Here at What’s on in Wollongong, we’ve found the best Wollongong, Shellharbour and Illawarra School Holiday programs, events, activities & low-cost kids holiday FUN. The school holidays come round so quickly, but fun school holiday ideas await! Read on for our best What’s on for Kids School Holiday Guide.
Need more Illawarra School Holiday Activity inspiration – we have even more school holiday ideas at Parents Guide Illawarra HERE

The MMJ Wollongong Aquathon returns on Monday 26 January 2026 (Public Holiday) at the stunning Wollongong Harbour! For over 25 years, this iconic swim-run event has been a highlight of the local community calendar, welcoming participants of all ages for a day of fitness, fun, and charity. Take part in the swim-run Aquathon, or join the Blue Mile 5k Fun Run — with distances for kids (6–13), teens, and adults, plus solo or tag-team options. Enjoy the fantastic vibe, finisher medals, family fun, and the chance to support the community and the Black Dog Institute. Don’t miss out — entries are now open here!

Location: Hangdog Indoor Climbing Gym, 130 Auburn Street, Coniston
Dates & Time: Spring School Holidays.
Ages: All ages!
Cost: The Double Pass to Hangdog & Laser Tag for just $39pp! PLUS: Mates Rates Pass: Every group of 4 is just $79, including Harness Hire, when you purchase the Holiday Mates Pass.
Book now/learn more here
Looking for an active, exciting, and family-friendly adventure in Wollongong? Hangdog Climbing Gym is your go-to spot for indoor climbing, bouldering, and even recovery — all under one roof! These Spring School Holidays, we’ve got epic deals to keep the fun going.
Grab a Double Pass to Hangdog & Revolution Laser Arena for just $39 per person – that’s climbing PLUS three laser missions for double the thrills! Or bring your crew and score our Mates Rates Pass: 4 entries with harness hire for only $79 (up to 3 hours of climbing and savings of 30% off normal entry). Keen to take your skills outdoors? Join one of our Guided Outdoor Climbing Days and experience real rock in a safe and fun environment. Whether you’re new to climbing or a total rockstar on the wall, Hangdog has adventure waiting for you!

Location: 2 Drummond Street, Spring Hill
Dates & Time: Spring School Holidays.
Ages: All ages!
Cost: The Double Pass to Hangdog & Laser Tag for just $39pp! PLUS: Glow Laser: $29 for 3 hours of unlimited Revolution laser / Holiday Madness: Just $15 for 2 hours of Revolution Laser / VR Arcade – 30min Mates Pass: Get 4 mates together, choose from our 4 game modes below, and save more than 20% on epic VR adventures!
Book now/learn more here
Grab the Double Pass for just $39pp and score entry to Hangdog Climbing Gym (harness hire included) plus three laser missions at Revolution — double the adventure for one low price. Want even more action? Holiday Madness guarantees up to eight missions of laser tag across two adrenaline-packed hours, while Glow Laser Nights bring three hours of unlimited battles, pizza, and glow sticks for only $29. Round up your mates for the VR Arcade 30-Minute Pass and dive into epic virtual worlds while saving more than 20%. Whether it’s climbing, lasers, or VR, Revolution Laser Arena and Hangdog Climbing Gym have the ultimate adventures waiting for you these school holidays!

Location: Lake Illawarra Hotel, 193 Windang Road, Windang
Dates & Time: 2 – 10 October
Ages: Both activities are for all ages however probably best suited to 5+
Cost: All workshops cost $10 per child, include materials, and kids get to take home their creations.
Book now/Learn more HERE
Spring school holidays are sorted at Lake Illawarra Hotel! Keep the kids entertained while you relax with food and drinks in the bar & bistro. Activities are suitable for all ages, best for 5+. Join our LEGO Workshop on Thursday 2 October (11am–12pm), Movie Screening: A Minecraft Movie on Friday 3 October (7pm–9pm), Cupcake Decorating Workshop on Thursday 9 October (11am–12pm), or Movie Screening: Lilo & Stitch on Friday 10 October (7pm–9pm). Spots are limited, so book now to avoid missing out – Lake Illawarra Hotel can’t wait to see you these school holid

Location: Wollongong Art Gallery, 46 Burelli Street, Wollongong
Dates & Time: 30 September – 10 October
Ages: They have a range of workshops and activities for children aged 5 to 14 years old.
Cost: $22 – $55 + booking free. They also have free drop-in activities.
Book now/Learn more HERE
Get creative these Spring school holidays at Wollongong Art Gallery! Their popular School Holiday Workshop Program offers a variety of hands-on art workshops for kids and teens aged 5 to 18 years. Whether your child is just starting out or already passionate about art, these sessions are a great way to explore new styles and techniques in a fun and inspiring environment. Bookings are essential, so be sure to secure a spot early.

