Featured Articles And Blogs

Looking for After School Kids Classes & Activities near me? Parents Guide Illawarra is your guide to Wollongong kids classes, after school programs and fun activities for all ages. The benefits of extracurricular activities for kids are many. Including; improved academic and creative skills, developing personal interests and passions, better strength and co-ordination, increased self-esteem, […]

While the beach is ALWAYS a good idea, sometimes you fancy a change. We are super, duper fortunate here in the Illawarra to be spoilt for choice when it comes to places to explore. Our local area is alive with outdoor spaces ripe for the picking. We’ve rounded up 18 of the best, family friendly […]

Parents Guide Illawarra is keen to raise awareness about Autism, ASD, ADHD and Neurodivergent support and expertise in the Wollongong. Whether you need to know what behavioural differences in children you should be concerned about – or how to get an Autism or ADHD Assessment and diagnosis in Wollongong, we have you covered. Plus ASD […]

The BEST free things to do with kids near me and Illawarra wide. Discover budget family friendly fun in Wollongong, Shellharbour and Kiama. We can’t wait to show you our best kids friendly activities, attractions and places to explore. Written by local parents, Parents Guide Illawarra is your guide to free and low cost ways […]

Considering a Wollongong Private or Catholic School, but wondering which Illawarra school is best for your unique child? There are many factors to consider when choosing the right school. Parents Guide have simplified the process by researching the best Wollongong & Illawarra Private & Catholic Schools. We look at the unique benefits, values, open days, […]

Discover where to take kids when it rains in Shellharbour & Wollongong. Facing the Illawarra winds and rain is no easy feat for parents with young kids. I would know! Miss Aria,6 and Mr Noah,9 keep me on my toes. Their constant drone of the most beloved phrase a mother could ever hear, ‘I’m bored,’ […]

Our Parents Guide Illawarra toddler guide, is written by a local mum. Here she shares great local insight on getting out and about with toddlers in the Illawarra. Discover the best things to do with toddler and young kids Wollongong wide. With our thanks to local mum Alyssa Vaartjes for her ‘best of Illawarra toddler […]

At Parents Guide Illawarra, we have researched the best toy stores around. The following is a list of our favourites in the Wollongong, Shellharbour, and Nowra areas. We hope you get to experience some of these awesome stores in person! They’re great for a rainy day out, or to explore for birthday gifts. Why not […]

Whether you are a local or a visitor, welcome! Discover Illawarra’s best family-friendly activities and what to do with kids in Wollongong. Parents Guide Illawarra is the ultimate guide to kids and family fun, Discover our best playgrounds, educational experiences, fun indoor playcentres and school holiday activities. Read where to eat with kids, walk with […]

Discover the best things to do in Wollongong & South Coast NSW with kids. Whether you are local or visiting, Parent’s Guide Illawarra helps you find what to with kids in Wollongong and the Illawarra. We have incredible indoor and outdoor family fun activities to inspire you. Ditch the screens and devices and get amongst […]

Cringilla HIlls, one of Wollongong’s newest playgrounds completed in 2022. It was designed to be all inclusive, from ‘bumpy’ frog out the front to the outrageous pump track it’s a great time for all. With this Illawarra playground, bike & BMX track, walking trails and picnic spots, pack your bikes, kids and mates for a […]

Discover the best playgrounds, parks and beaches in Shellharbour. Plus the best things to do with kids in and around Shellharbour & Shellcove. It’s an incredible place for family’s and kids to live, explore and enjoy! We’ll short cut you to where to take kids and have family fun locally.. Written by a local mum […]

Welcome to Stuart Park, one of Wollongong’s best playgrounds and parks by the beach. It has incredible play equipment, is accessible for wheelchairs, is great for bikes and offers a lagoon to paddle and swim. Plus Stuart Park has toilets, cafe’s, shady spots and free bbqs. Here’s our comprehensive review of the award-winning / all […]

Here at Parents Guide Illawarra, we love kids’ birthday parties. So, we’ve found the best outdoor party spots with playgrounds, shade, and picnic tables (and most have BBQ facilities) in Wollongong and the Illawarra. Look no further; we have done all the research for you and have all you need right here (and in the […]

