Here are some of the kid-friendly events across Melbourne’s eastern suburbs in October.
Did we forget any? Let us know via [email protected].
Tesselaar Tulip Festival
Image Credit: Chris Phutully
The Tesselaar Flower Farm in Silvan hosts this annual event, which includes traditional Dutch entertainment and a tractor ride around the site.
When: Every day until Sunday October 11
Where: 357 Monbulk Road, Silvan
Cost: $39.50 adults, children three to 16 free
Bringing Stories to Life: Illustrating and Writing Children's Books with Zeno Sworder
As part of the Dandenong Ranges Literary Festival, children’s author Zeno Sworder will read his latest book, Once I Was a Giant, followed by a presentation on his creative process, a range of art activities and helping children create their own picture book.
When: Friday October 2, 11am-noon
Where: Belgrave Community Rooms, Belgrave Library, Reynolds Lane, Belgrave
Cost: $10
Run Maroondah
The 10-year anniversary of this running event includes a 1.2-kilometre kids event, a five-kilometre run or walk and a 10 and 15-kilometre run.
When: Sunday October 4, 9am
Where: HE Parker Reserve, 150 Heathmont Road, Heathmont
Cost: $17.50-$40.50
Monash Family Fun Day
Image Credit: Monash City Council
Attractions will include live performances, craft sessions, wildlife displays, a giant inflatable slide, a virtual reality van ride, mini golf, face painting and an outdoor cinema.
When: Sunday October 25, 10am-3pm
Where: Batesford Reserve, 94 Batesford Road, Chadstone
Cost: Free, registration recommended
Touch-a-Truck Community Festival
Knaith Road Child Care Centre’s main fundraising event for the year will host more than 30 vehicles, including vintage cars and big rigs, more than 40 market stalls and food trucks, an animal petting farm, face painting, a jumping castle and pony rides.
When: Sunday October 18, 10am-3pm
Where: Knaith Road Reserve, Laurence Grove, Ringwood East
Cost: $7.50
Melbourne Colour Frenzy
Image Credit: Colour Frenzy
The main event of the morning is three laps around the 1.65-kilometre loop track, including five stations to get covered in colourful paint, one bubble station and a new inflatable crawling section.
The fun run will run from 9:30 to 11am, the event will then finish up by 12pm.
Proceeds from the event will support local animal rescues in Melbourne.
When: Sunday October 18, 8:30am-noon
Where: Jells Park, 975 Ferntree Gully Road Service Road, Wheelers Hill
Cost: $42 for adults, $22.50 for children aged five to 12, $10 for children aged under five
Whitehorse Spring Festival
Image Credit: Creative Whitehorse
The festival will feature live performances, community stalls, food and drink and workshops.
This year, the event will also feature The Big Sing, a community sing-along uniting singers from local choirs, school and community groups for a special mass choir performance at 2pm.
When: Sunday October 18, 10am-4pm
Where: Whitehorse Civic Centre Precinct, 379-399 Whitehorse Road, Nunawading
Cost: Free
Manningham Family Festival and Walk for Youth Mental Health
Hosted by Rotary Manningham City, the Manningham Family Festival will include craft and food stalls, children’s rides and an animal farm.
From 10am to noon, the Walk for Youth Mental Health will involve a casual walk around the park for all ages.
When: Sunday October 25, 9am-4pm
Where: Ruffey Lake Park, George Street, Doncaster
Cost: Free
Schwerkolt Cottage Heritage Family Day
Hosted by the Whitehorse Historical Society, the annual Heritage Family Day at Schwerkolt Cottage will include live demonstrations of heritage trades and crafts including woodturning, blacksmithing, basket making, lapidary, spinning and weaving, lacemaking and Chinese brush painting.
When: Sunday September 13, 11am-4pm
Where: Schwerkolt Cottage and Museum Complex, 2-10 Deep Creek Road, Mitcham
Cost: Free
Mario the Maker Magician
New York-based magician Mario Marchese incorporates traditional magic, slapstick comedy and handmade gadgets and robotics.
When: Sunday September 20, 10-10:50am and 2-2:50pm
Where: The Round, 379-399 Whitehorse Road, Nunawading
Cost: $22
Big Science, Big Fun
Fizzics Education is hosting this demonstration of technology and science, including electricity and liquid nitrogen.
When: Monday September 21, 10-11am
Where: Japara Neighbourhood House, 54-58 Durham Road, Kilsyth
Cost: $10
Mojo & Jimmy: The Totally Awesome Magic Show
Created by Australian magicians Dom Chambers and Simon Coronel, this stage show follows a monkey (Mojo) and a tomato (Jimmy) as they save their annual magic show from disaster.
When: Tuesday September 29, 11-noon and 2-3pm
Where: Karralyka Centre, 22A Mines Road, Ringwood East
Cost: $23
Guide Dogs Victoria’s school holiday program
Children aged eight to 12 meet and interact with Guide Dog puppies, learn about responsible pet care, play games, engage in activities to learn more about vision impairment and craft making.
Children are required to bring their own lunch and snacks.
When: Tuesday September 29, 9am-3:30pm
Where: Guide Dogs Victoria Kew Campus, 2-6 Chandler Highway, Kew
Cost: $140