In collaboration with Australian Outdoor Living
Spring has sprung and I’ve chosen my top 5 Melbourne spots to visit with the family.
The sun is shining and it’s time to get out and enjoy the outdoors.
Tesselaar Tulip Festival
The Tesselaar Tulip Festival is a unique annual event the whole family can enjoy.
This year, the festival features live entertainment with a variety of theme days and weekends, along with eight fabulous days of fun during the school holidays.
More than 500, 000 tulips will be on show whilst you indulge in culinary delights from around the globe or bring your own picnic to enjoy on the lawn. You can also pick your own tulips, browse gift shops and market stalls. A visit to the fairy garden is a must for the kids too.
The Tesselaar Tulip Festival runs until Tuesday 6 October. Visit www.tulipfestival.com.au for more information.
Don’t forget the camera!
Royal Melbourne Show
To me, the September school holidays means one thing — a visit to the Royal Melbourne Show.
The show has returned to the Melbourne Showgrounds until 29 September and it’s a great family day out.
Kids can enjoy the large array of carnival games and rides, and the opportunity to watch and learn about farming, animals and living off the land. Kids can also get up close to many farm animals, which they can feed and pat in the Animal Nursery.
Foodies will be in heaven with the fabulous range of food and drink stalls. Each stall offers award-winning produce, regional wines, finger food and homemade desserts. There are also cooking workshops and engaging programs for adults and kids.
During the day, the Royal Melbourne Show hosts demonstrations, competitions and live shows. At night, the fun continues with carnival rides, food tasting and a spectacular fireworks display.
My top tip for visiting the show is SET A BUDGET AND STICK TO IT!
Visit www.royalshow.com.au for more information.
Melbourne Zoo
One of my all time favourite places to go to in Melbourne is the zoo.
We rarely visit the zoo during Winter, so as soon as the sun starts to shine, we are keen to get down there and see what the animals are up to.
These school holidays kids can explore the new World of Frogs exhibit and indoor play space, Keeper Kids, will also be celebrating all things amphibian with frog-filled storytime and games to ensure hours of fun.
Don’t forget, kids get FREE entry to the Zoo (Melbourne, Werribee and Healesville) during the school holidays.
For more information visit www.zoo.org.au.
Emirates Stakes Day
The Melbourne Cup Carnival wraps up with a day for the family. Stakes Day is also known as Family Day, with lots of events throughout the day for children and families. This relaxed and family friendly day is the perfect way to draw a close to the excitement of the week.
The fashion is a mix of understated style and fun, with Emirates Stakes Day Fashions on the Field for younger racegoers and families, offering the opportunity to impress in the fashion stakes and claim fantastic prizes.
Stay tuned for my Spring Racing Carnival fashion for kids.
Visit www.flemington.com.au for more information.
Coburg Drive-In Food Truck Festival
Spring is the perfect time to take the family to the drive-in. The nights aren’t as cold and it’s still getting dark early enough for the kids to enjoy a movie before it gets too late.
This week (23rd + 23th) the Food Truck Festival will be returning to the Coburg Drive-In. It’s the ultimate way to see the biggest films under the stars and grab dinner from some of Melbourne’s favourite food trucks!
For more information, including a full list of food trucks, and to purchase tickets please visit Village Cinemas Food Truck Festival.
If you love Australian outdoor living, you’ll enjoy the new ebook The Ultimate Guide to Outdoor Living in Victoria. You’ll find advice on property trends, backyard design tips and more. Find it here at Australian Outdoor Living.
Do you have any favourite places in Melbourne to go with the family these holidays?
Can’t wait to do some of the activities once the sun comes back.
Ahhh spring! Even when it’s cold we love it.
Food Truck festival sounds great. Think we might go check it out tonight.