Chestnuts, mini trains and LEGO Jedis: The best kids’ attractions across Melbourne’s eastern suburbs in May
Whether they want to live out their dream of going to Hogwarts or building their dream LEGO creation, Melbourne’s eastern suburbs has plenty to inspire and excite kids this May.
Matthew Sims
May 02, 2025
With chilly weather starting to settle in, it can be difficult to inspire the whole family to get outside. But there’s always something new to check out for youngsters or those young at heart. Here is our list of some of the best events and activities to check out in May.
Kalorama Chestnut Festival
From roasted chestnuts to mulled wine, the Kalorama Chestnut Festival is a perfect chance to rug your kids up and get them to embrace this pre-winter chill.
Other attractions at this free event include poffertjes, homemade cakes, a sausage sizzle, local food stalls, handmade crafts and produce.
When: Sunday May 4, 10am to 4pm
Where: Kalorama Memorial Reserve, Mount Dandenong Tourist Road
Cost: Free
LEGO Star Wars Exhibition
A match made in geek heaven is on its way to Melbourne Museum this weekend, with all of the iconic Star Wars moments brought from the movies into life-sized recreations.
Boasting more than eight million LEGO bricks and taking more than 25,000 hours to complete, there is plenty to check out.
When: From Sunday May 4 to Saturday July 19
Where: Melbourne Museum, 11 Nicholson Street, Carlton
Cost: $38 adult, $24 child
Rocky Road Festival at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery
Are you and your kids fans of a crunchy and gooey Rocky Road on the weekend? Well, you’ll be spoiled for choice at the Yarra Valley Chocalaterie’s Rocky Road Festival, where 31 different flavours of Rocky Road will be available in a three-metre-long cabinet.
Those wanting to create or taste some special versions of Rocky Road can grab a ticket to special tasting sessions, which will include seven samples of unique Rocky Road Festival flavours as well as hot chocolate and ice cream. Then get to work making your own unique Rocky Road block to take home.
When: Every day in May
Where: 35 Old Healesville Rd, Yarra Glen
Cost: $28 per person for tasting sessions
Mooroolbark and District Miniature Railway and Steam Club
Perfect for little ones not old enough to appreciate Puffing Billy, Mooroolbark’s mini train rides are the perfect cheap outing - depending on how many times they want to ride, of course. Enjoy the relaxing ride through tunnels and under bridges as your kids pretend to be the driver.
For those spectating, there is a kiosk, picnic tables, an electric barbecue and shelters in case of rain.
When: Fourth Sunday of each month - next meeting on Sunday May 25
Where: Kiloran Reserve, 75 Hawthory Road, Mooroolbark
Cost: $3 per person
Harry Potter: The Exhibition
With a new TV adaptation of the books coming soon, there will soon be a bunch of new fans of the Harry Potter universe. Kids of all ages can find something to enjoy in this new exhibition, including playing a game of Quidditch and checking out some iconic props and costumes from the movies.
When: Every day until Monday June 9
Where: Fever Exhibition and Experience Centre, 62 Dawson Street, Brunswick
Cost: $42
Heide Museum of Modern Art
Art therapist Tanis Douglas hosts Art Babies most Tuesdays and Fridays at the Heide Museum of Modern Art, where babies up to one year old can engage in sensory play or enjoy storytime.
Heide has plenty of impressive things to check out for older kids getting into art, including a sculpture park, the heritage gardens, five gallery spaces and more than 3600 works of art.
When: Open every day except Mondays, next Art Babies session Friday May 9, noon
Where: 7 Templestowe Rd, Bulleen
Cost: $30 for Art Babies sessions
Cubetown
Do your kids game a little too much without getting active? Well, Cubetown merges gaming with physical activity in a unique way. Featuring seven different rooms and a number of game types, play against your children or friends and build up your points.
Where: Kingsway Central, Level 4, 73/75 Kingsway, Glen Waverley
Cost: $29.99 before 5pm on Fridays, $39.99 after 5pm on Fridays
LEGOLAND Discovery Centre
We checked out LEGOLAND recently, but we just wanted to highlight it again as a great place to check out with kids wanting to explore their creativity. Or if they are more of a thrill-seeker, there are rides and soft playgrounds to check out.
Where: Opposite HOYTS Cinema on the second floor of Chadstone Shopping Centre
Cost: $28.80
Collingwood Children’s Farm
From meeting guinea pigs to grading eggs, kids interested in animals or even running a farm one day have plenty to see and do during a visit to the Collingwood Children’s Farm.
Where: 8 St Heliers Street, Abbotsford
Cost: $20 for adults or $10 for children
Kids Mornings at Westfield Knox
Each week features a variety of physical and creative activities available to keep your kids occupied. This month features an origami workshop on Wednesday May 7 and a Mother's Day cards, paper hearts and flower vases workshop on Friday May 9.
When: Every Wednesday and Friday, 10am to 1pm
Where: Westfield Knox, Level 2, near Asics