Geelong is Victoria’s second-largest metropolis and it’s really easy to get to from Melbourne, being solely about 1 hour by freeway or Vline prepare. The town has tons to supply households and it makes for a improbable half-day, full-day or quick break vacation spot for households.
Listed here are my suggestions for the most effective locations to go and issues to do with youngsters in Geelong. Come and discover the entire child’s actions Geelong has to supply!
For lodging choices in Geelong, I like to recommend trying out what’s out there on Airbnb.
Issues to do Geelong with youngsters
The waterfront in Geelong is the place a number of the Geelong youngsters actions and must-do motion is positioned. On a sunny day, the glistening waters of Corio Bay make it a extremely interesting spot to whereas away a day.
The world hosts many group festivals, together with the annual Pageant of Sails.
1. Jap Seaside
Jap Seaside is the jewel of the waterfront and the setting jogs my memory of the Italian Riviera!
It’s stuffed with issues to see in Geelong that aren’t to be missed; there’s a tremendous fenced out of doors public pool, a big playground, a ferris wheel for views of the bay, picnic and barbecue areas and naturally a seashore (which truly might be the least fascinating a part of Jap Seaside, being somewhat small). Jap Seaside evaluate.
A little bit additional alongside you will discover Steampacket Gardens, a big open inexperienced house for youths to burn some vitality, or sit for a quiet picnic to absorb the views.
The adjoining footpaths are good and flat for scooters and bikes, and the children will probably be fascinated by the enormous buoys on the far finish. There are additionally month-to-month markets held.
Jap Seaside, 95 Jap Seaside Rd, Geelong
Associated: Greatest Seashores in Melbourne for Children
2. Large Sky Wheel
The Large Sky Wheel in Geelong is a outstanding landmark and a well-liked vacationer attraction. Providing breathtaking panoramic views of town and its environment, it stands as a logo of Geelong’s vibrant tradition and tourism enchantment.
Households can take pleasure in a novel and memorable expertise aboard this colossal remark wheel, capturing beautiful vistas of town and the gorgeous shoreline.
Large Sky Wheel, 31 Jap Seaside Rd, Geelong
3. Poppy Kettle Playground
On the opposite aspect of the waterfront space is Western Seaside. Geelong youngsters will love the lovable and vibrant Poppy Kettle playground!
We all the time cease off at this playground after we go to the Geelong waterfront space – that rainbow slide is so enjoyable! There’s an interactive Poppy Kettle water function too which sadly isn’t usually turned on after we go to.
Poppy Kettle Playground, The Esplanade, Geelong
4. Museum of Play and Artwork
Museum of Play and Artwork is Geelong’s first Youngsters’s Museum and an area for households to study and play. It’s one of many nice issues to do in Geelong for households, significantly when the climate’s chilly, moist or too scorching, however the vivid light-filled house and indoor/out of doors areas means it’s good for any time of 12 months!
It’s primarily based on the favored youngsters’s museums discovered all around the USA and is a tremendous, inspiring house! Museum of Play and Artwork Evaluate.
MoPA: Museum of Play and Artwork, 51 McKillop St, Geelong 1800 00 66 72
Associated: Greatest Museums in Melbourne for Households
5. Geelong Playspace
The award-winning playspace is absolutely fenced from Geelong Botanic Gardens and incorporates a pirate ship, nature play and shaded areas in Geelong for youths. Geelong Playspace evaluate.
Geelong Playspace, Jap Park Circuit, Geelong
6. Geelong Carousel
In keeping with Girl AB, any time we’re having fun with actions in Geelong, we should embrace a visit across the heritage carousel, a Geelong landmark.
The glass floor-to-ceiling pavilion by which it’s housed is architecturally spectacular in itself and you may go to simply the pavilion at no cost.
Geelong Carousel, 1 Jap Seaside Rd, Geelong Waterfront
7. Waterfront Geelong Prepare Excursions
Jap Seaside Prepare Excursions has a miniature prepare that takes you from Geelong Carousel to Jap Seaside and again once more in 20 minutes for $8 per particular person.
It’s a pleasant approach to see points of interest in Geelong in case you’re not inclined to stroll, or when you’ve got youngsters who like trains!
8. Geelong Bollards
If you happen to’re on the waterfront you possibly can’t miss Geelong’s Baywalk Bollards. From Rippleside Park, via Waterfront Geelong to the Botanic Gardens, you’ll discover 104 big painted icons of Geelong’s previous. It’s one of many free issues to do in Geelong the place you’ll see various points of interest all through town!
