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

    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

    Top Things to do in the Summer School Holidays:

    Holiday Park Availability on South Coast NSW (Christmas, New Year & January) – with accommodation still available for summer school holidays!

    Ready to snag the last beachfront cabins and summer holiday spots on the South Coast NSW? You’re in luck—because while Christmas, New Year and January 2026 usually book out months in advance. Over at our sister site, Parents Guide Illawarra, we’ve uncovered rare, golden-ticket availability at several incredible Holiday Haven parks! Think beachside cabins, riverside retreats and family-friendly caravan parks with pools, playgrounds, calm swimming spots and all the chilled-out holiday vibes. These vacancies are as rare as hen’s teeth and will disappear fast—so grab your dream cabin or camping site before someone else beats you to it!

    Hangdog Adventure Camp – book before 30 November & get 15% off

    Location: Thirroul Surf Life Saving Club, The Esplanade, Thirroul
    Dates & Time: 5–7 January or 19–21 January 2026, 9am – 4pm daily.
    Ages: Designed for ages 7–12
    Cost: $329 per child (or 15% off if you register before 30 November)
    Book now/Learn more HERE

    Looking for a school holiday program that keeps your kids active, off devices, and having an absolute blast outdoors? Hangdog Adventure Camp is here to save your sanity—and give your kids their best holiday ever!

    Their full-day camps run from 9am–4pm at Thirroul Surf Club on 5–7 January or 19–21 January 2026. Over three days of supervised fun, kids will surf, paddleboard, solve secret codes, build shelters, tackle water challenges like “Leaky Pipe,” go on adventure walks, and team up for mystery challenges—all while building confidence, creativity, teamwork, and making new friends. Fully supervised by experienced leaders, their camps are zero screens, all nature, movement, and making new friends.

    Sunset Cinema Wollongong is back! 11 December – 28 March

    Get ready for magical summer nights under the stars as Sunset Cinema returns to Wollongong from 11 December 2025 to 28 March 2026! Set in the beautiful Wollongong Botanic Garden, this outdoor cinema is the perfect way to unwind with friends, family, or someone special. Enjoy a stellar lineup featuring festive favourites like Love Actually and Elf, along with exciting new releases including Wicked: For Good, Zootopia 2, and Now You See Me: Now You Don’t.

    You’ll find all the movie-night essentials on-site — from freshly popped popcorn and sweet treats to a food truck and licensed bar — or you can pack your own picnic for a classic outdoor experience. Children under 3 are FREE. Book your tickets now and enjoy the ultimate summer cinema experience!

    Ride the Christmas Train at the Illawarra Light Railway Museum, Sunday 14 December

    Location: Illawarra Light Railway Musuem, 48a Tongarra Rd Albion Park Rail NSW 2527
    Dates & Time: Sunday 14 December, 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

    All aboard for a magical Christmas adventure! Bring the family to the Illawarra Light Railway Museum in Albion Park and enjoy a festive day filled with train rides, holiday cheer, and Christmas fun. The museum will be transformed into a Christmas Wonderland – kids can meet Santa and Mrs Claus, snap a photo, and soak up the festive spirit while exploring the historic locomotives.

    Bush Magic Adventures Outdoor School Holiday Program

    Location: Don’s Farm, 560 Avondale Road Avondale NSW 2530
    Dates & Time: 16 December – 29 January, 9am – 3pm.
    Ages: 5 – 13 years of age. At Bush Magic Adventures they aim to be inclusive of all children and keep groups small and manageable so that facilitators get to know every child and can meet their needs for safety, adventure and fun!
    Cost: $120 per day. For children needing extra support, Bush Magic Adventures also offers a therapeutic program and welcomes privately funded and NDIS-funded participants, ensuring every child can join in safely and thrive.
    Book now/Learn more HERE

    Calling all Adventurers! Bush Magic Adventures is gearing up for a season packed with wild play, nature exploration and unforgettable Bush School fun. Imagine creek adventures, climbing, whittling, building, creating and getting beautifully dirty. Each day is filled with archery, shelter building, cooking, creek play, tool work, nature art, bushwalks, supported risky play and plenty of free play in nature. Along the way, kids naturally grow their confidence, teamwork, resilience and emotional regulation — all while having an incredible time outdoors.