Location: The Fraternity Club, 11 Bourke Street, Fairy Meadow
Dates & Time: 30 September – 10 October
Ages: 4 – 12 years of age
Cost: Activities from $13 per child. Bookings essential.
Book now/Learn more HERE
Spring School Holidays are here, and The Frat has fun for all ages! Don’t miss Squishmallow Bingo (30 Sept), Disney Trivia (1 Oct), Bambini Silent Disco (3 Oct), Paint & Shake (6 Oct), Candy Land High Tea (7 Oct), and the Disney Dance Party (10 Oct). Packed with prizes, creativity, music, and magic, there’s something for every kid – and plenty for parents to enjoy too! Book your tickets now to secure your spot at these unmissable events.

Location: Creative Journeys, 15 Dobbie Avenue, East Corrimal
Dates & Time: 29 September – 2 October, 9.30am – 3pm
Ages: Perfect for kids & teens, ages 10 – 15
Cost: $130 for 1 day / $240 for 2 days / $350 for 3 days / $400 for 4 days. Creative Kids Vouchers Accepted.
Book here now
At Creative Journeys, their school holiday workshops give children and teens the chance to explore creativity, build confidence, and connect with others in a safe and supportive space of small groups of 6.
From Mixed Media Portraits (Mon 29 Sept), Mindful Mandalas with Shells (Tues 30 Sept), My Safe Haven (Wed 1 Oct), to Calming Box Creations (Thurs 2 Oct), each hands-on session is designed to spark imagination, encourage mindfulness, and nurture self-discovery. No experience is needed—just curiosity and enthusiasm! Every child will leave with a meaningful artwork to take home, along with new skills and friendships. To book or learn more, contact Cecilia at [email protected] or 0449 008 928.

Location: Science Space Wollongong, 60 Squires Way, North Wollongong, NSW 2522
Dates & Time: School Holidays! Curiosity Days: Astronaut Academy (30 Sept), LEGO Moon Mission (2 Oct), or LEGO Film Making (8 Oct).
Ages: Curiosity Days for kids aged 6-12
Costs: Curiosity Days from $110/day. EARLY BIRD 10% DISCOUNT on Curiosity Days – Enter SPRINGEARLYBIRD in the APPLY DISCOUNT CODE option (all caps). Daily Science Shows for all ages. General Entry Pass does not include show tickets.
Booking link HERE
These Spring School Holidays, kids aged 6–12 can blast off on a Space Quest at UOW Science Space! With hands-on STEM challenges, LEGO building, a live science show, planetarium adventure, interactive exhibits, and pop-up holiday activities, there’s something for every young space explorer.
Each Curiosity Day includes supervised care, meal breaks, a certificate of participation, and a $5 gift voucher for the Science Shop – enjoy a full day of learning and fun from 8:30am to 4:30pm. Early bird discount available now—book now as spots are limited! Extra holiday activities include green screen portraits, badge making, rocket launching, and creative play zones.

Location: North Nowra Tavern, 82 Page Avenue, North Nowra
Dates & Time: 29 September – 8 October
Ages: Perfect for ages 3–12 (LEGO) and 5–12 (Cupcakes).
Cost: $10 per child per school holiday workshop. Kids Eat FREE Monday 29 September
Book now/Learn more HERE
Spring school holidays are sorted at the North Nowra Tavern! Keep the kids entertained while you enjoy food and drinks in the bar & bistro. Start the fun with Kids Eat Free on Monday 29 September, then join our LEGO Workshop on Wednesday 1 October (11am–12pm) for hands-on building, guided challenges, and free play – perfect for ages 3–12. On Wednesday 8 October (11am–12pm), let young bakers get creative in our Cupcake Decorating Workshop, ideal for ages 5–12, where they design and take home their delicious creations. Spots are limited – book now to avoid missing out!