There’s a self-guided Geelong Bollard Path Stroll if you wish to see all of them (and go to a number of Geelong points of interest) however I like to recommend specializing in six of the bollard websites as they’ve been activated by way of augmented actuality! Simply obtain the free Energetic Geelong app within the App Retailer or Google Play in your smartphone then go to the activated bollards located between Jap Seaside and Cunningham Pier. Geelong Bollards Augmented Actuality evaluate
9. Geelong Gallery
Geelong Gallery is one in all Australia’s oldest regional galleries and entry is free. They’ve everlasting and non permanent exhibitions frequently.
For little ones aged 18 months – 4 years you possibly can be a part of of their common Gallery Tots periods. Filled with play-based actions and interactive storytelling, these periods are designed to encourage little ones’ creativity and creativeness.
Geelong Gallery, Little Malop Avenue, Geelong, (03) 5229 3645
10. Geelong Library and Heritage Centre
The Geelong Library and Heritage Centre – or The Dome – is magnificent from the surface. Inside there’s an entire flooring devoted to youngsters, with youngsters’s books, puppets, toys and dress-ups – youngsters’ stuff Geelong locals and guests can take pleasure in. Geelong Library evaluate
Behind the library you will discover Johnston Park – a lovely space of landscaped gardens and grass space for the children to run round in, or arrange a picnic.
Geelong Library and Heritage Centre, 51 Little Malop St, Geelong
Associated: Greatest Libraries in Melbourne
11. Geelong Arts Centre
If you happen to’re searching for issues to do with youngsters Geelong Arts Centre repeatedly hosts youngsters’s programming and college vacation actions, together with reveals that will usually be touring Arts Centre Melbourne (at a less expensive value!).
Not too long ago present process a $140m redevelopment, the Geelong Arts Centre constructing facade sits because the jewel within the crown of the Little Malop Avenue arts district, throughout from the Geelong Gallery and the Geelong Library and Heritage Centre.
Get extra information on Geelong Artwork Centre’s youngsters and household programming.
Geelong Arts Centre, 50 Little Malop St, Geelong, 1300 251 200, boxoffice@geelongartscentre.org.au
12. Nationwide Wool Museum
It’s acquired a status for being a considerably daggy institution however in actual fact, the revamp of the outdated staff’ cottages implies that youngsters have the chance to work together with the artefacts and fake play. In addition they have rotating exhibitions within the upstairs gallery.
Learn our evaluate of Nationwide Wool Museum.
Try what’s on on the Nationwide Wool Museum’s Occasions part for enjoyable issues to do in Geelong for youths, particularly throughout faculty holidays.
Nationwide Wool Museum 26 Moorabool Avenue, Geelong, 03 5272 4701
13. Geelong Gaol Museum
On the lookout for issues to do in Geelong this weekend? Go to probably the most intact nineteenth Century jail in Victoria, which closed in 1991 within the circumstances seen at The Geelong Gaol Museum at this time.
Open weekends, faculty holidays and public holidays, you’ll see shows telling the historical past of the jail and its prisoners, exhibitions on Colonial Prisons, the Hulks, Rogues and Vagabonds and Saga Behind the Armour.
Geelong Gaol Museum, 202 Myers St, Geelong, 1300 865 800
14. Barwon Valley Enjoyable Park and Balyang Sanctuary
Solely a 5 minute drive from the CBD, the expansive Barwon Valley Enjoyable Park on the banks of the Barwon river is a youngsters’ paradise.
With areas for the smaller youngsters with little slides and bouncy fish, in addition to the bigger play gear for the older youngsters – everybody may have a ball.
There’s a zipline, pirate ship, ladybug automobile and plenty of different gear to maintain them busy.
There’s a giant block of bogs on the hill, in addition to picnic and barbeque amenities with undercover areas for shade.
Take the bridge throughout the river to Newtown and you’ll come to Balyang Sanctuary. The youngsters will love the quantity of birdlife right here – from geese, to waterbirds and screeching cockatoos. Discover the little islands and stroll the boardwalk, or take the river tracks for a motorcycle or scooter journey.
Barwon Valley Enjoyable Park, 132 Barrabool Rd, Belmont VIC 3216
Balyang Sanctuary, 50 Marnock Rd, Newtown VIC 3220
15. We Rock the Spectrum Geelong
We Rock the Spectrum is an indoor play centre and sensory health club that’s geared in the direction of youngsters with particular wants – although it welcomes everybody!
