Christmas is done, the new year is here, but the school holidays prevail. Photo: Kellie O’Brien.
If you’re looking for ways to keep the kids entertained, spark creativity or just have some family fun this week, the Illawarra is offering something for everyone.
From the prehistoric thrills of The Dino Maniacs to the live theatre magic of Bluey’s Big Play, there’s no shortage of unforgettable experiences for little adventurers.
Creative minds can explore hands-on workshops such as Neurographic & Zentangle Art, Kewpie and Rock Painting and other artsy, crafty workshops.
Chocolate lovers can indulge at The Treat Factory’s Giant Freckle Workshop, while music and mythical fans will love the KPop & Magical Creatures Family Trivia.
For extra under-the-sea fun, SpongeBob’s Summer Beach Party brings interactive games, photo opportunities and workshops to keep the whole family entertained.
Here are our top nine things to do this week.
Multiple Days
Expect sun, fun and under-the-sea vibes — the SpongeBob way. Image: The SpongeBob Movie.
SpongeBob Movie Summer Beach Party
When: Saturday 10 January to Friday 23 January, centre trading hours
Where: Ground floor near Target, Stockland Shellharbour, 211 Lake Entrance Road, Shellharbour City Centre
Cost: Free.
Dive into summer with SpongeBob’s Summer Beach Party at Stockland, celebrating the release of The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants in cinemas now. Kids can get creative by making SpongeBob-inspired frisbees, snap selfies on SpongeBob’s pirate ship, and explore life-size photo moments with SpongeBob and friends.
Photo Pods are open for the duration of this event, and kids’ workshops run from Saturday 10 to Monday 13 January from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm. No bookings are required — just sail on in.
The Wollongong City Libraries Book Sale runs across all seven library branches. Photo: Wollongong City Libraries.
Summer Book Sale at Your Library
When: Monday 12 to Friday 23 January, during library opening hours
Where: Wollongong City Libraries.
Cost: Free entry | Individual books $0.50 | Fill a bag $5.
Book lovers are invited to hunt for a bargain as Corrimal, Dapto, Helensburgh, Thirroul, Unanderra, Warrawong and Wollongong libraries have a summer clear-out. Browse hundreds of pre-loved titles spanning fiction and non-fiction, with something for adults, young people and children. Books are priced to move at just 50 cents each, or grab a serious bargain by filling your own bag for $5. Purchases can be made using cash or card at the library customer service counter, with stock refreshed regularly throughout the sale. Best of all, every book purchased helps support local library programs and events, with proceeds going to the Friends of Wollongong City Libraries.
Perfect for young fans and their families, Bluey’s Big Play is a joyful, must-see theatre experience. Image: Supplied.
Bluey’s Big Play The Stage Show
When: Wednesday 14 to Saturday 17 January, 9:30 am, 12:30 pm and 3:30 pm
Where: IMB Theatre, IPAC, 32 Burelli Street, Wollongong
Cost: A Reserve $59.90 | A Reserve Family $54.90 | Premium Meet + Greet $99.90 | Book via TicketSearch.
After delighting audiences from New York’s Madison Square Garden to London’s Royal Festival Hall, Bluey’s Big Play is heading home for an Australian encore tour. Based on the beloved Emmy award-winning TV series, this live theatre production follows Bluey and Bingo as they do everything they can to lure Dad off the bean bag when he’s keen on a quiet afternoon break. Expect plenty of laughs, clever games and heartfelt moments the whole family will enjoy.
Created especially for the stage, the show features an original story by Bluey creator Joe Brumm, with brand new music by Bluey composer Joff Bush. Brought to life with beautifully crafted puppets, this is Bluey like you’ve never seen it before — live, theatrical and full of magic.
Friday
Get ready for an afternoon of laughs, surprises and friendly competition. Image: Wollongong City Libraries.
KPop Demon Hunters Trivia at Corrimal Library
When: Friday 9 January, 2 to 4 pm
Where: Corrimal Library, 15 Short Street, Corrimal
Cost: Free | Book via eventbrite.
The worldwide phenomenon KPop Demon Hunters has arrived at Corrimal Library in a fun form. Bring the family along for a quiz like no other, where KPop beats meet magical mayhem. Dress up as your favourite character and put your knowledge to the test with a playful, family-friendly trivia game featuring your favourite idols and mythical creatures. This event is perfect for ages five and up, and children under eight must be accompanied by an adult.
