Do you really need to do ALL the things?

I’m just going to come right out and say it Reader:

It’s not the end of the world if you don’t have your school holidays planned.

Sure, you might miss out on some incredible once-in-a-lifetime experience, but if you don’t have time before the last day of school…you simply don’t have time.

You and I live in the real world and even our best intentions cannot change that fact.

Of course, I want you to plan as much as you can…but there’s also something magical about “impromptu” activities.

Here are some ways to make sure the essentials are planned…so you can enjoy some spontaneity as well.

1- Ensure you know what days you’re definitely going to be out for those boring-but-necessary appointments eg dentist appointments, haircuts – and where you’re going to be.

2- Research ahead of time for a fun event/activity nearby to make the outing less tedious. Make sure to consider how much time the activities take up and whether your little one will be too exhausted to enjoy it (or sit still for a haircut).

3- Try to schedule at least one free day between every ‘outing’ day so you can fill in the blanks depending on everyone’s mood and the weather.

4- Relax! School holidays are supposed to be fun AND a time for rest and rejuvenation. If you don’t get to something just know you did your best.

I hope this helps. I know I like to plan ahead and I’m one of those “every second, every activity” people. Butut the older my kids get, the more I realise I need time to just BE with them too – whether that’s at home or out.

We only get 18 years with our kids!

Joyce xx

P.S. To help you with #2 on the list, keep an eye out for our newsletters over the next 2 weeks. They’ll be full of school holiday ideas!

What's On

Featured Event:

Good Friday Trains: Bellarine Railway (Friday 18 Apr) Hop aboard a scenic Swan Bay train ride and help raise funds for the Royal Children's Hospital Good Friday Appeal.


  • LIT at Wyndham Park (Daily until Sunday 13 Apr) Running over the next few days, this free event lights up the nights, with extra fun for families during the Autumn school holidays.
  • Come & Play Together (Tuesday 15 Apr) Play games, listen to stories, sing songs and have fun at this holiday library program for preschoolers—bookings essential.
  • Easter Craft at The Carousel (Wednesday 16 Apr) Drop in for some free Easter-themed craft fun in a magical waterfront setting and create your own Easter basket to take home.
  • Make Your Own Marble Run & Maze (Wednesday 16 Apr) A hands-on workshop where kids aged 8-14 can use an amazing assortment of repurposed goodies to create and decorate their own marble run/maze.
  • Easter Bunny Meet & Greet (Thursday 17 Apr) Don your bunny ears and snap a photo with the Easter Bunny before the big weekend.
  • Museum of Modern (F)art (Thursday 17 Apr) Learn about water and waste systems through art and play at this free, all-ages activity zone—packed with a school holiday program of games, craft, play spaces & puzzles.
  • 96.3FM Easter Egg Hunt (Saturday 19 Apr) Search for delicious hidden treasures throughout the grounds of Bellarine Estate Winery, and enjoy a day of live music, face painting, fun activities and animal farm encounters.
  • Easter Sunday High Tea (Sunday 20 Apr) Celebrate Easter in style, and indulge in delightful savoury bites and sweet treats. Plus, there'll be bottomless tea, coffee, and free-flowing house sparkling for the adults!
  • Club Italia: Easter Monday Family Day (Monday 21 Apr) BYO picnic rug to this Pasquetta-themed family day, featuring activities, traditional Italian food and desserts, and the chance to come together and celebrate.