There’s plenty to do both outside and in these school holidays – and much of it is free. We’ll prove it. Photo: Envato/Simol1407.
It’s hard to get misty-eyed over a white Christmas in the Illawarra as summer, the festive season and school holidays converge on our beautiful slice of coastal paradise.
The only thing that can hurt at this time of year is the hip pocket – but it doesn’t have to.
When it comes to keeping the kids entertained, aside from getting out into the natural beauty that’s so abundant in our region, or visiting the amazing local institutes from the Wollongong Botanic Gardens to Nan Tien Temple, local councils, businesses and groups offer a glut of free or affordable activities for children over the school holidays.
From arts and craft workshops to exhibitions, community events to film screenings, you won’t run short of things to do with the younguns.
Here are our top picks.
Details from sculpture Vigit Hefeco 6 (no balls in hands), 2023 at Mai Nguyễn-Long’s exhibition Kôgábịnô, curated by Adam Porter. Photo: Wollongong Art Gallery Facebook.
Exhibitions at Wollongong Art Gallery
When: Throughout the holidays, Tuesdays to Fridays, 10 am to 5 pm and Saturdays to Sundays, 12 pm to 4 pm
Where: Wollongong Art Gallery, 46 Burelli Street, Wollongong
Cost: Free
It’s never too early to start cultivating art appreciation, and you won’t find a better place to start than Wollongong Art Gallery. The gallery holds many exhibitions throughout the year. Currently, the FLOW Contemporary Watercolour Prize showcases innovation and experimentation in watercolour painting, and Mai Nguyễn-Long’s exhibition Kôgábịnô is the latest instalment in the artist’s inquisitive and ongoing negotiation with the messy edges of histories, cultural identity, family values, diasporic stories and nuances.
Fun in the pool is even sweeter when it’s free. Photo: Envato/Sunny_studio.
Free entry to Shellharbour City Pools
When: Saturday 16 December to 29 December, various times
Where: Albion Park, Warilla and Oak Flats Pools
Cost: Free
Shellharbour City Council is inviting you to splash into the Summer holidays with free entry to Shellharbour City Pools for school-age children from Saturday 16 December until Friday 29 December! This includes the Albion Park, Warilla and Oak Flats 50 m pools but excludes Oak Flats 25 m Pool. Please note children under 16 years old must be supervised by a responsible adult at all times (no fee will be charged to observers unless swimming) and children 16 years to 18 years old must show their secondary school identification card for entry. Front counter interactions are still required and the normal pool code of behaviour applies.
Just a quick boogie for the kiddos with a couple of treats thrown in for good measure. Image: Kiama Golf Club.
Kids’ Christmas Disco
When: Tuesday 19 December, 6:30 pm to 8 pm
Where: Kiama Golf Club, 79-81 Oxley Avenue, Kiama Downs
Cost: $6, payable upon entry
Kiama Golf Club invites families to get the festive season started at the green. Get your tiny dancers prepped for an epic Kids’ Christmas Disco! The entry includes a bag of chips and a popper. Dress-ups are encouraged but mostly it’s just a good excuse for the kids to let loose and have a boogie.
This epic, free family event offers something for everyone. Image: Shellharbour City Council Facebook.
Create and Sleigh
When: Tuesday 19 December, 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Where: Shellharbour Civic Centre, 76 Cygnet Ave, Shellharbour City Centre
Cost: Free
Crank up the Christmas cheer at this free family fun event celebrating all things Christmas. The afternoon and evening kicks off with entertainment, roving performers and Christmas craft and entertainment, including the chance to make your own “Terrachristmas” pots, magic reindeer food and acrylic baubles. Bring along your chairs and picnic rugs, because from 8 pm an outdoor screening of Elf! begins.
Christmas craft is best done with the whole family chipping in. Image: Wollongong City Council.
Family Christmas Crafternoon
When: Tuesday 19, Wednesday 20, Thursday 21 December, 3:30 pm to 5 pm
Where: Warrawong Library, 1/67-71 King Street, Warrawong
Cost: Free, book online
Warrawong Library is hosting three relaxed and creative Christmas-themed afternoons. This is a family event and open to all ages, with all crafts provided. Please note only one ticket is required per family or group attending.
Things are getting crafty this Christmas at Kiama and Gerringong. Image: Kiama Library.
