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Bugs, Books + Jungle Boogie: This Week’s Family Picks • TOT: HOT OR NOT
Here are the best things to do with your kids this week — sorted by region to make planning easy! - Joyce P.S. It’s midway through the school holidays - is your budget feeling the pinch? Well, we’re building something special for the Tot community. Tot Perks is your secret weapon for saving money on fuel, movie tickets, gift cards, travel and more. Exciting info coming soon! Fast 5 Top Picks #1 What's On - CBD ⭐️ Lightscape (Until Sunday 10 Aug) An immersive after-dark botanical garden light...
Just opened: New playground, free footy + can’t-miss winter events • TOT: HOT OR NOT
Hi there [FIRST NAME GOES HERE] You know the Scandinavians have a saying - ‘there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.’ Now that we’re in the depths of Melbourne’s winter, I need your help settling a serious debate—what's better: indoor play or outdoor adventures (even in winter). Personally, I love both for different reasons, but I want to hear what YOU think! What's better—indoor or outdoor adventures? Indoors 🏠 Outdoors 🌳 Joyce xx P.S. Speaking of winter adventures - while...
Bring your little Vikings on the adventure of a lifetime • TOT: HOT OR NOT
Dragons, Music + Magic Bring your little Vikings on the adventure of a lifetime this August with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra as they perform a live to picture score of How to Train Your Dragon. Watch Hiccup and Toothless soar across the big screen while the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra brings John Powell’s Academy Award®-nominated score to life right before your eyes. It's a magical cinema experience where every roar, every flight, and every heartwarming moment gets the full orchestra...
10 epic events + best family hotels • TOT: HOT OR NOT
Hi there Reader It's Amy here (Tot's Content Manager), popping into your inbox while Joyce is off adventuring with her crew for the school holidays! We’ve just come back from two amazing family holidays – one to Darwin and one to Bali (yep, we loved it so much we went back again!). I know travelling with little ones isn’t always picture-perfect... here’s a snapshot: my 2-year-old mid-meltdown, lying flat-out on the floor of a 5-star resort foyer in Bali. Not exactly the relaxing moment I had...
20+ School Holiday Wins Under $25 (Yes, Really) • TOT: HOT OR NOT
Hi there Reader Remember when I asked you last week about your go-to winter holiday survival strategy? Well, you didn't disappoint! Here are some of my favourites: 💬 "Shopping centre playground rotation - Chadstone Monday, Eastland Tuesday... I have a spreadsheet. Don't judge me." - Michelle, Doncaster 💬 "Baking disasters are my secret weapon. Sure, my kitchen looks like a bomb went off, but they're occupied for ages and we get something edible (usually) at the end." - Kate, Hawthorn 💬 "I've...
Weekend plans? These kid-friendly events are anything but boring • TOT: HOT OR NOT
Hi Reader I was chatting with another parent at school pickup yesterday, and she mentioned feeling like winter activities are always a bit... meh. Jam-packed indoor places, complaining about the weather, rinse and repeat. But honestly? I think this week proves them completely wrong. Between creative workshops, a kids glow disco, and one seriously cool outdoor escape room experience, Melbourne is going off right now. And the best part? It's all happening this weekend. Joyce xx P.S. Our 2025...
School holidays sorted! Free events, epic days out + winter magic • TOT: HOT OR NOT
Hey Reader The winter break is almost here! I know keeping the kids busy can feel like a full-time job, so I’ve done the legwork for you. From dedicated school holiday programs to epic light festivals and free events around town, this round-up is packed with fun ideas to keep the whole family entertained (and your sanity intact). Oh, and if you're feeling extra adventurous, I've also pulled together some amazing getaway ideas: 28 best spots for family glamping in Victoria and Melbourne A...
Anyone else browsing flights at midnight? • TOT: HOT OR NOT
Hey Reader Confession: I've been spending way too much time looking at travel photos lately. There's something about school holidays approaching that makes me want to book flights to everywhere from London to Tokyo. But here's the thing about family travel—sometimes the best trips happen when you're not overthinking them. Whether you're considering the Harry Potter studios, dreaming of Disney magic in Tokyo, or looking for that perfect Bali family retreat, the key is finding experiences that...
