33 places doing awesome things these school holidays (28 September - 13 October)

This ultimate guide to spring school holidays fun in the Illawarra is bookended by a circus and a handball competition, which should set the tone for the eclectic line-up you can expect.

From arts and crafts to nature play, cinema to sports, there’s something to suit all interests of all ages, and many of them are low-cost or free.

So lace up, buckle up – here’s a tour of 32 places doing awesome stuff these school holidays.

The Circus at Kully Bay Park

When: Various dates until Sunday 6 October, various times
Where: Kully Bay Park, Northcliffe Drive, Warrawong
Cost: Adult $35 to $85 | Child $25 to $70 | Book via iTicket.

Brought to you by Weber Bros Entertainment, The Circus presents an animal-friendly, cruelty-free mesmerising show featuring international circus stars ready to mesmerise and captivate audiences of all ages. Showcasing the very best of the genre, it blends traditional circus acts with a modern twist delivering an experience that will leave you spellbound. Witness extraordinary feats of strength, agility and courage as talented performers defy gravity with breathtaking aerial acrobatics, Daredevil Motorbikes, a showstopping Human Cannonball, and so much more.

Junior Forest Ranger at The Illawarra Fly

When: Until 13 October, 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures, 182 Knights Hill Road, Knights Hill
Cost: Adult $25.65 | Student/Concession/Senior $22 | Child $13.50 | Family $67.50 | Book via Illawarra Fly.

Become a rainforest ranger in this exciting new mission, brought to you by Agents of Discovery. Embark on a journey into the heart of the rainforest, uncovering amazing facts and unleash your inner explorer on an interactive adventure like no other. Download the free Agents Of Discovery app on arrival to start your mission, then join Agent Echidna as you tackle challenges around the Treetop Walk, Knights Tower and the Enchanted Forest. Get ready to unlock the mysteries of nature and create unforgettable memories.

Superhero Scavenge for Convoy at Illawarra Light Railway Museum

When: Saturday 28 September, 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Illawarra Light Railway Museum, 48A Tongarra Road, Albion Park
Cost: Adult $15 | Child $5 | Family $55 | Book via Illawarra Spidey.

Along with support from Tiny Tins and Wollongong Crane Trucks, this awesome day of superhero cosplay and fun activities is back for a second year to raise money for the i98 Illawarra Convoy. Dress up as your favorite superhero and help Spidey and his friends hunt for The Avengers and Justice Leagues’ missing gear. Meet Spider-Man, Iron Man, Ghost Spidey, Deadpool, Wonder Woman, Batman, Bumblebee, Guardians of the Galaxy (with Groot) and more, and enter the raffle for some amazing prizes.

Teddy Bears at Shellharbour Civic Centre

When: Monday 30 September and Wednesday 9 October, various times
Where: Shellharbour Civic Centre, 76 Cygnet Avenue Shellharbour
Cost: Free to $25 | Book via Shellharbour Civic Centre.

There’s a distinct teddy bearish theme cropping up at Shellharbour Civic Centre these school holidays. Bring your favorite teddy bear or stuffed animal and join in the backyard for a free family outdoor adventure filled with craft, activities and entertainment like face-painting and an outdoor scavenger hunt led by real life teddy bears. Or, join a baking industry expert in making a six-pack of vanilla cupcakes to take home, each decorated with six different spring-themed cupcake designs using buttercream and fondant icing.

• Teddy Bears Picnic at Shellharbour: Monday 30 September, 11 am to 1 pm:
• Teddy Bear Cupcake Decorating: Wednesday 9 October, 10 to 10:45 am, 11:45 am to 12:30 pm, 1:30 to 2:15 pm and 3 to 3:45 pm.

Shellharbour City Libraries Arts and Crafts

When: Monday 30 September to Thursday 10 October, various times
Where: Various Shellharbour City Libraries
Cost: Free to $5 | Book via Shellharbour City Libraries.