Location: Wiseman Park Wollongong City Bowling Club, Cnr Gipps Rd & Foley St, Gwynneville
Dates & Time: Spring School Holidays
Ages: All-ages, family-friendly venue.
Cost: Kids Eat Free every Sunday
Book now/Learn more HERE
Enjoy a game of Barefoot Bowls in the sunshine or try the magic of Glow Bowls after dark, where the greens light up for an unforgettable experience. After the fun, head to Il Lago where Kids Eat Free every Sunday with any adult main meal – making it the perfect family day out that’s easy on the wallet too. Safe, affordable, and full of laughter, Wiso’s is where memories are made these holidays.

Location: Across all Wollongong City Libraries locations.
Dates & Time: 29 September – 10 October
Cost: All events are free, but bookings are required.
Ages: Fun and interactive activities for both primary & high school students (some activities from ages 3 years +).
Book now/Learn more
Make the most of the school holidays at Wollongong City Libraries with a packed program of fun, creative, and hands-on activities for kids, teens, and families. From trivia and craft to movies, live shows, and outdoor adventures, there’s something to spark curiosity for all ages. All events are free, with some requiring bookings – just check the event details, then reserve your spot via the Wollongong City Libraries website or by calling your local branch.

Location: Xtreme B-Force Martial Arts, 37 Bethlehem Street Cringila
Dates & Time: Tuesday 7 October, 9am – 3pm.
Cost: $50
Ages: 5 – 15 years of age
Booking link/learn more HERE
School Holiday Funday Alert! Keep your kids (ages 5–15) active, happy, and entertained these holidays with the ULTIMATE NERF WARS BATTLE at XB Force Martial Arts! On Tuesday 7 October, 9am–3pm at 37 Bethlehem Street, Cringila, kids will team up, dodge, run, and blast through epic Nerf challenges, fun games, movies, and even enjoy a pizza lunch. Cost is $50 (cash preferred). Spots are limited to 15, so bring a Nerf gun, bullets (initialled), safety glasses, water bottle, and snacks, and register now!

Location: Wollongong Botanic Garden, 29 Madoline Street Gwynneville NSW 2500
Dates & Time: 26 September – 10 October
Ages: Parents and carers can choose from a variety of school holiday programs for ages 4+. Some programs require parent/carer supervision.
Costs: Free & paid activities. Bookings essential for some activities.
Booking link/learn more HERE
Keep the kids active and connected to nature these Spring School Holidays at the Wollongong Botanic Garden! Entry to the garden is always free during opening hours, and families can also book into a range of fun outdoor programs designed for children aged 4+.
Activities include Budding Bookworms (26 Sept, 3 Oct & 10 Oct), The Adventures of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie (29 Sept, morning & afternoon sessions – see more event information here), and Dig n’ Play (1 Oct & 8 Oct). Some programs require parent or carer supervision. Free & paid activities. Bookings essential for some activities.

Location: Saunaus Wollongong, 388 Crown Street Wollongong
Dates & Time: Spring School Holidays. Pricing is valid Mon-Fri from 7am-3pm.
Cost: Refer 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! Parents and children can enjoy the invigorating sauna and ice bath experience while learning the benefits of heat and cold therapy.
Full supervision is required for children, making it a safe and interactive way to spend quality family time. Families can also book the private infrared sauna for a more personalized experience. It’s a healthy, fun, and memorable way to make the most of the school holidays!

Location: TAFE Campus Wollongong & UOW Shoalhaven Campus
Dates & Time: 29 – 30 September (Shoalhaven) & 7 – 8 October (Wollongong)
Ages: Designed to be suitable for ages 7 and up – they will accept younger students if they are accompanied by an adult.
Cost: From $160 – Creative Kids Voucher approved.
Booking link/learn more HERE
Award-winning Illawarra robotics team Project Bucephalus – winners of the 2025 FIRST Impact Award and now part of the prestigious FIRST Hall of Fame – are bringing their popular Robo Camps back these school holidays. STEM-loving kids the chance to learn robotics, programming, creativity, and teamwork in a fun, hands-on environment.
Options include the beginner-friendly Introduction to Robotics, which ends with a crowd-favourite Robot Sumo tournament, and Crossbows & Catapults, where students build and battle robots inspired by the classic 80s game. Spots are limited, so early booking is recommended!

