Get ready to make the most of the school holidays with a jam-packed line-up of fun, creativity and adventure for kids of all ages. Photo: Wollongong CBD.
From splashing around on giant pool inflatables at Oak Flats Pool, to twirling and gliding on an open-air roller rink, there’s no shortage of ways to burn energy and create memories this week in the Illawarra.
Young makers and budding artists can get hands-on at the Mini-Makers-Market or explore the vibrant local arts scene at exhibitions, while little scientists and nature lovers can dive into citizen science projects such as FrogID and learn how to protect our froggy friends.
Don’t miss the last of the events in our guide to Nine places doing awesome stuff in the Illawarra these school holidays, including Wollongong Youth Services’ first ever Open Day, or Hive Festival at Wollongong Art Gallery.
With workshops, games, interactive experiences and plenty of opportunities to get creative, there’s something to spark curiosity and excitement for everyone.
So grab your friends, family, or a partner-in-crime and dive into a school holiday season full of laughter, learning, and pure, unmissable fun.
Multiple Days
Celebrate local creativity with two weeks of art, workshops and hands-on inspiration at the Shellharbour City Arts Society exhibition at the Imaginarium. Image: Shellharbour City Arts Society.
Art in the Village Summer Showcase
When: Monday 12 to Thursday 27 January, 9 am to 5 pm
Where: The Imaginarium, Wentworth Street, Shellharbour
Cost: Various | Book via Shellharbour City Arts.
The Shellharbour City Arts Society brings the Imaginarium to life with a vibrant two-week exhibition showcasing works by its talented members, alongside a program of artist-led workshops and live demonstrations.
Set in the heart of Shellharbour Village, the exhibition features an inspiring mix of paintings, limited-edition prints, ceramics and more, each reflecting the creativity and character of the local arts community. Visitors can also roll up their sleeves and get involved, with hands-on workshops led by exhibiting artists — perfect for sharpening skills, trying something new, or simply enjoying a creative day out.
From roots and bluegrass to Balkan beats, poetry, dance and late-night sessions, the Illawarra Folk Festival is where music, community and creativity come together. Image: Illawarra Folk Festival.
Illawarra Folk Festival
When: Friday 16 to Sunday 18 January, various times
Where: Bulli Showground, Grevillea Park Road, Bulli
Cost: Various (under 12s free) | Book via Illawarra Folk Festival.
Experience the magic of the Illawarra Folk Festival, a vibrant, community-minded celebration of music, culture and creativity held over three big days. With more than 80 acts across multiple stages, the program spans folk, indie, world, roots, bluegrass, Balkan and Celtic music, alongside poetry, comedy and dance.
The festival kicks off at 3 pm on Friday and wraps up on Sunday evening with a special finale featuring guest performers. Known for its warm, family-friendly atmosphere, it’s as much about connection as it is about performance.
Beyond the stages, enjoy intensive Folk School workshops, lively sessions and dancing, the Youth Folk Traditions Awards, poet’s breakfasts, instrument makers, and a colourful mix of international food and craft stalls.
Camping is available on-site for those wanting the full festival experience, with limited spaces booking out early.
The 2026 Cross Connection exhibition is calling all artists to show off their playful, heartfelt and fun takes on the theme. Image: Salvation Army.
Call for entries: 2026 “Cross Connection” Community Arts Exhibition
When: Friday 16 January, 10 am to 5 pm and Saturday 17 January, 10 am to 2 pm
Where: The Foundery, 132 Wentworth Street, Port Kembla
Cost: Free entry.
The 2026 Cross Connection Community Arts Exhibition is on the hunt for creative works that celebrate ‘Friendship’. Artists can submit anything that fits the theme — painting, sculpture, photography, music, writing, fabric art, mosaics … if it sparks joy, it belongs.
Works should be ready to hang or display, clearly labelled with the artist’s name and title, and accompanied by a short entry form with the artist’s details, sale price (if applicable) and a 50-word description sharing how the work connects to the theme.
The exhibition opens Thursday 22 January. Entry forms and guidelines are available by emailing [email protected]
Roll into the school holidays with open-air skating, good vibes and plenty of fun for kids of all abilities. Image: Wollongong CBD.
City Skate: The Roller Remix
When: Saturday 17 to Wednesday 21 January, 11 am to 5 pm
Where: Crown Street Mall, Wollongong
Cost: Free | Book via FareHarbor.