Discover enclosed playgrounds and gated parks in Wollongong and the Illawarra. Read on for perfect outside play places for toddlers or runners. We’ve got your family needs covered at Parents Guide Illawarra. We’ve all been there. Desperate to get the kids out of the house (and even more so, desperate for a caffeine hit) but […]

Want the best South Coast NSW Holiday Parks that every family member loves? Here at Parents Guide Illawarra, we love easy access to holiday paradise. The South Coast of NSW. Families need holidays like everyone else. However, your holiday can be very hard work, if it’s not family friendly and geared to your kids. Reviewing […]

Discover the best things to do for teenagers in Wollongong & Illawarra, including parks, events and activities. Here at Parent’s Guide Illawarra, we are your local guide to the best kids’ activities, events and places to go in Wollongong and Illawarra. As a local mum with three kids, I’ve shortcut you to the best, free, […]

What to do with your baby in Illawarra and Wollongong and how to meet other new parents and mums! As of 14 weeks ago, I officially became a “local mum” following the birth of my daughter Lenny. For all the new parents reading this, I firstly want to say the biggest well done to you […]

Thinking about homeschooling your kids in the beautiful Illawarra region? You’re not alone – and you’re definitely not stuck doing it solo at the kitchen table! Whether you’re just curious about homeschooling or already knee-deep in lesson plans, we’ve pulled together all the essentials to help you get started, stay inspired, and (most importantly) have […]

Planning a memorable and fun-filled birthday party for your child can be a daunting task. Thankfully, the team at Parents Guide Illawarra have got you covered! This ultimate guide to kids party planning short cuts you to the best Wollongong venues, entertainment and packages for kids’ birthdays. We have researched The Illawarra’s Kids Birthday Venue […]

Find the best Kids Eat Free dining deals in Wollongong & Illawarra restaurants, venues and clubs. Here at Parents Guide Illawarra, we’ve researched WHERE KIDS EAT FREE AND ON WHAT DAYS! So join us in outsourcing dinner plans and avoiding the clean-up. You may also enjoy; Best Wollongong & Shellharbour Family Friendly Dining Venues. Plus […]

Discover Illawarra, Shellharbour & Wollongong’s best playgrounds and parks. Parents Guide Illawarra has reviewed our top playgrounds, play spaces and kids parks.. We hope you enjoy them as much as we do! We have award winning, inclusive, diverse, enclosed and amazing playgrounds you will love. If you love our guide below, you will also love […]

Discover Wollongong & Shellharbour restaurants, cafes, clubs and dining with play areas and playgrounds. Parent’s Guide Illawarra has researched the best family-friendly dining & restaurants in Wollongong, Shellharbour and Illawarra. Discover dining options with indoor playgrounds, outdoor play options and kid-friendly dining. Keep the whole family happy and have a night off the dishes! Parents […]

There are so many amazing parks and playgrounds in our beautiful part of the world! Here at Parent’s Guide Illawarra, we have searched for the best toddler-friendly playgrounds in Wollongong and the Illawarra. As a local mum writing for Parents Guide Illawarra, I’ve seen my kids tackle all the play equipment, and they all got […]

Dance Classes are awesome for kids! Learning to dance has so many physical, mental, social, and emotional benefits, especially in children. We have amazing dance classes for your toddler, child, or teen in Wollongong (plus adult dance classes). We’ve found award-winning dance schools with the most passionate and dedicated owners and teachers! From classical ballet […]

Wollongong and the Illawarra offer remarkable school excursion venues, programs and sites. These inspire learning and breathe fresh air into the curriculum. There are great educational, cultural, and creative excursions options for preschools, primary and high schools. Planning school trips or excursions is a vital part of educating students. Find inspiration here to combine the […]

Cedars Christian College have a small school called ASPIRE for students with an intellectual disability and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This new Illawarra School for Special Purpose is just 10 minutes south of Wollongong, retains strong integration into the Cedars’ mainstream school and community, all whilst allowing maximum support for its neuro-diverse students. ASPIRE is […]