Shellharbouur Libraries have sprung into action these spring holidays with a wide array of arts and crafts activities and workshops to keep the kids busy. The fun culminates in a special morning when kids will hear from author Sami Bayly on her newest illustrated encyclopedia, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Extinct Animals – a stunning collection of hand-drawn creatures with everything you need to know about them and why they’ve gone extinct. The talk is followed with a drawing workshop, with all materials provided.

• Beautiful Butterfly Biscuits at Oak Flats Library: Monday 30 September, 11 am to noon and 2 to 3 pm
• Make a Bear Mask at Shellharbour City Library: Monday 30 September, 2:30 to 3 pm
• Make a Spring Flower at Warilla Library: Tuesday 1 October, 11 am to noon
• Decorate a Bear at Albion Park Library: Wednesday 2 October, 11 am to noon
• Wooden Rainbow Wreath at Oak Flats Library: Wednesday 2 October, 2 to 3 pm
• Sunflower Pots at Warilla Library: Thursday 3 October, 1 to 2 pm
• Sunflower Sticker Art at Albion Park Library: Thursday 3 October, 2 to 3 pm
• Build a House For Your Teddy at Shellharbour City Library: Friday 4 October, 11 am to noon
• Flower Paper Lanterns at Warilla Library: Tuesday 8 October, 11 am to noon
• Butterfly and Bee Friends at Oak Flats Library: Tuesday 8 October, 2 to 3 pm
• Paint Your Own Garden Gnome at Oak Flats Library: Wednesday 9 October, 1:30 to 2:30 pm
• Teddy Bears Picnic at Warilla Library: Wednesday 9 October, 11 to 11:30 am
• Bead Bear Legs at Albion Park Library: Thursday 10 October, 11 am to noon
• The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Extinct Animals! Drawing Workshop at Shellharbour City Library: Saturday 12 October, 9:30 to 10:30 am

School Holiday Activities at Lake Illawarra Hotel

When: Various dates from Monday 30 September to Friday 11 October
Where: Lake Illawarra, 193 Windang Road, Windang
Cost: $10 to $20 | Book via 4209 3500.

From pizza making with Gillian from MasterChef to outdoor cinema nights and more, don’t miss school holidays fun at the Lake Illawarra Hotel. Activities are suited to kids aged five to 14 years.

• Monday 30 September: Mini pizza making chef – $20
• Thursday 3 October: Outdoor Cinema Inside Out 2 – $10
• Tuesday 8 October – Bath Salt Buffet Workshop – $15
• Thursday 10 October – Outdoor Cinema Despicable Me 4 – $10
• Friday 11 October – Necklace Making Workshop – $10

KidzBreak School Holiday Clinic at South Coast Gymnastics Academy

When: Monday 30 September to Friday 11 October, 9 am to noon, 1 to 4 pm, 9 am to 3 pm or 8 am to 4 pm
Where: South Coast Gymnastics Academy, 135 Glastonbury Avenue, Unanderra
Cost: Half Day $35 | Short Day $55 | Long Day $65 | Book via SCGA.

The South Coast Gymnastics Academy KidzBreak School Holiday Clinic is back with its unique line-up of special themed activities and setups each afternoon. Suitable for children aged four to 14 years, there will be fun for everyone. Please note that meals are not included and must be brought on the day, with three meal breaks across a full-day program. There are half-day, short-day and long-day options available.

NAIDOC Family Fun Day at Darcy Wentworth Park

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

This is a fantastic community event celebrating NAIDOC. Expect live music and performances, a free barbecue, a petting zoo, prizes and giveaways, engaging cultural activities, free footy and soccer gear, a reptile show, a football clinic and merchandise. This year’s NAIDOC theme is “Keep the fire burning! Blak, loud and proud!”.

Character Design Workshops with Dani Franza at The Waterfront Shellcove

When: Tuesday 1 October, 3:30 to 5:30 pm (tweens) and Tuesday 8 October, 3:30 to 5:30 pm (teens)
Where: The Waterfront Shell Cove Sales Centre, Shops 1 & 2, 100 Cove Boulevard, Shell Cove
Cost: $5 | Booking via Trybooking.

In two sessions – one geared towards tweens and another geared towards teens – illustrator Dani Franza will guide participants. Dani will employ age-appropriate games, activities and discussions to help participants understand the various components and techniques behind character creation.

