The best kids’ events and attractions across Melbourne’s eastern suburbs in January
From pool parties with mermaids and fluffy animals to a Bluey stage show, there’s plenty to keep young eastern Melburnians entertained this month.
Matthew Sims
December 31, 2025
Here are some of the best family-friendly events, activities and play hubs to burn up excess energy over the school holidays.
Did we forget any upcoming events for kids in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs? Let us know by reaching out via [email protected]
January Children’s Festival - SkyHigh Mount Dandenong
Every weekday, SkyHigh will be open for curious young minds to explore, with attractions including the maze, treasure hunts, a bouncy castle, mini golf and a circus workshop.
When: Every weekday from Tuesday January 6 to Thursday January 15, 11am-5pm
Where: SkyHigh Mount Dandenong, 26 Observatory Road, Mount Dandenong
Cost: $5 for parking; maze entry – $8 for adults and $6 for children under 12
Nerf Warz and Giant Inflatables
All ages are welcome to take part in a mock Nerf dart battle, play a game of Capture the Flag or do some target practice.
Visitors can also take on the Ninja Warrior or Wipeout inflatable obstacle courses.
When: Thursday January 8, 9-10.30am
Where: Eastern Indoor Sports Centre, 1642 Ferntree Gully Road, Knoxfield
Cost: $25
Aquarena Pool Party
The Aquarena Aquatic and Leisure Centre will host two special “pool party” events, with special visitors in addition to inflatables.
At 1pm on Tuesday January 13, youngsters can meet a range of native animals, including a koala, a possum and a wombat.
Between noon and 2pm on Wednesday January 21, Marianna the Mermaid will be visiting the centre.
When: Tuesday January 13 11am-3pm and Wednesday January 21, 11am-3pm
Where: Aquarena Aquatic and Leisure Centre, 139/153 Williamsons Road, Templestowe Lower
Cost: $10.80 for adults, $8 for children, free for members
KPop Demon Hunters Disco
Cosplay costumes will include Huntrix member Rumi. Image Credit: Rose Abrams
The animated film KPop Demon Hunters was a massive hit amongst Korean pop music lovers.
This event will feature a 90-minute performance from a K-pop DJ, live performances of songs from the film and people cosplaying as characters from the movie.
When: Thursday January 15, 10.30am-noon
Where: Curious Events Co, 26/200 Canterbury Road, Bayswater North
Cost: $27
Bluey’s Big Play
Image Credit: Mark Senior
Bluey’s Big Play is a performance extending the usual seven-minute episode length into a fully-fledged 50-minute stage show, complete with life-sized puppets, musical numbers and bubbles.
When: Friday Jan 30, 6pm; Saturday January 31 9.30am, 12.30pm and 3.30pm; Sunday February 1, 9.30am, 12.30pm and 3.30pm
Where: The Round, 379-399 Whitehorse Road, Nunawading
Cost: $64.90
Imaginationation
Imaginationation is Chadstone’s newest play centre, where children can climb, explore, run, build, paint and dance while their parents sit back with a coffee or join in on the fun.
When: Open every day from 9am-5.30pm
Where: Chadstone Shopping Centre, access via Middle Road
Cost: Two-hour casual play – $17.95 for adults, $24.95 for children
Image Credit: Connor Slade/Mark Senior