Family Activities in Eltham
Parks, playgrounds and things to do with kids in Eltham, Victoria
📍 Eltham · east
zen den
Zen Den in Eltham is a bustling cafe that’s perfect for enjoying some sunshine, coffee, and tasty food. It’s popular, so be sure to book ahead! The menu features fresh, flavorful options, with standout dishes like fritters and poke bowls. Plus, the cabinet is always stocked with tempting grab-and-go options for when you can’t decide!
📍 Eltham · east
montsalvat
Montsalvat – Eltham: Montsalvat in Eltham is a magical artists’ colony and historic village founded in the 1930s by Justus Jörgensen. The site is filled with awe-inspiring buildings, hidden nooks, and artisan workshops, offering plenty of exploration for curious families. Resident peacocks roam the grounds, adding whimsy and wonder to every visit. While the café is currently closed, visitors can bring a picnic or enjoy drinks at the wine bar on Fridays. Many areas have stairways and uneven surfaces, making it less suitable for prams, but the enchanting atmosphere and artistic charm make it a truly unique family outing.
📍 Eltham · east
edendale farm
Edendale Farm is a fantastic, budget-friendly outing for families in Eltham. Set on 7 hectares beside the Diamond Creek, this community farm is home to friendly animals across paddocks you can explore for just a gold coin donation. Kids will love feeding the chickens, patting goats, giving hay to calves, waving to sheep, spotting blue tongue lizards, and discovering the worm farm. Along the way, there are opportunities to learn about sustainability, including recycling and composting. If hunger strikes, the onsite café offers simple meals and sweet treats daily, or you can bring your own picnic and enjoy the sunny lawn areas for a relaxed lunch.
📍 Eltham · east
winter light spectacular @ diamond valley railway
The lights are strung, the scene is set and the trains are bedazzled – it’s the Winter Light Spectacular at Diamond Valley Railway, a much-loved Winter School Holidays highlight for Eastie families. Held at Eltham Lower Park, the iconic miniature steam trains glide through glowing tunnels and rainbow-lit trees, with twinkling carriages cutting through the crisp night air. There are food trucks onsite, a CFA tent selling light-up souvenirs, and a fully fenced playground that becomes a glow-in-the-dark wonderland for little ones before or after the ride. Mamma’s kids are always mesmerised by the holograms projected onto the towering gums, and the pure joy on their faces as the train departs makes this magical evening one that families will treasure long after winter ends.
📍 Eltham · east
diamond valley railway
Diamond Valley Railway – Eltham is the ultimate miniature railway experience, combining steam, electric, petrol, and diesel locomotives for an unforgettable ride through beautiful bushland. Operating every Sunday, it's a fantastic and affordable family outing. Despite the crowds, the trains run smoothly with multiple trains operating at once, weaving their way along the 2km track. Mamma is particularly impressed by the attention to detail, from the signals and road crossings to the station platforms and tunnels. The ride is just the right length to keep toddlers engaged, and don’t forget to practice your royal wave as you pass by family members watching along the track! It’s a great way to experience the joy of trains, surrounded by nature.
📍 eltham · north
monsalvat
Montsalvat is a historic artists’ colony featuring unique buildings, artisan workshops, and resident peacocks. Visitors can explore the grounds, enjoy a picnic on the lawn, and visit the wine bar on Fridays. Many areas involve stairs, so prams are best limited to outer paths.
📍 eltham · north
laughing waters swimming hole
Laughing Waters offers a natural river swimming spot with cold, fresh water and lush bushland surrounds. Access involves uneven paths and steep sections, making it better suited to confident walkers and older children. Shallow river edges allow space for a picnic, with no facilities or bins on site.
📍 eltham · north
rare bears play centre
Rare Bears is an indoor playcentre in Eltham suited to babies, toddlers, and older children, featuring a dedicated Cubs area for ages 0–3, jumping castles, climbing structures, a giant slide, and a fully connected netted play zone. The venue also has an on-site café with child-friendly food options, free entry for adults and babies under 12 months, and is a convenient option for play on cooler or rainy days.
📍 eltham · north
skaterz
Skaterz in Eltham is a family-friendly roller skating rink offering sessions for all ages, complete with games, skating aids, and skate hire. The venue also features a café serving hot dogs, chips, nuggets, toasties, and coffee, making it a fun outing for families, especially during busy weekends and school holidays when advance booking is recommended.
📍 eltham · north
eltham library
Eltham Library feels like an adventure itself, resembling a treehouse surrounded by tall, ancient trees. Inside, the library has branch-like rooms, creating cozy hubs, with the children's section being particularly inviting. Little ones can draw, colour, paste, or enjoy quiet reading spaces, and there’s even an outdoor area to roam. The library hosts a variety of Storytimes, including Baby Storytime, Toddler Time, Bilingual Storytime, and more. For school-aged kids, there's Just4Kids, an after-school program filled with art, craft, tech, movies, and games. It’s the perfect place for kids to explore, learn, and have fun!
📍 eltham · north
shillinglaw cafe
Shillinglaw Café is a hidden gem for families, offering a cozy, welcoming vibe with a spacious outdoor area shaded by a beautiful tree. It’s perfect for prams and gives little ones plenty of room to run around and play. The kiddie corner, stocked with toys, kept our little one entertained and happy. The kids' menu is fantastic, featuring everything from a grazing board to classic bacon and eggs—our little one couldn’t get enough! The café also has an impressive selection of baked goods and a reasonably priced all-day menu. Whether you’re there for a quick bite or a relaxing afternoon, Shillinglaw Café is a wonderful spot to unwind with the family.
📍 eltham · north
craftwork roasting co
If you’re after a peaceful spot for coffee and a treat, Craftwork Roasting in Eltham is the place to be. This charming roasting house serves ethically sourced espresso and filter coffees, with nine options available at any time. Daily-baked pastries like almond croissants and fruit danishes, as well as delicious baguettes and Mamma’s favourite, Pie Thief pies, make it even more tempting. While you wait, check out the brewing equipment, ceramic cups, and bags of Craftwork beans to take home, and the little ones will love peeking into the roasting and production area. With plenty of space for strollers and groups, it’s perfect for a catch-up or a stop after a stroll along the nearby Diamond Creek Trail.
📍 eltham · north
edendale community environment farm,
Edendale Farm in Eltham is a 7-hectare community farm where families can meet friendly animals, explore sustainability displays, and enjoy play areas for a gold coin donation. The farm also has a café, picnic spots, a sandpit, and open lawns for outdoor fun, making it a great day out for all ages.