Location: Illawarra Light Railway Musuem, 48a Tongarra Rd Albion Park Rail NSW 2527
Dates & Time: 27 September – 12 October, 10am – 2pm.
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
The Illawarra Light Railway Museum in Albion Park is the perfect family destination for train lovers of all ages. Step back in time and explore historic steam and diesel locomotives, enjoy rides on the main line and miniature trains, and discover fascinating artefacts in the museum and locomotive shed. With picnic grounds, BBQ facilities, a café for snacks, and plenty of school holiday and special event train rides, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The museum offers a unique railway experience that children and adults alike will never forget. Book now here!

Location: Tabatinga Dapto (Dapto Leagues Club, Cnr Station Street & Bong Bong Rd, Dapto)
Dates & Time: 30 September – 10 October
Ages: 0 – 12 years of age
Costs: Activities are free to participate, Tabatinga Dapto standard entry fees apply. Sign up to become a member at Dapto Leagues Club to take advantage of our member pricing. Only $8 for 1-3 years | $10 for 4 years+ | FREE for under 1 years.
Booking link for School Holidays and/or Drop & Dine Sessions HERE
Lights, camera, action—Spring holidays are here at Tabatinga Dapto! They’re rolling out the red carpet with two weeks of blockbuster-inspired activities, bringing your kids’ favourite films to life every day from 10am–12pm.
Activities are free with entry, and numbers are limited, so be sure to book early! Standard entry applies: just $8 for ages 1–3, $10 for 4 years+, and free for under 1s (member pricing available through Dapto Leagues Club). Don’t miss out – book your School Holiday Activities or Drop & Dine sessions today and give your little rangers a holiday full of fun, friends, and movie magic!

Location: Woonona Bulli RSL, 455 Princes Highway Woonona NSW 2517
Dates & Time: Available from dinner on Sunday, 28th September through to dinner on Sunday, 12th October, 2025. Offer not available on Public Holidays.
Age Groups: All ages, family-friendly dining.
Cost: $11 Kids Meals from the Brasserie / $5 Jugs of Soft Drink (post-mix only) from the bar / $5 Milkshakes from the café / Every kids’ meal comes with a kid-sized soft drink and a yummy ice cream
Book now/Learn more HERE
Hey parents! These school holidays, treat the kids (and give yourself a break) with our awesome meal specials. Enjoy $11 kids’ meals from the Brasserie, $5 jugs of soft drink from the bar, and $5 milkshakes from the café. Every kids’ meal comes with a soft drink and a yummy ice cream – because holidays should be fun and tasty! Bring the family and let the holiday smiles begin.

Location: Northern Bowl, 103 Bellambi Lane, Bellambi NSW 2519
Dates & Time: 29 September – 10 October, available Monday to Friday during the holidays.
Ages: All ages.
Cost: Enjoy 2 games of bowling for just $18 per person – available Monday to Friday during the holidays.
Learn more/Booking link HERE or call their friendly team on (02) 4283 6222.
Keep the kids active and entertained these Spring School Holidays with Northern Bowl’s special deal! Enjoy 2 games of bowling for just $18 per person – T&Cs apply.
Northern Bowl is Illawarra’s iconic bowling alley and family entertainment centre—an ideal destination for the school holidays. With tenpin bowling, coin-operated arcade machines, and a relaxed on-site café, it’s the perfect place for kids and families to have fun and unwind.

Location: South Coast Writers Centre, 745 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Coledale
Dates & Time: 7 October – 8 October.
Ages: Monsters: Writing the Inhuman (Tuesday 7 October) into 2 age groups: 10 – 18 & 14 – 18 years of age / Create Your Own Journal (Tuesday 7 October or Wednesday 8 October) for 7- 10 years.
Cost: $20 – $40
Learn more/Booking links: Monsters: Writing the Inhuman (Tuesday 7 October) HERE / Create Your Own Journal (Tuesday 7 October or Wednesday 8 October) HERE
Across both days creative kids & teens can enjoy journal-making sessions and a kids’ book sale, plus two exciting creative workshops.

Location: Early Start Discovery Space, University of Wollongong Main Campus, Building 21 Northfields Ave, Keiraville NSW 2500
Dates & Time: 27 September – 13 October
Ages: 0 – 10 years of age
Costs: School Holiday activities free after paid entry.
Book now/learn more HERE
Join Discovery Space Educators these school holidays for a fun-filled line-up of creative and play-based activities designed especially for children aged 0–10!
Dive into creARTivity and design your own bookmark with wax crayons and watercolour washes, or explore Discovery Time with hands-on fun like making diving ducks, building with blocks, or programming a Beebot robot. Don’t miss Story Time, where little ones can laugh and learn through delightful read-alouds, and Storyplay, where stories come to life through art and construction. With sessions running daily and free with paid entry to Early Start Discovery Space, there’s something new to discover every day!