Monday
Get ready for a roaring good time these school holidays as the Dino Maniacs Dino-Mite Party Show stomps into Shellharbour Civic Centre. Image: Supplied.
The Dino-Mite Party Show
When: Monday 12 January, 12:30 to 2 pm
Where: Shellharbour Civic Centre, 76 Cygnet Avenue, Shellharbour City Centre
Cost: $15 | Book via eventbrite.
Perfect for families and young dinosaur fans, this high-energy, interactive show takes audiences on a prehistoric adventure packed with surprises, music, dancing and plenty of laughs. The 60-minute experience includes a 15-minute meet and greet, giving kids the chance to get up close with six adorable baby dinosaurs and the show’s quirky cast. The excitement starts before the curtain rises, with lucky audience members even invited on stage to join the prehistoric stars for a truly unforgettable school holiday treat.
A dedicated Kids Zone adds to the fun, offering hands-on interaction and memorable photo opportunities. Children (and adults) are encouraged to dress as their favourite dinosaur, with prizes up for grabs for the best costumes.
Tuesday
Make your books as unique as you are. Image: Wollongong City Council.
School Holidays Book Bedazzling
When: Tuesday 13 January, 3 to 4:30 pm
Where: Thirroul Library, 352-358 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul
Cost: Free. Book via eventbrite.
Give your favourite book a glow-up these school holidays at Thirroul Library’s Book Bedazzling Workshop. Bring along a beloved book and let your creativity shine as you decorate it with colourful gems, sparkles and bling. All materials are provided, so just bring your imagination (and your book) and transform it into a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. This is the perfect activity for teens who love to craft, personalise and add a bit of sparkle to their reading.
Wednesday
A calming, creative experience that’s as much about self-discovery as it is about art. Image: Michelle Springett.
Neurographic & Zentangle
When: Wednesday 14 January, 6 to 8 pm
Where: The Imaginarium, Wentworth Street, Shellharbour
Cost: $60 | Book via Shellharbour City Arts.
Reconnect with your inner self and celebrate your creativity at this Neurographic and Zentangle Art Workshop, designed to encourage self-expression in a relaxed and supportive environment. Led by Michelle Springett from Expressive Art Experience, this hands-on session will guide participants through the fundamentals of neurographic and zentangle art, helping you discover your own unique style while exploring creativity as a form of wellbeing. All materials are provided, and the workshop is perfect for beginners — no prior art experience required. With just 10 participants per session, these intimate classes offer a fun, friendly atmosphere, making them ideal to enjoy with friends or family.
Thursday
Unleash your creativity on Kewpie dolls and rocks for the Kiama Show. Image: Expressive Art Experiences.
Kewpie Dolls and Rock Painting for the Kiama Show
When: Thursday 15 January, 10 am to 3 pm
Where: Downstairs, Kiama Pavilion, 2 Bong Bong Street, Kiama
Cost: Child $10 | Book via Expressive Art Experiences.
Get ready to unleash your creativity at this Kewpie & Rock Painting Workshop, where you can design your very own Kewpie doll to be featured in an upcoming exhibition at the Kiama Show. You’ll also have the chance to decorate and paint rocks, turning them into colourful, one-of-a-kind creations. All materials are provided, so just bring your imagination and have fun experimenting with colours, patterns and designs. A perfect activity for kids, families, or anyone who loves a hands-on art experience.
Every freckle is unique at The Treat Factory workshops, perfect for families, friends and chocolate lovers. Photo: The Treat Factory.
DIY Giant Chocolate Freckle Workshop
When: Thursday 15 January, 10 am, 11:30 am, 1:30 pm and 3 pm
Where: The Treat Factory, Unit 6 Old Creamery Lane, Berry
Cost: $38 | Book via Treat Factory.
Step into The Treat Factory’s chocolate room for a hands-on experience that chocolate lovers of all ages will adore. Create your very own Giant Freckle, starting with a base of milk or dark Belgian chocolate, and customise it with a rainbow of toppings — from sprinkles and freeze-dried fruit to nuts, mini marshmallows, pretzels and more. While your creation sets, enjoy a chocolate-tasting journey exploring flavours from raw cacao to dark, milk, ruby and white chocolate. Then package your masterpiece in a stylish gift box to take home or share with someone special.
