29 places doing awesome stuff these school holidays (6 - 21 July)

The school holidays are upon us, and with no shortage of ways to keep the young’uns occupied both indoors and out. If anything, you’re spoiled for choice, and while many activities are booked out, there’s plenty left if you act soon.

All across the Illawarra our institutions, organisations and venues will stage endless arts and crafts workshops, sports and leisure sessions and countless educational activities dressed up in fun.

Here are 29 of the best.

Enchanted Forest at Illawarra Fly

When: Saturday 6 to Sunday 21 July, various times
Where: Illawarra Fly, 182 Knights Hill Road, Knights Hill
Cost: Adult $25.65, child (three to 15) $12, family $60, senior, student or concession $17.60, book here.

These July school holidays the Enchanted Forest has had a magical makeover. Let your imagination go wild as you enter a world full of whimsical fairy villages, photo moments and a cheeky pixie or two. Make sure you grab your activity book. Free with entry, it’s filled with a variety of fun, creative puzzles, colour-ins and more.

Sewing Workshops at The Heart

When: Saturday 6 and Tuesday 16 July, various times
Where: The Heart, 44 Atchison Street, Wollongong
Cost: From $110 to $200, book here.

Complete sewing newbies can learn sewing fundamentals in just one day and create projects to take home. Kids and teens will pick up skills like sewing machine operation, basic seams, adding patch pockets, hemming, zippers and more, all while getting creative.

• Saturday 6 July, 9 am to 5 pm – Beginner Sewing Workshop at The Heart
• Tuesday 16 July, 9 am to 3 pm – Kids & Teens Sewing Workshop

Kite Flying Festival at Lang Park

When: Sunday 7 July, 10 am to 5 pm
Where: Lang Park, 1 Marine Drive, North Wollongong
Cost: General $3, under 6 free, book here.

Grab the family and bundle into the car – the kite-flying festival everyone loves is back. Expect festive fete vibes with chances to fly kites with the kids, great outdoor activities, DJ music, mechanical rides, jumping castles and food and market stalls aplenty.

School Holiday Activities at Kiama Leisure Centre

When: Monday 8, Wednesday 10, Friday 12, Monday 15, Wednesday 17 and Friday 19 July, 11 am to 3 pm
Where: Kiama Leisure Centre, 1 Havilah Place, Kiama
Cost: General $32.20, prebooked meal add-on $6.80 (or BYO lunch), book here.

This meticulously crafted school holiday program includes a range of experiences to build confidence, learn skills and make friends. From exhilarating splashes with inflatable pool toys to mastering new skills in gymnastics, laughter and learning shall ensue, all under careful supervision. This program is aimed at kids aged five to 12 years. Make sure you wear comfortable clothing and sports shoes, and pack swimmers, a towel and a drink bottle.

Clay Activities at Soul Clay Studio

When: Monday 8 and Tuesday 9 July, various times
Where: Soul Clay Studio, 51 Rowlins Road, Gerringong
Cost: $60 to $120, book here.

Do your kids like to get their hands dirty? Here’s their chance – Soul Clay Studio has organised multiple sessions of pottery activities where kids can have fun, get messy, tap into creativity and pick up a new hobby. Here’s what’s on offer:

• Monday 8 July, 11:30 am to 12:30 pm and Tuesday 9 July, 9:30 to 10:30 am – Paint Your Own Handmade Cup
• Monday 8 July, 9:30 to 10:30 am and Tuesday 9 July, 11:30 am to 12:30 pm – Soul Clay Kids
• Monday 8 July, 1:30 pm – Teens Pottery Wheel Taster Workshop

Bean to Bar Children’s Chocolate Workshop at The Treat Factory

When: Monday 8 and Monday 15 July, various times
Where: The Treat Factory, 6 Old Creamery Lane, Berry
Cost: $45, book here.

Treat your kids to a fun, educational and hands-on experience during the school holidays. Children will have the opportunity to learn about chocolate, taste different types of chocolate as well as get hands-on creating their unique chocolate treats to take home. Classes run for up to 45 minutes and are recommended for children aged six years and over. There is a maximum of eight students per class, so get in quickly.

