Your Guide to the Top School Holiday Fun in Wollongong, Kiama & Shellharbour

Here at What’s on in Wollongong, we’ve found the best Wollongong and Illawarra based School Holiday programs, events, activities & low-cost kids holiday FUN. The school holidays are fast approaching, but don’t worry there are plenty of fun activities to see and do with the kids. Get our guide below to the best School Holiday Activities in Wollongong and the Illawarra.

Need more Illawarra School Holiday What’s On inspiration – we have even more school holiday ideas at Parents Guide Illawarra HERE

Get 10% off & get outdoors these School Holidays at Treetops Adventure Nowra!

Location: 23 Rock Hill Rd, North Nowra NSW 2541
Dates & Time: Kids Club sessions run at select times during the July school holidays. Bookings essential.
Ages: Kids Club sessions are exclusively for ages 8-10 years. Standard Sessions are for ages 3-75 years.
Costs: Kids Club is $60 per child. 10% discount on Kids Club sessions these school holidays!
Booking link HERE

With 90 aerial challenges and 15 flying foxes, this is an experience that all Illawarra visitors will be bound to remember. They’ve got courses suitable for Juniors (3-7yrs) all the way up to Grown Ups (16yrs+).

School Holiday Activities – Lake Illawarra Hotel

Location: Lake Illawarra Hotel, 193 Windang Rd, Windang NSW 
Dates & Time: 30 September – 11 October, 10am – 8.30pm (Movie Nights can run late)
Ages: Activities are ideally suited for ages 5 – 14
Costs: Activities from only $10 per child. PLUS – Buy any main meal on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday and get the second meal free!*
Event link HERE

Who is ready for some school holiday activities at the Lake Illawarra Hotel?

• Pizza making with Gillian from MasterChef, outdoor cinema nights, workshop with Hot Mess Body & Sweet as Sugar and so much more!
• Oh, did we also mention the two for one days?! Buy any main meal on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday and get the second meal free!* *Conditions apply.

For School Holiday activity and workshop bookings: come into the venue in person to book your child’s spot or call them on (02) 4209 3500 to book! Limited spots so be quick!

$5 Kids Meals & $4 Drink Special + WIN FREE Milkshakes for a year! Three Flamingos Espresso, Albion Park

Location: Three Flamingos Espresso, 136 Terry St, Albion Park NSW 2526
Dates & Time: $4 kids milkshakes and juices, $5 kids meals these School Holidays from Monday – Friday.
Ages: All ages family-friendly dining.
Costs: $4 kids milkshakes and juices, $5 kids meals these School Holidays from Monday – Friday
Learn more HERE

$4 kids milkshakes and juices, $5 kids meals these School Holidays from Monday – Friday!
$5 Kids Meals include Breakfast Pancakes and Kids Chicken Burger & Chips for lunch – please note that this Kids Special is only available at their Albion Park location at 136 Terry St, Albion Park between Monday to Friday only (not weekends).

Kids School Holiday Colouring in Competition, prize is FREE Kids Milkshakes for a year!
To enter, Three Flamingos will have colouring sheets available at their cafe – just come in and ask them. Colouring-in comp will begin Mon 30/9 and close Fri 11/10.

Learn more here now!

Clay Wollongong Kids School Holiday Workshops

Location: 70 Keira Street, Wollongong NSW 2500
Dates & Time: 1 – 10 October. Workshops start from 10am/12pm and run between 1 hour to 1.5 hours.
Ages: For 5 years +. Clay Wollongong requires an accompanying adult to attend with any children under the age of 7.
Costs: Workshops from $50 with all materials included + Creative Kids Voucher Approved
Booking link HERE

HoliCLAY classes are the perfect first step into the world of clay making for young people. Ensure your kids & teens don’t miss out on the chance to get creative and have some messy fun in the studio this school holiday period. ⁠They have a variety of sessions available for everyone, ranging from preschool aged children through to teens, allowing your child to engage in a creative outlet and relax through clay-based mindfulness activities. ⁠

Xtreme B-Force Martial Arts School Holiday Funday

Location: Xtreme B-Force Martial Arts, 37 Bethlehem Street, Cringila NSW
Dates & Time: Tuesday 8 October, 9am – 3pm.
Ages: 6 – 17 years of age
Costs: ONLY $50 (includes pizza & popcorn!)
Booking link HERE

Get ready for a day jam-packed with laughter, action, and non-stop fun! Hurry – only 10 spots available!

