Hello ​ Hey Reader I’ve got a lot to share this week so I’ll keep things short and sweet. Here’s the menu of awesomeness I want to send your way, to help prepare for the official start of winter: ​Best day trips from Melbourne by train​ ​Best all-you-can-eat buffets in Melbourne​ ​Best indoor play centres in Melbourne​ ​Best pubs in Melbourne for families​ Hope one (or all) of these links is helpful! Plus of course scroll down to check out what else is happening in this awesome city Joyce xx REPLY TO ME PS. Want even more inspo? Here’s where I hang out th ..read more

Storytime with your little ones can be some of the happiest memories in those early days of parenthood. Not only is it great for your child’s early learning and communication skills, it is also a wonderful way to meet other parents in your community. I have put together a list of all the library storytimes including baby, toddler and preschool sessions by council area, to make it easy for you to check what times they are on in your neighbourhood. For bilingual families, we also have a post on Bilingual Storytime Sessions where you can search by council area or language. Table of contents Me ..read more

Welcome to Williamstown, a seaside suburb just outside Melbourne with a charming village feel. Want to sail on a tall ship, stroll through lush botanical gardens, or go on a ghostly night tour? This historic suburb has something fun for every family member. Check out our list of the best things to do in Williamstown with kids for an unforgettable family adventure. Williamstown Events 1. Steve McCurry ICONS Catch the retrospective of the renowned works of Steve McCurry at Williamstown’s Seaworks Maritime Precinct until Saturday 25 May 2024. The ‘ICONS’ exhibition features over 100 large-forma ..read more

Fast 5 What’s On #1 What’s On This Week – CBD ​National Simultaneous Storytime State Library (Wed 22 May) – Every year a picture book, written and illustrated by an Australian author and illustrator, is read simultaneously around the country to promote the value of reading and literacy. ​​Teeny Tiny Cafe​ – Tasty Korean-style food with an indoor playland perfect for pre-schoolers. ​Stompers Library at The Dock (Tuesdays) – An energetic half an hour of stories, play, music and best of all FUN! ​ #2 What’s On This Week – North ​National ..read more

Get ready for a playful family adventure this winter at ACMI! From Wednesday 22 May to Sunday 29 September 2024, the world premiere exhibition Beings by Universal Everything is bringing its magic to Melbourne.  This interactive exhibition, filled with vibrant and playful digital art, is perfect for families looking for exciting things to do with kids in the city this winter. What is Beings? Beings is an enchanting exhibition featuring 13 artworks, including four new ones, from Universal Everything’s 20-year career.  This international art and design collective is known for creating ..read more

Be Inspired ​ Hey Reader, Part of what we do at Tot Hot or Not is to help parents and carers be inspired to explore Melbourne + Victoria with their kids. And speaking of inspiration – I believe there are always things around us to be inspired by, don’t you? Like last week – I joined 70,000 other people to walk and run in the Mother’s Day Classic to raise funds for breast and ovarian cancer research. ​ Did you know? The Mother’s Day Classic was founded in 1998 by Mavis Robertson AM and Louise Davidson AM. Since 1998, $44 million has been donated to the Na ..read more

Are you looking for a fantastic family outing this winter? The National Gallery of Victoria has an incredible children’s gallery exhibition in store for you and your kids.  Ancient Egypt for Kids offers a journey back in time to one of the most fascinating civilisations in history.  The best part? Entry is free! It’s a perfect reason to visit the NGV this winter. Here’s everything you need to know about this experience. Step into Ancient Egypt From Friday 14 June until Sunday 6 October 2024, the NGV International in St Kilda Road Melbourne will host this free exhibition in the Chil ..read more

The Sebel Melbourne Ringwood is where luxury meets convenience in the heart of Melbourne’s eastern suburbs.  This premier hotel not only offers a perfect starting point for exploring the Yarra Valley but also provides all the comforts and amenities needed for a great family stay. Here are all the ways Sebel Melbourne Ringwood will ensure every aspect of your family holiday is perfect. The Sebel Melbourne Ringwood Overview The Sebel Hotel Ringwood accommodation is known for its range of stunningly appointed rooms and apartments. Each space is designed with luxury and comfort in mind, fea ..read more

Looking for the perfect blend of comfort, style, and convenience for your family’s next Melbourne getaway? Look no further than Novotel Melbourne on Collins.  Nestled in the heart of Melbourne’s bustling CBD on the iconic Collins Street, this 4.5-star hotel promises a memorable stay with a touch of urban sophistication. Novotel Melbourne on Collins Hotel Overview Directly above the upscale St Collins Lane, Novotel on Collins offers direct access to Melbourne’s fashion flagship stores such as Coach and Tag Heuer. The hotel’s location places you at the doorstep of Melbourne’s major attrac ..read more

June is here! That means we’re halfway through 2024 and that the winter school holidays are just a few weeks away.  So, because we always want to help you have fun with your family every month of the year, we’re back with another mega list of what’s on in Melbourne for the month of June. We’ve also got a special list of what’s on in Melbourne for the winter school holidays which are taking place from Saturday 29 June to Sunday 14 July 2024. Other dates to note: Monday 10 June: King’s Birthday This post is updated regularly so check back in to see what’s on in Melbourne today, this weeke ..read more