Honk brings the streets to life in Wollongong. Photo: Paul Pennell.
Summer’s in full swing, and the South Coast is brimming with family fun, adventure and holiday cheer. From thrilling rides and carnival games to hands-on creativity and outdoor exploration, there’s something for everyone these school holidays.
Kids can bounce, spin and zoom at Laurie’s Family Carnival in Kiama or tackle the giant slides and dodgem cars at Wollongong Summer Carnival, while Joylands Carnival lights up Windang with rides, games and laughter for the whole family.
Nature lovers can swap screens for towering trees as they become a junior ranger at Minnamurra Rainforest, learning bush survival and discovering the secrets of this ancient landscape. Creative minds can grab a canvas at the Drop-In Art Play session in Kiama, or join the parade, music and workshops at Honk Music Festival, turning Wollongong streets into a colourful hub of performance and connection.
There are even opportunities to swing a club for charity at the Magpie Cup, meet Bluey & Bingo at Albion Park, or find calm and support at Lifeline Wollongong Library. Whatever your age or interest, the South Coast is the place to make memories, embrace the festive spirit, and have a blast this summer.
Multiple Days
Bounce, spin, win and snack your way through Laurie’s Family Carnival — fun for all ages and smiles guaranteed. Photo: Laurie’s Family Carnival.
Laurie’s Family Carnival
When: Until Sunday 4 January, 6:30 to 10 pm nightly
Where: Black Beach, Kiama
Cost: Free entry.
Step right up to Laurie’s Family Carnival, where fun is front and centre for kids of all ages. Thrill-seekers can zoom through the ghost train, bounce sky-high on bungee trampolines, or let loose on jumping castles and the charming kids’ train. Test your skills at the sideshow games or indulge in some classic carnival treats, from fairy floss to hot dogs. With laughter in every corner and excitement around every turn, Laurie’s Family Carnival is the ultimate place for family fun, unforgettable memories and a good dose of festive cheer.
This summer, Wollongong turns into a full-on fun zone for kids and kids at heart. Image: Wollongong Summer Carnival.
Wollongong Summer Carnival
When: Until Sunday 4 January, 4 to 10 pm nightly
Where: Lang Park, 1 Marine Drive, Wollongong
Cost: Free entry | Unlimited Rides $35 ($40 at the gate) | Book via Ticketebo.
Hold on tight, Wollongong Summer Carnival is back with the biggest and best rides of the season. Thrill-seekers can zoom around on dodgem cars, bounce sky-high on bungy trampolines, or tackle the Boot Camp Challenge. Slide down the whale slide or giant beach inflatable, spin on tea cups, or explore Inflatable World. There’s mini golf, Windjammer, Lady Bugs, mini swings, and more to keep the whole family entertained. Plus, enjoy food truck days and nights for all your carnival cravings.
Get ready to jingle all the way at Joylands Carnival, lighting up the holidays with rides, games and festive fun for the whole family. Image: Joyland Carnival.
Joyland Carnival
When: Until Monday 26 January, nightly 5:30 to 10 pm
Where: Windang Memorial Park, Windang Road, Windang
Cost: $35 | Book via TryBooking.
Whether you’re chasing high scores or simply soaking in the lights and music, Joylands is the ultimate holiday playground. From thrilling rides to sweet treats, laughter and excitement fill every corner, while the kids’ zones and carnival games keep little hands busy. Open nightly through the summer break, it’s the perfect place to make memories, embrace the festive spirit and let the fun roll on — armbands in hand, smiles all around.
Become a junior ranger at Minnamurra Rainforest these school holidays — explore, learn and have a wild time. Photo: FiledIMAGE.
Minnamurra Rainforest – Junior Ranger Program
When: Monday 5 January to Thursday 22 January, various dates and times
Where: Minnamurra Rainforest, 345 Minnamurra Falls Road, Jamberoo
Cost: Child (5 to 15 years) $15 (Park entry fees apply) | Book via National Parks.
