Science skills and hot chocolate: The best kids’ attractions and events across Melbourne’s eastern suburbs in August
From having fun on a pickleball court to gazing into the starry sky, there is plenty to keep young eastern Melburnians entertained in August.
Matthew Sims
August 05, 2025
Children keen to widen their horizons into the weird and wonderful world of science have plenty to choose from, as National Science Week runs from Saturday August 9 to Sunday August 17. Here is our list of some of the best events and activities in July.
Did we forget any events for kids in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs? Let us know by reaching out via [email protected]
Fizz, Pop, Discover!
Extreme chemical and scientific reactions are the focus of “Fizz, Pop, Discover!” in Bayswater North, including how popcorn is cooked, how volcanoes erupt and how flowers can change colour.
Young scientists can also enjoy playing with slime and engaging in other sensory activities.
When: Tuesday August 12, 9.30am to 11.30am
Where: Arrabri Community House, 42 Allambanan Drive, Bayswater North
Cost: Free
Buzz into Science
Are you a young wanna-bee apiarist? The Basin Community House is hosting a “Buzz into Science” session, featuring a honey tasting station and bee hotel building sessions.
You can also meet a beekeeper, see beekeeping gear and learn about how honey is made, make beeswax candles or learn more about bee behaviour, including how they communicate via dancing.
When: Saturday August 16, 10am to 1pm
Where: The Basin Community House, 21 Liverpool Road, The Basin
Cost: Free
Tiny Tenants - Buildings for Bugs
Hotels for insects? Kids can get to work as part of the “Tiny Tenants” session, building homes for everything from bees to beetles using recycled and natural materials.
Parents can enjoy light refreshments and connect with other community members interested in sustainability.
Attendees are encouraged to bring along any spare timber and other materials.
When: Sunday August 17, 11am to 12.30pm
Where: Central Ringwood Community Centre, 2 Rosewarne Lane, Bedford Park, Ringwood
Cost: Free
An Evening of Stargazing
Astronomical Society of Victoria volunteers will help budding stargazers find key constellations and other extraterrestrial bodies as part of “An Evening of Stargazing”.
Children must be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times during the event.
When: Thursday August 14, 7.30pm to 9.30pm
Where: Wheelers Hill Library, 860 Ferntree Gully Road, Wheelers Hill
Cost: Free
State Pickleball Centre
Following our look at the increasing popularity of pickleball, I thought I’d also spruik the sport as a positive social and physical outlet for children.
There are plenty of pickleball centres and the State Pickleball Centre in Bayswater is less than a month old.
When: Open 10 am to 11 pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 10pm on Saturday and Sunday
Where: 13 Burton Court, Bayswater
Cost: Youth memberships for a weekly fee of $22
Yarra Valley Chocolaterie Hot Chocolate Festival
Thirty-one new hot chocolate flavours are available across this month-long promotion.
Hot chocolate tasting sessions - where you can test eight flavours and choose from dozens of ingredients to create a bespoke hot chocolate - are on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays during the Hot Chocolate Festival.
When: Every day in August
Where: Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery, 35 Old Healesville Road, Yarra Glen
Cost: $28 per person for tasting sessions