It’s a rare thing when a festival claims they have something for everyone. Knox Festival is one of those amazing events that really does live up to the hype!
The big pull for us this year was the FREE kids hub. Here you will find rides for the little ones, tons of craft (I think I counted at least one activity at every community stall) and plenty of music and movement to keep even the liveliest of small folk occupied.
This year the crew behind Knox Festival has really thought about creating a space just for parents of pre-schoolers, and it has minimal lines for rides and free face painting if you get in early.
There is heaps of shade around this spot as well as water play and loose parts activities for little explorers.
The kids stage is the real deal with acrobats, comedy shows and singing competitions. Goldilocks is in awe of the colourful Aqua moon dancers and the kids all get to go up on stage and shimmy in their very own dance workshop post performance.
It is hard to tear everyone away from the toy library stall, where they always bring out all the best toys for festival goers. Did you know they have toy bundles especially for parties? We’ll be signing up to our local one for sure!
While you’re hanging about the hub, go and sign up for a puppetry workshop or make some clay sculptures in the library. Eastern Regional libraries are hosting STEM activities all day and it’s a great space to escape the heat.
There are cooking demonstrations, composting challenges and activities where the kids get really quite hands-on. Keep an eye out for the outdoor art exhibition by local school students, it’s sure to impress.
A new addition in 2020 is the Knox community gardens and local flora and fauna stations in the sustainability hub.
You can learn all about harvest gardening, have a look through local butterfly catalogues or even get plants to create a native bee sanctuary at your place.
The people here are SO very passionate about the local environment and sharing the joy in knowledge about the world we live in. It is well worth a look at, and naturally, they have kids activities and colouring to keep everybody busy while you peruse.
There are three stages within the festival, all with some really exciting new and innovative acts on board. It’s just a matter of checking the website before you head in to make sure you don’t miss your favourite local talent.
The information tent is located right next to St John’s, and they have maps, sunscreen (saved us) and all the tips and tricks to help you make the most of your day. There are several water stations available, so bring your drink bottles to fill up during the heat.
Roving performers, mascots and dancers are sure to amaze and delight both young and all. Little Red and I follow the stilted bubble blowers for at least 30 minutes, popping as many dancing circles as we can along the way.
Dance and cheer workshops, as well as circus, skateboarding and a number of different sports are running intermittently so there is always something to do.
The Ruccus Circus not only has performers and teachers on board, but a huge “come and try” space which includes a tightrope and harnessed crate climber for anyone brave enough to try!
There are local market stalls and sideshow entertainment as well as a plethora of ticketed rides for the bigger kids.
Check out the jumping castles, giant slides and dodgem cars!
After watching several kids attempt the tall slides, we decide not to partake and opt for frozen yoghurt instead.
If you do one thing when you go, check out the food vans and the yoghurt shop on wheels. We have every flavour!
One thing we really like about the set up of Knox Festival this year is the abundance of quiet spaces, breastfeeding spots and resting places. If you have children who are prone to a bit of sensory overload, this is a really great addition.
We spend quite a lot of time at the “Sense of Self” immersive interactive art display. Tons of shade and great blacklight mural activities and teepees are mixed with crochet swings and sensory boards.
It’s just the ticket for our little tired folk and a really wonderful calm way to end a huge day at Knox Festival.
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text el_class=”thon-hot-tips-panel”]Tips for Knox Festival:
- Get down early as parking can be limited.
- BYO water bottle – refill stations are abundant
- Sign up for as many kids workshops as you can, some will even call to remind you of your spot;
- Kids hub rides are FREE
- Head to the library for more activities and to escape the heat.
- The FREE shuttle bus runs loops from Ferntree Gully Station to the festival all day;
- Shade is limited so pack hats; and
- Hit up the info tent for maps, programs and sunscreen.
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