    Christmas Bambini Disco at The Frat, Friday 19 December

    Location: The Fraternity Club, 11 Bourke Street, Fairy Meadow
    Dates & Time: Friday 19 December, 6pm – 8pm
    Ages: Perfect for kids aged 2 to 12
    Cost: Kids Tickets: $12 per child – includes entry and a party bag / Adults: Free to attend! Please reserve a ticket to help us manage numbers. Children must be supervised at all times / Party Packages Available: $25 per child.
    Book now/Learn more HERE

    It’s time for some festive fun! The Frat’s Christmas Bambini Disco is back – filled with music, laughter, and magical holiday energy. Watch your little ones groove to their favourite tunes while you relax and enjoy a delicious meal from the bistro or The Frat’s famous wood-fired pizza. We can’t wait to see your bambini dancing along to their favourite hits!

    Dreaming of a Green Christmas, Saturday 20 December, Wollongong Botanic Garden

    Location: Wollongong Botanic Garden’s Education Centre 29 Madoline Steet Gwynneville
    Dates & Time: Saturday 13 December, 11am – 12pm
    Ages: All ages FUN!
    Cost: A$17 per individual ticket (adult, child over 4 years); $27 per shared tickets (adult and child). Children under 4 years are free. Places are limited.
    Book now/Learn more HERE

    Presented by The Eaton Gorge Theatre Company. Join cheeky elves Elfis and Elvin as they prepare for Santa’s Aussie visit – with plenty of laughs, songs, and surprises along the way. Their mission? To find a local animal to help lead Santa’s sleigh and discover fun, sustainable ways to celebrate a greener Christmas. This interactive outdoor show is packed with festive cheer, audience participation, and joyful moments for the whole family – all set in the stunning surrounds of the Wollongong Botanic Garden. Places are limited, so book now and celebrate Christmas where the magic meets the outdoors.

    Christmas Squishmallow Bingo at The Frat, Monday 22 December

    Location: The Fraternity Club, 11 Bourke Street, Fairy Meadow
    Dates & Time: Monday 22 December, 11.30am – 12.30pm
    Ages: Recommended for children aged 4 years – 12 years
    Cost: Kids Tickets: $13 per child
    Book now/Learn more HERE

    The Frat is where the Christmas fun is these school holidays! Join in for Kids’ Bingo, Fun and Games, where everyone’s a winner. Happening on Monday, 22 December from 11:30am to 12:30pm, this event is perfect for children aged 4 to 12 years.

    These school holidays, treat the family to a fun-filled day at Wiso’s!

    Location: Wiseman Park Wollongong City Bowling Club, Cnr Gipps Rd & Foley St, Gwynneville
    Dates & Time: Summer 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.

    School Holiday Fun for Kids & Families at Saunaus Wollongong – SAVE up to 40%

    Location: Saunaus Wollongong, 388 Crown Street Wollongong
    Dates & Time: Summer School Holidays. Pricing is valid Mon-Fri from 7am-3pm.
    Cost: Up to 40% off on their Family Deals – 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! Saunaus 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.

    School Holiday Events at The Fraternity Club

    Location: The Fraternity Club, 11 Bourke Street, Fairy Meadow
    Dates & Time: 5 January – 9 January
    Ages: Recommended for children aged 4 years – 12 years
    Cost: Activities from $13 per child
    Book now/Learn more HERE

    Join in for a magical Disney High Tea on Monday, 5 January (12pm–2pm), featuring delicious treats, face painting, games, prizes, and a visit from your favourite Disney stars. On Tuesday, 6 January (11:30am–12:30pm), enjoy Showbag Bingo – a fun-filled session where every child’s a winner, perfect for ages 4–12. Then dance the night away at the Bambini Silent Disco on Friday, 9 January (6pm–8pm), packed with music, laughter, and great food from the bistro or our famous wood-fired pizza.

    Illawarra Folk Festival, Bulli Showground, 16-18 January, 2026

    Looking for a cool school holiday adventure? The Illawarra Folk Festival is back from 16–18 January 2026 at Bulli Showground, and it’s the ultimate summer celebration for families and music lovers alike! With 80+ live acts across multiple stages, you’ll hear everything from folk and indie to bluegrass, Balkan, and Celtic beats — plus poetry, comedy, dancing, and late-night jams.

    Kids under 12 get in FREE, making it the perfect post-Christmas treat during the January school holidays. There’s delicious food, craft stalls, and a welcoming community vibe that makes this festival one of the Illawarra’s most loved events. Learn more/get your tickets here now.

