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    What’s on School Holidays / Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama & Illawarra

    Find Wollongong, Shellharbour and Illawarra School Holiday programs, events, activities & low-cost kids holiday FUN. Discover the best things to do in the holidays, with What’s on in Wollongong. Fun school holiday ideas await! Read on for our best What’s on for Kids School Holiday Guide.

    BFS School Holiday Program

    Locations: Albion Park / Balarang / / Bulli / Fairy Meadow / Lakelands (near Dapto) / Thirroul / Wilton / West Wollongong
    Dates & Time: School Holidays
    Ages: School holiday care for school aged children, 5-12 years.
    Costs: Each School Holiday Program page outlines the daily fee, any additional costs for specific excursions or activities, and includes further information about Child Care Subsidy (CCS). CCS is available.
    Learn more/Book now HERE

    The school holiday program that takes play seriously! BFS Children’s Services is offering school holiday care for kids aged 5–12, (formerly Big Fat Smile), with programs packed with big adventures, creative activities and plenty of memory-making fun. Families can choose from OOSH programs across Albion Park, Balarang, Bulli, Fairy Meadow, Lakelands, Thirroul, West Wollongong and Wilton. Find your nearest location and check out what’s planned for the holidays.

    Book a Summer getaway with Holiday Haven Parks + Hot Deals on now!

    Make the most of summer at Holiday Haven Parks, with 12 stunning locations across the Shoalhaven and South Coast – from beachfront and lakefront escapes to riverfront and wildlife-filled settings. Enjoy modern self-contained cabins or powered and unpowered caravan and camping sites, perfect for a summer family getaway, short break, or weekend adventure.

    Book 7 nights, only pay for 5 at the following Holiday Haven Parks (T&Cs apply):

    Stay 5, Pay 4 this January at Holiday Haven Kangaroo Valley

    Location: Kangaroo Valley NSW
    Dates & Time: Book a stay between 9 January and 31 January
    Ages: All ages & family-friendly.
    Costs: Book a stay between 9 January and 31 January and enjoy 5 consecutive nights for the price of 4 on cabins and sites.
    Learn more/Book now HERE

    Summer Holiday Deal! Stay 5 Nights, Pay for Just 4 at Holiday Haven Kangaroo Valley! Make your summer getaway even better with a FREE extra night at beautiful Holiday Haven Kangaroo Valley! Book 5 consecutive nights between 9–31 January 2027 and only pay for 4, on both cabins and camping sites. That’s more time to relax, explore the stunning Kangaroo Valley and make summer memories with family or friends. T&Cs apply. Explore the offer and book your stay here.

    Illawarra Hawks Home Games – Dec & Jan

    Location: WIN Entertainment Centre, Corner Crown & Harbour Streets, Wollongong NSW 2500
    Dates & Time: December 2026 – January 2027
    Ages: All ages & family-friendly.
    Learn more/Book now HERE

    Illawarra Hawks NBL27 – Summer Basketball + Family Fun! Get behind the Illawarra Hawks this summer with thrilling live NBL games at WIN Entertainment Centre, family-friendly game nights + exciting basketball clinics for kids! Bring the family, cheer on the Hawks + experience the excitement of live basketball!

    School Holiday Home Games:

    Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures – open 7 days these school holidays

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    Location: 182 Knights Hill Rd Knights Hill New South Wales 2577
    Dates & Time: Open daily from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM during holiday periods.
    Ages: All ages, family-friendly FUN!
    Learn more/Book now HERE

    Just a short drive from Wollongong, Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures is one of the most epic family days out on the South Coast. Walk high above the rainforest on the incredible Treetop Walk — a 1.5km elevated track soaring up to 50 metres above the forest floor with sweeping escarpment views that honestly never get old. Kids will love the challenge of climbing Knights Tower, while little imaginations run wild in the Enchanted Forest with fairy villages and magical photo moments along the way.

    For older kids and teens, the Zipline Tour takes things to the next level — flying through the trees with serious wow-factor — and there’s even archery, rainforest trails to explore, and a café onsite to refuel. It’s one of those places you can easily spend a full day, getting outdoors, breathing fresh air and making proper school holiday memories together. Open daily from 9:30am – 4:30pm during the holidays — this one’s worth locking in. Book your Illawarra Fly adventure here.