Location: 54 Airport Road, Shellharbour Airport, Albion Park Rail NSW 2527
Dates & Time: Open every day of the October 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.
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! Plan your visit now here.

Location: Altitude 1148 Southern Gateway Centre, M1 Princes Motorway Bulli Tops NSW 2516
Dates & Time: Every day during the July 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.

Location: 23 Rock Hill Rd, North Nowra NSW 2541
Dates & Time: Open every day during the July School Holidays.
Ages: Courses from 3 years of age – adults. Kids Club is designed exclusively for ages 8 – 12 years.
Cost: $62 per child. Treetops Adventure Nowra guests receive a 10% discount on entry to Shoalhaven Zoo. For adventure-seeking families, there is also a 5% discount when booking for 2 adults and 2 children for a Standard Session.
Book now/Learn more HERE
Australia’s first Tree Ropes Course and Ziplining Experience, located along the stunning Shoalhaven River. Take on varying skill levels of climbing, ziplines, treetop rope courses, and unforgettable adventures. At Treetops Adventure Nowra’s Kids Club, a Treetops team member will lead the way with this exclusive group session for children, navigating an array of aerial challenges, and soaring on ziplines up to 50 metres long and up to 10 metres above the ground – all while parents relax on solid ground.

Location: The Balgownie Hotel, 141 Balgownie Rd, Balgownie, NSW 2519
Dates & Time: Monday to Friday – Kids eat FREE with every main meal purchase. FREE School Holiday Activities on Wed 1 Oct & Fri 3 Oct.
Cost: FREE
Ages: All ages, family-friendly dining.
Booking link HERE
Enjoy School Holiday FUN this Spring at The Bally with something for the whole family! From Monday to Friday both weeks of the school holidays, kids eat FREE with every main meal purchase – book your table for lunch now! Plus, don’t miss their special events: on Wednesday 1st October at 11:30am, kids can get creative at the DIY Pizza Station, followed by the Dragon Training Reptile Show on Friday 3rd October at 10:00am, with the kitchen opening early for parents.
In week two, the DIY Pizza Station returns on Wednesday 8th October at 11:30am, and on Friday 10th October there are two fun Kids Painting Sessions at 11:00am and 12:30pm.

Location: Green Connect Farm, 6 Anna Avenue Warrawong NSW 2502
Dates & Time: Saturday 27 September, Friday 3 October & Friday 10 October, 9.30am – 12.30pm
Ages: All ages, outdoor FUN!
Cost: Tickets are $20 per adult and child for a 3-hour experience. Everyone wishing to participate in a Play & Picnic Day, including adults and children, require a ticket to attend. Babies under 12 months are free.
Book now/Learn more HERE
Join Green Connect for their brand-new Play & Picnic Day these Spring School Holidays – a fun, hands-on outdoor adventure for families of all ages! Spend up to 3 hours in their beautiful Children’s Garden with free play, a mud kitchen, natural loose parts, and more. Go on two mini farm tours to meet friendly animals, explore our organic gardens, and learn how we grow food sustainably.
Bring a snack, a picnic rug, and your curiosity — it’s the perfect way to connect with nature, play freely, and learn together!

Location: Flip Out Albion Park, 182 Princes Highway, Albion Park Rail NSW 2527
Dates & Time: Spring School Holidays
Cost: Book a 2 hour jump for $28 and get a slushie for $2 extra
Ages: All ages, flippin’ FUN!
Booking link/learn more HERE
Flip Out Albion Park is the ultimate destination for fun, with trampolines, ninja courses, parkour, tumble tracks, an airbag, a junior arena, and so much more! Kids will jump, flip, and burn energy while parents relax in the café. These school holidays, don’t miss their 2 + 2 Slushie Promo — enjoy a 2-hour jump session for just $28 and grab a refreshing slushie for only $2 extra. It’s the coolest deal of the season, just in time for summer! Book your holiday session today and get ready to flip, fly, and have a blast — only at Flip Out Albion Park.
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
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