The Illawarra has so many beautiful, family-friendly places on our doorstep. We don’t have to travel long distances to find some incredible family friendly destinations. If you are looking for fun family getaways, day trips, or kid friendly accomodation on the South Coast of NSW, let us inspire you! We have compiled a list of […]

Looking for the most effective acne scar treatment in the Illawarra? Wollongong’s leading Cosmetic and Skin Doctor from Thrive Skin Clinic, shares exactly what you need to know. Dr Jemima Grant has helped hundreds of clients dealing with skin issues. She knows dealing with acne scars can be a challenging and emotionally taxing experience for […]

Planning a School Formal or Graduation in the Illawarra? Discover our best school formal packages and perfect venues in Wollongong, Shellharbour and Kiama. Create the perfect graduation event for your school and students. Whether you’re looking for a beachfront location, a modern ballroom, or a stylish waterfront setting, we’ve rounded up our top school formal […]

Parents Guide Illawarra recently had the opportunity to sit down with Wollongong Orthodontist, Dr. Kamal Ahmed from South Coast Orthodontics, to interview him and ask him some important questions about kids teeth. Parents often worry if and when their child needs braces, so we asked the expert. Dr. Kamal’s accomplishments are truly impressive. He completed […]

Review of Treetops Adventure Nowra: An exhilarating outdoor adventure park, just south of Wollongong. My kids have begged to go for ages, so here’s all you need to know! This top South Coast NSW Park offers a range of thrilling activities, including tree-climbing courses, zip lines, and rope challenges, making it a fantastic destination for […]

Catholic Schools in Wollongong/Illawarra and all you need to know. When it comes to your child’s education, the right school can make a world of difference. If you’re a parent in the Illawarra region and want to see your child thrive at school, exploring a Catholic education for your child is certainly worthwhile. In this […]

Good news for Illawarra ASD families and carers of children with disabilities. There’s an inclusive, fully-accessible Wollongong Activity Hub offering dedicated care options to school aged kids with ASD / Autism or a disability. It’s been purpose-built by Client Care First (CCF), a registered NDIS service provider. Client Care First’s Wollongong Disability School Holiday Programs […]

Let us short cut you to the best beaches for kids and families! As locals, we know the best beaches in Let us short cut you to the best kid friendly beaches in Wollongong and the South Coast of NSW. We are so very blessed to be spoilt in the Illawarra and South Coast with […]

The Wollongong and Illawarra region is full of fun and scenic family-friendly bike rides for all ages and abilities. From kids learning to ride bikes to those after more of a challenge, Wollongong bike paths have it all. Our Illawarra kid-friendly bikes paths below include paved, shared and mountain bike trails. So, put air in […]

Need local advice and support on baby sleep, settling, feeding or to help manage post natal depression (PND)? There are several parenting and post natal support services in Wollongong, Shellharbour and Illawarra wide. Parenthood is an incredible journey, but the self-doubt and sleep disturbances can be tough. Particularly if your baby seems relentlessly unsettled. Sleep […]

If you’re looking for kids or adults classes where fun, fitness, creativity and joy is unleashed, then welcome to Circus Monoxide in Fairy Meadow! This beautiful Illawarra Circus School welcomes pre-schoolers, school aged, teens and adults to learn the exhilarating world of circus skills, aerials, performing arts, tumbling, trapeze, and more. Here at Parents Guide […]

Where to start when you are separating? Here’s a separation and divorce checklist from Wollongong’s experienced family lawyers. It covers what you need to consider with kids and separating families also.. Here at Parents Guide Illawarra, we provide useful info for ages and stages of family life. The sad reality is that many relationships break […]

Looking for amazing things to do with the kids in Shoalhaven and South Coast of NSW? The weekend or school holidays arrive, the kids are whiney and you need to GET OUT! But where to go for the best family-friendly fun, an easy hour of Wollongong & Illawarra? So here are your best family friendly […]

Taking care of children’s teeth is crucial for their overall health and well-being. In Wollongong, Shellharbour, and the broader Illawarra region, finding the right dentist for your kids can make a significant difference. Whether you’re searching for the best dentist for kids in Wollongong, an affordable dentist in Wollongong, or the best family dentist in […]

