Shellharbour City Council’s teddy bear picnic is just one of many free events to keep the young’uns busy during the school holidays. Photo: Shellharbour City Council.
The spring school holidays are here, and with it, a need to keep the kids entertained. Fortunately, plenty of free activities courtesy of Illawarra’s local community groups, businesses and councils means you don’t need to bust the bank to do so.
From arts and crafts to sports and science, here are our top picks of free school holiday activities.
All holidays
Culture, sunshine, fresh air and exercise come together for the PromenART Sculpture Walk. Photo: PromenART Facebook.
PromenART Sculpture Walk
When: Until Monday 30 October
Where: The Waterfront Shell Cove, Cove Boulevard, Shell Cove
Bookings: Not required
Looking for a school holiday activity that blends a bit of culture with sunshine, fresh air and physical activity? As part of the newly launched PromenART initiative celebrating creativity, culture and the Shell Cove community, more than 40 incredible sculptures have been installed around the Shell Cove marina boardwalks. The six-week exhibition presented by ArtPark is currently in full swing and available throughout the school holidays.
FLOW exhibition. Photo: Wollongong Art Gallery Facebook.
FLOW National Contemporary Watercolour Prize Exhibition
When: Until 17 March, Tuesdays to Fridays 10 am to 5 pm and Saturdays and Sundays 12 pm to 4 pm
Where: Wollongong Art Gallery, 46 Burelli Street, Wollongong
Bookings: None required
It’s never too early to cultivate an appreciation for art and the gallery experience – and the FLOW Contemporary Watercolour Prize exhibition is a great way to start. Entries into the biennial acquisitive competition come from artists nationwide, and include works on paper in watercolour, acrylic, gouache, pen and ink and watercolour mixed media. This year, 82 works have been selected for the exhibition, and are currently up at Wollongong Art Gallery for all to see.
Sunday 24 September
Ride Wollongong
When: Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 September, 8 am to 5 pm
Where: Lang Park, 1 Marine Drive, Wollongong
Bookings: Visit the website to book a community (ages 12+) or family ride, or book an all-abilities ride
Is your school kid a lover of life on wheels? Combining a focus on cycling, inclusivity and community, this cycling event includes three free events that kids can partake in: the community ride, family ride and all abilities rides are complemented by a community expo, food stalls, entertainment, all-abilities exhibitors, bike workshops and more.
Monday 25 September
Learn some basic Bollywood steps at one of three Wollongong libraries. Photo: Wollongong City Libraries.
Bollywood dancing with Wollongong City Libraries
When: Monday 25 September, Warrawong 9:30 am to 10:30 am; Wollongong 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm; and Corrimal 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm
Where: Warrawong Library, 1/67-71 King Street, Warrawong; Wollongong Library, 41 Burelli Street, Wollongong; and Corrimal Library, 15 Short Street, Corrimal
Bookings: Visit the ticket websites for Warrawong, Wollongong and Corrimal
As part of Wollongong City Libraries’ school holiday activities series come this Bollywood Dancing workshop across three locations in one day. Choose the library that’s most convenient for you – Warrawong, Wollongong or Corrimal – and book your spot to learn some simple steps and basic dance moves. No experience is required, just make sure to wear your comfortable clothes to this fun-filled lesson.
Please note this session is for children aged five and above. Children under eight years old must be accompanied by a parent who stays in the room during the activity.
This is an incredible (and free) program for artistic and ecological discovery. Photo: Bundanon.
Bundanon Inspire Youth Art Program
When: Monday 25 and Tuesday 26 September, 9 am to 5 pm
Where: Nowra Bus Terminal, Stuart Place, Nowra
Bookings: Tickets can be booked online
You might need to travel a bit for this one, but it’s rare to find an initiative of this calibre that’s free. It’s an art-marking program for young people aged 12 to 18 years old that includes artmaking, ecology walks and visits to the Art Museum. The program spans two days and participants must attend both days to complete the artwork.
On day one, they’ll explore the Art Museum and enjoy a guided ecology walk through the Bundanon bushland. Using drawing and painting techniques, they’ll create a text or symbol-based artwork that explores how meaning and messaging can be obscured, highlighted, revealed or hidden.
