Whether you’re passing through Geelong, traveling here for a visit, or you actually live in the area and want some inspiration – Well, I hope you come across this blog!

I put it to the people of Instagram, about their personal choices of places to go and things to do for Geelong with Kids. And they have spoken! Here are some categories to sift through to keep you entertained, in what I think is definitely the best city in Australia.

Accounts to Follow

+ @thebeanbible, obviously!

+ @puddlesandplay – for the best playgrounds and parks in the area and what they entail.

 

To Eat  

@basilsfarm – a winery with sandpit, outside seating and plenty of space for the kids to run, with wine and a view!

@picnictimecafe – a cafe in a shed of sorts, with a decent size playground inside for the kids to play. A smaller ‘play centre’ with better food and coffee!

@meerkatmanor – A huge play centre 20 minutes out of Geelong CBD with the best staff, cleanest centre, cheapest easy food and a super fun non dangerous play area for the kids.

@woodhousecafe – a people choice cafe which has apparently just opened its own play area for the kids.

@hellobirdiecafe – not far from Meerkat Manor, another cafe with ample kid space outside.

@cafebotticellionminerva – much of the same as above!

@edgegeelong – on weekdays has a kids area set up inside (mostly for smaller babies and toddlers) and a large grass area next door – also conveniently placed on the Geelong Waterfront.

@boxofficecafe – on the busy Pakington Street, with a sandpit while you enjoy a coffee

Some more peoples choice – @ravenscreekgeelong, @barwonedge, @the_bellerine_railway, @the_little_teapot_cafe, @bomboras_torquay, @mobytorquay_, @mtduneedestate, @drysdalehotel, @flyingbrickciderco, @canteen3215

To Play

@meerkatmanor – A huge play centre 20 minutes out of Geelong CBD with the best staff, cleanest centre, cheapest easy food and a super fun non dangerous play area for the kids.

@supatrampgeelong – giant trampolines, need we say more?

Search for Nature Playgroups in Geelong – often these are free and held in parks or school ovals. We attend on every week and its great fun!

Barwon Heads – has a number of playgrounds and parks, right on the water edge.

Ballyang Sanctuary – feed the ducks, walk around the river, go to the park. Also down near the Caravan parks for those who are passing through.

@agoodplaceto_start – crafts for adults who run children sessions during holidays.

@mannerimstables – pick you own flowers!

Botanical gardens – walking tracks, brach, playgrounds and a cafe in the middle.

Tuckerberry Hill Farm – pick your own blueberries and strawberries.

@geelonglibraries – free dancing and singing classes for babies, toddlers and older. So many free resources and they’re scattered all over Geelong.

To Shop

@ryderlovesmiller – located in East Geelong, a children boutique store.

Seed (On Pako and in the CBD)

Cotton On Kids (Market Square

The Last Piece – For all your toy needs

Oishi M

Little Earth Nest

Goose – ‘for special things’ – East Geelong

Salted Starfish – on Pako – “They stock Milky Clothing owned by a Geelong Family”

Best & Less (Market Square)

And lots of people shop online at @nextofficial

For yourself

These places have been recommended (or tried by myself) as child friendly, or quick and easy to escape without the constraints of salons times.

@the_little_beautician – all you waxing and lash lifting needs with this gem who has a home salon with a play room next door.

@steviehair and @jeffflynnhair – both recommended copious amounts of times as fabulous hair dressers who either work from their own salon or rent a chair, so you don’t have to worry about booking in and being left sitting by yourself while your stylist attends to 6 people at one time!

Enjoy!