The best kids’ attractions and events across Melbourne’s eastern suburbs in November
From racing against a historic steam engine to riding on a hovercraft, there’s plenty to keep young eastern Melburnians entertained this month.
Matthew Sims
October 31, 2025
Here are some of the best family-friendly events and activities over the next few weeks.
Did we forget any upcoming events for kids in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs? Let us know by reaching out via [email protected]
Bluey at Healesville Sanctuary
This 20-minute stage show is included for free with a ticket for entry into Healesville Sanctuary this long weekend.
Kids of all ages can play games with sisters Bluey and Bingo before they check out the rest of the sanctuary’s animals.
When: Saturday November 1 to Tuesday November 4 – 20-minute shows at 10.30am, 11.15am, noon and 12.45pm
Where: Glen Eadie Avenue, Healesville
Cost: Free with entry – adults for $54.90, children free weekends and holidays or $28.50 on weekdays
Hovercraft Rides @ Caribbean Gardens
Ride across the man-made Lake Caribbean and throughout the grounds of the Caribbean Gardens site on a hovercraft.
All children under six must be accompanied by an adult or guardian, while children under three can ride for free.
When: Sunday November 2, 10am to 3pm
Where: 1280 Ferntree Gully Road, Scoresby
Cost: $30 for a single ticket aged three and up, $100 for a group of four
Elmwood Fair
Elmwood Early Learning Childcare and Kindergarten is opening its doors to the public for this event, which will include pony rides, a butterfly tent and face painting.
When: Saturday November 8, 10am to 2pm
Where: 354 Burwood Highway, Burwood
Cost: Free
Lilydale and Yarra Valley Show
This year marks the 70th anniversary of this agriculture and horticulture-centric show.
The extravaganza will feature puppet shows, reptile exhibits, an animal nursery, African drumming, belly dancing and circus workshops.
When: Saturday November 15, 9am to 5pm, then 5pm to 9.30pm for night entry and Sunday November 16, 9am to 5pm
Where: Lilydale Showgrounds, 27 Market Street, Lilydale
Cost: Adults for $18, children between four and 14 years of age for $6 and children under four for free. Saturday night only between 6pm and 9pm – adults for $10
Mulgrave Farmers’ Market
The Mulgrave Farmers’ Market is perfect for a quick stop for kids to use up their surplus energy on one of the many playgrounds on the school grounds while grabbing a quick bite.
From local producers of goodies like potatoes, berries and honey to businesses showing off their wares, the festival always has rotating stallholders to check out every week.
When: Every Sunday from 8am to 1pm
Where: Mulgrave Primary School, 23-31 Gladeswood Drive, Mulgrave
Cost: Gold coin entry, all proceeds go to Mulgrave Primary School
Run for the Young Marathon
Runners can choose to walk or run in a 2.5-kilometre kids’ run (12 and under), five-kilometre race, 10-kilometre race, 21.1-kilometre half-marathon or 42.2-kilometre marathon. The marathon course will be open for six hours, closing at 1pm.
All proceeds will contribute to local youth charity and event organiser Bridge Builders.
When: Sunday November 23, 7am to 1pm
Where: Races start at Mount Lilydale Mercy College, 120 Anderson Street, Lilydale
Cost: $20 to $70
Race against Puffing Billy
Children from three to 12 years of age can apply to race alongside a steam engine on a stretch of the Dandenong Ranges’ historic Puffing Billy Railway across a number of race lengths as part of the Rotary Club of Emerald and District’s annual Kids Fun Run with Puffing Billy event.
Funds raised this year from the event will support the creation of murals in the Children's Ward at the Angliss Hospital in Upper Ferntree Gully.
When: Sunday November 30, 9am to 2pm
Where: Puffing Billy Railway - Gembrook Station, Main Street, Gembrook
Cost: $25 per race registration, with any additional donation welcome. Train ride alongside a race for $5 or $15 for a full ride.