Here are some of the kid-friendly events across Melbourne’s eastern suburbs in September.
Did we forget any? Let us know via [email protected].
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
Tesselaar Tulip Festival
Image Credit: Chris Phutully
Every year, the Tesselaar Flower Farm in Silvan opens the doors to the public for the festival, with events and attractions including a tractor ride around the site and traditional Dutch entertainment throughout the festival.
When: Saturday September 12 to Sunday October 11
Where: 357 Monbulk Road, Silvan
Cost: $39.50 adults, children three to 16 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
Anne of Green Gables
3D Arts Youth Theatre’s Year 7-9 ensemble will be performing this contemporary take on the classic novel about a young orphan named Anne.
When: Thursday August 6 to Saturday August 8, 7-8.30pm
Where: Doncaster Playhouse, 679 Doncaster Road, Doncaster
Cost: $30 adults, $22 children under 12
Victorian State Jigsaw Puzzle Competition
Hosted by the Australian Jigsaw Puzzle Association, spectators can enter for free and check out the competitors in action throughout the day or bring along old puzzles along to the swap meet.
When: Saturday August 15, 9am-5.30pm
Where: Malvern Town Hall, 1251 High Street, Malvern
Cost: Free for spectators
Camberwell Showtime – The Happy Place
The Scouts of Boroondara and Yarra have been coming together since 1965 to perform an all-original stage production, with The Happy Place marking their 60th annual show.
This year is the result of 80 young writers and composers, a cast of 170, a live band, and a young technical support team.
When: Sunday August 16 to Tuesday August 18, 6-8.20pm; Wednesday August 19 and Thursday August 20, 7-9.20pm; Friday August 21, 7.30-9.50pm; and Saturday August 22, 1.30-3.50pm and 7.30-9.50pm
Where: The Round, 379-399 Whitehorse Road, Nunawading
Cost: $20-$30
Children's Book Week
This year’s Book Week theme is “Symphony of Stories”.
Local events include a play-along reading session with Boroondara Brass at Camberwell Library on Saturday August 22 and a workshop with children’s author George Ivanoff at Belgrave Library on Wednesday August 26.
When: Saturday August 22 to Friday August 28
Where: Multiple locations
Waverley Garden and Floral Art Festival
This annual event will feature floral art, garden and bonsai displays, plants and produce for sale, free gardening advice and guest speakers.
When: Saturday August 29, 1-5pm
Where: Mount Waverley Community Centre, 47 Miller Crescent, Mount Waverley
Cost: $5 adults, children free
Eastern Heritage Market
Visitors are encouraged to learn more about eastern history and culture in an immersive story-based experience, including interacting with characters, completing quests, sampling food and drinks and learning more about the culture of the Han Chinese.
Then, from 5 to 10pm, the night party begins with live entertainment, interactive performances and a DJ dance party.
On Sunday, the Panda Wonderland experience features panda-themed installations and interactive activities.
When: Saturday August 29, 10am-10pm and Sunday August 30, 10am-4pm
Where: Box Hill Town Hall, 1022 Whitehorse Road, Box Hill
Cost: $38-$45