On the morning of day two, they’ll use simple print-making, stencilling and collage processes and recycled materials to interpret Bundanon’s landscape creating a large format work that can transform towards three-dimensional possibilities. In the afternoon, they’ll create their own, woven interpretation of their thoughts and feelings in this place, then collaborate with peers to assemble a larger work that shows relationships between the individual woven pieces.
The program includes a shuttle bus to and from Nowra, as well as lunch, morning and afternoon tea each day.
Tuesday 26 September
This craft activity is inspired by the beloved children’s classic The Rainbow Fish. Image: Wollongong City Libraries.
Rainbow Fish craft activity
When: Tuesday 26 September, 10 am to 11 am
Where: Wollongong Library, 41 Burelli Street, Wollongong
Bookings: Visit the website to book tickets
As part of Wollongong City Libraries’ school holiday program, this craft activity is inspired by the beloved children’s classic The Rainbow Fish and will be held at different Wollongong libraries over the next two weeks. Kicking off at Wollongong Library, you’re invited to decorate your very own 3D Styrofoam rainbow fish with colourful confetti scales.
Please note this session is for children aged five and up. Children under eight years old must be accompanied by a parent who stays in the room during the activity.
Can’t make it? This activity takes place again on Wednesday 27 September at Unanderra Library; Thursday 28 September at Dapto Library and Thirroul Library and Corrimal Library; Wednesday 4 October at Helensburgh Library; and Thursday 5 October at Warrawong Library.
BYO snacks to these guided painting sessions. Image: Wollongong City Libraries.
Paint n Snack
When: Tuesday 26 September, 10:30 am to 12 pm
Where: Thirroul Library, 352-358 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul
Bookings: Visit the website to book your place
In addition to Thirroul Library, this activity also takes place on Wednesday 4 October at Dapto Library and Thursday 5 October at Corrimal Library. Discover a new talent, hone your skills or simply explore painting techniques in this guided painting tutorial, which is suitable for children aged between 12 and 18.
Remember to bring your own snacks – you can’t unleash your creativity on an empty stomach.
This activity is an exercise in creativity, focus and attention to detail. Photo: Kiama Library.
LEGO spot the difference activity
When: Tuesday 26 September, 1 pm to 2 pm and 3 pm to 4 pm
Where: Gerringong Library, 8 Blackwood Street, Gerringong
Bookings: Visit the Kiama Library website
Family fun comes in the form of this LEGO-building exercise promoting creativity, concentration and attention to detail. You’ll be challenged to build a LEGO scene, take a photo, then move some things around and see if your friends and family can spot the differences. Be as imaginative as you like, noting all scenes will be displayed in the library.
This activity is suited to children aged five to 10.
The most fun you’ll have with a few nails, some wood and a whole lot of string. Image: Wollongong City Library.
String art craft activity
When: Tuesday 26 September, 10:30 am to 11:30 am
Where: Corrimal Library, 15 Short Street, Corrimal
Bookings: Book tickets via the website
In this activity suited to children aged eight and above, you’ll hammer in your nails, and then wind your wool around them to create a fun design. An exercise in focus, creativity and fun, no art skills are required to participate – just turn up and have fun.
Can’t make it? On Tuesday 3 October, this activity will take place at Warrawong Library from 10:30 am to 11:30 am and Wollongong City Library from 2 pm to 3 pm.
Wednesday 27 September
A classic Dreamtime story comes to life in this craft activity. Image: Wollongong City Libraries.
Rainbow Serpent craft activity
When: Wednesday 27 September, 10:30 am to 11:30 am
Where: Thirroul Library, 352-358 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul
Bookings: Visit the website to book tickets
A classic Dreamtime story is set to come to life through this craft activity held at five different Wollongong City Libraries, kicking off at Thirroul. You’ll colour and assemble a diorama depicting the Rainbow Serpent as she slithers out from her waterhole, to take home.
This event is for children aged eight and over and also takes place on Thursday 28 September at Warrawong Library; Tuesday 3 October at Dapto Library; and Wednesday 4 October at Unanderra Library and Wollongong Library.
Paint a skateboard in this free guided workshop. Photo: southcoast.kook Facebook.