    Summer School Holiday Activities + Kids eat FREE at Lake Illawarra Hotel

    Location: Lake Illawarra Hotel, 193 Windang Road, Windang
    Dates & Time: 22 December – 26 January
    Ages: Both activities are for all ages however probably best suited to 5+
    Cost: $10 per child for school holiday workshops. Kids eat FREE every Thursday with any main meal purchased at dinner.
    Book now/Learn more HERE

    Summer school holidays are sorted at Lake Illawarra Hotel, with fun activities to keep the kids entertained while you enjoy delicious food and drinks in their bar and bistro. Bookings are essential, and each session is just $10 per child, including their Kids Paint & Sip on Thursday 8 January and Design Your Own Drink Bottle on Thursday 15 January. Plus, don’t forget that kids eat free every Thursday with the purchase of any main meal at dinner.

    HARS Aviation Museum – Shellharbour Airport

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

    Get outdoors at Treetops Adventure Nowra

    Location: 23 Rock Hill Rd, North Nowra NSW 2541
    Dates & Time: Open every day during the Summer School Holidays.
    Ages: Courses from 3 years of age – adults. Kids Club is designed exclusively for ages 8 – 12 years.
    Cost: $62 per child ages 8 – 12 years.
    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.

    2026 Free Open Day at Miss Zoe’s School of Dance, Saturday 17 January

    Location: Miss Zoe’s School of Dance, 90 Swan Street, Wollongong NSW 2500
    Dates & Time: Saturday 17 January, 2026, 9am – 12.20pm
    Ages: 2 years – adults
    Cost: FREE. Enquire about their FREE Trial Classes.
    Book now/Learn more HERE

    Join the excitement at the FREE Open Day at the Wollongong Studio in the January school holidays – a fun, inclusive opportunity to meet the team and experience the Miss Zoe’s magic!

    Adult classes for all ages, abilities, and styles are available as Miss Zoe’s School of Dance celebrates 20 years of fun, friendship, and self-expression — a place where every dancer belongs. Miss Zoe’s continues to be recognised for excellence, proudly awarded Most Outstanding Dance Studio in the Illawarra & South Coast (2018, 2019 & 2023).

    Summer School Holiday Activities at North Nowra Tavern

    Location: North Nowra Tavern, 82 Page Avenue, North Nowra
    Dates & Time: 22 December – 26 January
    Ages: Both activities are for all ages however probably best suited to 5+
    Cost: $10 per child per school holiday workshop. kids eat free every Monday night with any main meal purchased.
    Book now/Learn more HERE

    Summer school holidays are sorted at North Nowra Tavern, with fun activities to keep the kids entertained while you relax with great food and drinks in their newly renovated bar and bistro. Bookings are essential via Eventbrite, and each session is just $10 per child, including their Kids Paint & Sip on Wednesday 7 January and Design Your Own Drink Bottle on Wednesday 14 January. Plus, don’t forget their weekly bistro specials and that kids eat free every Monday night with any main meal purchased.

    Swap screen time for green time these holidays at the Wollongong Botanic Garden

    Location: Wollongong Botanic Garden, 29 Madoline Street Gwynneville NSW 2500
    Dates & Time: 20 December – 14 January
    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

    Connect with nature and keep the kids active and entertained these school holidays at Wollongong Botanic Garden. Entry to the garden is free during opening hours, or you can book into one of our fun and educational school holiday activities. Parents and carers can choose from a variety of programs for children aged 4+, with some sessions requiring supervision.

    Upcoming activities include Dreaming of a Green Christmas on Saturday 20 December (11:00 am – 12:00 pm), Dig n’ Play on Wednesday 7 January (9:30 am – 11:30 am) and Wednesday 14 January (9:30 am – 11:30 am), plus Wild Games & Beginner’s Bushcraft on Wednesday 7 January (1:00 pm – 3:00 pm) and Wednesday 14 January (1:00 pm – 3:00 pm). Bookings essential here.

    Australia Day Breakfast by the Lake, Lake Illawarra, Monday 26 January

    Join in on from 8am–12pm for a classic lakeside celebration packed with sunshine, smiles, and great vibes. Kick off the morning with a sizzling BBQ breakfast, then dive into hours of FREE family fun – from slip n slides, water play, and jumping castles to parkour, rock climbing, laser tag, and stand-up paddleboarding. Kids will love the face painting and arts & crafts, while the whole family can enjoy live music and browse vibrant market stalls. With food, fun, and festivities all in one spot, it’s the perfect family day out – don’t miss it! Brought to you by Shellharbour City Council. Learn more here.