School Holidays Program at Shellharbour City Libraries

When: Various dates from Monday 8 to Friday 19 July, various times
Where: Shellharbour City Libraries
Cost: Various.

Shellharbour City Council has a veritable smorgasbord of entertainment for kids throughout the holidays. Events are booking out quickly, but there’s still plenty on offer from arts and crafts to tabletop game sessions and LEGO.

• Monday 8 July, 11 am at Oak Flats Library – Wooden Dream Catchers
• Monday 8 July, 2 pm at Warilla Library – Rock Painting
• Wednesday 10 July, 10 am at Shellharbour City Library – Yoga For All Ages
• Thursday 11 July, 2 to 3 pm at Albion Park Library – Build and decorate a skeleton
• Friday 12 July, 2 pm at Warilla Library – Family Movie
• Monday 15 July, 11 am to noon at Albion Park Library – Paper Plate Rainbow
• Monday 15 July, 2 to 3 pm at Oak Flats Library – Macrame Coasters
• Monday 15 July, 3:30 to 4 pm at Oak Flats Library – LEGO Lab
• Tuesday 16 July, 10 to 11 am at Shellharbour City Library – Forest Fairies
• Wednesday 17 July, 11 am to noon at Albion Park Library – Velvet Art Bookmarks
• Thursday 18 July, 11 am to noon at Warilla Library – Sock Monsters
• Thursday 18 July, 2 to 3 pm at Oak Flats Library – Paint a Puppy: With special guest Ollie the Librarian
• Friday 19 July, noon at Shellharbour City Library – Dungeons and Dragons
• Friday 19 July, 10 am at Shellharbour City Library – Mini Explorers – Dinosaur Dig

NAIDOC Community Day at Shellharbour Civic Centre

When: Monday 8 July, 11 am to 2 pm
Where: Shellharbour Civic Centre, 76 Cygnet Avenue, Shellharbour City Centre
Cost: Free.

A chance to celebrate and connect with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families, all local community members are invited to this special NAIDOC event. Kicking off with a traditional smoking ceremony by Gumaraa, a Welcome to Country by Uncle Gee and an official flag raising, the festival also offers a free barbecue lunch, family-friendly activities, music and entertainment from more than 30 local organisations.

School Holidays Program at Wollongong Art Gallery

When: Tuesday 9, Wednesday 10 and Thursday 11 July, various times
Where: Wollongong Art Gallery, 46 Burelli Street, Wollongong
Cost: Various.

From painting a picturesque window to crafting creative creatures from sticks, local artists Skye Zaracostas and Sharon Mearing will facilitate all kinds of creative learnings at Wollongong Art Gallery these school holidays. Here’s the list:

• Tuesday 9 July, 10 am to 3 pm – Scene Through a Window (painting) for 9–14-year-olds
• Wednesday 10 July, 10 am to noon – Recycled Robots (mixed media) for 5–8-year-olds
• Wednesday 10 July, 10 am to 3 pm – Creative Cityscapes (drawing) for 5–8-year-olds
• Thursday 11 July, 10 am to 3 pm – Paint a Lighthouse (mixed media) for 9–14-year-olds
• Friday 12 July, 10 am to noon – Paper Collage Fruit Bowl (collage) for 5–8-year-olds
• Friday 12 July, 1 to 3 pm – Stick Creatures (mixed media) for 5–8-year-olds

Steam Train Rides at the Illawarra Light Railway Museum

When: Tuesday 9 and Tuesday 16 July, 10 am to 2 pm
Where: Illawarra Light Railway Museum, 48A Tongarra Road, Albion Park Rail
Cost: Adult $16.50, child $11, family $60.50, book here.

Always a hit, the Illawarra Light Railway Museum will offer the usual family fun these school holidays. Have a steam train ride with Burra and then ride the miniature diesel train. Have a picnic under the gums or buy lunch onsite. There’s a museum to explore and a playground to burn off any energy that might be left over.

School Holidays at Plough & Ale

When: Tuesday 9 July, 11 am and Monday 15 July, 11:30 am
Where: Plough & Ale, 10 Connection Road, Calderwood
Cost: $15, book here.