Paint a skateboard workshop
When: Wednesday 27 September, 10 am to 12 pm and 1 pm to 3 pm
Where: Kiama Pavilion, 2 Bong Bong Street, Kiama
Bookings: Essential, email [email protected]
Suitable for kids from age 12 upwards, this amazing paint-a-skateboard workshop invites you to unleash your creativity at the Kiama Pavilion. Thanks to Kiama & District Stronger Community and a NSW regional youth government grant, your blank skateboard deck and surf paints are provided, as is guidance from the “south coast kook”. He’ll show you how to use Surf Paint pens, which are made with the right ingredients to ensure guaranteed adhesion to fibreglass surfboards, to create your own skateboard deck design to take home.
Book fast to avoid disappointment. Parents are more than welcome to stay and assist their child or duck out and come back later.
Thursday 28 September
If you go down to the Shellharbour Civic Centre, you’re sure of a big surprise. Photo: iStock/DekiArt.
Teddy Bears Picnic
When: Thursday 28 September, 11 am to 1 pm
Where: Shellharbour Civic Centre, 76 Cygnet Avenue, Shellharbour City Centre
Bookings: None required
Nothing says school holiday fun like a teddy bear picnic. Bring your favourite teddy bear or softie and join in this free family outdoor adventure. There will be plenty of crafts, activities and entertainment to keep littlies busy including face painting, a bear hunt, storytime, roving teddy bears, craft stations and more.
Held in the backyard next to the Yirran Muru Playspace, you’ll be in the perfect spot to extend the party to a playground playdate.
Catch The Bad Guys under the stars at The Waterfront, Shell Cove. Image: Shellharbour City Council.
The Bad Guys @ The Waterfront, Shell Cove
When: Thursday 28 September, 6 pm
Where: The Waterfront Shell Cove, Cove Boulevard, Shell Cove
Bookings: None required
Pack your picnic blankets, rug up and grab a spot under the stars at the Waterfront, Shell Cove for a special school holiday screening of The Bad Guys on the big screen.
It follows notorious criminals Mr Wolf, Mr Snake, Mr Piranha, Mr Shark and Ms Tarantula who, after a lifetime of legendary heists, are finally apprehended. To avoid prison they must pull off their most challenging con yet – becoming good guys.
Friday 29 September
This is an exciting opportunity to see if your kid will discover a new love in guitar. Image: Wollongong City Libraries.
Learn to play guitar
When: Friday 29 September, 10:30 am to 11:30 am
Where: Helensburgh Library, 57 Walker Street, Helensburgh
Bookings: Visit the website to make a booking – book soon to avoid disappointment
In this hands-on workshop for kids aged eight and over, you’re invited to try guitar for the first time. Guitars will be provided, and the young participants will be guided through some guitar basics by a trained professional. This workshop is for beginners – no experience is required. However, you’re advised to book early to avoid disappointment as spaces are limited.
Kids will love this screening of Super Mario Bros on the green at The Links. Image: Links Shell Cove Facebook.
Super Mario Bros on the big screen
When: Friday 29 September, 6 pm
Where: The Links Shell Cove, Golf Drive, Shell Cove
Bookings: None required
Join in on the green at The Links, Shell Cove for this free screening of the family-friendly hit, Super Mario Bros. It follows the beloved Brooklyn plumbers, brothers Mario and Luigi, who are working underground to fix a water main when they are transported through a mysterious pipe to a magical new world. En route, the siblings are separated, and an epic adventure begins.
Tuesday 3 October
Inclusive Community Sports Day
When: Tuesday 3 October, 10:30 am to 1:30 pm
Where: Building 9, Sports Hub, 9 Northfields Avenue, Keiraville
Bookings: Book tickets via the website
At this all-ages event, people with disabilities and their families are invited to come and try a range of accessible and inclusive sport and recreation activities in a supported community environment. Everything you need to participate will be provided, so just bring yourself and enjoy a range of sports including Freedom Wheels Bike, Cycle Ability, netball, dance, street soccer and rugby league.
Use the library’s expansive LEGO collective to create any insect you want. Image: Kiama Library.