    MMJ Aquathon, Sunday 26 January, 2026

    Location: Wollongong Harbour Endeavour Drive, Wollongong
    Dates & Time: Sunday 26 January, 2026, 8am – 12pm
    Ages: The Aquathon is a swim and then a run with distances for Kids 6-12’s, and options across the Mini, to the Short and Long for ages 13+.
    Cost: Refer booking link below
    Book now/Learn more HERE

    The MMJ Wollongong Aquathon returns on Monday 26 January 2026 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. Don’t miss out — entries are now open here!

    MORE SCHOOL HOLIDAY EVENTS COMING SOON BELOW!

    Hangdog Indoor Climbing Gym

    Location: Hangdog Indoor Climbing Gym, 130 Auburn Street, Coniston
    Dates & Time: Spring School Holidays.
    Ages: All ages!
    Cost: TBC
    Book now/learn more here

    Revolution Laser Arena + NEW VR Rooms!

    Location: 2 Drummond Street, Spring Hill
    Dates & Time: Spring School Holidays.
    Ages: All ages!
    Cost: TBC
    Book now/learn more here

    Wollongong Art Gallery School Holiday Workshop Program

    Location: Wollongong Art Gallery, 46 Burelli Street, Wollongong
    Dates & Time: TBC
    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

    Science Space Wollongong!

    Location: Science Space Wollongong, 60 Squires Way, North Wollongong, NSW 2522
    Dates & Time: TBC
    Ages: Curiosity Days for kids aged 6-12
    Costs: TBC
    Booking link HERE

    School Holiday Activities at Wollongong City Libraries

    Location: Across all Wollongong City Libraries locations.
    Dates & Time: TBC
    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

    Xtreme B-Force Martial Arts’ School Holiday Fun Day!

    Location: Xtreme B-Force Martial Arts, 37 Bethlehem Street Cringila
    Dates & Time: TBC
    Cost: $50
    Ages: 5 – 15 years of age
    Booking link/learn more HERE

    LEGO Robotics & STEM Camps – Wollongong & Shoalhaven 

    Location: TAFE Campus Wollongong & UOW Shoalhaven Campus
    Dates & Time: TBC
    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

    FREE School Holiday Activities at Tabatinga Dapto

    Location: Tabatinga Dapto (Dapto Leagues Club, Cnr Station Street & Bong Bong Rd, Dapto)
    Dates & Time: TBC
    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

    Kids School Holiday Deals at Woonona Bulli RSL Club 

    Location: Woonona Bulli RSL, 455 Princes Highway Woonona NSW 2517
    Dates & Time: TBC
    Age Groups: All ages, family-friendly dining.
    Cost: TBC
    Book now/Learn more HERE

    Northern Bowl, Bellambi

    Location: Northern Bowl, 103 Bellambi Lane, Bellambi NSW 2519
    Dates & Time: TBC
    Ages: All ages.
    Cost: TBC
    Learn more/Booking link HERE or call their friendly team on (02) 4283 6222.

    Summer School Holiday Activities at Early Start Discovery Space

    Location: Early Start Discovery Space, University of Wollongong Main Campus, Building 21 Northfields Ave, Keiraville NSW 2500
    Dates & Time: TBC
    Ages: 0 – 10 years of age
    Costs: School Holiday activities free after paid entry.
    Book now/learn more HERE

    Feed the kids for under $16 these school holidays at Altitude 1148

    Location: Altitude 1148 Southern Gateway Centre, M1 Princes Motorway Bulli Tops NSW 2516
    Dates & Time: TBC
    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.

    The Balgownie Hotel Fun School Holiday Break

    Location: The Balgownie Hotel, 141 Balgownie Rd, Balgownie, NSW 2519
    Dates & Time:  TBC
    Cost: FREE
    Ages: All ages, family-friendly dining.
    Booking link HERE

    Green Connect’s Farm Play & Picnic Days

    Location: Green Connect Farm, 6 Anna Avenue Warrawong NSW 2502
    Dates & Time: TBC
    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

    Flip Out Albion Park

    Location: Flip Out Albion Park, 182 Princes Highway, Albion Park Rail NSW 2527
    Dates & Time: Summer School Holidays
    Cost: TBC
    Ages: All ages, flippin’ FUN!
    Booking link/learn more 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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