Are you wondering how you are going to keep the kids entertained during the long summer break?
We’re here to help! We’ve listed a host of fun, family-friendly events to help keep the children busy.
ALL HOLIDAYS
SAND IN THE CITY
The kids will love this playful, sand-filled, interactive installation at the National Wool Museum.
More than 1.8 tonnes of sand will be used to create Sand in the City, which explores the popular beaches of Geelong and the Surf Coast.
There will also be 300,000 LEGO bricks for kids to build with.
Kids will be able to create sandcastles, sculptures and scenes from their imaginations, or build their own beach landmarks in LEGO.
Event on daily at the National Wool Museum until 19 May 2019
Admission: $10 adults, $8 concession, $6 child, $30 family (2 adults and up to 4 children)
UNTIL 23 DECEMBER
SANTA’S MAGICAL KINGDOM
Santa’s Magical Kingdom delivers a Christmas wonderland full of activities and rides that will capture the imagination of children and parents everywhere. One thing is for sure, it’s an experience that brings the Christmas spirit to life!
Caulfield Racecourse, Station Street, Caulfield
Tickets: www.ticketmaster.com.au or via booking office on 1300 307 740
UNTIL 24 DECEMBER
SANTA’S REINDEER TRAINING ACADEMY
Help get Santa’s reindeer ready for Christmas Eve. Take a ride on one of Santa’s reindeer in the winter wonderland. The mechanical ride on reindeer activity is free during opening hours.
Times: Mon – Wed: 10am – 1pm / Thurs – Sat: 10am – 2pm
111 – 113 Lt Malop Street
UNTIL 24 DECEMBER
SANTA PHOTOS
Come and say hi to Santa at Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre. Every child who meets Santa receives a free Xmas activity book. Santa photos start at $17.
*$1 from every Santa photo purchased supporting the Kids Appeal Geelong, raising funds for a new kids Rehabilitation Centre.
Times: 10am – 5pm Daily (outside Target). Until 7pm on 7, 14 & 21 December
Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre – Cnr Colac & Pioneer Rd, Waurn Ponds
UNTIL 24 DECEMBER
MYER CHRISTMAS WINDOWS
You won’t want to miss this year’s Myer Christmas Windows, with the theme based on the classic children’s book One Christmas Eve by Corinne Fenton.
Engineering students from Deakin University have again partnered with Central Geelong Marketing and the City of Greater Geelong to add animatronic movement to the characters. The theme is based on the
The Geelong windows are a retrospective of the 2016 Myer Melbourne windows.
Outside Myer Geelong, Malop St
24 DECEMBER
GEELONG CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT
Geelong Carols by Candlelight is a popular event for families, held at Johnstone Park on Christmas Eve.
The evening will feature a traditional carols program with some of Geelong’s best artists and choirs, plus concert band.
The host of talented local performers includes the Mik Maks and Shandelle Cooke.
The free event commences at 8pm.
28 DECEMBER & 4, 11, 18 JANUARY
ADVENTURE PARK SUMMER NIGHTS
Splash under the stars and enjoy awesome rides with live music and the kids outdoor cinema on selected Friday nights in December and January.
Dates: 28 December; 4, 11 & 18 January
Time: 6:30pm – 10pm
Adventure Park – 1249 Bellarine Hwy, Wallington
Tickets: www.adventurepark.com.au/summernights
DECEMBER 31
NYE FIREWORKS
A free fireworks display will take place on the Geelong Waterfront this New Year’s Eve.
There will be an early fireworks display for the kids at dusk (around 9.30pm) followed by a second display at midnight.
UNTIL 7 JANUARY
FLOATING CHRISTMAS TREE AND LIGHT SHOW
Makes sure you take the kids to see the largest floating outdoor tree in Australia shimmer and glitter on Corio Bay!
The display happens every 15 minutes from 8.30pm, thanks to the support of GeelongPort.
The last night to see the Floating Christmas Tree is 7 Jan (to align with Orthodox Christmas).