    Gelato Emporium, Bulli Tops

    Location: Southern Gateway Centre, M1 Princes Motorway Bulli Tops NSW 2516
    Dates & Time: Open 8am – 5pm, 7 days
    Ages: All-ages, family-friendly dining
    Learn more HERE

    Looking for an easy, family-friendly outing these school holidays? The Gelato Emporium at Bulli Tops (located within the Southern Gateway Centre), is a sweet stop the kids will love. Treat them to artisan gelato while you enjoy quality coffee and soak up the sweeping coastal views. With relaxed seating, plenty of space and delicious options for all ages, it’s the perfect place to pause, recharge and turn an ordinary holiday day into something special. Plan your visit to the Gelato Emporium here.

    Wisos

    Location: Wiseman Park Wollongong City Bowling Club, Cnr Gipps Rd & Foley St, Gwynneville
    Dates & Time: School Holidays
    Ages: All-ages, family-friendly venue.
    Cost: Barefoot Bowls – Kids $5 & Adults $12. Kids Eat Free every Sunday.
    Book now/Learn more HERE

    Looking for a fun, affordable family outing these school holidays? Head to Wiso’s, where kids can enjoy a game of Barefoot Bowls, experience the magic of Glow Bowls after dark and refuel with a FREE kids meal every Sunday with any adult main meal at Il Lago. With plenty of open space to play, family-friendly dining, pet-friendly outdoor areas and a relaxed atmosphere just minutes from the Wollongong CBD, Wiso’s is one of those easy family outings that keeps everyone happy. Whether you’re planning a casual lunch, an afternoon on the greens or a fun evening under the lights, Wiso’s offers a unique family experience that’s big on fun and easy on the budget.

    Treetops Adventure Nowra

    Location: Treetops Adventure Nowra, 23 Rock Hill Rd, North Nowra NSW 2541
    Dates & Time: Open every day during the School Holidays.
    Ages: Courses from 3 years of age – adults.
    Cost: General Pass $59 (ages 8+) / Junior $39 (3-7yrs).
    Book now/Learn more HERE

    Looking for an awesome outdoor adventure these school holidays? Head to Treetops Adventure Nowra, just one hour south of Wollongong, and climb, zipline and tackle your way through 80+ treetop challenges and 15 ziplines, with courses for adventurers aged 3 years and up. Book ahead for the school holidays!

    The Shellharbour Club

    Location: The Shellharbour Club, 1 Liddell Street Shellharbour NSW 2529
    Dates & Time: Precinct at The Block is open Monday – Friday | 11:00am – 3:00pm, giving you plenty of opportunity to visit outside of our scheduled activities.
    Ages: Activities best suited for ages 3 years +.
    Cost: FREE & paid activities
    Book now/Learn more – COMING SOON

    Calling all little monsters! The Shellharbour Club has a jam-packed line-up of fun these spring school holidays. Kids can get moving with Healthy Harold + Ready Steady Go Kids, play Fuggler and Pokémon Bingo, hit the Monster Mash Dance Party or enjoy a Tricks & Treats Magician Show. With activities running across September and October, there’s plenty to keep the kids entertained these holidays.

    Early Start Discovery Space

    Location: Early Start Discovery Space, University of Wollongong Main Campus, Building 21 Northfields Ave, Keiraville NSW 2500
    Dates & Time: Sessions running daily and extended opening hours of 9am–3.30pm.
    Ages: 0 – 10 years of age
    Costs: Activities are FREE with paid entry to Early Start Discovery Space. Under 12 months – free. 12-month membership options available.
    Book now/learn more HERE

    Make a day of it at Early Start Discovery Space these school holidays, with hands-on activities designed especially for kids aged 0–10! Explore nature and insects during Discovery Time, get creative with colourful stitching and weaving at CreARTivity, enjoy Storytime and Story Play, plus plenty of opportunities to explore and play throughout the Discovery Space. School holiday activities are included with paid entry, with sessions running daily and extended opening hours of 9am–3.30pm. Learn more and plan your visit today!

    Altitude 1148 – feed the kids for under $16 these school holidays

    Location: Altitude 1148 Southern Gateway Centre, M1 Princes Motorway Bulli Tops NSW 2516
    Dates & Time: Spring School Holidays
    Ages: All ages family-friendly dining
    Cost: Feed the kids for under $16 these school holidays
    Book now/Learn more HERE

    Get out of the house and enjoy the views at Altitude 1148, Bulli Tops! School holidays are just around the corner and there’s no better time to gather the family for a meal with a view! Whether it’s a relaxed brunch, a long lunch, or a sweet treat to break up the day, we’ve got something for everyone including the little ones. With our kid-friendly meals and sweeping coastal views, it’s the perfect family outing these school holidays. Make it a day out to remember great food, stunning views, and quality time together.