It supplies Bellarine youngsters with a enjoyable and motivational surroundings to assist them with energy, motion, sensory processing, communication, optimistic behaviour modification, social interactions, and self-care abilities.
We Rock the Spectrum, 170 Marshalltown Street, Geelong 1300 268 045
16. The Rock Journey Centre, Newtown
Boasting state-of-the-art amenities The ROCK Journey Centre in Geelong caters from younger youngsters via to adults of all talents.
There’s 1000 sq. metres of Climbing Terrain with partitions as much as 12 metres excessive, and an enormous number of routes for novices to specialists. There’s additionally a large bouldering space & cave, stretching space and coaching partitions, in addition to the cafe serving drinks and snacks once you’ve labored up an urge for food!
The Rock Journey Centre Geelong, Rear 403 Pakington Avenue, Newtown VIC 3220, (03) 5221 3101
Greatest Indoor Rock Climbing for Children Melbourne
17. Rollerway, Newtown
For a retro-fun time, get your skates on and head to Rollerway Newtown!
With skating open to the general public on weekends and college holidays, you possibly can stroll in and have the pleasant employees get you fitted out with both inline skates or conventional curler skates and have a blast.
They provide informal bookings, Study to Skate classes in addition to a kiosk with cold and hot foods and drinks choices.
Rollerway Newtown, 6-8 Lampard Ave, Newtown VIC 3220, 0411 335 544
18. Buckley Falls, Highton
Are you searching for an offroad journey to take pleasure in with the children? You then’ll love Buckley Falls – a pristine and tranquil riverside reserve that can put you on a picturesque journey alongside the river banks via Fyansford and South Geelong to see beautiful waterfall views.
As soon as there, you’ll get the choice to park at Queens Park, the place you’ll then make your method up the path to the lookout on foot or on wheels. As you go in your journey, preserve a watch out for generally noticed animals such because the tawny frogmouths, gang-gang cockatoos and rainbow lorikeets. If you happen to’re fortunate sufficient, it’s possible you’ll even see a swamp wallaby alongside the water’s edge; Or on the small automobile park alongside the falls, which supplies quick access for a fast pit cease to understand the view.
After you’ve taken within the scenic views and it’s time to go, you possibly can select to observe the River Crimson Gum Stroll downstream to succeed in the Barwon Aqueduct River Path, the place you possibly can seize a fast chunk to eat at both the Fyansford Resort or Provenance Wines which is just a bit method up forward.
Buckley Falls, 150 Queens Park Street, Highton
19. Barrabool Maze Property, Ceres
Set on a 1.6 hectare property with gardens, a maze and a restaurant close to Ceres, west of Geelong, new homeowners took over this property in 2015 and have lovingly and painstakingly introduced the hedge maze again to life after it had been all however deserted for just a few years.
The world is among the driest elements of Victoria because it sits in a rainshadow of the Otway Ranges so it has a novel backyard stuffed with succulents, cacti, sturdy Australian natives and hardy exotics. The crops are thoughtfully organized to benefit from foliage, flowers and type. There are additionally stunning roses and seasonal perennials so as to add curiosity.
The maze has two lookouts so you may get a hen’s eye view of the maze, gardens and environment.
Barrabool Maze Property, 35 Walter Rd, Barrabool, 1300 356 217, information@barraboolmaze.com.au
20. Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre, Grovedale
A beautiful place for kids to discover and study Aboriginal historical past and tradition, Narana is a good cease for a pleasant and relaxed go to.
The centre is free to enter, and you should purchase cups of feed for $3 to feed the roaming wildlife together with kangaroos and emus, whilst you observe the indicators as you wander round. There are guided excursions out there, and boomerang throwing periods.
There’s additionally a restaurant and playground on website, in addition to a present store.
Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre, 410 Surfcoast Hwy, Grovedale
21. BOUNCE Geelong, Grovedale
Dive into enjoyable at BOUNCE Geelong, the place adrenaline meets leisure! With 50 interconnected free-jump trampolines, dodgeball courts, and a large climbing wall, there’s one thing for everybody.
A separate indoor playground space is ideal for smaller our bodies, the cafe is a good spot to relaxation and rejuvenate with drinks and snacks.
BounceINC Geelong, 3/174 Torquay Street, Grovedale VIC 3216, (03) 9131 5099
22. Artsy Artful Lounge, Norlane
Children and adults alike can get their creativity flowing with a go to to Artsy Artful Lounge.
With actions together with portray, plaster work, jewellery-making workshops, resin moulds and extra – the one restrict is your creativeness!
Open weekends and college holidays.
