The Best Things to do with Kids in Wollongong / Family Fun in the Illawarra.
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 kids, and swim with kids, Written by local mums, we will take you through the best things to do with babies, toddlers and school-aged kids across Wollongong.
Ready to get inspired? Choose your adventure below. Let’s do this!
Is Wollongong Good for Families?
Best Things to Do with Kids in Wollongong – Cringila Hills Mountain Bike Track
If you ever had any doubts, let us reassure you – YES the Illawarra and Wollongong region is an amazing place for families to live and a fantastic destination for a family holiday or day trip! It’s a nature lover’s paradise with easy access to everything. We experience less traffic and enjoy a slower pace of life, providing more time for activities you love. Our breathtaking escarpment and ocean create a vast nature playground waiting to be explored.
Wollongong is located just an hour and a half south of Sydney. It’s accessible by car or train (the scenic train ride from Sydney is stunning as it winds through the escarpment with spectacular ocean views). Our top attractions appeal to both kids and adults. The Illawarra’s combination of beaches, parks, and cultural sites make it an ideal spot for a fun and educational family trip or holiday. Plan your trip, weekend or next fun outing with the kids with our guide below!
The Best Outdoor Activities
Top Free Attractions & Places to Explore
Best Things to Do with Kids in Wollongong – Sea Cliff Bridge
Wollongong and the Illawarra region offer a plethora of free places to explore and attractions to check out. You can find awesome playgrounds, many of which are located beside the beach, with cafes and beautiful walking trails. Additionally, there’s a great beachside cycleway and places with awesome bike trails, providing you with a wide range of free activities to choose from. Free and low-cost activities are high on the Illawarra’s agenda. Check out the beautiful Wollongong Harbour and Blue Mile walk, the Sea Cliff Bridge, and Bald Hill lookout (drive from Wollongong to Stanwell Park for glorious ocean view tops along the way).
Best Beaches, Rock Pools & Swimming
Best Things to Do with Kids in Wollongong – Towradgi Rock Pool
Wollongong and South Coast NSW boasts some of the most beautiful beaches and swimming spots in New South Wales. North Beach and City Beach are perfect for families, offering safe swimming areas, picnic spots, and playgrounds. The pristine sands and gentle waves provide endless entertainment for kids, whether they’re building sandcastles, splashing in the surf, or enjoying a beachside barbecue. We also have a very beautiful continental pool to enjoy (and many rock pools that are well-maintained and free).
Best Playgrounds & Parks
Best Things to Do with Kids in Wollongong – Cringila Hills Playground
Read about our best Wollongong Playgrounds & Illawarra award-winning parks here. Some are fenced, some have cafes, most have toilets. With sensory play at the forefront of many, it’s an activity that gets everyone outdoors, in the fresh air and enjoying some time together. Wollongong Botanic Garden ticks all the boxes with the gardens to explore, a coffee van onsite, toilets, and a fenced playground. We have a great article here also on the best playgrounds, parks and beaches in Shellharbour for families.
Best Nature & Bush Walks – Illawarra Escarpment
Best Things to Do with Kids in Wollongong – Madden Falls
The Illawarra Escarpment offers various bushwalking trails that are suitable for families. Tracks like the Sublime Point Walking Track offer spectacular views and a chance to experience the region’s natural beauty up close. These walks range in difficulty, so you can choose one that fits your family’s fitness level and enjoy a day immersed in nature. The Gibson Track is another beautiful walk, while Cascade Falls is a short 2km walk with a beautiful waterfall and places for the kids to splash in along it.
Unique Experiences For Kids & Families in Wollongong
Jervis Bay Wild
Best Things to Do with Kids in Wollongong -Jervis Bay Wild
Jervis Bay Wild offers a variety of cruises and adventures and is considered the best tourism company in the region. Their most popular cruises are the dolphin and whale watching cruises, which are some of the highest rated and most beloved experiences in Jervis Bay.
Treetops Adventure Nowra
Best Things to Do with Kids in Wollongong -Treetops Adventure Nowra
Treetops Adventure Nowra is Australia’s first tree ropes and cliff edge park, and it’s only an hour from Wollongong and is located along the stunning Shoalhaven River. It’s definitely worth the drive! Come and go above and beyond at Treetops Adventure Nowra.