The Plough & Ale is putting on some special school holiday activities, so you can take a break, and enjoy a meal and a beverage. There’s a magic show and a cupcake decorating class. All activities cost $15 and include a kid’s meal of your choice. Bookings are essential – move quickly to avoid disappointment. Here’s what’s happening:

• Tuesday 9 July from 11 am – Magic Show
• Monday 15 July from 11:30 am – Cupcake Decorating

NAIDOC Family Fun Day at Darcy Wentworth Park

When: Tuesday 9 July, 10 am to 1 pm
Where: Darcy Wentworth Park, 33 Carlotta Crescent, Warrawong
Cost: Free.

lllawarra families are invited to come along and celebrate all things NAIDOC at Wentworth Park in Warrawong. Expect lots of free activities for the family and entertainment, celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. This is a chance not only for the family to have fun, but to connect to the local First Nations community and learn more about the world’s oldest continuous living culture.

School Holiday Activities at Georgia Rose

When: Various dates from Tuesday 9 to Wednesday 17 July, various times
Where: Georgia Rose, 1/9 Marina Drive, Shell Cove
Cost: $39, book here.

Georgia Rose is fast gaining a reputation for hosting some of the best creative workshops. These school holidays the kids pick up some new culinary skills or get their hands dirty in some pottery fun. There are also multiple sessions to choose from:

• Tuesday 9 and Thursday 18 July, 10 am to noon – Kids Paint n Pizza
• Wednesday 10 and Wednesday 17 July, 10 am to noon – Kids Clay Sculpting Class

School Holiday Activities at The Shellharbour Club

When: Various dates from Tuesday 9 to Wednesday 17 July, various times.
Where: Precinct, The Shellharbour Club, corner Wattle and Shellharbour roads, Shellharbour
Cost: Various.

These school holidays The Shellharbour Club continues its tradition of putting on a packed program of kids events, but they’re already booking out fast. You can still have an up close and personal experience with some of Australia’s most amazing reptiles, or perhaps get lucky at Harry Potter Bingo. Here’s what’s on offer:

• Tuesday 9 July, 11 am to 12:30 pm – Reptile Meet & Greet at the Shellharbour Club
• Friday 12 July, 11:15 am – Popstar Dance Party
• Wednesday 17 July, 11:30 am to 12:30 pm – Harry Potter Bingo

School Holidays Program at Kiama Libraries

When: Various dates from Tuesday 9 to Thursday 11 July, various times
Where: Gerringong Library, 8 Blackwood Street, Gerringong
Cost: Various, book here.

Learn to weave colourful raffia fans to take home, print a tea towel or just have some good old-fashioned LEGO fun at Kiama and Gerringong libraries these school holidays. Sessions are booking out fast, so act now. Here’s what’s in store:

• Tuesday 9 July, 10 am to noon at Kiama Library – Kids’ Knitting Workshop
• Tuesday 9 July, 2 to 3 pm at Gerringong Library – Woven Raffia Fans
• Wednesday 10 July, 10:30 am to noon at Kiama Library – Woven Raffia Fans
• Thursday 11 July, 10:30 to 11:30 am at Kiama Library – Block printed tea towels workshop
• Thursday 11 July, 1 to 2 pm at Gerringong Library – LEGO board games
• Tuesday 16 July, 2 – 3 pm at Gerringong Library – Straw marionette puppets
• Tuesday 16 July, 3 to 4:30 pm at Kiama Library – Matchbox art workshop
• Wednesday 17 July, 2 to 4:30 pm at Kiama Library – LEGO

Wollongong Youth Services School Holidays Program at Wollongong Youth Centre

When: Various dates, Wednesday 10 to Friday 19 July, various times
Where: Wollongong Youth Centre, 85 Burelli Street, Wollongong
Cost: Free, call (02) 4227 8222 to book.

