moments that matter.

🍔 Best pubs + restaurants with kids play areas - the real MVPs for a meal out.

🌧 Roundup of the best indoor play centres — for when the weather's doing that Melbourne thing and you need a backup plan.

🌳 This comprehensive guide to Melbourne's 65 best playgrounds - how many have you tried?

I'd love to know which one you find helpful! Hit reply —or better yet, tell me what's been inspiring YOU lately.

Joyce xx

P.S. Guess what? This month you can score $5 Hoyts movie vouchers with Tot Perks 🤩 This is your sign to take the kids to see How to Train Your Dragon, Smurfs or Lilo & Stitch - not to mention save $$$ on fuel, gift cards, travel deals, get first access to Tot events and exclusive giveaways. All this for just $20 for the first 3 months (that’s about the price of a coffee a month…and you’ll make it up just by snapping up those $5 movie tickets!).


Top Picks

⭐ Featured Events

  • Southeast Winter Festival (Daily until Sunday 20 Jul) Experience a magical winter wonderland where your family can enjoy giant inflatables, delicious treats, fun rides, and performances—all under one roof! Scoresby
  • Wicked at LEGOLAND (Daily) Venture down the yellow brick road into a magical Oz area filled with thousands of LEGO bricks, featuring life-sized models of Glinda and Elphaba. Chadstone

  • The Little Food Market (Friday 18 Jul - Sunday 20 Jul) Sample and shop delicious Aussie-made treats at this foodie fest inside the Royal Exhibition Building, kids under 12 go free! Carlton
  • Build ’Em Up (Friday 18 Jul - Sunday 20 Jul) Meet Buttercup the robot and solve fun challenges using shapes and materials, plus enjoy a 20-minute live science show all about engineering. Spotswood
  • Family Sleepovers at Melbourne Museum (Friday 18 Jul - Sunday 20 Jul) Enjoy a museum adventure after dark with dino-themed activities, storytelling and a cosy family sleepover. Carlton
  • Off-Grid Winter Smörgåsbord (Saturday 19 Jul) Unleash creativity in underground gallery workshops where kids become co-creators through art, texture, and imagination. Abbotsford
  • Dinofest (Daily until Sunday 20 Jul) Meet a life-size T. rex, explore the Dino Trail, and dig into hands-on prehistoric fun perfect for kids under 9. Wantirna South
  • Time Travellers Scavenger Hunt (Various sessions + times until Sunday 20 Jul) Unlock the secrets of Pentridge Prison with this interactive historical adventure perfect for curious kids and families. Coburg
  • Leaps and Bounds 2025 (Thursday 24 Jul) Celebrate Melbourne’s music scene with a family-friendly lineup featuring diverse local talent and lively gigs. Richmond
  • Whitehorse Winter School Holiday Program (Various events, times dates + locations until Thursday 21 Aug) Beat the holiday boredom with affordable activities ranging from sports and arts to nature exploration for all ages. Nunawading

New + Noteworthy

Fun Locked In

Ready to put your family's teamwork to the ultimate test? Melbourne's escape rooms serve up puzzles, thrills and serious bragging rights for those who beat the clock.

Block Party

Melbourne's ultimate LEGO playground where kids can build, race and explore iconic landmarks all made from those beloved little blocks. Factory tours and free Duplo included!

SPONSORED PICK

Sole Searching

40% off school shoes from your favourite brands at Shoes & Sox. Limited time only, so get stepping before the deals disappear.

On-Ice Adventures

Planning a Disney on Ice visit for the winter break? Our tried-and-tested tips will help you skate through the experience like a pro.

TOT RECOMMENDS

Glow Up

Classical ballet meets modern magic in this dazzling take on Sleeping Beauty that'll have audiences mesmerised by dancing lights.

Bali Bound

Planning that family escape to paradise? We've done the homework on Bali's best family resorts so you can focus on packing the sunscreen.

Ice Ice Baby

Winter means one thing: it's time to lace up those skates! From outdoor rinks to shopping centre spots, Melbourne's ice skating scene is cooler than ever.

Giveaway



Did a fun person forward this email to you?

Connect your brand with 20,000+ families

Preferences | Unsubscribe | Created with 🥑 + 🍵 in Melbourne | 🎁 to PO Box 2511, Footscray, VIC 3011