In case you’re wondering how you’ll keep the little ones occupied these summer holidays, don’t worry — the Illawarra organisations, businesses, institutions and venues have you covered. Photo: monkeybusiness.
School’s out, the sun’s up, and the Illawarra is absolutely bursting with ways to keep kids busy, curious and grinning from ear to ear.
Whether your crew is into beachside creativity, gingerbread engineering, bug encounters, bushcraft, bubbles, bingo, books, baby dinosaurs or big art energy, this summer’s line-up delivers something for every flavour of fun.
From free festivals to hands-on workshops and high-calibre shows, these nine standout spots are serving up holiday magic in all shapes and sizes — so dive in, mix and match and plan a school break that’s anything but boring.
A free, family-friendly pop-up arts and cultural event is coming your way, and everyone’s invited. Image: Creative Wollongong.
Making Waves and The Pup Cup @ Thirroul Beach
When: Friday 19 December, 4 to 7 pm
Where: Thirroul Beach, 23 Cliff Parade, Thirroul
Cost: Free | Book via Wollongong City Council.
Bring the kids, soak up the creativity and enjoy live entertainment from Elana Stone’s Earth Wind & Choir, DJ Chris Frape, plus hands-on fun with artists Angela Forrest (clay dog sculptures), Karla Hayes (chalk art) and Ashley Frost (plein air painting). The SLSC will also be firing up the barbecue.
From 6 to 7 pm, don’t miss the inaugural Pup Cup, with prizes for best dressed, most like their owner, and people’s choice. If your dog deserves their runway moment, be sure to register by 14 December.
All other activities are drop-in, except for Plein Air Painting, which requires registration.
School’s out – head to The Frat for diverse holiday fun. Photo: Riska.
School Holidays at The Fraternity Club Fairy Meadow
When: Various dates and times from Friday 19 December to Friday 16 January
Where: The Fraternity Club, 11 Bourke Street, Fairy Meadow
Cost: Various | Book via The Fraternity Club.
The Frat is putting on its usual smorgasbord of school holiday activities. From themed high teas to its ever-popular kids’ bingo sessions, discos to glow parties, there’s something for kids of all ages. Some activities will book out quickly (read: Squishamallow bingo), so book soon to avoid disappointment.
Get festive by building and decorating your own gingerbread house with icing, lollies and treats, then leave all the mess behind. Image: Shellhabrour Civic Centre.
School Holidays Activities @ Shellharbour Civic Centre
When: Various dates and times from Saturday 20 to Monday 22 December
Where: Shellharbour Civic Centre, 76 Cygnet Avenue, Shellharbour City Centre
Cost: Various | Book via Shellhabrour Civic Centre.
Shellharbour Civic Centre is holding two gingerbread house making sessions — the perfect way to step into the Christmas spirit with family and friends. You’ll first put on your builder’s hat to construct the foundation of your gingerbread house before unleashing your creativity as you decorate it with icing, lollies and festive treats. Gingerbread houses are provided, with a maximum of four people per gingerbread house.
There’s also a free family fun evening of Christmas craft and entertainment at Shellharbour Library within the centre. Expect roving performers all night and kids’ activities including bauble decorating, magic reindeer food making, face painting and more.
In January, Real Dinosaurs brings a high-energy family show where six baby dinosaurs, songs, dancing and plenty of surprises spark kids’ imaginations. With a special kids zone, pre-show fun and chances to join the action on stage, this interactive spectacle is suitable for all ages.
Summer school-holiday fun blooms at Wollongong Botanic Garden with nature play, theatre, games and stories for kids of all ages. Photo: Wollongong Botanic Garden.
School Holidays @ Wollongong Botanic Garden
When: Various dates and times from Saturday 20 December to Wednesday 14 January
Where: Wollongong Botanic Gardens
Cost: Various | Book via Wollongong Botanic Garden.
Wollongong Botanic Garden is offering a packed summer program to keep kids active, entertained and connected to nature over the school holidays. Before Christmas, families can enjoy Dreaming of a Green Christmas — a festive outdoor play filled with songs, laughter and plenty of audience participation.
In the new year, the garden will run hands-on gardening sessions and nature play for children aged 4–7, along with ‘Wild Games’ and ‘Beginner’s Bushcraft’ activities for kids aged 8–12. Little ones can also join ‘Budding Bookworms’ every Friday morning for magical stories, sing-alongs, dancing and crafts.
Head to the garden’s website for full details and to book your spot.
A visit from Travelbugs Mobile Mini Beasts is just one highlight in Kiama Libraries’ school holiday line-up. Image: Travel Bugs.