Artsy Artful Lounge, Store 3, Labuan Sq., Forster Avenue, Norlane VIC 3214, 0423 040 757, f.garlick@yahoo.com
23. Serendip Sanctuary, Lara
Serendip Sanctuary is among the issues to do round Geelong if you wish to get out in nature. It’s a Parks Victoria-run nature reserve the place you possibly can go bird-watching and spot native wildlife, all at no cost. It’s a quiet spot for a picnic and barbecue too.
Throughout faculty holidays Serendip Sanctuary repeatedly hosts particular free faculty vacation applications as a part of Parks Victoria’s Junior Rangers program of nature-based play.
Serendip Sanctuary, 100 Windermere Rd, Lara
24. Lara Pool, Lara
When the temperature is HOT and also you’re searching for issues to do in Geelong area, then head to the superior Lara Pool.
It’s greater than your common public pool – benefit from the pirate-themed water slide playground, shaded toddler pool and absolutely fenced youngsters space with shady spots to sit down. Lara Pool evaluate
Lara Pool, 2 Financial institution St, Lara, 03 5282 1563
25. Fairy Park, Anakie
A bit additional out from Geelong is Fairy Park in Anakie, the oldest theme park in Victoria.
One of many pleasant locations to go to close to Geelong that conjures up loads of imaginative play; Fairy Park is an old style fairytale theme park with retro puppet tableaus, mannequin trains and a enjoyable fairytale playground. Fairy Park evaluate
Fairy Park, 2388 Geelong-Ballan Rd, Anakie, 03 5284 1262
26. Anakie Gorge, Anakie
Anakie Gorge is a good place to move in case you’re eager on a simple household bushwalk. A part of the Brisbane Ranges, it’s a nice stroll for little ones who haven’t accomplished a number of bushwalking. You possibly can wander alongside Stony Creek and spot wallabies and koalas via a novel dry gorge on this family-friendly stroll. Preserve a watch out for the long-lasting duck orchid and different native wildflowers or watch an abundance of birdlife amongst the eucalypts.
Anakie Gorge Stroll, Staughton Vale, VIC 3340
Issues to do Bellarine Peninsula with youngsters
27. Journey Park Geelong, Wallington
Simply quarter-hour outdoors Geelong is Victoria’s largest theme Park; Journey Park Geelong. It’s a well-liked Geelong attraction for households: house to water slides and dry rides, and there are splash pads and water playgrounds. You possibly can e book a (shaded) sunbed or cabana for the day at an extra value. Learn my full evaluate.
Journey Park Geelong, 1249 Bellarine Freeway, Wallington, 03 5250 7200
28. Tuckerberry Hill, Drysdale
Enterprise alongside the Bellarine Peninsula and you will discover Tuckerberry Hill. They’ve seasonal fruit selecting out there for blueberries, strawberries, and stone fruit, and a restaurant open all 12 months spherical.
The youngsters (large and small!) will love tasting the recent produce, and there’s even a nano-brewery onsite brewing blueberry beer!
Tuckerberry Hill, 35 Becks Street, Drysdale VIC 3222, tuckerberry@bigpond.com
29. Kingston Park Playground, Ocean Grove
Not far out of Geelong, you’ll discover the stunning little city of Ocean Grove. When you’ve got time it’s nicely price a go to together with the attractive neighbouring city of Barwon Heads. There’s an incredible playground in Ocean Grove referred to as Kingston Park Playground, behind ‘The Mex’ restaurant, close to the commercial space that’s a lot of enjoyable.
The playground is predicated round a ‘panorama as playground’ theme, has a six-metre excessive central tower and two slides and options each passive and lively play areas, in addition to inclusive areas to be used by youngsters of all talents.
Kingston Park Playground, 8-52 Adco Grove, Ocean Grove
30. See All Dolphin Swims, Queenscliff
You don’t have to truly swim to see the wildlife! See All Dolphin Swims provide sightseeing excursions and they’re a year-round, household favorite! You possibly can see the fantastic wildlife of Port Phillip Bay from the heat and luxury of the boat! The 1.5 hour excursions go away from Queenscliff Harbour which is simply about half-hour out of Geelong.
See All Dolphin Swims, Store 3, Constructing 6, Queenscliff Boat Harbour, Queenscliff +61 3 5258 3889, crew@dolphinswims.com.au
Issues to do Surf Coast with youngsters
31. Bunjil’s Nest Playground, Mount Duneed
After being guided by the big hen sculpture on the entrance to the Armstrong property you will discover Bunjil’s Nest Playground.