Kiama Kids’ Christmas Craft
When: Wednesday 20 and Thursday 21 December, 10:30 am to 11:30 am
Where: Kiama Library, 7 Railway Parade, Kiama and Gerringong Library, 8 Blackwood Street, Gerringong
Cost: $5
You’re invited to create adorable gnome ornaments for your Christmas tree from wool and beads in this fun, creative craft activity, as well as some other surprise Christmas activities. This workshop is suitable for children aged six to 12 years, with all materials provided, and will be held on the following dates:
- Wednesday 20 December from 10:30 am to 11:30 am, Kiama Library, book online
- Thursday 21 December from 10:30 am to 11:30 am, Gerringong Library, book online
Kiama Library has the perfect excuse to show off your artistic talents. Image: Kiama Library.
Artful Postcards workshop
When: Thursday 21 December, 3 pm to 4:30 pm
Where: Kiama Library, 7 Railway Parade, Kiama
Cost: $7, book online
‘Tis the season to send cards to family and friends, which makes it the perfect time to share your art with others. You’re invited to learn some basic watercolour techniques to create a mini artwork to send as a postcard to someone special this holiday season. This workshop is suitable for children aged 12 and above, and stamps will be supplied. No experience is required.
Nan Tien’s annual cultural showcase is back. Image: Nan Tien Temple website.
Nan Tien Cultural Festival
When: Saturday 23 December to Monday 1 January, various times
Where: Nan Tien Temple, 180 Berkeley Road, Berkeley
Cost: Free entry
Held since 1996, this family-friendly event is a celebration of our multicultural community and includes a variety of activities, performances and cuisine from all over the world to engage all of the senses. Highlights will include the vegetarian food fair, Thomas the Tank Engine children’s ride, multicultural performances including traditional Chinese music, song and dance, Buddhism Book Fair and arts and crafts.
At midnight on New Year’s Eve you’re invited to quite literally ring in the new year by sounding the Bell of Peace, and on New Year’s Day there will be a widely loved spectacle – the Lion Dance.
The Kiama Sky Show is an annual highlight on the Illawarra calendar. Photo: Envato/Igor_Tichonow.
Kiama New Year’s Eve Sky Show
When: Sunday 31 December, from 4 pm
Where: Hindmarsh Park, corner Terralong and Shoalhaven streets, Kiama
Cost: Free entry
The always electric atmosphere of this annual Illawarra highlight offers a kids’ carnival, stalls, live music and Roving Performers providing entertainment throughout the evening before the fireworks spectacular. Enjoy a circus drop zone in Hindmarsh Park, acoustic entertainment, roving performances, a live DJ, a visit from WAVE FM’s Wave Riders, lawn games and a kids carnival, while WAVE FM MC the night live from the foreshore and count in the 9 pm fireworks.
Experience food stalls as you explore Eat Street on Terralong and Sweet Street on Shoalhaven, as well as the chic cafes and restaurants in the vibrant hub of Kiama. Bring a picnic blanket, family and friends down to Black Beach Reserve for the ultimate viewing experience.
This activity is for Lego lovers of all ages. Photo: Gerringong Library.
Lego Waterworks Challenge
When: Tuesday 2 January, 1 pm to 2 pm and 3 pm to 4 pm
Where: Gerringong Library, 8 Blackwood Street, Gerringong
Cost: Free, book online
Lego makes a splash at Gerringong Library these holidays as you and your family create fountains, swimming pools, waterwheels – anything that will hold water. Get creative – all creations will be displayed in the library. This activity is suited to people aged five to 105.
Wollongong City Libraries School Holidays Summer Movie Sessions
When: Various dates from Thursday 4 to Wednesday 10 January, 2 pm to 3:30 pm
Where: Various Wollongong City Libraries
Cost: Free
You’re invited to sit back, relax and watch a certain film that tells the tale of a pair of plumber brothers and a pink princess as they face off against a turtle prince in another dimension. This film is suitable for children aged five and above. Children under eight years old must be accompanied by a parent who stays in the room.
Expect a bit of extra fun at Albion Park, Warilla and Oak Flat pools this summer. Photo: Shellharbour City Council.
Inflatable fun at Shellharbour City Pools
When: Various dates from 6 January to 24 February, 1 pm to 3 pm
Where: Albion Park, Warilla and Oak Flats Pools
Cost: Various (general admission to the pool)
Albion Park, Oak Flats and Warilla Pools invite you for some afternoons of inflatable fun. Please note – All children will be required to complete a 25-metre swim test with no flotation device to access the inflatable, and the inflatable pool toy rules apply. The giant inflatables will be available from 1 pm to 3 pm on the following dates:
- Albion Park Pool: Saturday 6 January, Saturday 27 January and Saturday 17 February
- Oak Flats Pool: Saturday 20 January and Saturday 10 February
- Warilla Pool: Saturday 13 January, Saturday 3 February and Saturday 24 February
Create the ultimate low-maintenance pet this school holidays. Photo: Wollongong City Council.
