Family-friendly things to do in West Vic this June

Get artistic, hunt some fairies or indulge in some live medieval jousting with the kids this month.

Even when the weather drops, the energy of the younger members of the family doesn’t. 

Here’s six things around West Vic you can do with the whole family this June. 

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Winter Wonderlights at Sovereign Hill 

Image: Tourism Midwest Victoria

These are renowned for creating wonder at one of Ballarat’s most well-known and well-loved landmarks. Vibrant rainbow lights bring Sovereign Hill to light after dark.

Where: 39 Magpie Street, Ballarat

When: June 26 - July 27

Cost: $25 to $70 depending on session time 

Cobden Miniature Railway 

For $3 on Sundays, visitors to Cobden are able to enjoy the whimsy of a tiny train through a beautiful slice of natural scenery. 

Where: 29 Grayland Street, Cobden 

When: Sundays throughout June 

Cost: $3 

Visit Sisko Chocolate

 

This charming country chocolatier offers a firsthand look at the way local fine chocolate is prepared, with the sweet goods made right in front of you, in-store. For the older kids, there’s even a full Truffle Making Experience. 

Where: 5 Albert Street, Trentham 

When: Everyday, 10am to 5pm 

Cost: Varied

Jousting Tournament at Kryal Castle 

Image: Tourism Midwest Victoria

Bring the Middle Ages back for a day with the kids – within the charming walls of Kryal Castle. Watch knights joust in honour of the castle’s founder, Keith Ryall. There’s also quest scrolls to follow, potion workshops and archery! 

Where: 121 Forbes Street, Leigh Creek 

When: June 6 - 8 

Cost: $31.5 for children, $42 for adults 

A Fairy Hunt in Port Fairy 

As part of Port Fairy Winter Weekends, a trail of clues starting at the local Visitor Information Centre will take you and the family on a hunt for mystical figures. 

Where: Port Fairy 

When: June 5

Cost: Free 

Mini Makers Art Club 

Get little imaginations going with guided craft and storytelling at the Ararat Gallery – with the added extra of a creative keepsake to take home after the session ends! 

Where: Ararat Gallery TAMA

When: June 2

Cost: Free 

Reading this in May? Keep scrolling for our recommendations!

There’s no shortage of family-friendly options across western Victoria this May. 

Whether you’re after something free or a day out with a bit more buzz, here’s a spread of events worth pencilling in.

Sunday Fun Skate

A monthly two-hour social rollerskating session for ages five and older.

When: May 3, 3-5pm

Where: Warrnambool Showgrounds

Cost: $10 per person including gear

Where is the Green Sheep

Where is the Green Sheep is a theatre production based on the children’s book by Mem Fox. The show will visit Ballarat, Hamilton and Warrnambool in May.

Where: Her Majesty’s Theatre Ballarat, Hamilton Performing Arts Centre, Lighthouse Theatre Warrnambool

When: Ballarat: May 1, 11am and 1pm; Hamilton: May 5, 1am and 1pm; Warrnambool: May 7, 6:30pm

Cost: Ballarat: $30 for adults, $20 for kids under 12; Hamilton: $25 for adults, $5 for kids; Warrnambool: $25 for adults over 25, $5 for under 25

Lego Tower Building

Spend the afternoon creating skyscrapers in this free workshop at Portland Library.

Where: Portland Library

When: May 2, 2-3:30pm

Cost: Free

Koroit Irish Festival

A three-day festival celebrating the town's Irish heritage with music, dance, and community events. Highlights include the Australian “Danny Boy” singing Championship, a street procession, and the "Rock The Boat" dance.

Where: Koroit

When: May 1-3

Cost: Kids free, Adults $30

Beard and Stache Competition

The 10th Ballarat Beard and Stache Competition will feature judged categories for different styles of facial hair alongside live music, food and craft beer. 

On Sunday, a separate beard and stache competition for dogs will round out the weekend, with prizes for the best dog beard or stache and best dressed dog.

Where: Hop Temple Brewery, Ballarat

When: May 23, 11am and 24, 2pm

Cost: Free to attend