Sessions run for 2.5 hours, including gearing up. During this time, participants can choose to navigate their way through the treetops. You can start with something closer to the ground or go higher and test your nerves right away for an adrenaline kick. The park is designed for all ages from 3 years old and up. The challenging courses will offer something for the whole family to enjoy!
Why not make a day out of it? Treetops Adventure Nowra is located inside the Shoalhaven Zoo so you can be a monkey while checking out the monkeys! A discount on zoo tickets are available to Treetops Adventure Nowra customers. Learn more here.
Bundanon
Best Things to Do with Kids in Wollongong – Bundanon
Bundanon is a multifaceted destination with something for ALL ages. It includes an art museum integrated into the natural landscape and a wildlife sanctuary sprawling over 1000 hectares. The diverse range of experiences available at this South Coast art destination ensures that each visitor’s experience will be unique and memorable. They run regular Family Fun Days, Art Workshops for kids, Bundanon Mini for preschoolers, guided family bushwalks and so much more!
Early Start Discovery Space
Best Things to Do with Kids in Wollongong – Early Start Discovery Space
A hands-on science museum where play, education and fun are intrinsically linked, the Early Start Discovery Space is a place you don’t want to miss. With indoor and outdoor sections that include a construction site, cave, Lego room, archeological dig, a creek, and so much more, there’s something to keep your kids happily occupied for the whole day. They even have free lockers and affordable entry. Bring lunch or snacks to eat outside by the creek, or buy something from the fantastic cafe. Don’t forget a change of clothes for kids who can’t help but splash in the creek.
Science Space
Best Things to Do with Kids in Wollongong – Science Space
Science Space is another amazing science centre the University of Wollongong has brought us. There are so many fantastic hands-on activities to inspire and teach your kids. The staff are enthusiastic and run daily workshops that will inspire your kids (and you) to engage in the world of science. The Science Space is also home to the most amazing Planetarium where you can sit back and travel into space for a while, it’s always our absolute highlight.
HARS Aviation Museum
Best Things to Do with Kids in Wollongong – HARS Aviation Museum
The HARS Aviation Museum, located at Shellharbour Regional Airport in Albion Park, is a fantastic local museum that showcases some of Australia’s aviation history. Visitors have the opportunity to board many of the aircraft, walk through the hangars, sit in some of the cockpits, and explore the planes on display. Families can enjoy getting up close and personal with the planes. There is also a great café on-site for a pit stop, offering meals, coffee, cold drinks, and ice creams.
Illawarra Light Railway Museum
Best Things to Do with Kids in Wollongong – Illawarra Light Railway Museum
Explore the rich history of rail transport by riding the steam trains and miniature rail trains at the Illawarra Light Railway Museum. The interactive tours provide a fascinating experience and up-close encounters with various trains, including trams, locomotives, and carriages. Additionally, the miniature train rides that are sure to delight both kids and adults. The museum also offers a cafe and BBQ picnic areas for visitors to enjoy. It’s worth noting that the venue is wheelchair accessible, and arrangements can be made for wheelchair users to participate in some of the train rides.
Flip Out, Albion Park
Best Things to Do with Kids in Wollongong – Flip Out Albion Park
More than just a trampoline park, Flip Out in Albion Park has something for everyone, from children to adults. It features an amazing Ninja Warrior zone to challenge the kids’ skills, a Parkour zone, and a junior area for younger children to bounce safely. The foam pits are always popular with visitors as well.
Jamberoo Action Park (open Sep-May)
Best Things to Do with Kids in Wollongong – Jamberoo Action Park
Open Sept-May and just a short drive from Wollongong, Jamberoo Action Park is a fantastic destination for a day of excitement. This water park features thrilling slides, wave pools, and a lazy river, offering something for kids of all ages. It’s the perfect place to cool off on a hot day and create lasting family memories.
Best Indoor Play Centres & Activities
Best Things to Do with Kids in Wollongong – Tabatinga
Rainy days can be a struggle, with kids bouncing off the walls. Luckily, Wollongong is home to several fantastic indoor play centres just perfect for a rainy day. Places like the Science Space, the Early Start Discovery Space, Flip Out Albion Park, and the HARS Aviation Museum are some great options. We’ve listed a few more options below.