Spring School Holiday Program – Circus Monoxide

Location: Circus Monoxide, 3/3 Princes Highway, Fairy Meadow NSW 2519
Dates & Time: 3 Sep – 10 Oct, 9am – 4pm.
Ages: The program is ideal for primary school-aged children (5 – 12).
Costs: $85 per day/$400 for the week.
Booking link HERE

Step into the spotlight this school holiday with Circus Monoxide’s School Holiday Program!

Students learn everything from trapeze to tumbling, tight-wire to juggling! This program is designed to provide a unique and exciting experience for children, blending the wonder of the circus with countless fun activities.

Circus is a fun way for your kids to be active while developing confidence, making new friends and learning amazing new skills. The days are packed with games, activity, freedom and silliness! Book now here.

Junklandia, Illawarra Performing Arts Centre

Location: Illawarra Performing Arts Centre, 32 Burelli Street, Wollongong NSW 2500
Dates & Time: Fri 11 Oct – 10am & 12:30pm and Sat 12 Oct – 10am & 12:30pm
Ages: 3 years +
Costs: All tickets $29
Booking link HERE

Junklandia is a spectacle of rhythm, dance, circus and comedy, guaranteed to blow your mind!

With an incredible ‘Junk Orchestra’ grand finale, everyone will be equipped with a recycled instrument and come together to create a one-of-a-kind Junkyard Band! Uniting in rhythm, music, and movement, kids can experience the tangible power of collaboration and teamwork whilst having fun!

Junkyards Beats took IPAC by storm in 2022 with their high energy, sustainable, fun The Box Show which SOLD OUT – kids and families can expect to return to the world that Junkyard Beats creates – full of clever recycling and fun!

Karate Kids October School Holiday Program

Location: GKR Karate, 398 Keira Street, Wollongong NSW 2500
Dates & Time: 30 September – 11 October. Each sessions runs 9.30am -10.30am. Kids can attend 1 session or as many as they would like!
Ages: 5 years +
Costs: Only $105 per child, don’t miss out on this opportunity for your child to come and try GKR Karate!
Booking link HERE

Are you looking for something to keep your kids entertained during the holiday break? Have they been asking to try Karate? Kickstart your child’s Karate journey with an action-packed School Holiday Program with GKR Karate!

Join them for some FUN martial arts exploration, including instruction on their standard kicks, strikes and blocks, self defence, fitness, agility and strength – come to one session or as many as you would like – your child will learn the basics of karate in a high-energy, supportive environment. Their expert instructors will guide them through exciting games, challenges, and interactive activities designed to ignite their passion for martial arts.

Get 1 x night for FREE when you pay for 2 nights at any of the *participating Holiday Haven Parks these School Holidays!

Stay 3 Pay for 2 when you book into any of the *participating Holiday Haven Parks! Holiday Haven offer an array of beautiful South Coast holiday parks for your next cabin or camping getaway!

Say Hello to Spring and the latest hot deal from Holiday Haven! Book 3 nights and you only pay for 2! Must book and stay between 1 Sep 2024 – 12 Dec 2024.

BOOK NOW >> enter discount code spring24 at checkout!

Here is the list of participating Holiday Haven Parks for their Spring offer during the October School Holidays:

* Participating parks during the October School Holidays:

• ​Kangaroo Valley
• Culburra Beach (date variation: 12 August – 12 December 2024)
• ​​Currarong (sites only for school holidays)
• Swan Lake 

Learn more about this offer and other participating Holiday Haven Parks outside of the October School Holidays here.