Is screen use damaging your child’s eyes and vision? When should you get your kids’ eyes tested? Where do you get kids Bulk Billing eye tests in Wollongong? Or for a bulk-billed eye test for Illawarra adults if you’re squinting to read this! Here’s what you need to know about caring for your kids’ eyes […]

There are so many creative, wonderful ways for families to enjoy Autumn and Winter across Wollongong and the Illawarra! Parents Guide Illawarra have collated free and cost effective ‘family QT’ ideas – so your kids can have fun. Here’s how your family can enjoy the changing of the seasons together… Also, we’ve got Autumn School […]

Here in the Illawarra we are blessed with some pretty choice skateparks up and down the coast. Every park is FREE and each offers different levels of challenge to inspire our kids and teens. Got to be one of the best ways to let them be free from screens (without any drama!) Skateparks offer awesome […]

If you’re a parent or a carer of a child with back-to-school anxiety, you are not alone! Here are three things that help children cope better with school transition. This back to school anxiety advice is from a credible source, Olivia Mackay from Olivia Mackay Therapy. Olivia is a therapist who works with children and […]

Smart Energy Solutions for Busy Families: Save Money, Save The Planet With inflation nipping at our hip pockets and energy bills set to rise, we all want to cut as much off our bills as humanly possible. One of the smarter ways to save money is to save money on your energy bills. The gas […]

Living in Wollongong and the surrounding suburbs is like living in paradise; there are many suburbs with pros and cons. Here at Parents’ Guide Illawarra, we have chosen fifteen of the best suburbs for families to consider. We look at amenities, schools, a sense of community and all the important things you need to look […]

Moving to Wollongong & the Illawarra - Wollongong Lighthouse

Frantically Googling ‘Chemists Open near me?’ Here are Illawarra’s after hour Pharmacy’s… Because of course kids never seem to get quite as sick in the daylight hours when you could more easily do something about it? So, what do you do when the clock strikes six o’clock, and you are in urgent need of a […]

The move from milk to solids is a significant milestone for babies and parents alike – but there’s no need to be apprehensive. Get the professionals’ tips and tricks (with thanks to the expert team at the Illawarra Early Parenting Centre) for navigating this important step with your little one. Choosing the right time Up […]

Anxiety is rife in our youth and children. 12-18-year-olds are already an anxious age bracket. But children under twelve are also struggling with anxiety. COVID exasperated an already anxious group, whether it was from social anxiety, obsession with being germ-free, or any other underlying/existing concern. As a parent and a Creative Therapist, I’ve put together […]

Determining whether your child is ready to start school is an important decision that can shape their educational journey. While every child is unique and develops at their own pace, there are some key signs to look for to gauge their readiness for formal schooling.

Do you cringe at the thought of placing your foot to the ground each morning? Busy mums are frequent sufferers of Plantar Fasciitis. Expert Podiatrists from Tread Right Podiatry & Biomechanics are here to help. Tread Right Podiatry & Biomechanics is a local Illawarra, family owned and operated podiatry practice located in Woonona. Parents Guide Illawarra recently had the chance to sit down and pick the brains of […]

Ever wonder what life holds for you after separation? Not one separation is ever the same, but commonalities can often be found. These very honest accounts, are from newly single Wollongong parents. They have navigated the incredibly tough road of leaving a partner or being left. It’s being shared in the hope that it can […]

We are darn lucky to call the Illawarra home! With the beach on one side, escarpment (and its lookouts, bushwalks, flora and fauna) on the other and a plethora of great places to explore, kids in the Illawarra have the kind of childhood that’s not always possible in the big city. Here are five of […]

Co-parenting school holidays successfully With many thanks to Yasmin Georgievska (Family Law Associate) at Access Law Group, for her input into this article. Separation is an incredibly difficult and emotional time for all family members. Preparing your child or children (and yourself! for the upcoming holiday period takes some planning. So here is some expert, […]