School Holidays @ Kiama Libraries
When: Various dates and times from Tuesday 23 December to Friday 23 January
Where: Kiama Library Auditorium, 7 Railway Parade, Kiama and Gerringong Library, 8 Blackwood Street, Gerringong
Cost: Various | Book via Kiama Libraries.
Kiama Libraries will offer an array of creative and curious activities these school holidays.
Little bug lovers won’t want to miss a hands-on workshop by Travelbugs Mobile Mini Beasts, where they’ll meet a variety of large, live, colourful Australian insects. Participants (aged five to 12) will use magnifying glasses to explore the touch tables, featuring more than 200 preserved specimens, including preserved cocoons, egg cases, wings, skins, resin embeds and more. There will also be interactive demonstrations, a Q&A and hands-on discovery time around touch tables.
Over two weeks, there will also be a Star Wars-themed escape room at Gerringong Library for the young and young at heart.
Creative kiddos can participate in numerous crafty workshops. Spaces are limited, so book soon to avoid disappointment.
Looking for something engaging, creative and educational for the school holidays? Image: iTeC.
Animation Workshop @ iTeC Academy
When: Monday 12 and Tuesday 13 January, 9:30 am to 4:30 pm
Where: iTeC Academy, 1 – 5 Miller Street, Coniston
Cost: $250 | Book via [email protected] or (02) 4223 3100.
ITeC Academy is running a hands-on, beginner-friendly two-day animation workshop designed for 13- to 16-year-olds who want to dive into 2D animation and expand their creative skills.
Across two creative days, participants will learn how to bring hand-drawn ideas to life using industry-standard digital tools. Working with Wacom tablets and software including Krita, Adobe After Effects and Adobe Premiere, they’ll plan, sketch and animate short sequences while developing practical skills in timing, movement and visual storytelling.
The workshop covers everything from early concept development through to creating simple finished sequences. Participants will explore core animation principles, gain confidence using professional software and equipment, and produce a short hand-drawn digital animation with support from an experienced trainer. All materials, equipment and software are provided.
Don’t miss the butterfly experience at Thirroul Library. Photo: ballycroy.
School Holidays @ Wollongong City Libraries
When: Various dates and times from Monday 12 to Monday 19 January
Where: Wollongong City Libraries
Cost: Free | Booking via Wollongong City Libraries.
From movie screenings and crafty workshops, Wollongong’s libraries have organised fun for school children of all ages.
One major highlight is an out-of-the-suitcase puppet show that brings the classic tale of Puss in Boots to life, showing at multiple locations.
Another is a butterfly experience that will invite children to step into a magical space filled with real butterflies where they can marvel, interact and explore these fascinating fluttering creatures.
A free, joy-filled festival of creativity and play is buzzing into Wollongong Art Gallery these school holidays. Image: Wollongong Art Gallery.
Hive Festival @ Wollongong Art Gallery
When: Tuesday 20 and Wednesday 21 January, various times
Where: Wollongong Art Gallery, 46 Burelli Street, Wollongong
Cost: Free.
Hive Festival is coming to Wollongong Art Gallery these school holidays, in partnership with the Art Gallery of New South Wales. This free, joy-filled celebration of creativity invites kids and families to explore, make and play across two vibrant days.
Inspired by Kate Mitchell’s exhibition Set States — a series of performance videos exploring emotional transformation — the festival brings the gallery to life with hands-on workshops and colourful experiences. Children can chase and pop bubbles in an energetic activation, craft their own soft plushie friend at the Plushie Pals workshop, and dive into reflective creative activities such as making postcards of hopes and wishes or designing thank-you flags that celebrate their strengths.
Hive celebrates the power of play as something transformative, connective and fun. Entry is free, all activities are free, and everyone is welcome.
Explore, connect and celebrate at Wollongong Youth Services’ first-ever Open Day. Photo: Wollongong Youth Services.
Open Day @ Wollongong Youth Services
When: Thursday 22 January, 1 pm
Where: Wollongong Youth Services, 85 Burelli Street, Wollongong
Cost: Free.
Wollongong Youth Services (WYS) is opening its doors to the wider community for its first-ever open day, and everyone is welcome — young people, parents, carers, service providers and anyone curious about what WYS offers.
The day is a chance to tour the facilities, meet the team and learn more about the programs and support services available. There’ll be information stalls and representatives from local organisations that support young people, including Police, MCCI, headspace, SYFS and more to be announced.
Visitors can also enjoy a free barbecue, creative and interactive workshops and live music. More details will be shared soon, but for now — save the date!