It’s one of many locations to go to in Geelong with all the precise amenities for a time out; particularly as there’s a lot room for youths of all ages.
The youngsters will love all of the alternatives to climb (together with an enormous tree), the flying fox, in-ground trampolines and swings. Youthful youngsters will benefit from the sandpit space and the smaller gear surrounding the sandpit.
Amenities embrace water faucets, public bogs, barbecues and picnic desk shelters and an expansive cafe.
Bunjil’s Nest Playground, Sovereign Drive, Mount Duneed
32. The Messy Patch, Mount Duneed
If you happen to actually need to win the children over, head to The Messy Patch the place they will get their fingers soiled in play-based studying with portray, building, a splash zone, sandpit play and dirt cooking!
Periods run every single day Monday to Saturday, with some Sundays within the faculty holidays. A secure and enjoyable exercise with indoor and out of doors areas to go well with all varieties of climate.
The Messy Patch is appropriate for kids from newborns via to major age.
The Messy Patch, 1135 Surf Coast Freeway, Mount Duneed VIC 3217, 0448996377, hiya@themessypatch.com.au
33. Surf Coast Strawberry Fields, Mount Duneed
From October/November via to late April annually is strawberry season, and one of the best ways to get them is to choose your personal!
Let the children roam round selecting and consuming as a lot strawberry goodness as they like. There are many different recent farm-made goodies for buy too reminiscent of strawberry ice cream and jams, and pre-picked punnets out there on the farm gate.
Be sure to test their Fb web page for normal updates, as some opening occasions could differ because of climate circumstances.
Surf Coast Strawberry Fields, 2 McCanns Street, Mount Duneed VIC 3217
Greatest Locations to Eat in Geelong with Children
34. Pavilion Geelong
Developed in 1927, The Pavilion is positioned on Jap Seaside waterfront precinct throughout from the well-known swimming pool, playground and strolling observe so it makes an incredible assembly place for households and associates.
It has been refreshed and revitalised over latest years and serves coffees from 6:30am each day for many who are up early and having fun with the strolling observe alongside the water.
There’s a giant vary of breakfast and lunch choices out there on the all-day menu together with tasty youngsters choices.
The Pavilion, Jap Seaside, Geelong, +61 3 4214 2000
35. The Pickers Union
Cute decor, Instagram-worthy meals and specialty espresso in North Geelong. Full evaluate.
The Pickers Union, 3 Mackey St Geelong 0447 531 844
36. Edge
Edge is a giant brassy pub and bistro on the waterfront with the added bonus of a youngsters’s space with toys and books. There’s additionally a big grassed space out the aspect for the children to burn some vitality.
The meals is fairly good too, strive their bouillabaisse. We visited as a part of the Geelong Christmas Path.
Edge, 6-8 Jap Seaside Rd, Geelong, 03 5222 2666
37. Little Creatures
Little Creatures is initially a Western Australian beer firm and their arrange in Geelong allows them to serve the east coast of Australia with the freshest beer.
The massive website in Geelong is a ‘brewery village expertise’, with a bustling Canteen, White Rabbit Barrel Corridor and the colorful Thriller Lane. The meals is improbable, with a lot of sharing plates and naturally beers on faucet and you may select to sit down inside or outdoors. For child’s leisure, you possibly can ask to borrow some board video games behind the bar.
Through the 12 months they’re well-known for internet hosting occasions such because the Furphy Cinemas and Hops n Beats within the laneway throughout Summer time, a Winter Wonderland pageant in July, in addition to beer launches and markets all year long.
Little Creatures, 221 Swanston St, Geelong, 03 5202 4009
38. Wah Wah Gee
The views don’t get any higher than at Wah Wah Gee, positioned on the finish of Cunningham Pier by the Geelong waterfront.
The restaurant doesn’t relaxation on its laurels although – it’s not a vacationer entice. The on-trend Asian meals and fancy drinks listing implies that it’s a hotspot for locals searching for an excellent time and an excellent feed.
Eat early earlier than the crowds flip it right into a enjoyable and loud occasion venue!
Wah Wah Gee, Cunningham Pier, 10 Western Seaside Foreshore Street, Geelong, 03 5222 6377
39. King of the Fort
This expansive eating corridor has cubicles for households, excessive chairs, a great deal of pram room, a youngsters menu and a small space out the again. It affords espresso, bakery treats, gourmand burgers and an modern menu.
King of the Fort, 24 Pakington St, Geelong West, 0418 227 366
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For lodging choices in Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula, I like to recommend trying out what’s out there on Airbnb.
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