• Tuesday 1 October, 3:30 to 5:30 pm – tweens (8 to 12)
• Tuesday 8 October, 3:30 to 5:30 pm – teens (13 to 17)

School Holidays Fun at The Shellharbour Club

When: Various dates from Tuesday 1 October to Tuesday 8 October, various times
Where: The Shellharbour Club, corner Wattle and Shellharbour roads, Shellharbour
Cost: Various | Book via Shellys.

Looking for low-key school holidays fun you can fit in around lunch? From magic shows to paint and sip, The Shellharbour Club has you sorted. Some sessions are already booked out, so get in early. Kids Day Out is a highlight – an epic daytime party filled with chart-topping hits, karaoke, a roving balloon bender and prizes for the most fabulous outfits.

• Tuesday 1 October, 11:15 am: Magic Show
• Wednesday 2 October, 11:15 am: Disney Bingo
• Friday 4 October, 11:15 am: Kids Day Out
• Tuesday 8 October, 11:15 am: Plaster Paint and Sip

Teens Wheel throwing Workshops at Soul Clay Studios

When: Tuesday 1 and Thursday 3 October, 11 am to 12:30 pm
Where: Soul Clay Studios, Unit 3, 51 Rowlins Road, Gerringong
Cost: $95 | Book via Soul Clay Studios.

This one and a half hours of pottery wheel throwing is designed to give teens aged 13 to 17 a “taster” of what it’s like to create your own pieces on the pottery wheel. The session includes tuition on the pottery wheel, clay, use of tools/equipment, bisque firing and clear glaze firing of two items per person. The pottery created will be functional and available for collection or postage (cost involved) three to four weeks after the session.

School Holiday Program at Clay Wollongong

When: Various dates from Tuesday 1 to Thursday 10 October, various times
Where: Clay Wollongong, 70 Keira Street, Wollongong
Cost: Various | Book via Clay Wollongong.

Clay Wollongong has a variety of sessions for everyone these school holidays ranging from preschool aged kids through to teens, allowing your child to engage in a creative outlet and relax through clay-based mindfulness activities. ⁠From fairy house making to make and paint a plate and wheel tasters, each session allows your child to bring home a creation of their very own.

School Holidays Activities at Wollongong City Libraries

When: Tuesday 1 to Friday 11 October, various times
Where: Various Wollongong City Libraries
Cost: Free.

Wollongong City Libraries will play host to a diverse range of arts, crafts, workshops and activities these school holidays.

• Halloween Breakout Room
  • Thirroul Library: Tuesday 1 October, 10 to 11 am
  • Warrawong Library: Thursday 3 October, 2 to 3:30 pm
  • Dapto Library, Tuesday 8 October, 2:30 to 3:30 pm
  • Corrimal Library: Thursday 10 October, 2 to 3 pm
• Lantern Making
  • Dapto Library: Tuesday 1 October, 10 to 11 am
  • Wollongong Library: Wednesday 2 October, 10 to 11 am
  • Helensburgh Library: Friday 4 October, 10 to 11 am
  • Corrimal Library: Wednesday 9 October, 10 to 11 am
  • Warrawong Library: Thursday 10 October, 10 to 11 am
  • Thirroul Library: Thursday 10 October, 10 to 11 am
• Disco Dance Party
  • Wollongong City Library: Tuesday 1 October, 11 am to noon
  • Dapto Library: Tuesday 1 October, 1 to 2 pm
• Trash Percussion
  • Corrimal Library: Tuesday 1 October, 1:30 to 3 pm
  • Wollongong Library: Tuesday 8 October, 10 to 11 am
• Reusable Makeup Wipes
  • Wollongong Library: Tuesday 1 October, 2 to 4 pm
• Spring Movie
  • Warrawong Library: Tuesday 1 October, 2:30 to 4 pm
  • Helensburgh Library: Thursday 3 October, 10:30 am – noon
• Paint and Plant
  • Helensburgh Library: Wednesday 2 October, 10:30 am to noon
• LEGO Build Competition
  • Warrawong Library: Wednesday 2 October, 2:30 to 4:30 pm
  • Corrimal: Thursday 3 October, 10 to 11:30 am
  • Thirroul Library: Tuesday 8 October, 10 to 11:30 am
  • Helensburgh Library: Wednesday 9 October, 10 to 11:30 am
  • Wollongong Library: Wednesday 9 October, 10 to 11:30 am
  • Dapto Library: Thursday 10 October, 10 to 11:30 am
• Bilma (Clapsticks) Cultural Workshop
  • Wollongong Library: Thursday 10 October, 10 am to 1 pm