Wollongong City Libraries Pet Rock Workshops
When: Various dates from Monday 8 to Friday 19 January, 10 am to 11 am
Where: Various Wollongong City Libraries
Cost: Free
Remember the simplicity and joy of a pet rock? Book your kids in to make their own pebble pal to take home. This activity is only for kids aged eight years and above, and will be held on the following dates:
- Monday 8 January, Corrimal Library, book online
- Friday 12 January, Thirroul Library, book online
- Tuesday 16 January, Wollongong Library, book online
- Tuesday 16 January, Warrawong Library, book online
- Friday 19 January, Helensburgh Library, book online
Adults and children work together in this fun, collaborative workshop. Photo: Envato/wikornr.
Family Fun Day – Artmaking Workshop
When: Monday 8 January, 10 am to 2:30 pm
Where: The Creative Learning Centre, 170 Riversdale Road, Illaroo
Cost: General admission $10, payable upon entry
In this joint workshop, children and adults collaborate to create artwork. Working together they will explore water-based media and mono-printing to create a triptych that tells a story of water. Better yet, the ticket price includes art museum entry, all art materials and a light lunch.
Wollongong City Libraries present plenty of chances to make a bright and fun colourful creation these school holidays. Photo: Wollongong City Council.
Wollongong City Libraries Make and Take Craft Workshops
When: Various dates from Tuesday 9 to Tuesday 23 January, various times
Where: Various Wollongong City Libraries
Cost: Free
Keep those little hands busy for a couple of hours making a colourful craft piece to take home. This activity is only for kids aged five and above, and children under eight years old must be accompanied by a parent who stays in the room during sessions. It runs on the following dates:
- Tuesday 9 January from 10 am to 12 pm, Warrawong Library, book online
- Thursday 11 January from 10 am to 12 pm, Unanderra Library, book online
- Friday 12 January from 10 am to 12 pm, Helensburgh Library, book online
- Wednesday 17 January from 10 am to 12 pm, Corrimal Library, book online
- Monday 22 January from 10 am to 11 am, Wollongong Library, book online
- Tuesday 23 January from 10 am to 12 pm, Dapto Library, book online
- Tuesday 23 January from 10 am to 12 pm, Thirroul Library, book online
Your kid could pick up a cool new hobby during these school holidays. Photo: Wollongong City Council.
Wollongong City Libraries Stop Motion Animation Workshops
When: Tuesday 9 January, various times
Where: Various Wollongong City Libraries
Cost: Free
With limited spots available, you’re encouraged to book early for this interactive workshop where kids will fire up those imaginative minds, learn about stop-motion animation techniques and experience the magic of film production. This activity is only for kids aged eight years old and above. It will run on the following dates:
- Tuesday 9 January from 10 am to 11:30 am, Thirroul Library, book online
- Tuesday 9 January from 1 pm to 2:30 pm, Dapto Library, book online
You don’t have to be a Taylor Swift fan to join this workshop. Photo: Wollongong City Council.
Wollongong City Libraries Taylor Swift Friendship Bracelets Workshops
When: Various dates from Wednesday 10 to Friday 19 January, various times
Where: Various Wollongong City Libraries
Cost: Free
Have you got a little Tay-Tay fan at home? Inspired by the mega-star’s visit down under, kids are invited to create bracelets to trade, give to their bestie or keep. This is a family-friendly event, with all ages welcome, and will run on the following dates:
- Wednesday 10 January from 10 am to 11 am, Warrawong Library, book online
- Thursday 11 January from 10 am to 11 am, Corrimal Library, book online
- Tuesday 16 January from 10 am to 11 am, Dapto Library, book online
- Tuesday 16 January from 2 pm to 3 pm, Thirroul Library, book online
- Wednesday 17 December from 10 am to 11 am, Helensburgh Library, book online
- Thursday 18 January from 10 am to 11 am, Unanderra Library, book online
- Friday 19 January from 2 pm to 3 pm, Wollongong Library, book online
Time to unleash your creativity on Kiama Library’s epic Lego collection. Photo: Envato/iloli.