Merrigong Creativity Camp – October

Location: Wollongong Town Hall, Corner Crown & Kembla Streets, Wollongong NSW 2500
Dates & Time: 8 – 11 October, 9am – 3pm
Ages: 5-12 years. Children will be placed into groups based on age and confidence.
Costs: 4-day camp: $240 per child. 20% discount for additional siblings. Active Kids and Creative Kids Voucher Approved. Camp registration includes a ticket to see Junklandia.
Booking link HERE

Popular interactive theatre, performance and design workshops, designed to activate kids’ imaginations and build self-confidence in a fun, educational environment! The July Camp booked out, so be quick to secure your child’s spot in the October Camp.

Under the guidance and supervision of professional performing and teaching artists, children take a journey of creative exploration. This 4-day drama camp is packed with School Holiday theatre fun + kids get to see the fantastic show Junklandia!

AMAZING School Holidays Offer: Get 6 Pilates Classes for $60 with Studio Pilates Wollongong

Parents come solo and escape holiday madness – or bring your teen & stay fit together! Stay sane AND boost your fitness these School Holidays! Whether you choose to attend Pilates classes together or separately, it’s a fantastic cost-effective option. All fitness levels & abilities welcome.

BONUS: Mention What’s On In Wollongong and get a FREE Introductory Class with your 6 for $60 purchase!

Location: Bundanon, 170 Riversdale Road / 533 Bundanon Road, Illaroo, NSW 2540
Dates & Time: 5 October – 13 October
Ages: Family Fun Day: 5 – 12 years; Comic Making Workshop: 8 years +
Costs: Free & paid activities.
Booking link HERE

Bundanon is a family-friendly destination for art, nature, workshops, concerts and more! There is so much for kids and families to do in Bundanon. Bundanon is located across two sites, the Art Museum site and the historic Homestead site, both within twenty minutes of each other. Bundanon is twenty minutes from Nowra, on the Shoalhaven River, and one hour from the Southern Highlands and Wollongong.

• Comic Making Workshop – Sat 5 Oct: Led by illustrators Fionn McCabe and Evie Hilliar, participants will learn basic comic-making skills to create a comic based on outdoor experiences. Materials provided.
• Family Fun Day – Thu 10 Oct: Families will collaborate to create large artworks in response to sound, with inspiration from the exhibition Wilder Times.
• Wearable Art Workshop with Aunty Deidre Martin – Sun 13 Oct: Join Aboriginal Elder Aunty Deidre Martin to create wearable art using reclaimed and natural materials, blending traditional and contemporary techniques. No booking required.

School Holiday Train Rides at the Illawarra Light Railway Museum

Location: Illawarra Light Railway Museum, 48a Tongarra Road, Albion Park Rail NSW 2527
Dates & Time: Tuesday 1 October & Tuesday 8 October, 10am – 2pm.
Ages: All ages!
Costs: Adult $16.50 Unlimited Rides and Entry/Child & Concession $11 Unlimited Rides and Entry / Children under 3 years old ride free with an adult / Children 3 to 16 years. Pay Entry Fee.
Booking link HERE

Ride the Diesel Main Train and the Miniature Train for a day of fun these School Holidays! Take that trip back in time and bring the family. Book ahead and book online or purchase your ticket on arrival

The Illawarra Light Railway Museum in Albion Park is a great place to take children who love trains! The museum has lots of different steam trains to look at and learn about, plus a cafe with drinks and snacks. Plus you and the kids will LOVE riding the miniature trains. Book online here.

Spring School Holiday FUN at Tabatinga Dapto!

Location: Tabatinga Dapto (Dapto Leagues Club, Cnr Station Street & Bong Bong Rd, Dapto)
Dates & Time: 1 – 12 October. Activities take place between 10am – 12pm. Tabatinga Dapto has extended trading hours from 9.30am – 2.30pm.
Ages: 0 – 12 years of age
Costs: Activities are free to participate, Tabatinga Dapto standard entry fees apply.
Booking link HERE

School’s out, and Tabatinga is turning the holiday break into an adventure for your little explorers. Click here for their Holiday Activities Schedule and for bookings.

Award-winning Tabatinga Family Fun & Social Centre at Dapto Leagues Club! Affordable, safe & friendly children’s entertainment – have a party or take the family for some serious fun and social time! Tabatinga offers a Drop & Dine service where children can be left in fully supervised care of Tabatinga staff while parents enjoy some adult time in Dapto Leagues. Available every Friday & Saturday evening 5.30pm to 9.30pm. Learn more here.

