Fun for all ages

From puzzling hedge mazes and mystical theme parks to children’s themed vintage train rides, there’s plenty to see and do for little ones of all ages in Geelong and The Bellarine. Rain, hail or shine.

For when the sun is shining, expect an endless array of trails, beaches and playgrounds to explore, clamber over and run amok in. The hardest part will be trying to convince them to leave.

Get Hands-On

Packed with bright colours, shapes and textures, Museum of Play and Art (MoPA) allows kids to get hands-on and creative. You'll find it at Geelong’s 160-year-old Wintergarden building on McKillop Street and there's a café on-site.

A little less messy and a whole lot more delicious, pick your own strawberries and blueberries at Tuckerberry Hill Berry Farm. A fun and delicious way to teach children where their food comes from.

Berries generally ripen over the hot summer months, with ideal strawberry picking between October and May and blueberries between mid-December and February. Always check ahead before visiting.

Animal encounters

While our local nature parks are home to much wildlife, the Werribee Open Range Zoo is a wonderful place to learn about species and conservation. And it's an easy way to spend a day.

African savannah animals have free range while visitors watch from safari style buses. They have a great native animal section and a herd of elephants will arrive in 2025.

Coming face to face with seals and dolphins with Sea All Dolphin Swims is thrilling for all members of the family and something they’ll never forget. Choose a sightseeing tour to stay dry or don the wetsuit and jump in on a traditional tour.

Kids can learn more about the local marine life at the Marine and Freshwater Discovery Centre in Queenscliff, which runs programs during the school holidays.

Creativity and whimsy

Geelong Arts Centre is the jewel in the crown – brand new, glittering and one of a kind. A state-of-the-art, whimsical building where you can catch a musical, play or show; or enjoy a comedy act or orchestra performance. There's regular shows for the little ones and they run an annual festival in September that's just for kids - the Wonder Children's Festival.

Marvel at the magic of Fairy Park – a fairytale theme park with castles, cottages and caves set on a granite hill in the open countryside. Discover ancient tales and legends in this enchanting medieval land which brings classic European folklore to life.

Wonder Children's Festival at the Geelong Arts Centre

15 summer activity ideas

Summer is the time to get out into the great outdoors and indulge your adventurous spirit.

5 unique train experiences

From cheesy delights to soulful blues, coastal culinary delights, and miniature marvels, we’ve got the most unique train adventures like no other. Spoiler alert – they’re not all on wheels…

Entertain the kids in Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale

There’s plenty to entertain kids and the family in Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale. Rain, hail or shine, something on this list will keep your crew out of trouble for an arvo.

The great outdoors

The trails around the Barwon River are a calm place to meander - much loved by locals on foot and an easy (and relatively smooth) ride for kids on bikes. There’s parkland, playgrounds, picnic areas and nature reserves to take a break and enjoy a picnic.

Barrabool Maze Estate is a hedge maze set in the beautiful green Barrabool hills. The whole family will have fun trying to find the way to the central lookout – the view is worth the effort. Once you’ve made your way back out, you can stroll through the sprawling and carefully tended gardens and enjoy a meal at the licenced restaurant.

If it’s water fun you’re after, the region is home to Victoria’s largest water theme park – Adventure Park. It's open over the warmer months for fun exploring over 20 attractions including 4 world record waterslides, and during winter when the annual Christmas Festival of Lights operates.

Ocean Grove’s Main Beach is another popular family option that's patrolled over summer. It’s also great for learning to surf, Go Ride a Wave can help with lessons.

Putt putt

Mini-golf more your style? Children and adults alike will enjoy tackling the 18-hole courses at Bellarine Adventure Golf. Choose from The Mill course or The Mountain course, weaving in and around gardens, creeks and waterfalls. Keep an eye out for resident cockatoo Simon as well as possums, frogs and kookaburras. There’s also a great playground and coffee onsite.

The mini-golf at The Range @ Curlewis is another fantastic option. Navigate water, rocks and tunnels as you try your luck on this two-tiered course – go for the glow in the dark balls after sunset. They also have state of the art X-Golf simulators and you can find coffee or all-day dining at Claribeaux restaurant on the grounds.

Rain or shine

Staying indoors can send you stir crazy but not at Bounce. There are around 50 interconnected trampolines with banked walls plus dodgeball, a climbing wall, giant air bags and ninja warrior course. The Rock Adventure Centre is the go for indoor climbing with over 100 routes on 25 walls and a bouldering cave or blast through laser tag, knock down pins, or conquer the arcade games at Laserquest.

More mellow, but no less stimulating, is the Museum of Play and Art, a widely acclaimed concept that allows young kids and their families to run riot, maybe painting an old car, immersing themselves in a digital art wall, or wandering through an interactive light tunnel.

The National Wool Museum is all about Geelong’s illustrious history as one-time wool capital of the world. Apart from displays on textiles and looms, it hosts super cool art exhibitions like Wildlife Photographer of the Year.

There's plenty more indoor activities from cinemas and shopping to crafts if the weather turns.