The best kids events and attractions across Melbourne’s eastern suburbs in May
There’s plenty to keep young people entertained this month.
Matthew Sims
May 01, 2026
Here are some of the best family-friendly events and activities to burn up excess energy in May.
Did we forget any upcoming events for kids in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs? Let us know by reaching out via [email protected]
Glenroy Festival
This year’s Glenroy Festival will feature a full schedule of live performances from up-and-coming bands and artists, as well as arts and crafts workshops, an inflatable mushroom forest, community stalls and food trucks.
When: Sunday May 3, 11am-3pm
Where: Glenroy Community Hub and Bridget Shortell Reserve, 50 Wheatsheaf Road, Glenroy
Cost: Free
Kalorama Chestnut Festival
For more than 40 years, the Kalorama Chestnut Festival has seen families from across the Dandenong Ranges pick chestnuts to bring along to roast and eat.
About 60 stalls will include information displays from community groups, as well as local traders offering produce, food options, coffee, homemade jewellery, clothing, handmade toys and arts and crafts gifts.
Funds raised will contribute to the ongoing management of Mount Dandenong Preschool and Mount Dandenong Primary School.
When: Sunday May 3, 10am-4pm
Where: Kalorama Memorial Reserve, 1190-1196 Mount Dandenong Tourist Road, Kalorama
Cost: Free
Healesville Festival
Rufous Whistler and Joshua Batten will be among the performers.
This two-day event will include music acts, guitar-making workshops, group singing classes, and spans throughout the main part of town.
Singer-songwriters Tessa Devine and Rufous Whistler will be the headline act at The Memo from 6.30 to 10.30pm on Saturday night.
On Sunday, free family entertainment will be available at Queens Park for Mother’s Day.
When: Saturday May 9, 10am-10.30pm and Sunday May 10, 10am-5pm
Where: Various locations (Saturday) and Queens Park, 36 Don Road, Healesville (Sunday)
Cost: Free except for headline show – $38
Mother’s Day Classic
Image Credit: Botanic Gardens of Sydney
Kids, parents and loved ones will lace up on Mother’s Day at running and walking events across the country as part of the 29th annual Mother’s Day Classic.
Local events will be held at Lillydale Lake – including a 5.1-kilometre course – and Lysterfield Lake – a 6.2-kilometre course.
Funds raised will support the National Breast Cancer Foundation and Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation.
When: Sunday May 10, 8-11am
Where: Lillydale Lake, 435 Swansea Road, Lilydale and Lysterfield Lake, Horswood Road, Lysterfield
Cost: $45 adults, $39 concession, $33 children aged 3-12
Play School: Come and Play!
Marking the 60th anniversary of one of Australia’s most iconic children’s television shows, this exhibition is centred around allowing visitors aged two to five to go behind the scenes in interactive activities where they can become the director, actor or camera operator.
When: Every day from 10am-5pm
Where: ACMI, Federation Square, Flinders Street, Melbourne
Cost: Free, bookings essential
Museum of Play and Art
Kids of all ages are welcome here, with experiences and interactive activities available across a range of comfort levels, including trampolines and a flying fox.
For the more artistic or tactile children, there is a Volkswagen Beetle painting experience or a water play area.
When: 9.30am-4pm, Monday to Thursday and 9am-5pm, Friday to Sunday
When: Level 1/372 Whitehorse Road, Nunawading
Cost: $25 children, $18 adults