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Get weekday-ready with these top picks • TOT: HOT OR NOT
Fast 5 Top Picks #1 What's On - CBD Baby Bounce (Mondays + Wednesdays during school term) Interactive reading sessions with books, rhymes and stories for babies and toddlers to discover the joy of literature. Melbourne CBD Groovy Tunes (Various dates from Thursday 4 Sep - Sunday 21 Sep) West African music and movement workshop with master drummer Kofi Kunkpe, featuring percussion and songs to take home. Melbourne CBD Under 5s: Look Outside (Wednesday 3 Sep) Online art exploration session...
Lots has changed—but one thing hasn't • TOT: HOT OR NOT
Hi there Reader Did you know one of my first jobs was working at a local water park (Amazons in Brisbane, if you’re a child of the 80s/90s)? I loved it—seeing families laugh together and share simple moments of joy. A lot has changed since then, but one thing hasn’t—I’m still passionate about helping families create unforgettable memories. That’s why I started Tot Hot or Not - to share the best local events, activities, and ideas that make spending time with your kids fun, stress-free, and...
38,000 daffodils light up the city (and 14 other adventures) • TOT: HOT OR NOT
What an incredible week we have ahead! I'm feeling pretty excited about this lineup of events and think you're going to love them too. Quick note—we've got some Father's Day features coming your way from next week. We know that it can be a sensitive occasion for some people, so if you'd rather not receive that content click here, and you'll continue receiving your regular Fast 5 editions. ☺️ Joyce xx Fast 5 Top Picks #1 What's On - CBD JOY at Immigration Museum (Daily until Friday 29 Aug)...
Nature play, book week + blossom festivals (plus a spring surprise!) • TOT: HOT OR NOT
🌸 HELLO SPRING: Melbourne's freshest family fun guide just dropped… We're talking blossom trails, playground adventures, sunny escapes and can't-miss celebrations. Our Spring Guide has everything you need to make this season unforgettable, and it won't cost you a cent! DOWNLOAD FOR FREE Fast 5 Top Picks #1 What's On - CBD Olaf Breuning's My Nature Book Storytime (Monday 25 Aug) Interactive nature-filled storytime with Melbourne storyteller Anna Manuel, perfect for under 5s. Melbourne CBD...
You're going to love what this week has lined up • TOT: HOT OR NOT
Fast 5 Top Picks #1 What's On - CBD Mai Fali Eh! Concert (Tuesday 12 Aug) Experience 50 years of Timorese culture through powerful music and storytelling with hundreds of young voices. Melbourne CBD Plans for the Planet (Daily until Sunday 5 Oct) Kids explore artist Olaf Breuning's creative playground with animated drawings, hands-on art, and nature learning. Melbourne CBD Winter Night Market at QVM (Wednesdays until 27 Aug) Enchanting evening market featuring street food, artisan stalls, and...
The perfect weekend secret? Find out inside • TOT: HOT OR NOT
Hey Reader Last week, we played a fun game of Two Truths and a Lie, and it's time to reveal the lie! Drumroll, please... The lie is, I once met my childhood idol while dressed as a giant fruit. And most of you guessed it right! Now to something equally as fun as the idea of me dressed as a giant fruit—Book Week. Running from Saturday 16 August - Saturday 23 August, it's the perfect opportunity to embrace the incredible role that books play in our lives. To celebrate in true bookworm style,...
Look no further for this week's fun fix • TOT: HOT OR NOT
Fast 5 Top Picks #1 What's On - CBD Mini Marine Mornings (Monday 4 Aug) Dive into fishy fun with guided activities, sea stories, and complimentary coffee for parents at Melbourne's stunning Coral Atoll. Melbourne CBD Preschool Storytime (Mondays during school term) Enjoy a morning of fun stories, songs, rhymes and activities with your child at City Library in the heart of Melbourne. Melbourne CBD Baby Bounce (Mondays + Wednesdays during school term) Discover the joy of books, rhymes, and...
Games, smoothies + free events • TOT: HOT OR NOT
Hi there Reader Let’s shake things up today with a fun game—Two Truths and a Lie! Here’s how it works: I’ll share three things about me, two of them are true, and one’s a total fib. Which one is a lie? I once hosted a food tour that ended with a surprise gelato tasting 🍦 I met my childhood idol while dressed as a giant fruit 🍉 I've visited every major play centre in Melbourne (for 'research' of course) 🎈 Hit reply and let me know which one you think is the fib—I promise I’ll spill the truth...
Aquatic Adventures, Storytime Magic + Circus Dreams • TOT: HOT OR NOT
Fast 5 Top Picks #1 What's On - CBD How to Train Your Dragon in Concert (Friday 1 Aug - Saturday 2 Aug) Experience the beloved DreamWorks film with live orchestral accompaniment by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. South Wharf Little Builders Sandbox Adventure (Daily until Sunday 5 October) Let kids dig, build and explore in this epic indoor sandbox with 25 tonnes of safe sand and 100+ interactive toys. Docklands Fitzroy Gardens Outdoor Adventure (Daily) Take on the free Seek and Find...
Running low on ideas? I've got you • TOT: HOT OR NOT
Hi there Reader I'm currently not at my desk right now (hello holidays!), but thanks to setting up my content schedule in advance, this newsletter was lovingly crafted during one of those productive moments when inspiration struck and the matcha was hot. To keep you well-stocked with material and "last week of school holidays" fun while I’m away, I wanted to share a few things that I know have really helped other parents out: 🧳 This guide to balancing work + family during school holidays will...
Melbourne's best experiences for under 5s delivered • TOT: HOT OR NOT
Fast 5 Top Picks #1 What's On - CBD Under 5s Animal Tracks and Tales (Wednesday 23 Jul) Online NGV art sessions for children aged 3-5 years exploring First Nations artworks and animal tracks through lively demonstrations. Online Winter Wonderland at Queen Victoria Market (Wednesdays until 30 Jul) Step into a snow-dusted dream with live ice sculpting, snow queen entertainers, and a walk-in snow globe for magical midweek family fun. Melbourne CBD Plans for the Planet (Daily until Sunday 5 Oct)...
A little fun for you inside... • TOT: HOT OR NOT
Hi there Reader Can you do me a favour real quick? Click here and let me know what you think? I promise I’m not bamboozling you. It’s fun! Joyce xx P.S. Okay, if you must know…I've put together my ultimate list of fun family ideas in Melbourne for the rest of winter. It's perfect for keeping the little ones busy (and you might just find some fun for yourself too). Let me know if your favourites made the list! REPLY TO ME Top Picks DIY Book Nooks & Open Mic Night (Friday 25 Jul) Craft your own...
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...