Craft & Create: Big Fun for Little Explorers • TOT: HOT OR NOT
Fast 5 Top Picks #1 What's On - CBD Winter Night Market (Wednesdays until 27 Aug) An enchanting evening market featuring street food, artisan stalls and Christmas in July celebrations perfect for families. Melbourne ACMI Preschoolers (Every third Friday of the month) Free play-based sessions where 2-5 year olds can create animations and explore digital art. Melbourne Lightscape (Wednesdays - Sundays from Friday 20 Jun - Sunday 10 Aug) This award-winning immersive light experience is...
Featured: Your Winter Activity Cheat Sheet • TOT: HOT OR NOT
Hey Reader “Children don’t need perfect parents—they need present ones.” This quote really stuck with me lately. With the winter holidays almost in full swing, the pressure to make every moment Pinterest-perfect can feel overwhelming. But here’s the truth: it’s the small, meaningful moments that count most. I’m sharing this because I know how easy it is to feel like you’re not doing enough. But trust me—you’re doing great. Whether it’s a spontaneous beach trip, a cosy movie night, or a picnic...
Winter Fun Sorted • TOT: HOT OR NOT
Fast 5 Top Picks #1 What's On - CBD Make Do Up and Down (Friday 13 Jun - Sunday 22 Jun) Sensory painting workshop at ArtPlay where little ones can squeeze, throw and roll while exploring process art with artist Youbi Lee. Melbourne CBD Songbirds at Library at the Dock (Tuesdays during school term) Songs, rhymes and stories program for babies and toddlers up to 18 months to engage budding bookworms with language and rhythm. Docklands Plans for the Planet (Daily until Sunday 5 Oct) Free NGV...
Weekend Fun + A Huge Kids Festival You’ll Want to Book Now 🗓️ • TOT: HOT OR NOT
Hey Reader You know what I’ve been thinking about lately? How lucky we are to have this amazing community of parents and carers who genuinely care about giving their kids the best experiences. So I have a quick question—what’s ONE thing you’d love to see more of in our newsletters? More event roundups? Personal stories? Tips for stress-free outings? (For instance, I had one reader ask for us to include suburbs in our Top Picks events, so she doesn't have to click around only to find out it's...
📅 What’s On – sorted by area for you • TOT: HOT OR NOT
Feeling the chill? We’ve rounded up warm indoor fun and outdoor adventures to help you make the most of this cosy season with your little ones. - Joyce xx Fast 5 Top Picks #1 What's On - CBD Mini Marine Mornings (Monday 2 Jun) Dive into stories, artefacts, and guided ocean-themed fun at SEA LIFE's exclusive early morning play. Tingle Tangle (Thursday 5 Jun) Babies and grown-ups stretch, wobble, and weave through a tangled sensory adventure at ArtPlay. Intangible Form (Wednesday 4 Jun – Sunday...
My #1 sanity saver • TOT: HOT OR NOT
Hey Reader This week has been a whirlwind of back-to-back commitments, but I've found one thing keeping me sane—short, simple outings where the kids can run wild while I catch my breath. Honestly, the easy low-key moments have been the best. Speaking of which, these indoor play centres in and around Melbourne are a perfect example of going back to basics—they're exactly the kind of spots for easy wins, because who has time for overcomplicated plans? Hit reply and let me know if you have a...
Few things I want to share this week 👀 🤔 • TOT: HOT OR NOT
Fast 5 Top Picks #1 What's On - CBD Van Gogh at The LUME (Daily until Sunday 1 Jun) This acclaimed immersive exhibition is in its final weeks - don't miss experiencing the magic of Van Gogh's masterpieces come to life around you. Maamaa & Nonna's Kitchen (Friday 30 May - Sunday 1 Jun) Step into MaaMaa and Nonna’s Kitchen as they teach you and your bambini how to cook two special dishes from one dough recipe. Jams for Juniors: Mozart's Symphony No. 40 (Saturday 31 May) A delightful...
Try this quick hack with the kids • TOT: HOT OR NOT
Hey Reader You know how planning activities with the kids can sometimes feel overwhelming?Here’s a simple idea to shake things up—create a “Boredom Jar.” Just grab a jar, write down fun activity ideas on slips of paper (like “build a pillow fort” or “go on a scavenger hunt”), and let the kids do one when they’re feeling restless.It’s easy, fun, and a total lifesaver on busy days.Small wins matter. You’ve got this! Joyce xx P.S. Need some more inspiration for your Boredom Jar? Check out this...