Kids’ Lego Competition
When: Tuesday 9 and Wednesday 10 January, 10 am to 12 pm
Where: Kiama Library, 7 Railway Parade, Kiama
Cost: Free, book online
Put those little fingers to good use, engage those young minds and introduce them to a bit of friendly competition as they create a Lego masterpiece at Kiama Library for their chance to win a Lego prize. Using Kiama Library’s vast Lego collection, create something wonderful from your own imagination (no Lego or Lego constructions to be brought from home). The competition is open to Lego builders aged five to 12 years and prizes will be awarded to winners in age groups five to seven, 8 to 10 and 11 to 12 years old. Judging will take place on the afternoon of Wednesday 10 January and winners will be notified by phone on the following day. All construction remains the property of Kiama Library.
Dream up distant magical lands and learn to put them on paper. Image: Gerringong Library.
Drawing Fantasy Maps Workshop
When: Tuesday 9 January, 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm
Where: Gerringong Library, 8 Blackwood Street, Gerringong
Cost: $5, book online
In this one-off workshop, you’ll create fantasy worlds and learn how to draw your own custom maps. Pick up fun and simple techniques for map-making and fill your fantasy landscape with fun, quirky features. Part of Gerringong Library’s Makers and Creators workshop series, this workshop is suitable for children from age 12. All materials will be provided.
This program is free for 12 to 24-year-olds through the NSW regional youth Government Grant and brought to you by Kiama and District Stronger Community. Photo: South Coast Kook.
Paint a Skateboard Workshop
When: Thursday 11 January, 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm
Where: Kiama Pavilion, 2 Bong Bong Street, Kiama
Cost: Free, book online
Join the South Coast Kook at Kiama Pavilion to create your own skateboard deck design and take home your masterpiece for free. You’ll learn how to use Surf Paint pens, which are made with the right ingredients to ensure guaranteed adhesion to fibreglass surfboards. Parents are more than welcome to stay and assist their child or duck out and come back later. Included in your session is a blank Skateboard, 16 Surfpaint pens for each participant, sketchpad/pencil/tracing paper and other resources to help with the design process.
Expect eclectic live music and lots of fun at Honk! Image: Honk Oz Facebook.
HONK! Oz Street Music Festival
When: Thursday 11 to 13 January, various times
Where: Various Wollongong venues
Cost: Free
Completely free, and volunteer run, Honk Oz is a parade and a party rolled into one raucous outdoor spectacle featuring alternative community bands and related arts. The event was founded by members of The Con Artists – a community ensemble based at Wollongong Conservatorium of Music, and the concept was supported by the Illawarra Folk Club, which generously provided funding to mount the first festival as a fringe event of the Illawarra Folk Festival in January 2015.
Nature and art collide in this amazing free two-day art-making program. Photo: Envato/Studio_OMG.
Bundanon Inspire Youth Art Program
When: Monday 15 and Tuesday 16 January, 9 am to 5 pm
Where: The Boyd Education Centre, 170 Riversdale Road, Illaroo
Cost: Free, book online
It is rare for art-marking programs of this calibre to be free, so book sooner rather than later. Young people aged 12 to 18 years will participate in art-making, ecology walks and visits to the Art Museum. The program spans two days, participants must attend both days to complete the artwork. In this time, participants will employ drawing, painting, print-making, stencilling and collage to interpret the beautiful surrounding bush and landscapes, and the emotions they evoke. Registration includes a shuttle bus to and from Nowra and lunch, morning and afternoon tea each day.
Gerringong Library has concocted a chance for children to experience a break-out room for free. Image: Gerringong Library.
Escape Room Adventure – The Curse of the Amber Serpent
When: Various dates from Tuesday 16 to Thursday 25 January, 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Gerringong Library, 8 Blackwood Street, Gerringong
Cost: Groups of up to five $10, book online
You and your most daring friends are invited to test your wit and mettle and see if you have what it takes to break the Curse of the Amber Serpent and save the world. Choose from multiple one-hour sessions running over two weeks in January 2024. This event is suitable for people aged 12 to 120. All children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Lots of Lego and free rein. Photo: Wollongong City Council.
Wollongong City Libraries Lego Sessions
When: Various dates from Wednesday 17 to Thursday 25 January, various times
Where: Various Wollongong City Libraries
Cost: Free
From a towering castle to a desert oasis, let your imagination run wild with free rein to design your own Lego creation across Wollongong City Libraries these school holidays. This activity is only for kids aged five and above. Children under eight years old must be accompanied by a parent who stays in the room during the activity. It runs on the following dates:
- Wednesday 17 January from 3:30 pm to 4:45 pm, Warrawong Library, book online
- Thursday 18 January from 10 am to 11 am, Wollongong Library, book online
- Wednesday 24 January from 10 am to 11 am, Corrimal Library, book online
- Thursday 25 January from 10 am to 11 am, Unanderra Library, book online
Unleash the power of your creativity at this cartooning workshop. Image: Toonworld.