Here at Parents Guide Illawarra, we love sharing support for local families. Especially for those living with children’s disability and illness. Because it can be lonely, expensive and tough trying to attend mainstream programs, classes and events. Let us shortcut you to some incredible programs and an inclusive community. So, hello KidsWish! KidsWish are a […]

Wollongong Custom Home Builder Shares Best Ways To Create More Space In Your Home Grand Pacific Homes are a highly experienced Wollongong based building company. Here is their expert building and renovation advice for when your growing family needs more space: You buy a great house in a neighbourhood that you love – you settle […]

Help, Advice and Support for New Parents On becoming a parent, it becomes near impossible to prioritise ourself. As parents we need to know quick, effective ways to self soothe and re-group. It helps us be the best patient, loving parent we know we can be. So, here at Parents Guide Illawarra, we turned to […]

Congratulations on your new bundle of joy! A new baby is such an exciting time and once the dust settles it’s time for one of your baby’s big firsts; a Christening, Baptism or Naming Day! At Parents Guide Illawarra, we want to help you plan your perfect event, So we asked the Christening events experts […]

Your baby is born with its own individual temperament – the way your child responds to the world and to their own body. Temperament helps to explain how children in the same family often have such different personalities and why parents sometimes find it tough to raise certain children but not others. (with many thanks […]

I WISH I knew this when my kids were younger. it is the most powerful, transformative information. For our own babies, kids and for our society at large.. I LOVE THIS SO MUCH! Why? Because we are sharing what is proven to give our children the best shot of ALL THIS: Happiness – Becoming a […]

Getting our dollar to stretch further is a must – especially after so much uncertainty and rising prices. As a parent, how can we save our money, even if our finances aren’t the best they could be? Financial stress is real – and can put a strain on our relationships and mental health.  We’ve put […]

Here at Parents Guide Illawarra, we know the struggle of nutritious meals on a budget. We picked the brains of our Wollongong Children’s Naturopath and Dietician, Lisa Moane from The Paediatric Naturopath. Lisa is a feeding specialist. She works with every type of fussy eater, or children with neurological or sensory issues and is an […]

The Illawarra Early Parenting Centre is well known for helping families with sleep and settling problems, but sleep is really just one piece of the puzzle. Often dietary factors can play a large role in behavioural concerns and sleep disturbances. Constipation or hard stools is a common complaint among infants and toddlers, particularly from 6 […]

In the age of COVID-19, vaccinations have become a hot topic of conversation. It is therefore important that parents understand their position with respect to the vaccination of their children – be that a Covid-19 vaccine or otherwise. Here at Parents Guide Illawarra, we picked the brains of Wollongong’s top Family Lawyers at Access Law […]

The new year has been off to a somewhat tricky start for most families in the Illawarra, with the school holidays not turning out quite as we had hoped. The good news is, with a new year comes a new round of both Active Kids Vouchers and Creative Kids Vouchers to get your kids working […]

Hello NSW Creative Kids Voucher! Have you got yours yet? You’d be crazy to miss out on this! Kids need creativity and play like us parents need sleep and the ability to use the toilet without interruption! So yay to the NSW Government for releasing the Creative Kids Voucher of $100 per child! You can […]

It feels like it should be a relief for things to begin getting back to normal after restrictions and lockdowns, but from a child’s perspective, change can be unsettling and may be a source of anxiety. Making sure your child has the appropriate tools to help them cope with the changes involved in going back […]

At ALG we are excited to embrace the new merged Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. We hope that it will live up to its promises and provide a quicker and more cost-effective option for our clients. On 18 February 2021, the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia Act 2021 was passed in […]

It’s the phrase I hear most often from mums who are contemplating a return to the workforce after a break to raise children. It’s also a phrase I hear from mums who haven’t taken a big break and seem to be totally nailing it in their career. It seems that a loss of confidence is […]

Spend any time in the Illawarra and you will see that we LOVE our canine pals! Whether they are small, white fluffy ones, big, fat slobbery ones… Here at Parents Guide Illawarra, we see fur babies out and about everywhere! And as a region of dog lovers, we know that there is no happier dog […]