School Holidays Activities at The Frat

When: Tuesday 1 to Friday 11 October, various times
Where: The Fraternity Club, 11 Bourke Street, Fairy Meadow
Cost: Various | Book via The Frat.

The Frat’s school holiday sessions are already booking out so act fast. Its Paint & Shake event allows young artists to unleash their creativity over delicious milkshakes. Or light up their school break at the Kids Glow Disco – the ultimate party for kids aged four to 12 years, featuring non-stop music, glow sticks, and all your favourite tunes in a fun and safe environment. Don’t miss the Illawarra Brick Show, with over 50 tables of custom-built LEGO models on display in themes ranging from The Simpsons to a huge city layout.

• Paint and Shake: Tuesday 1 October, 11 am to 12:30 pm and 1:30 to 3 pm – $40
• Kids Glow Disco: Friday 4 and Friday 11 October, 6 pm – $12
• Illawarra Brick Show, Christmas Fundraiser: Sunday 6 October, noon to 6 pm and Monday 7 October, 10:30 am to 4:30 pm – General $8 | Under 3s free | Family $37.50
• Showbag Bingo: Tuesday 8 October, 11 am to 12:30 pm – $12.

School Holidays Activities at Kiama Libraries

When: Tuesday 1 to Friday 11 October, various times
Where: Kiama and Gerringong libraries
Cost: Free to $10 | Book via Kiama Libraries.

Kiama and Gerringong libraries have the littlies sorted these school holidays with LEGO challenges, stitching, craft workshops, DIY spa kits (back by popular demand) and more. Activities are designed to be age appropriate and cover a diverse range of interests. Places are strictly limited, so get in fast.

• Story Walk at Gerringong Library: Tuesday 1 to Friday 11 October, 9:30 am to 5 pm
• Lego Garden at Gerringong Library: Tuesday 1 October, 10 to 11 am
• Paper Luminary Workshop at Gerringong Library: Tuesday 1 October, 3:30 to 4:30 pm
• Embrace Kids Community Film Screening at Kiama Library: Tuesday 1 October, 5 to 7 pm
• Stitching for Juniors at Kiama Library: Wednesday 2 October, 1 to 4 pm
• Spring Bunting at Gerringong Library: Thursday 3 October, 10 to 11 am
• DIY Affirmation Cards with Lauren Thompson at Gerringong Library: Tuesday 8 October, 10:30 to 11:30 am
• Lego “Build Our Town” at Kiama Library: Tuesday 8 October, 3 to 5:30 pm
• DIY Spa Kits at Gerringong Library: Thursday 10 October, 10 to 11 am
• Zany Zippered Pouches at Kiama Library: Friday 11 October, 10:30 am to noon

School Holiday Farm Play Day at Green Connect

When: Wednesday 2 October, 1 pm to 3 pm
Where: Green Connect Farm, 6 Anna Avenue, Lake Heights
Cost: $15 | Book via Green Connect.

Pull up those gumboots and get ready to get your hands in some earth. Green Connect’s award-winning 11-acre farm is the ideal setting for a messy and educational school holiday experience in the great outdoors. Activities include adventuring through the farm to learn about food production and the environment, feeding the pigs, patting and feeding the goats and sheep, stirring up some magic in the mud kitchen, harvesting and tasting fresh food growing wild around the farm, building shelters from bamboo and recycled fabric and lots more.

While Play Day sessions are best suited for children aged two to seven years, younger and older children are welcome. Families with older children may wish to consider our School Holiday Family Farm Tour.