Kids can glide, spin and roll into fun with family and friends at this open-air roller rink, designed for a great school holiday outing. Whether they’re just starting out or already finding their feet, the rink offers a safe, welcoming space for beginner and intermediate skaters alike.
Skaters can bring their own roller or inline skates or hire a pair on-site, with helmets and protective gear welcome from home or available to borrow for free. Comfortable, easy-to-move-in clothing is recommended, along with friends, family and plenty of good vibes for a fun-filled session on wheels.
Friday
If your new year’s resolution includes more time in the garden, this sale is the perfect place to start. Photo: Wollongong City Council.
Green Plan Plant Sale
When: Friday 16 January, 7:30 am to 2:30 pm
Where: Wollongong Botanic Garden Nursery, 65 Northfields Avenue, Keiraville
Cost: Free entry.
Wollongong Botanic Garden’s nursery gates are set to open for the first plant sale of 2026, featuring a wide range of healthy plants and 50 per cent off native grasses. Expert staff will be on hand to offer advice on plant selection and care, making it ideal for seasoned gardeners and beginners. A coffee van will be on-site, and the full plant list and pricing are available on the Wollongong Botanic Garden website.
Please note: This is a ratepayer subsidised service. A current Wollongong City Council rates notice is required on the day as proof of residency. If you rent in the area, you will need to seek approval from your landlord.
It’s the perfect way for families to cool off and enjoy the holidays together. Image: Shellharbour City Council.
Pool Open day – Oak Flats Pool
When: Friday 16 January, 1 to 3 pm
Where: Oak Flats Pool, Kingston Street, Oak Flats
Cost: Free.
Dive into an afternoon of festive summer fun at Oak Flats Pool, with a Giant Pool Inflatable, free sausage sizzle, music, games and plenty of good vibes.
Children aged 10 and under must be accompanied by a responsible adult aged 16 or over. All children wishing to use the inflatable will need to complete an unaided 25-metre competent swim check, with final approval at the discretion of the lifeguards on duty. The inflatable is open to participants up to 14 years of age. Normal pool conditions and codes of behaviour apply, and all visitors are asked to follow lifeguard instructions at all times. Front counter check-in is required to reinforce the conditions of entry for children and supervising adults.
Saturday
Get set for a day (and night) of family fun, thrills and Illawarra tradition since 1888. Image: Albion Park Show.
Albion Park Show 2026 Main Show Day
When: Saturday 17 January, 6 am
Where: Albion Park Showgrounds, Tongarra Road, Albion Park
Cost: Adult $20 | Children 5 to 14 years $10 | Aged Pensioners $10 | Family $50 | Under 5s Free | Book via LocalTix.
Step back into a timeless tradition at the Albion Park Show, connecting the Illawarra’s agricultural heritage with the local community since 1888.
A perfect family day out, the show features cattle and horse judging in the main ring by day, and demolition derbies, fireworks, mower races and tough trucks by night. Explore market stalls, the exhibitor’s pavilion, woodchopping, and a range of local exhibits, plus don’t miss the always-popular Animal Nursery and Kid’s Corner.
Sunday
Kids can craft, sell and have a blast at the Mini-Makers-Market this school holiday. Image: Collins Booksellers Thirroul.
Mini-Makers-Market Children’s Event
When: Sunday 18 January, 10 am to 2:30 pm
Where: Collins Booksellers, 5/264 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul
Cost: Free entry.
Kids can get creative and entrepreneurial at this popular holiday event. Participants can register for a time slot — either 10 am to noon or 12:30 to 2:30 pm — by contacting the bookstore at [email protected]
Young makers are encouraged to team up with a friend or sibling to share a stall and create simple, small products to sell. Ideas include bookmarks, cards, gift tags, postcards, jewellery, sweets, or other treats. Don’t forget to bring some change for transactions, and most importantly, have fun making as well as selling.
Thursday
Turn your phone into a frog-saving tool. Photo: Wollongong City Council.
FrogID Fun for World Wetlands Day
When: Thursday 22 January, 6 to 7 pm
Where: Wollongong Library, 41 Burelli Street, Wollongong
Cost: Free | Book via eventbrite.
To celebrate World Wetlands Day, Nadiah Roslan from the Australia Museum will share information about the FrogID app.
Our frogs are under threat from habitat loss, disease and climate change. You can become a citizen scientist by using the app to record frog calls. Gathering this essential information helps our scientists to better understand and conserve Australia’s frogs.