LEGO ‘Mega Bug’ Family Challenge Night
When: Tuesday 3 October, 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Where: Kiama Library, 7 Railway Parade, Kiama
Bookings: Visit the website to make a booking
This event plays out just like an episode of LEGO Masters. Grab your family and friends and use the Library’s amazing LEGO collection to attempt their challenge. Going solo or forming teams, create your very own LEGO Mega Bug – any creepy crawly insect you want to. All ages are welcome to this inclusive event.
Use the library’s green screen and your own phone or tablet to learn about green screen effects at this workshop. Kiama Library.
Green screen short films
When: Tuesday 3 October, 1 pm to 2 pm and 3 pm to 4 pm
Where: Gerringong Library, 8 Blackwood Street, Gerringong
Bookings: Tickets can be booked on the website
Learn how to use green screen effects using your device and the library green screen. During this session, you could even script and shoot a short film, then learn how to use effects to add flair to your film projects.
Bring your own device (phone or tablet) with the free Filmora app installed. This is a free activity suitable for ages eight to 12.
Wednesday 4 October
The Library provides the gear to create your own imaginative robot buddy in this one-off workshop. Image: Wollongong City Libraries.
Offbits
When: Wednesday 4 October, 10:30 am to 11:30 am
Where: Thirroul Library, 352-358 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul
Bookings: Visit the website to book tickets
You’re invited to get imaginative and create a robot with the Library’s nuts-and-bolts construction kits. There’s only one of these events happening during the school holidays so make sure you book soon to avoid missing out.
This event is for children aged eight and over.
Thursday 5 October
Don’t miss the last of the school holiday movie screenings on The Waterfront. Image: Shellharbour City Council Facebook.
Sonic on the big screen
When: Thursday 5 October, 6 pm
Where: The Waterfront Shell Cove, Cove Boulevard, Shell Cove
Bookings: None required
The world needed a hero – along came Sonic the Hedgehog… Pack your picnic blankets, rug up and grab a spot under the stars for a special school holiday screening of Sonic on the big screen. This is the last of the school holiday movie screenings at The Waterfront.
The movie follows Sonic, an extraterrestrial who, powered with incredible speed, embraces his new home on Earth. That is until he accidentally knocks out the power grid and grabs the unwanted attention of the evil genius Dr Robotnik (Jim Carrey). An all-out race across the globe ensues, to stop the baddie from using Sonic’s unique power to achieve world domination…
Friday 6 October
Ride Like a Girl is based on the true story of Michelle Payne, the first female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup in 2015. Image: The Links Shell Cove.
Ride Like a Girl on the big screen
When: Friday 6 October, 6 pm
Where: The Links Shell Cove, Golf Drive, Shell Cove
Bookings: None required
In the last of its school holiday movies on the green, The Links is putting on Ride Like a Girl – the inspirational 2019 Australian biographical sports drama film. Directed by Rachel Griffiths in her feature film directing debut and starring Teresa Palmer and Sam Neill, it is based on the true story of Michelle Payne, the first female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup in 2015. Don’t miss out.
This is a free breakout room-style event for Harry Potter fans. Image: Helensburgh Library.
Happy Potter breakout room
When: Friday 6 October, 10:30 am to 12:30 pm
Where: Helensburgh Library, 57 Walker Street, Helensburgh
Bookings: Tickets can be booked on the website
Calling all little Harry Potter fans to Helensburgh Library where you can find all the clues and solve the puzzle to break open the box of secrets. Will you be the first? There’s only one way to find out…
This event is for children aged eight and over.
Sunday 8 October
There’s no better way to end the school holidays than with a free community day including kids’ activities. Image: Lakeview Hotel Motel.
Lakeview Hotel Motel Community Day
When: Sunday 8 October, 12 pm
Where: Lakeview Hotel Motel, 4 Government Road, Oak Flats
Bookings: None required
School holidays are going out with a bang at Lakeview Hotel Motel’s first Community Day. You’re invited to relax on the lawn, enjoy live music from Gracie Love, Mem Davis and Shaun Baxter and perhaps unpack a picnic. There will be beers and bites for sale and heaps of activities for the kids including face painting, a balloon artist and a playground.
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