Are you ready? Secure your Illawarra Hawks Home Game tickets for the October School Holidays!

Game Day tickets are now officially on sale for the NBL 2024/25 Illawarra Hawks Basketball Season!

Click here for the FULL 2024/25 Illawarra Hawks Home Game Schedule or see a full list of all home games below + individual ticket information here!

Home Games in the October School Holidays:

• Friday 27 September (start of the October School Holidays) – tickets on sale here
• Saturday 5 October – October School Holidays – tickets on sale here
• Saturday 12 October – October School Holidays – tickets on sale here
• Click here for a full list of the Illawarra Hawks 2024/25 Home Games outside of the October School Holidays.

You can also grab yourself a Full Season Membership here and secure your seat for all 14 home games and unlock even more value and incredible perks! Full Season Memberships, Family Memberships, Adult & Junior Memberships, and NBL25 Memberships, each with unique perks and pricing. Find out what Hawks Membership is best for you here.

Play Day Sessions & Family Farm Tours – Green Connect

Location: Green Connect Farm, 6 Anna Avenue, Warrawong NSW 2502
Dates & Time: 30 September – 2 October
Ages: Play Day Sessions: best for children aged 2 years to 7 years, though older & younger children welcome. Family Farm Tour (best for children aged 8 +, but all ages welcome),
Costs: Tickets are $15 per person (all attendees require a ticket including accompanying adults, excluding children under 6 months).
Booking link HERE

Join the beautiful Green Connect Farm for an exciting day of fun these October School Holidays for local families.

Green Connect is an award-winning 11-acre farm located in Warrawong producing free-range eggs, meat, and organic vegetables, fruit and herbs. They offer school holiday farm play days, providing children with a fun and educational outdoor experience.

These October School Holidays, they’ve got their ever-popular Play Day Sessions for younger kids and their Family Farm Tours. The Family Farm Tours include an interactive and informative tour, on which you’ll visit the thriving market gardens and food forests and seek out the free-range goats, sheep, pigs and chickens to offer them a pat and a feed! You’ll learn about the incredible story of the Green Connect Farm and hear about how we work with nature to grow and distribute food in a truly sustainable way.

Students who participate in their Cheer Camp will have the opportunity to try Cheerleading, Tumbling and Dance, along with enjoying movies, craft, games and free time in the gym.

Kids School Holiday Workshops at Georgia Rose, Shell Cove!

Location: Georgia Rose, 9 Marina Drive, Shell Cove, New South Wales, 2529
Dates & Time: 2 -11 October. 10am – 12pm.
Ages: 7 – 16 years of age.
Costs: From $35 per child. All materials included. Pizza Lunch and morning tea included in applicable workshops. Refer booking link below.
Booking link HERE

Attention parents! Keep the Kids entertained these October school holidays with fun-filled workshops at Georgia Rose! From sculpting a clay masterpiece to unleashing their inner artist, they guarantee an experience they won’t forget!

With a diverse array of activities planned, Georgia Rose’s school holiday workshopsoffer the perfect solution for parents seeking creative and enjoyable ways to keep their kids busy during the holidays.

Inclusive Spring School Holiday Program for kids with disabilities – Client Care First

Location: Locations across Wollongong NSW 2500. Activities will be both centre-based and off-site outings.
Dates & Time: 30 Sep – 11 Oct, 9am – 3pm.
Ages: Program will cover ages 5-12 with an NDIS plan and will be made up of two pods: Ages 5-9 and Ages 10-12.
Costs: As per NDIS price guide
Booking link HERE

Led by their team of specialist support staff, Client Care First’s School Holiday Program is a fun & enriching way for children to engage in various diverse & creative holiday activities, build social connections and have memorable experiences during their school breaks. Join for the entire two weeks school holiday or for a mix of activities.

They adopt a person-centred approach across all their services and can tailor the activities to the needs of each participant. Activities will be both centre-based and off-site outings. If you have specific requirements or if there’s anything they can do to enhance your child’s experience during this school holidays, get in touch with the team on 02 4256 3079 or click here to view their Spring inclusive school holiday program.