NAIDOC After Party Sandon Point

When: Wednesday 2 October, 10 am to 1 pm
Where: Sandon Point, Bulli
Cost: Free.

This special NAIDOC “After Party” joins other NAIDOC events celebrating the oldest continuous culture in the world. Expect cultural dance and songs, live music, art and boomerang throwing workshops. There will be engaging activities for children and young people, an elder tent (with gift bags for elders) and lots of yummy food.

School Holidays at Warilla Bowls

When: Wednesday 2 October, 5 to 7 pm
Where: Warilla Bowling and Recreation Club, Jason Avenue, Barrack Heights
Cost: Various | Book via Ticketebo.

Warilla Bowls is joining in the school holidays fun, hosting two separate themed discos. There will be lots of dancing, fun and games, with party bags on arrival and ice cream to finish off the night. Kids are also invited to experience the wonder of a magical show where they become part of the action.

• Wednesday 2 October, 5 to 7 pm: Kids “Pirates and Princesses” Disco – $12
• Friday 4 October, 11 am: Kids Magic Show – $15
• Wednesday 9 October, 5 to 7 pm: Kids “Disney” Disco – $12

School Holidays Activities at Ocean Beach Hotel Shellharbour

When: Various dates from Wednesday 2 October to Thursday 10 October, various times
Where: Ocean Beach Hotel Shellharbour, 2 Addison Street, Shellharbour
Cost: Free | Book via Sevenrooms.

Ocean Beach Hotel is offering parents a little break these school holidays, with reptile zoo experiences and face painting for the kids. Spaces are limited, so ensure you book ahead of time.

• Wednesday 2 October, 1 to 3pm: Reptile Zoo
• Thursday 3 October, noon to 2 pm: Face Painting
• Wednesday 9 October, noon to 2 pm: Face Painting
• Thursday 10 October, 1 to 3 pm: Reptile Zoo

Bean to Bar Chocolate School Holiday Workshop at The Treat Factory

When: Wednesday 2 October, 9:45 am, 11 am, 1 pm, 2:30 pm
Where: The Treat Factory, 6 Old Creamery Lane, Berry
Cost: $45 | Book via The Treat Factory.

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, and get hands-on creating their own giant speckle and a marshmallow choc pop to take home, using professional chocolate-making equipment.

School Holidays at Stockland Shellharbour

When: Various dates from Wednesday 2 to Saturday 5 October, various times
Where: Stockland Shellharbour, 211 Lake Entrance Road, Shellharbour City Centre
Cost: Free.

While you’re getting the shopping done, why not indulge in a little school holiday fun? Stockland Shellharbour offers a story time, and part of it will be transformed into an international air terminal where kids can embark on a creative journey around the world.

• Wednesday 2 to Saturday 5 October, 10:30 am to 3:30 pm – Little Jetsetters
• Wednesday 9 October, 10 to 10:30 am – Storytime at Stockland

School Holiday Nature Program at Mt Keira Girl Guides’ Campsite

When: Wednesday 2 to Thursday 10 October, 9 am to 3 pm
Where: Mt Keira Girl Guides’ Campsite, 321 Mount Keira Road, Mount Keira
Cost: $110 | Book via Bookeo.

Folkplay’s school holiday program is on again at Mt Keira. Activities will include bushwalking adventures, nature fort building, crafting with natural materials including clay, archery and target practice, storytelling and campfire sessions, wildlife spotting including prowling and stalking activities, outdoor games and team challenges like tug-o-war, water play (in safe, shallow areas), nature art and mandala making, survival skills workshops, tree and plant identification, rope courses and ground-level challenges. The program runs from 9 am to 3 pm and is suitable for children aged five to 12 years.

School Holidays Activities at Georgia Rose

When: Various dates from Wednesday 2 to Wednesday 9 October, 10 am
Where: Georgia Rose, 9 Marina Drive, Shell Cove
Cost: $35 to $39 | Book via Trybooking.

Georgia Rose is offering another awesome line-up of quality school holiday experiences including Paint ‘n’ Pizza sessions with different themes, clay sculpting classes by the experts at Black Duck Studio and Donut Decorating, where kids will take home four delicious donuts. Book fast to avoid disappointment.