    Wollongong Botanic Garden

    Location: Wollongong Botanic Garden 29 Madoline Street Gwynneville NSW 2500
    Dates & Time: School Holiday Activities run from 6 – 29 January. Wollongong Botanic Garden is open 7am – 6pm weekdays & 7am – 6.45pm weekends & public holidays.
    Ages: School holiday programs are available for children aged 4+, with individual age requirements varying by activity.
    Cost: Garden entry is FREE. Check individual activity pages for program prices.
    Book now/Learn more HERE

    Get the kids outdoors and exploring nature at Wollongong Botanic Garden! Enjoy exciting school holiday programs including Dig n’ Play gardening adventures (6, 13 & 20 January), Wild Games & Beginner’s Bushcraft (6, 13 & 20 January) and Budding Bookworms storytime (8, 15, 22 & 29 January). Perfect for curious kids who love getting active, learning new skills and discovering nature! Best of all, entry to Wollongong Botanic Garden is FREE, so families can explore the beautiful gardens and enjoy a picnic anytime during opening hours. Explore school holiday activities, session details and bookings here!

    Saunaus Wollongong – SAVE up to 40% for Kids & Families

    Location: Saunaus Wollongong, 388 Crown Street Wollongong
    Dates & Time: School Holidays. Pricing is valid Mon-Fri from 7am-3pm.
    Cost: Up to 40% off on their Family Deals – Refer here for family/school holiday pricing.
    Ages: Kids as young as 3 can safely take part, and older teens (15–17) can enjoy the sauna independently with parental consent. Full supervision is required for younger children.
    Booking link/learn more HERE

    Looking for a unique and fun activity for the kids these school holidays? Saunaus Wollongong is the perfect destination for families to relax, play, and recharge together! Saunaus Wollongong is set in a safe, family-friendly environment – making it an ideal activity for wellness & quality family time. Parents and children can enjoy the invigorating sauna and ice bath experience while learning the benefits of heat and cold therapy. Families can also book the private infrared sauna for a more personalised experience. It’s a healthy, fun, and memorable way to make the most of the school holidays.

    HARS Aviation Museum – Shellharbour Airport

    Location: 54 Airport Road, Shellharbour Airport, Albion Park Rail NSW 2527
    Dates & Time: Open every day of the Spring School Holidays from 9.30 am to 3.30 pm, last tour leaves at 2pm. 
    Ages: All ages!
    Costs: General admission includes a guided museum tour through ALL of their displays and hangars. Tours are guided by their dedicated volunteers to ensure that you get the most out of the experience. Family passes also available.
    Booking link HERE

    Looking for a fun, interactive, and educational family day out? Come and explore the HARS Aviation Museum, where you can get up close to historic planes, walk through the hangars, sit in real cockpits, and discover iconic aircraft on display. Located just 20 minutes south of Wollongong at Shellharbour Airport, the museum is open every day during the holidays. Admission includes a guided tour, and family passes are available. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable aviation adventure.

    The Illawarra Light Railway Museum

    Location: Illawarra Light Railway Museum, 48a Tongarra Rd Albion Park Rail NSW 2527
    Dates & Time: School Holidays
    Ages: All ages FUN!
    Cost: Adult $20 / Child/Concession $15 / Family $70. Children under 3 years old ride free with an adult.
    Book now/Learn more HERE

    Bring the family for a heritage railway adventure at the Illawarra Light Railway Museum in Albion Park! Explore historic steam locomotives, step through the locomotive museum, grab refreshments at the café and enjoy rides on the miniature trains. Featuring diesel and miniature train rides, shed tours, museum access and food sales, Main Line Diesel train rides, mini railway fun, playgrounds, food sales, shed tours and more (10am–2pm). Tickets can be booked online for all experiences.

    Northern Bowl, Bellambi

    Location: Northern Bowl, 103 Bellambi Lane, Bellambi NSW 2519
    Dates & Time: School Holidays: Bring the crew to Northern Bowl with our Family Pass: 1 game for 2 adults + 2 children — $55 / 2 games for 2 adults + 2 children — $87. Need room for one more? Add an extra child for $10 for 1 game or $18 for 2 games.
    Ages: All ages.
    Learn more/Booking link HERE or call their friendly team on (02) 4283 6222.

