Hanging Rock is the classic family climb here. The summit trail is on wide, sealed paths, and kids love squeezing between the boulders at the top. Below the rock, pram-friendly paths wind through the reserve. Up on Mount Macedon, a short path leads to the Memorial Cross, and the weather changes fast, so bring warm layers. Older kids can scramble up Camels Hump, the highest point in the ranges.

In Kyneton, the easy Campaspe River Walk follows the river past old weirs and platypus habitat. The Kyneton Museum is in an old bluestone bank, with wagons and carriages out the back. Malmsbury's Botanic Gardens are a good spot for a picnic by the lake.

For a bigger day, Kryal Castle near Ballarat has a joust, a maze and a tower to climb. It opens on weekends and every day in the Victorian school holidays.