Toonworld Cartooning Workshop
When: Wednesday 17 January, 2 pm to 3 pm (five to nine-year-olds) and 3:15 pm to 4:15 pm (10 to 13-year-olds)
Where: Kiama Library, 7 Railway Parade, Kiama
Cost: $10, book online
Keen to pick up a new hobby these school holidays, or hone your cartooning skills? Toonworld invites you on a journey filled with creativity and challenges. You will meet fun characters and design your own wonderful heroes while defending the lands against the evil Rubbix and his rampaging stickmen army… Please note, there are two sessions: session one from 2 pm to 3 pm is for five to nine-year-olds and session two from 3:15 pm to 4:15 pm is for 10 to 13-year-olds. Tickets include all materials.
Make and take a funky geometric tote bag. Photo: Kiama Library.
Make Your Own Geometric Calico Tote Bag
When: Friday 19 January, 10:30 am to 12:30 pm
Where: Kiama Library, 7 Railway Parade, Kiama
Cost: $5, book online
Fashion and art come together in this crafty workshop for children aged seven to 12 years old. They’ll learn some super easy techniques to make their own colour block geometric tote bag, which they’ll be able to take anywhere. All materials are included in the price of the ticket.
Meet, learn about and interact with some fascinating reptiles. Image: Warilla Bowls and Recreation Club.
Warilla Bowls Reptile Show
When: Monday 22 January, 5 pm
Where: Warilla Bowls and Recreation Club, 63 Jason Avenue, Barrack Heights
Cost: Free
Got a little animal lover at home? Warilla Bowls and Recreation Club are hosting a fun and fascinating look at our reptile friends – and admission is free. Kids will not only learn fun facts about numerous interesting species, but also have the chance to interact.
Kiama Library offers crafts that are super fun, easy to make and encourage interaction with nature. Photo: Kiama Library.
Nature on the Move Paper Craft
When: Tuesday 23 January, 10:30 am to 12 pm
Where: Kiama Library, 7 Railway Parade, Kiama,
Cost: $5, book online
Learn to make a paper butterfly that can flap its wings and a caterpillar that can crawl across its own leaf. The techniques learned in this hands-on craft workshop are super easy and fun. Not only is it art and nature play combined, but it is also a light lesson in engineering, making it a great introductory STEAM project. This activity is suitable for children aged six to 12.
Assemble your own little adorable army of mini robots. Photo: Wollongong City Council.
Offbits Robots Workshop
When: Tuesday 23 January, 10 am to 11 am
Where: Warrawong Library, 1/67-71 King Street, Warrawong
Cost: Free, book online
Fine motor skills meet creative problem-solving in this interactive and creative STEAM experience. OffBits robotics workshops are both artistic and educational. The activity is suitable for children aged eight years and over. The activity is free but bookings are required, and spots will book out fast.
This workshop is crafty, creative and tactile. Photo: Kiama Library.
Felt Plush Ocean Animals
When: Wednesday 24 January, 10 am to 11:30 am
Where: Kiama Library, 7 Railway Parade, Kiama
Cost: $10, book online
In this crafty, creative and tactile workshop, you’ll learn to make a super cute whale or fish plush. Pick up basic sewing techniques and be guided by step-by-step instructions to make a felt plush that you can give as a gift, or simply show off your newfound sewing skills. This activity is suitable for children aged 10 and above, and the ticket price covers all materials.
The whole family can get into Kiama Show for $35. Image: Kiama Show Facebook.
Kiama Show
When: Friday 26 January, 9 am to 6 pm and Saturday 17 January, 9 am to 10 pm
Where: Kiama Showground Pavilion, 2 Bong Bong Street, Kiama
Cost: Adult $15, concession/senior $10, child $5, under 5s free, family $35, book online
Let the school holidays go out with a bang at Kiama Show. The longest-running community event in the area, Kiama Show is the major event of the year that brings together business, agriculture and the community to the picturesque Kiama Showground alongside Surf Beach.
Expect traditional agricultural events including cattle, horses, showjumping and wood chopping, the pet show, a wonderful array of over 2000 pavilion exhibits and a good selection of food venues also provided on-site. And of course, like any good old fashioned show, there will also be a range of show rides for everyone to enjoy.
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