    Looking for a fun school holiday outing? Northern Bowl, the Illawarra’s iconic bowling alley and family entertainment hub, is the perfect place to play! With awesome holiday deals, classic tenpin bowling, bumper lanes, arcade games, a café on site and options for all abilities, it’s a guaranteed good time for kids, teens and families. A great local spot for school holiday fun! Book now here.

    Villa D’oro, Fairy Meadow – feed the tribe these School Holidays

    Location: Villa D’oro, Shop 3 12-16 Princes Highway Fairy Meadow NSW 2519
    Dates & Time: Spring School Holidays
    Ages: All ages.
    Cost: $8 for a donut & a regular coffee every Friday. A coffee for the parents & a sweet treat for the kids! Available until sold out. PLUS daily-at home fridge/takeaway home meals, is a great cost-effective way to feed the tribe & hungry bellies these School Holidays.
    Learn more HERE

    Visit Villa D’oro these School Holidays and make family life easier. Every Friday, bring the kids in for morning tea with a $8 donut and regular coffee deal — a coffee for parents and a sweet treat for little ones (available until sold out). While you’re there, treat yourself to one of their famous Portuguese tarts or browse the irresistible dessert cabinet. For busy nights, Villa D’oro’s at-home takeaway fridge is a lifesaver, packed with ready-made lasagna, cannelloni, pasta dishes and family trays – simply heat and serve. It’s a cost-effective, stress-free way to feed hungry bellies, entertain guests, or stock up your freezer for those too-tired-to-cook nights.

    Barneys – Kids Eat FREE on Wednesdays

    Location: Barney’s, 371 Princes Highway Woonona NSW 2517
    Dates & Time: Kids Eat FREE on Wednesdays – open from 4.30pm.
    Ages: All ages, family friendly menu
    Cost: Make Wednesday family night at Barney’s! Order one large pizza and receive one FREE Kids Margy Pizza. Order two large pizzas and receive two FREE Kids Margy Pizzas.
    Order online /Learn more HERE

    Looking for a Fun Family Meal These School Holidays? Make Barney’s part of your school holiday plans! Whether you’re stopping in after a day of adventures or grabbing an easy dinner with the kids, Barney’s serves up delicious wood-fired pizzas, indulgent desserts and a dining experience the whole family will love. There’s something for everyone—from crowd-pleasing family favourites to unique wild game dishes for adventurous eaters. Better still, Kids Eat FREE every Wednesday with selected pizza orders, and if you’d rather stay home after a busy day, Barney’s now delivers straight to your door. View the menu and plan your family feast today!

    Woonona Kebab House – Kids & Family Meals these School Holidays

    Location: Woonona Kebab House, 426 Princes Highway Woonona NSW 2517
    Dates & Time: Open 7 days over the School Holidays until late
    Ages: All ages, family friendly menu
    Cost: With cheap eats starting from just $6 and plenty of delicious options under $20, there’s something to keep the whole family happy!
    Order online /Learn more HERE

    Looking for affordable kids’ meals and family-friendly takeaway in Wollongong these school holidays? Treat the family to something delicious at Woonona Kebab House, a local favourite for over 35 years! With cheap eats from just $6, kids’ nuggets and chips from $13.90, junior kebabs for $16.90 and mini snack packs for $18.90, there’s something for everyone! Plus, enjoy freshly made kebabs, cheesy gozleme, crispy chips and delicious Turkish doughnuts for dessert. Open 7 days from 11am until late, it’s perfect for an easy school holiday lunch or family dinner, with takeaway and Uber Eats delivery available. Explore the menu and order your school holiday family favourites here!

    Wet Weather Guide for Families – Wollongong, Shellharbour & Illawarra

    Wet, cold, windy weather got you down and cabin fever is starting to settle in? Check out our top things to do with kids to escape the dreaded “Mum! I’m bored” – and save your sanity! Click here over at our sister site Parents Guide Illawarra to get all the best family-friendly wet weather ideas here.

    Need more School Holiday inspiration – we have even more ideas at Parents Guide Illawarra with our School Holidays Guide to Wollongong and the Illawarra

    Looking for cool and budget-friendly meal offers for the kid these school holidays?  Head over to our sister site, Parents Guide Illawarra, for our guide to where kids can eat FREE across Wollongong and the Illawarra + visit our Fun Places to Take Kids guide here

    After more events and businesses near you? Never suffer FOMO again with our What’s On In Wollongong Weekly Newsletter sent straight to your in-box! Sign up HERE

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