Learn to make barista-quality coffee or upcycle clothes, get some retail therapy while supporting youth businesses or simply come in for a yarn. Events at the Wollongong Youth Centre are free for 12 to 24-year-olds unless otherwise specified. Here’s what’s on offer for the school holidays:

• 10 and 11 July, 2 to 4 pm – Barista Express: Gain experience and skills in coffee-making
• 15 and 19 July, 11 am to 1 pm – Create Camp: Animation Basics
• 18 July, 11 am to 1 pm – Create Camp: Upcycling with Thread
• 17 July, 11 am to 1 pm – Self Care Day: Hair, nails, makeup plus a chat with headspace
• 18 July, 3 to 7 pm – Winter Warmer Youth Market

Dig n’ Play at Wollongong Botanic Garden

When: Wednesday 10 and Thursday 18 July, 10 am to noon
Where: Wollongong Botanic Garden, 40 Murphys Avenue, Keiraville
Cost: $14, book here for Wednesday 10 July and book here for Thursday 18 July.

Get creative in the garden these school holidays with lots of fun educational activities. Under supervision at the garden’s Education Centre, kids will help prepare and plant a new veggie garden, play nature games, do some wildlife exploring and make a mini scarecrow to take home. Activities are suitable for children aged 5 to 13 years, and children must be accompanied by an adult.

Sentral Youth Services Holiday Program

When: Various dates Monday 15 to Friday 19 July, various times
Where: Various Kiama locations
Cost: Free, book here.

Sentral Youth Services have organised a bunch of fun stuff these holidays. Kids can dive into a world where science meets fun, take on the ultimate outdoor gaming experience that combines the thrill of video games with the cozy ambience of a crackling firepit or simply chill at a free music concert by local youth bands.

• Monday 15 July, 10 am to 4 pm – Slime Lab Adventures
• Tuesday 16 July, 5 to 8 pm – Outdoor Gaming
• Friday 19 July, 5 to 9 pm – SENTRAL Sounds Winter Edition

School Holidays Program at Wollongong City Libraries

When: Various dates from Wednesday 10 July to Thursday 18 July, various times
Where: Various Wollongong City Libraries
Cost: Free, book here.

Wollongong City Libraries’ ever-popular school holidays program is almost completely booked out, but there are still a few fun things left to attend. Here’s the list:

• Wednesday 10 July, 3:30 to 4:45 pm at Warrawong Library – Board games
• Wednesday 10 July, 2 to 3:30 pm at Helensburgh Library – Winter movie session
• Wednesday 17 July, 3:30 to 4:30 pm at Warrawong Library – LEGO
• Thursday 18 July, 2 to 3:30 pm at Dapto Library – Winter movie session

Mini Challengers at Stockland Shellharbour

When: Daily, Wednesday 10 to Saturday 13 July, 10:30 am to 3:30 pm
Where: Level 1 (near Timezone), Stockland Shellharbour, 211 Lake Entrance Rd, Shellharbour City Centre
Cost: Free.

Dive into the action-packed world of Mini Challengers at Stockland Shellharbour. This exhilarating circuit includes soccer goal kicking, table tennis battles, basketball hoop shooting, virtual fencing and fun photo moments. This walk-in initiative is open to the whole family, and every child who participates walks away with a shiny gold medal.

School Holidays Big Screen at The Waterfront Shell Cove

When: Wednesday 10 and Wednesday 17 July, 6 pm
Where: The Waterfront Shell Cove, Cove Boulevard, Shell Cove
Cost: Free.

Pack a picnic blanket, bundle the family into the car and get set to enjoy a movie under the stars. There are two movies to choose from – Disney classic The Parent Trap and Paramount’s Clifford: The Big Red Dog. Make sure to rug up, and don’t forget the snacks, or you can purchase food at one of the dining establishments. Show times are:

• Wednesday, 10 July, 6 pm – The Parent Trap
• Wednesday, 17 July, 6 pm – Clifford

School Holiday Activities at Number 99

When: Various dates from Wednesday 10 to Friday 19 July, various times
Where: Number 99, 99 Wentworth Street, Port Kembla
Cost: $25, book here.

