Happy New Year! I hope that you’ve had a happy and calm festive season with your family and friends.
I’ve just returned from a 2 week family trip to Malaysia - our first time to the country. I’ll admit I didn’t know a lot about Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Langkawi before we went, but I have come away learning so much about the country’s melting pot of cultures and of course tasting lots of delicious, cheap food!
I also read The House of Doors by Tan Twan Eng (historical fiction set in Penang) and the Penang Chronicles by Rose Gan (4 book series about Francis Light) while I was overseas, so I’ve really immersed myself into exploring the layers of history in this fascinating region.
The one thing I hadn’t counted on was how HOT it was. Everywhere. All the time. I have always enjoyed running in new cities but I took my exercise gear to Malaysia and didn’t use it once. I simply melted in the humidity, even at 6am.
To be honest sometimes I wondered whether dragging two kids around Malaysia’s heat was worth it. Looking back though, I feel like even the tough moments will become great memories over time. If you’ve ever taken the kids somewhere and said through gritted teeth ‘this was supposed to be fun’ I’m sure you understand!
My favourite holiday snap - Zero Battery in Penang, Malaysia
What about you? How did you spend your festive season?
P.S. Join us for Footscray Flow Lab on Saturday 31 January, a FREE hands-on outdoor science experience where kids design their own water-flow systems using recycled materials. Drop-ins are welcome, but I recommend you pre-register now to secure your spot and breeze straight in on the day.
Gold Coast Escapes
Summer sorted: the Gold Coast theme parks are delivering big thrills this season.
Movie World's SCOOBY-DOO! Spooky Coaster and Spy Chase Stunt Show bring the action, while Wet'n'Wild's fresh Zoom Zone is the perfect place to cool down.
Save $10 off gate price on single to multi-day passes with Experience Oz, and use code EXOZTOT10 for an additional 10% off.
ZOOOM (Daily until Saturday 10 January) Join a restless child on a magical journey to help a lost star find its way home in this award-winning interactive show where kids bring "a piece of dark" and receive their own spark of light. Southbank
School Holiday Workshop: Video Game Design + Game Ideation (Friday 9 January + Wednesday 14 January) Young people aged 10-16 explore game genres, learn how design documents are made, and develop their own game pitch at the National Communication Museum. Hawthorn
The 13-Storey Treehouse (Saturday 10 - Monday 12 January) Andy and Terry's bestselling adventure comes alive on stage with flying cats, mermaids, sea monsters and a giant gorilla in this seriously funny production perfect for ages 6-12. Moonee Ponds
Myer 2025 Christmas Windows (Daily until Sunday 11 January) Catch the final days of this 70-year tradition featuring A Playful LEGO® Christmas Story told across six magical windows with nearly half a million LEGO® bricks. Melbourne CBD
The Big Bounce Australia (Various dates until Sunday 11 January) Melbourne becomes Australia's bounciest city with age-tailored sessions from toddlers to adults-only at Flemington Racecourse featuring massive inflatables and high-energy fun. Flemington
Summer Holiday Workshop: Creative Sea with Liz Walker (Sunday 12 January) Kids craft marine creatures or coastal seascapes using natural materials and beach plastics while learning about ocean protection with environmental artist Liz Walker. Mornington
Sesame Street x Bromley: In Your Neighbourhood Exhibition (Daily until Tuesday 13 January) David Bromley brings beloved Sesame Street characters to life with over 50 original art pieces including sculptures, ceramics, prints and collectibles created especially for this Daylesford launch. Daylesford
Sleeping Beauty: A Magical Family Pantomime (Thursdays - Sundays until 17 January) Encore Theatre Company delivers magic, mayhem and fairy-tale fun with big laughs, colourful characters and plenty of audience participation for the whole family. Clayton
Summer of Play at LEGOLAND (Daily until Monday 26 January) Kids discover their unique Play Mode through buzzing bee builds, DJ GoodVibes dance parties, Master Model Builder workshops and Miniland surprises this summer. Chadstone
Summer Holidays at Grazeland (Fridays - Sundays until 1 March) Families enjoy diverse food options and the Jungle Hangout interactive kids' zone with Funky Monkey Bars, Giant Jenga and Connect 4 while parents relax. Spotswood
Looking beyond Melbourne? This regional hotspot delivers with standout museums, multicultural eats and loads of kid-friendly adventures. Catch outdoor water sports this weekend through the Summer Holiday program, or explore the midweek activities happening for all ages.
An afternoon picking fruit beats a trip to the supermarket any day. These local fruit farms allow you to pick fresh from the tree to your basket (and eat them too).