Tabatinga – Dapto Leagues Club is a great indoor play centre for kids, which also offers a Drop & Dine service where children can be left in the fully supervised care of Tabatinga staff, while parents enjoy some adult time in Dapto Leagues.
Revolution Laser Tag gives your kids a specialised laser tag experience, with challenges to complete, and a safe environment to run and practice those critical problem-solving and team-building skills, laser tag is a fun experience for the whole family.
Hangdog Indoor Rock Climbing is a brilliant indoor space that kids love. They can burn some energy, learn new skills, and develop skills in footwork, balance and mindset.
Holey Moley is Australia’s craziest and most unique mini golf venue, Par none. Forget the usual windmills and castles, putt through shark-infested waters and pop culture references like The Simpsons couch and into the Nine Iron Throne itself. Each hole will keep you wanting more.
Strike Bowling has ten bowling lanes and a fantastic arcade gaming area all within its walls, Wollongong locals can say goodbye to ordinary bowling and hello to a whole new world of FUN. The vibe is complete with delicious food and drinks.
Black Duck Ceramics has drop-in classes for days when you want to do something relaxing and wonderful with your children.
Art Galleries, Museums & Educational Experiences
Best Things to Do with Kids in Wollongong – Wollongong Art Gallery
Introduce your kids to the world of art and culture at Wollongong’s galleries and museums. The Wollongong Art Gallery hosts a variety of exhibitions that can inspire young minds, as well as weekly art classes during term and school holiday programs. The Wollongong City Museum provides insights into the city’s history through engaging displays and artifacts.
Science Space with its planetarium is a must-visit for families with a keen interest in astronomy. The planetarium offers fascinating shows that explore the stars, planets, and the wider universe, making it a wonderful educational experience for children.
Wollongong City Libraries host fantastic educational programs for toddlers, babies, preschoolers, and school-aged children during term time. These programs aim to foster a love of learning and reading in young people while also offering creative activities to inspire children
What to do with Kids in School Holidays
Best Things to Do with Kids in Wollongong – Circus Monoxide
You’ll find the best updated holiday fun here – What’s on for Kids School Holidays Wollongong & Illawarra. Fill your kids’ school holidays with purpose, fun, and accidental learning with these activities. For more ideas check out your local churches too for kids’ clubs.
Circus Monoxide offers a range of fun activities for kids of all ages, from general circus skills to aerials, and silks. It is a fantastic choice for an indoor school holiday program that offers your kids loads of fun, and confidence-building while helping them develop new skills.
Airborn Cheerleading has school holiday programs where your kids can fine-tune or learn from scratch skills in tumbling, cheerleading, silks, and much more.
Science Space is a school holiday program that combines interactive, hands-on science with a full day of learning. Kids come home raving about what they’ve learned. Each day is different, and each school holiday has a theme, so check out their program to find the perfect fit for your child.
Wollongong City Libraries provide a variety of engaging activities for school-aged children during the holidays in small groups, that are always carefully planned and fun.
Best Places to Eat with Kids
Best Things to Do with Kids in Wollongong – The Balgownie Hotel
Kid-Friendly Cafes & Restaurants
Wollongong & The Illawarra has amazing cafes, restaurants and clubs that are best for kids and families. We have found the best low-cost, or free meal deals for families with children. There are also some fabulous restaurants with delicious food and great playgrounds for kids.
Woonona Bulli RSL offers an outdoor play area with shade cover and ample space for kids to run around. It’s a great way to keep your kids entertained while waiting for your order or spending time with friends. The outdoor seating includes both covered and uncovered areas, creating a lovely atmosphere. The food at Woonona Bulli RSL is delicious and reasonably priced. Additionally, the kids’ meal deal is fantastic, including a free drink and dessert.
Tabatinga Dapto, located in Dapto Leagues Club, offers a great option for keeping both kids and adults happy. The facility features a dedicated, enclosed indoor playground and offers a drop-and-dine option on Friday and Saturday nights from 6:00 pm to 9:30 pm. This allows parents to enjoy a relaxing meal while their kids are in a safe and supervised environment. It’s a win-win situation for everyone, ensuring that both children and adults leave content and satisfied.