Number 99 has things covered these school holidays with an eclectic array of activities. From decorating cupcakes to making pizza or creating beautiful artwork to take home, there’s something for everyone. Here’s what’s on offer:

• Wednesday 10 July, 3:30 to 5:30 pm – Cupcake Decorating
• Thursday 11 and Thursday 18 July, 11 am to 12:30 pm – Pizza Making For School Holidays With Lost Pizza
• Monday 15 July, 9:30 to 11:30 am – Frida Kahlo Style Portraits For Kids
• Friday 19 July, 10 am to noon – Glass Art For Kids With Simon Kutassy

NAIDOC Family Fun Day at Koonawarra Community Centre

When: Thursday 11 July, 10 am
Where: Koonawarra Community Centre, 36 Fowlers Rd, Koonawarra
Cost: Free.

This year’s NAIDOC theme is “Keep the fire burning! Blak, loud and proud”, and it will be on full show at Koonawarra Community Centre. Celebrate our local Indigenous community members with this jam-packed day of awesome performances, cool stalls, slithery reptiles, sizzling barbecue, live tunes, exciting prizes and enlightening cultural workshops.

NAIDOC Celebration at Bellambi Neighbourhood Centre

When: 12 July, 10 am to 1 pm
Where: Bellambi Neighbourhood Centre, 49A Cawley Street, Bellambi
Cost: Free.

NAIDOC Week celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Join local First Nations community members, learn more about Aboriginal culture, recognise the contributions that Indigenous Australians make to our society and have some fun. Giveaways are included at this event.

“Boots” – The True Story of Puss in Boots at The Harbour Theatre

When: Various dates from Friday 12 to Sunday 21 July, various times
Where: The Harbour Theatre, corner Addison and Wentworth streets, Shellharbour Village
Cost: Adult $28, concession $26, child $24, family $98, book here.

Roo Theatre is proud to present this original pantomime. Learn the “true” story of how Puss in Boots came into being and watch as he and many of his friends save the kingdom from villainy with the help of a magical enchantress and mystical gypsy. Full of old and new songs, classical music and even a Roo original song, this show is not to be missed.

Classic Cockpits Open at HARS

When: Friday 12, Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 July, 9:30 am to 3:30 pm
Where: HARS, Shellharbour Airport, 54 Airport Road, Albion Park
Cost: Adult $30, concession $25, child $15 and family $70, payable upon entry.

Offering fun and education, HARS is always a hit with the kids and these school holidays, you’ll have the chance to take a gander at some of the coolest gear at the museum. Cockpits will be open for visitors to get up close and personal with a range of classic aircraft during this open day.

Expressive Art Experiences at Old Fire Station Kiama

When: Various dates from Friday 12 to Tuesday 16 July, various times
Where: Old Fire Station Kiama, 40 Shoalhaven Street, Kiama
Cost: $45.

Expressive Art Experiences will host three art workshops at the Old Fire Station Kiama these school holidays. Expressive art therapist Michelle Springett will host “Snowmen Antics”, a workshop best suited for artists aged eight years and over and “Starry Winter’s Night”, which is suited to kids 10 years and over. Here are the sessions:

• Friday 12 July, 10 am to noon – Painting Snowman Antics
• Tuesday 16 July, 10 am to noon – Painting Snowman Antics
• Tuesday 16 July, 2 to 4:30 pm – Starry Winter’s Night

Soccer Studio Kids Workshops at Dapto Mall

When: Daily, Monday 15 to Friday 19 July, from 9 am
Where: Dapto Mall, corner Moombara Street and Princes Highway, Dapto
Cost: $2, book here.

Customise a soccer ball in your own unique style at this special “Soccer Studio”. Each participant will be supplied with a white soccer ball and assorted markers to design their own ball to take home. Suited to kids aged two years and over; book now to secure your spot and avoid disappointment.

NAIDOC Family Fun Day at Bellambi Surf Club

When: Wednesday 17 July, 10 am to 1 pm
Where: Bellambi Surf Club, 1a Bellambi Lane, Bellambi
Cost: Free.

This NAIDOC event delivered by WNDAC – Wollongong Northern District Aboriginal Cooperative celebrates Aboriginal culture with dance, song, live music, art and boomerang throwing workshops. There will be activities for children and young people, an elders tent and lots of yummy food.