• Kids Paint ‘n’ Pizza Class
  • Wednesday 2 October, 10 am to noon
  • Friday 11 October, 10 am to noon
• Kids Halloween Themed Clay Sculpting Classes
  • Thursday 3 October, 10 am to noon
  • Thursday 10 October, 10 am to noon
• Kids Donut Decorating Classes
  • Friday 4 October, 10 to 11:30 am
  • Wednesday 9 October, 10 to 11:30 am

Daisy Spring Festival at Old Fire Station Kiama

When: Friday 4 to Wednesday 9 October, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Where: Old Fire Station Kiama, 40 Shoalhaven Street, Kiama
Cost: 8 to 12 years $5 | 13 to 17 years $10 | 18 years+ $15 | Book via Expressive Art Experience.

During this week-long art program full of fun, Kiama’s famous Daisy herself will be getting a new coat of paint. There will be a cow painting competition in categories of eight to 12 years, 13 to 17 years and 18 and over. Yes, adults, you’re invited! There are exciting prizes for each category. Unleash your imagination, get painting, and be ready to enter your masterpiece or simply vote for your favourite.

School Holidays Activities at Kiama Scout Hall

When: Friday 4 October, various times
Where: Kiama Scout Hall, 1 Blowhole Point Road, Kiama
Cost: Various | Book via Kiama Art Workshops.

Kiama Scout Hall will play host to two arty events for different ages these school holidays. There are only 10 spots available for its wonderful watercolour workshop for kids, where each person’s artwork will be different with their own style, pattern, and colours shining through. All materials are provided, and kids will learn some watercolour techniques such as wet on wet, wet on dry, colour washes, and dripping colour around the page. Each participant will also get a cupcake and pink lemonade.

Teens are invited for a mindful session inspired by Monet, and guided by an expert. They’ll learn techniques such as layering, mixing colour, adding texture and final details. An orange juice, cordial and lemonade-based mocktail will be provided so that the teens get their own “paint and sip” experience.

• Friday 4 October, 1:30 to 2:30 pm: Watercolour/Mixed Media Jellyfish for Kids at Kiama Scout Hall– $29
• Friday 4 October, 3:15 to 4:30 pm: Teen’s “Monet and Mocktails” – $40

Open Street Festival on Wentworth Street, Port Kembla

When: Saturday 5 October, 1 to 10 pm
Where: Various locations, Wentworth Street, Port Kembla
Cost: Free.

Expect a day of great music, food, markets and more at this all-ages street festival. With a great line-up featuring Mat McHugh (The Beautiful Girls), The Strides, Azure Ryder, Frank Sultana, Ile Ilu and more on the main stage, there’s a sound for everyone. Roving puppeteers Curious Legends and clowning from Jerry Hatricks will be featured throughout the event precinct.

As twilight falls, see a number of visual effects and projections emerge at various locations on Wentworth Street. Come for a late lunch and stay for dinner with a local makers market and delicious food stalls.

School Holidays Activities at Bundanon

When: Saturday 5 October, 10 am to noon
Where: Bundanon, 170 Riversdale Road, Illaroo
Cost: $10 | Book via Bundanon.

Have you ever noticed how moss only grows on one side of the trees around here? Remember when you found that bird in the park and had to cover its head with a towel to pick it up safely? Isn’t it gross when all those beautiful jacaranda petals turn into sludge? Hosted by experienced illustrators and educators Fionn McCabe and Evie Hilliar, a workshop at Bundanon covers the basics of comic-making skills and terms, and teaches tips and exercises for each participant to create a short, true (if not totally factual) comic about an experience they’ve had while out in the Australian bush, the backyard, or even just while having a look in a flowerpot.

Also at Bundanon, children and adults can take a guided visit to the Art Museum and current exhibition Wilder Times together, then participate in the workshop “Found in sound: lost in music” making marks that explore sounds, rhythms and patterns experienced in the landscape. Together they will create a large-format artwork in response.

