Whether you're ahead of the game or still in denial like me, I've pulled together some practical resources to help you get ready for the first term of 2026 with less stress and more confidence:
βMega Back-To-School List for Stress-Free Prepβ Your complete checklist covering everything from uniforms and shoes to stationery and those easily forgotten essentials that make the term run smoother.
βBest School Shoes Guide β Leather vs sports shoes breakdown, plus recommendations from the best-selling brands to help you navigate this regular (and sometimes challenging) purchase.
βNude Food Lunchbox Tips β Practical strategies for packing waste-free lunches that save time, reduce soft plastic recycling, and keep the playground litter-free.
βBuilding Positive Parent-Teacher Relationships β 5 practical ways to establish strong connections with your child's teacher, whether they're starting school for the first time or returning.
And because holidays aren't over quite yet, this week's newsletter is also packed with ways to fit in some final adventures before term starts.
Bookmark the above, tick things off your list, then get back to squeezing in those last bits of summer fun!
Joyce xx
Top Picks
βTiny Tasters Cooking Club (Friday 23 January) Build fine motor skills, turn-taking and self-esteem as kids cook together then serve their creations cafe-style in this sensory-focused cooking class. Wyndham Vale
βMushroom Reef Rockpool Workshop (Friday 23 January) Explore fascinating rockpools at low tide during a marine scavenger hunt and creative workshop where kids aged 4-10 create their own mini-ecosystems to take home. Flinders
β3D Printing Workshop (Friday 23 January) Kids and teens aged 10-16 learn how 3D printers work, design creations using Tinkercad, then print and paint their own projects in this hands-on one-day workshop. Hawthorn
βA-Maze-ing Brain (Friday 23 - Sunday 25 January) Step inside a brain-shaped maze where kids aged 7-12 can explore activities designed to celebrate how every brain works differently through interactive art and storytelling. Melbourne CBD
βDisney Jr. Live On Tour: Let's Play! (Saturday 24 - Sunday 25 January) Join Mickey Mouse, Minnie, Goofy, Ariel and the SuperKitties for an action-packed playdate featuring Team Spidey saving the day in this music-filled adventure. South Wharf
βThe Wind in the Willows (Various dates + times until Sunday 25 January) Join Ratty, Mole, Badger and Mr Toad in this critically acclaimed outdoor theatre production featuring music, audience participation and plenty of laughs for the whole family. Melbourne CBD
βBluey at Melbourne Zoo (Daily until Sunday 25 January) Wackadoo! Join Bluey and Bingo for four Live Interactive Experiences daily featuring Magic Asparagus, Keepy Uppy and all your favourite games on the Zoo's iconic lawns. Parkville
βLEGO Star Wars: The Exhibition (Various dates + times until Monday 26 January) Final weekend to explore iconic Star Wars scenes built from over 8 million LEGO bricks, create custom lightsabers and watch your builds digitally come to life. Carlton
βSpongeBob SquarePants Adventure (Daily until Tuesday 27 January) Last chance to join SpongeBob and Patrick on an underwater quest to face the Flying Dutchman, complete swashbuckling challenges and earn your Swashbuckler Certificate. Melbourne CBD
βSchool Holiday Explorer Bus (Daily until Tuesday 27 January) Kids aged 5-17 ride half price on this family-friendly tour through the Gardens, discovering amazing native plants, eucalyptus fragrances and why plants matter for our planet. Cranbourne
Just over a week to go! This free outdoor STEM experience brought to you by Tot and Scienceplay Kids is happening next weekend on Saturday 31 January. Pre-register now to skip the queue and secure your spot.
The oldest Chinatown in the Southern Hemisphere deserves a proper food tour - these are our picks for taking kids out to eat in the city's culinary heart.