Spring School Holidays at The Shellharbour Club

Location: Cnr Wattle & Shellharbour Rds, Shellharbour NSW 2529
Dates & Time: 1 Oct – 9 Oct, 11.30am – 12.30pm
Ages: 5 – 12 years of age
Costs: From as little as $5 per child up to $18 per child depending on activity.
Booking link HERE

Looking for ways to entertain your little humans during the October School Holidays? The Shellharbour Club have an action-packed, fun-filled and educational schedule from 1 October for kids ages 2 years+ to enjoy including a magic show, Disney bingo, kids day out party, plaster craft and more! Bookings are essential here.

Spring School Holiday Program – PCYC Bulli

Location:  PCYC Bulli, 253 Princes Highway, Bulli NSW 2516
Dates & Time: 30 September – 11 October, 8.30am – 3pm, with extended hours: 3pm-4pm
Ages: 5 – 12 years of age. 
Costs: $45 – $55 per day. Outside of their daily schedule, they are offering extended hours: 3pm-4pm at $11/day.
Booking link HERE

Visit HARS Aviation Museum these School Holidays – Shellharbour Airport

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

• Get up close to historic planes
• Walk through the hangars
• Sit in real cockpits
• Discover iconic aircraft on display

Kids Eat FREE, Live Reptile Show, Pizza Making & Family FUN Day – The Balgownie Hotel

Location: The Balgownie Hotel, 141 Balgownie Rd, Balgownie, NSW 2519
Dates & Time: October School Holidays. Open daily/7 days a week for lunch. Family FUN Day, Sunday 29 September, 12pm – 4pm.
Ages: 3 – 12 years of age for workshops. All ages, family-friendly dining.
Costs: Kids eat FREE for lunch Monday – Friday (with every main meal purchase). Workshop costs TBC
Booking link HERE

If you’re looking for something to keep the kids occupied over the holidays, The Bally have just the thing for you. To celebrate they have packed in the reasons why you should head to your favorite local!

• Kids eat FREE for lunch Monday – Friday (with every main meal purchase). Book your table for lunch here
• Kids get to make their own pizza! Starts 11.30am. No bookings required/walk-ins welcome. Dates: Wed 2 Oct and Wed 9 Oct.
• Kids get to watch and explore a Live Reptile Show! Starts 10am. No bookings required/walk-ins welcome. Dates: Fri 4 Oct and Fri 11 Oct.
• Family Fun Day, Sunday 29 September, 12pm – 4pm. Dan Demos providing the tunes, Kids Activities and Good Times! Book your table for lunch here

Jump into the excitement with Flip Out Albion Park’s Sip & Save SLUSHIE deal!

Location: Flip Out Albion Park, 182 Princes Highway, Albion Park Rail NSW 2527
Dates & Time: Jump into the excitement with their Sip & Save SLUSHIE deal, starting SATURDAY 21st September!
Ages: All ages!
Costs: Buy a 1-hour session and grab a FILLED slushie bottle for just $4 extra!
Booking link HERE

School Holiday Fun Just Got Cooler at Flip Out Albion Park! Jump into the excitement with their Sip & Save SLUSHIE deal, starting SATURDAY 21st September!

Buy a 1-hour session and grab a FILLED slushie bottle for just $4 extra! Hurry—this tasty offer is in-store only, while stocks last. Don’t miss out on the coolest holiday treat!

Get set for non-stop fun at Flip Out as we gear up for an action-packed holiday season! Book your session today

School Holiday Activities at Early Start Discovery Space – COMING SOON – STAY TUNED

Location: Early Start Discovery Space, University of Wollongong Main Campus, Building 21 Northfields Ave, Keiraville NSW 2500
Dates & Time: Open every day during the school holidays from 9am – 3.30pm.
Ages: 0 – 10 years of age
Costs: All activities are FREE after entry.
Booking link HERE

Early Start Discovery Space is where Curious Minds Play! It is Australia’s only dedicated children’s museum and the world’s first on a university campus!

Your Guide to the Top School Holiday Fun in Wollongong -Early Start Discovery Space