• Saturday 5 October, 10 am to noon: Wild, Everyday Adventures Comic Workshop at Bundanon
• Thursday 10 October, 10 am to 2:30 pm: Family Fun Day – Artmaking Workshop

Children’s Concert with the Chroma Quartet at Wollongong Art Gallery

When: Sunday 6 October, 11 am to noon
Where: Wollongong City Art Gallery, Corner Kembla and Burelli streets, Wollongong
Cost: Adults $20 | Under 16s $10 | Book via Humanitix.

WollCon is delighted to bring you the special children’s concert performance of the 2024 artists in residence, The Chroma Quartet. This informal concert is aimed at young people and their families. It comprises an hour-long string music performance by amazing, inspiring musicians. If you are a young string player, this concert will inspire you.

The Wild Robot Film Screen at Blackbutt Youth Centre

When: Tuesday 8 October, 11 am to 3 pm and Thursday 10 October, 10 am to 3 pm
Where: Blackbutt Youth Centre, LOT 201 Cygnet Avenue, Shellharbour City Centre
Cost: $10 | Book via eventbrite.

Shellharbour Community Programs and Sentral Kiama Youth Services are joining forces to host a fun movie afternoon at Event Cinemas for young people aged 12 to 17. Grab your friends and come down to the Shellharbour Youth Centre, then walk across to Shellharbour Event Cinemas for an afternoon of entertainment, snacks and a great movie experience – The Wild Robot.

Paint a Skateboard Workshop at The Pavilion Kiama

When: Wednesday 9 October, 10 am and 1 pm
Where: The Pavilion Kiama, 2 Bong Bong Street, Kiama
Cost: Free | Book via eventbrite.

In this workshop, which is free and open to young people aged 12 to 24, South Coast Kook will guide participants in creating their own skateboard deck design. Parents are welcome to assist their child or leave and return later. Each participant will receive a skateboard blank, 16 Surfpaint pens, a sketchpad, a pencil, tracing paper,and other resources to help with the design process. The Surf Paint pens are made with ingredients that ensure guaranteed adhesion to fibreglass surfboards, but they also work on just about anything due to the nature of the smooth, consistent, water-based acrylic paint.

School Holidays Disco at Warilla Sports Club

When: Friday 11 October, 3 to 5 pm
Where: Warilla Sports Club, 54 McGregor Avenue, Barrack Heights
Cost: $20 | Book via Stickytickets.

In this epic afternoon of fun and music, your ticket will include a delicious hotdog and a refreshing juice. Dance your heart out and compete for fabulous prizes awarded to the best dancers. Kids can enjoy the disco while parents or guardians stay on the premises and enjoy a meal or some drinks with friends (and a well-deserved break). Bookings are essential.

Junklandia at IPAC

When: Friday 11 and Saturday 12 October, 10 to 11:20 am
Where: Bruce Gordon Theatre, IPAC, 32 Burelli Street, Wollongong
Cost: General $29 | School or Vacation Care Groups $16 | Book via Merringong Box Office.

Junkyards Beats are back with more amazing junk percussion in Junklandia, a dynamic adventure of musical misfits as they repurpose the junk that the world has forgotten. This show is a spectacle of rhythm, dance, circus and comedy, guaranteed to blow your mind. See the incredible “Junk Orchestra” grand finale, where everyone is equipped with a recycled instrument, and come together to create a one-of-a-kind junkyard band.

Australia’s Richest Handball Competition at The Servo

When: Sunday 13 October, 2 to 4 pm
Where: The Servo, 8 Wentworth Street, Port Kembla
Cost: Free.

Handball, the beloved schoolyard game, steps into the spotlight to ease the kids into the new school term. Billed as “Australia’s richest handball competition”, you’re invited to join the action at Servo Food Truck Bar in Port Kembla, where the nation’s best handball players will battle it out for cash, prizes and ultimate handball glory. With divisions for all ages — Open (16+), Groms (12-16 years) and Super Groms (under 12) — there’s a spot for everyone to show off their skills. Rumour has it, Australia’s own handball legend “The Silver Ace” K. Rudd, might make an appearance. Entry is free, but spots are limited, so sign up online today.