Swap screens for towering trees these school holidays and become a junior ranger at Minnamurra Rainforest. Kids will embark on an immersive, hands-on tour, learning bush survival, trail safety and the secrets of the plants and animals that call this ancient rainforest home. With expert guides leading the way, young adventurers gain confidence, curiosity and plenty of fun as they explore this stunning landscape. It’s the perfect chance to step into the wild, discover nature’s wonders and feel like a real ranger for the day.
Make some noise and join the fun at Honk Music Festival — parades, music, dance, circus and hands-on workshops for the whole family. Photo: Caz Nowaczyk.
HonkOz Festival
When: Thursday 8 to Saturday 10 January, various times
Where: Various Wollongong locations
Cost: Free.
When summer hits and Wollongong usually snoozes, Honk Music Festival wakes the streets with a riot of rhythm, colour and movement. Expect parades, participatory music, dance, circus and visual art, all celebrating the city’s vibrant cultural mix. Families can dive into Kids Honk!, with music workshops, lantern-making and a parade that lights up young imaginations. Community groups and youth are invited to join the fun, performing and creating alongside professionals. With every beat and twirl, Honk sparks connection, combats loneliness and turns Wollongong into a joyous hub of collaboration and creativity.
Grab a canvas, unleash your creativity and paint your masterpiece — no rules, no bookings, just pure fun. Image: Expressive Art Experience.
Drop-In Art Play
When: Thursday 8 to Monday 12 January, various times
Where: Joyce Wheatley Community Centre, 107 Terralong Street, Kiama
Cost: Canvas $10 | Book via Expressive Art Studio.
Step into a world of colour and creativity at this drop-in painting session, perfect for all ages. Choose a canvas (starting at just $10) and let your imagination run wild. Whether you’re inspired by the ideas on hand or want to invent something completely from scratch, there’s no limit to what you can create. Stay as long as you like, experiment with techniques, mix colours and enjoy the freedom of making art at your own pace. No bookings, no rules — just drop in, get creative, and walk away with a masterpiece you’re proud of.
Friday
Image: Swing, laugh, and support a great cause.
The Annual Prestigious Magpie Cup
When: Friday 2 January, 1:30 pm
Where: Club Jamberoo, 11 Allowrie Street, Jamberoo
Cost: Non-members $30 | Members $15 (team drawn randomly at 1 pm) | Book via 0418 420 234.
The Magpie Cup is back, and it’s swinging bigger, louder and zanier than ever. What started with six men, a wheelbarrow, a few golf clubs and a very confused magpie has grown into one of Australia’s most legendary charity golf days. Participants are invited to hit balls, talk plenty of smack and have an absolute blast, all while raising funds for Parkinson’s NSW. Even if you can’t attend, donations are warmly welcomed.
To learn more about how this cup is played, visit Club Jamberoo.
Sunday
Meet Bluey & Bingo live at Albion Park Community Hub Market. Photo: The Albion Park Community Hub Market Facebook.
Meet Bluey & Bingo at The Albion Park Community Hub Market
When: Sunday 4 January, 10 am to 1 pm
Where: Centenary Hall, 108a Tongarra Road, Albion Park
Cost: Free entry.
These school holidays, Bluey and Bingo are coming to life at the Albion Park Community Hub Market. Meet your favourite pups for photos, hugs and laughs, and dive into a day packed with family fun. There’s face painting, hair braiding, live music, craft stations and a Bluey colouring competition with epic prizes, including family passes to the Albion Park Show and activity packs. Explore 35 market stalls, enjoy tasty treats and soak up the festive atmosphere. With indoor fun, disabled access and plenty of parking, this is one school holiday adventure the whole family will love.
Wednesday
Need someone to talk to? Drop in to Lifeline at Wollongong Library for a friendly, no-judgement chat and connect with local support. Photo: Wavebreakmedia.
Lifeline Connect
When: Wednesday 7 January, 3 to 7 pm
Where: Wollongong Library, 41 Burelli Street, Wollongong
Cost: Free.
Feeling stressed or overwhelmed? Lifeline South Coast is here to listen, guide and connect you with local support services. Drop in for a friendly, one-on-one chat in a calm, welcoming space — no judgement, no bookings required. Whether you’re unsure where to turn or just need someone to talk to, help is at hand.
