Big winter vibes, bigger family fun

When school’s out and winter’s in, Geelong and The Bellarine turns on the cool in the best way possible. The days might be shorter, but they’re packed with fun, food and family adventures from July 5 to July 20.

Light up the night at Winter Glow at Adventure Park, skate under the stars at The Rink on Watton, or catch the colourful Emma Memma Dance Island Party live on stage. Add in indoor play at BOUNCEinc Geelong and you’ve got a school holiday lineup that keeps kids of all ages happy all break long

For the marine-curious, dive into the Salty Secrets Tour at the Queenscliff Maritime Museum – a special school holiday exploration of museum collections that uncovers the secrets of shipwrecks, pirate treasure, and fascinating marine technology, from diving suits to pilot boats.

What's On

Cosy feeds and kid-approved eats

Let the kids run wild at the indoor playground at Little Creatures Brewery or the riverside nature play space at Barwon Edge Café, while you tuck into something delicious and warm.

No lunchboxes needed, just good food, good vibes and happy kids.

Over in North Geelong, Federal Mills is perfect for a family stop. Grab a hot choc and something tasty at Paddock Bakery, then wander next door to the Popcultcha Collector Gallery. The shelves are packed with action figures, movie memorabilia and fun finds that’ll impress kids and grown-ups alike.

If you're after space to roam, Nicol’s Paddock offers a relaxed vineyard setting where the kids can run across the lawns while you enjoy a local drop and seasonal bites. It's casual, welcoming and a little bit of a hidden gem.

For an easy family feed, Waurn Ponds Hotel is always a winner. There’s a dedicated kids’ play room, a menu full of faves, high-chairs on hand and change tables sorted.

From play spaces and paddocks to pub classics and pastries, there are plenty of spots across Geelong and The Bellarine serving up comfort food and room to move this winter.

Family-Friendly Eats

Winter activities to keep the kids busy

There’s no such thing as bad conditions, just the wrong jacket. So layer up and head out for some serious winter fun.

Kick things off with a big day at Werribee Open Range Zoo, where the new Elephant Trail is open and waiting. Burn off some energy at The Rock Adventure Centre, get into the action at Laserquest, or step into another world at Zero Latency VR.

Got a thrill-seeker in the family? Ragged Edge 4x4 in Lara is offering off-road passenger rides just for kids these winter holidays, with pro drivers taking on steep climbs, muddy splashes and wild angles from 5 to 19 July.

If you’re after a creative kind of day, let the kids play, learn and imagine at MoPA – Museum of Play and Art, dive into stories and discovery at the Geelong Library, or explore the eerie halls of Geelong Gaol with tales that will give them goosebumps for all the right reasons.

Planning a bay adventure? Port Phillip Ferries is offering 20% off family passes from 5 to 20 July, making it even easier to head into Geelong or Portarlington for a day of winter fun.

This winter, there’s no shortage of ways to keep the crew entertained. Just pack the beanies and go.

Activities

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Winter with Kids

Winter with kids can be a juggle, but it doesn’t have to be a struggle. There’s loads to do across Geelong and The Bellarine that’ll keep little ones entertained and grown-ups caffeinated.

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.

School holidays

What's On

Beci Orpin—Through the Streets of Your Town

Queenscliffe Maritime Museum

Winter Warmers at Leura Park Estate

POLLY the legend of Polly Farmer

Spotlight on Golf at the Geelong Sports Museum

Adventure Park's Winter Glow

Melbourne Renegades School Holiday Camp - Geelong

School Holiday Baking Class at Paddock Bakery

Swan Bay Express Train Rides

Cats and Dogs All at Sea

We the Makers Sustainable Fashion Prize

Cosy feeds and kid-approved eats

Family-Friendly Eats

Little Creatures Brewery Geelong

Barwon Edge

Nicol's Paddock

Waurn Ponds Hotel

Paddock Bakery Geelong

My Bellarine Kitchen

Lonsdale Links

Basils Farm

Sphinx Entertainment Centre

Flying Brick Cider House

Edge Geelong

Sailors' Rest

Scotchmans Hill

Portarlington Grand Hotel

Winter activities to keep the kids busy

Activities

Ragged Edge 4x4

Elephant Experience

You Yangs Regional Park

Bellarine Rail Trail

Port Phillip Ferries - Portarlington

Geelong Library & Heritage Centre

Geelong Arts Centre

Ocean Grove Bowling Club

Searoad Ferries Queenscliff

MoPA: Museum of Play and Art - Geelong Children’s Museum

Yummy Mummy Lolly Shop

Bellarine Adventure Golf

Westfield Geelong

Laserquest Geelong

National Wool Museum, Geelong

Brisbane Ranges National Park

Elizabeth Bell Ceramics

Portarlington Bayside Miniature Railway

Werribee Open Range Zoo

The Carousel

Curlewis Golf Club & The Range at Curlewis The Bellarine

Corio Bay Fishing & Cruise Charters

The Rock Adventure Centre

Zero Latency VR Geelong

BOUNCEinc Geelong

National Crime & Justice Museum - Geelong Gaol

Popcultcha Collector Gallery

Winter with Kids

5 unique train experiences

Entertain the kids in Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale

Be inspired

Winter with Kids in Geelong and The Bellarine

Family Activities

Sport & Adventure

Wildlife

Bike Trails

Walks & Hikes

Caravan, Camping & Holiday Parks

Family friendly 24 hours on The Bellarine