Five Barrel Brewing is a family-owned and operated brewery located in the heart of Wollongong. They offer amazing craft beer, awesome live music, and incredible food and burgers, making it a popular hangout for everyone. Additionally, Five Barrel Brewing hosts Family Fun Days on the 2nd Sunday of every month. During these events, you can bring the whole crew and enjoy free games for all ages, free kids’ entertainment, delicious food and drinks, and a family meal deal offer on the day. It’s a great opportunity to relax and have a good time in a brewery atmosphere.
Wests Illawarra offers a wide variety of dining options to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. While you wait for your meal, the club provides colouring activities for kids and a fantastic indoor playground. They’ve considered every detail to ensure that parents can enjoy a stress-free dining experience.
The Fraternity Club has a huge outdoor playground connected to the restaurant, along with an indoor arcade that is perfect for kids and families. Their pizzas receive rave reviews, and we definitely agree. In addition to their authentic Italian cuisine, their other dishes are also very tasty, so you definitely won’t leave hungry. And, their amazing desserts are a must-try!
The Balgownie Hotel has outdoor games in the beer garden that are popular with both kids and adults. It’s a great opportunity to have some fun together and bond over a game of cornhole, table tennis, and other available options. They also hold family-friendly monthly events with face painting and lots of fun activities for the kids.
The Shellharbour Club offers dedicated indoor and outdoor play areas for kids. You can relax with a drink while keeping an eye on them from nearby seating. Additionally, kids eat for free on Tuesdays for lunch or dinner (one free kids meal with a paying adult meal).
The Nineteenth at Wollongong Golf Club is a wonderful option for casual, coastal dining. It features a playground for children, which keeps them happily occupied while adults can unwind. The play area opens at 11:30 am daily, perfectly timed for lunch. The restaurant offers a diverse selection of dining options to cater to everyone’s tastes, and the views are stunning.
Picnic Spots and BBQ Areas
Best Things to Do with Kids in Wollongong – Wollongong Botanic Garden
For a more casual dining experience, take advantage of Wollongong’s numerous picnic spots and BBQ areas. Stuart Park and Wollongong Botanic Garden are perfect locations for a family picnic, offering ample space, facilities, and beautiful surroundings. Pack a picnic basket and enjoy a meal outdoors with your loved ones.
Family-Friendly Accommodation
Top Hotels and Resorts
Wollongong has a range of family-friendly hotels and resorts that offer comfortable accommodations and convenient amenities. The Novotel Wollongong Northbeach and the Sage Hotel Wollongong are excellent choices, providing spacious rooms, swimming pools, and easy access to local attractions.
Camping and Caravan Parks
For a more adventurous stay, consider one of Wollongong’s camping and caravan parks. Locations like Bulli Beach Tourist Park and Windang Beach Tourist Park offer beachfront sites, playgrounds, and other family-friendly facilities. Camping is a great way to connect with nature and enjoy quality time together.
FAQs
What are the best beaches in Wollongong for families? Wollongong Harbour Beach is a top choices for families due to safe swimming areas, playgrounds, and picnic spots.
Are there indoor activities for kids in Wollongong? Yes, Science Space Wollongong and various indoor play centres provide excellent indoor activities for kids.
Can we find kid-friendly restaurants in Wollongong? Absolutely, Wollongong offers many kid-friendly cafes and restaurants with special menus and play areas.
Is there a wildlife park near Wollongong? Yes, Symbio Wildlife Park is nearby and offers interactive animal exhibits that kids will love.
What seasonal events, upcoming festivals and markets are available in Wollongong? Wollongong & The Illawarra have amazing events and festivals in summer and various indoor events during winter, ensuring year-round fun
About the Author: Lisa Hagan
Lisa grew up in Thirroul and is a mum of four children. A student to life, Lisa loves learning and searching for the most fun things to do with her kids. She loves exploring the Illawarra and its surroundings. Searching for fun and educational activities is her favourite for her kids whom she homeschools.
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