You can also light the tree up your way in between the shows. Interactive stickers can be found at the Carousel where you chose how to light the tree.
This is a free event held at Steampacket Quay, 1 Eastern Beach Road, Geelong.
JANUARY & FEBRUARY
MINI MAESTROS FREE COME AND TRY CLASSES
Mini Maestros offers fun and educational music classes for children, including babies, toddlers, and preschoolers, aged 6 months to 5 years of age.
Dates: Tuesday 29 Jan – Belmont
Thursday 31 Jan – Geelong West
Friday 1 Feb – East Geelong
Bookings essential: 0424 047 822 or mm.geelong@minimaestros.com.au
7-11 JANUARY
THE BIG BLUE BLOCK PARTY
The kids will love Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre’s Big Blue Block Party!
During this event, children can design and construct an endless variety of patterns and shapes from foam blocks, bricks, cylinders, arches, pyramids, chutes, channels and other moving parts.
10am to 2pm daily, outside Target
12 JANUARY
GEELONG CATS FAMILY FESTIVAL
The Geelong Cats Family Festival is a chance to interact with both our AFL and AFLW sides, player interviews and signing sessions, family activities and food trucks. This is a free event.
Deakin University, Waurn Ponds
12, 13, 19 JANUARY
GLOW GARDEN
Kids will love exploring neon colours in this unique make and play workshop. They can make their own glowing puppet which the can then take on an adventure through the immersive Glow Garden installation. Families are welcome to visit any time between 11am and 2pm. This is an event for kids aged 4+ and all children must be accompanied by an adult. Gold coin donation appreciated.
171 Moorabool St, Geelong
14-18 JANUARY
UNICORN FESTIVAL
As part of the summer school holiday fun, Waurn Ponds is putting on a Unicorn Festival!
The Unicorn Festival will be happening at the centre from Monday 14 January to Friday 18 January between the hours of 10am and 2pm.
Unicorn themed activities include crafting unicorn horns, glittering hooves and riding a unicorn.
21-26 JANUARY
STACKA BLOCK BALL CRAWL WORLD
Kids will love the Stacka Block Ball Crawl World at Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre.
They can build with blocks and make their own fiddget spinner, and tackle the giant ball crawl obstacle course!
11am to 2pm daily, outside Target
22 JANUARY
KIDZ CRAFTING WITH US
Market Square is your one-stop shop for all things art and craft and now you can enjoy free Kidz crafting. The crafts will be designed for preschool aged children – crafting partners Urban Upcycle will be on hand to teach the kids all about upcycling and repurposing your household items into craft supplies.
Dates: Second last Tuesday of every month, 10am – 12pm
Market Square Shopping Centre – Malop Street & Moorabool Street
25 JANUARY
VEGEMITE FAMILY RIDE
This ride is a highlight of The Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race, Australia’s premier weekend of cycling and the Southern Hemisphere’s modern one-day cycling classic.
The ride aims to bring families together and remind everyone about the benefits of participating in physical activities.
Held along the picturesque Geelong Waterfront, it’s an opportunity for families to ride with Cadel Evans, elite riders and some local celebrities.
The 1.6km ride takes place from 4.30pm – 6pm
25 JANUARY
THE YEAR OF KNOTS
Local artisan and knot expert Barry Smith has undertaken a 365\-day journey to tie a new knot every day.
Barry will tie his final knot and host a special knot tying workshop where you can pop in and learn new knots.
The workshop at the National Wool Museum is suitable for adults and children from 5+
This special workshop/installation is free, but bookings are required.
Time: 1.30pm-3.30pm
Entry into exhibitions: Sand in the City and Masters: Art of the Precious Metal Object also included.
26 JANUARY
AUSTRALIA DAY FREE FAMILY FUN DAY
Celebrate Australia Day at Rippleside Park on the banks of Corio Bay with many free activities and entertainment for children and families.
11am – 4pm
Rippleside Park – Bell Parade, Drumcondra
