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    Top 10 + things to do with Kids in Wollongong & the Illawarra!

    Top 10 + things to do with Kids in Wollongong & the Illawarra!

    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 our top Illawarra family-friendly attractions.

    For more of Wollongong’s family fun places to go, read 26 Fun Places to take Kids across the Illawarra. Or, read Family-Friendly Restaurants and Dining, or discover What’s on For Kids & School Holidays in Wollongong.

    Christmas Carols, Events, Santa visits + MORE!

    The Parents Guide Illawarra Christmas Guide is your go-to roundup of festive family fun across Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama, and the Illawarra.

    It features a packed lineup of Christmas markets, carols, Santa meet-and-greets, and light displays, with many events free or low-cost. Highlights include Santa’s arrivals at Dapto and Crown Street Mall, festive fun days at The Fraternity Club and Lake Illawarra Hotel, and the magical Ride the Christmas Train at Illawarra Light Railway. Families can explore vibrant markets in Bulli, Kiama, and Shellharbour, or cruise local suburbs like Woonona and Figtree for dazzling Christmas lights. The guide also includes eco-friendly gift ideas, local experiences, and live Christmas trees for sale. Get the Parents Guide Illawarra Christmas Guide here now!

    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, Parents Guide Illawarra has 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!

    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!

    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.

    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.

    Holiday Haven – 12 stunning family-friendly holiday parks with pools, jumping pillows and more!

    Looking for best family holiday parks on South Coast NSW with cabins, caravan or camping? With 12 stunning locations across the Shoalhaven and South Coast, Holiday Haven Parks offer something for everyone — whether you prefer beachfront, lakefront, or riverfront stays.

    Don’t forget that Holiday Haven Parks also have a number of dog & pet-friendly cabins and sites – perfect for when families want to bring their furry companions along for the ride!

    Treetops Adventure Nowra

    Get ready to soar into Term 4 with Treetops Adventure Nowra’s Back-to-School offer!

    Visit between Monday – Thursday for Treetops Adventure Nowra’s special weekday rates. Limited term 4 offer! Junior $32 | Child $49 | Adult $59.

    It’s the perfect way for families and kids to kick off the new school term with excitement, adventure, and memories that will last all year! Book now

    Situated close to the beautiful Shoalhaven River, Treetops Adventure Nowra is not to be missed. The staff are helpful and encouraging to children and climbers of all ages and levels. The views are stunning, and the park has courses for all ability levels, from beginner to expert. Enjoy the zipline through the treetops or a climb to test your fear of heights. Or stick to something in your comfort zone. Whatever you decide, you are sure to have a fantastic day here.

    Adventurers of all ages are invited to bring along their friends and family for a tree-mendous birthday treat! Lock in hair-raising, adrenaline-pumping fun as your group tackles obstacles high amongst the treetops. A perfect way to create some special memories as you reach new heights together.

    The Shellharbour Club

    The Shellharbour Club is the ultimate destination for families, offering modern surroundings, friendly service, and endless entertainment for kids of all ages. With six delicious dining options – from slow-cooked barbecue and juicy burgers to handmade pizzas and club classics – there’s something to satisfy every appetite.

    The vibrant Precinct brings the buzz of an indoor street market, complete with street food favourites and unique audio-visual entertainment, while little ones can explore the Block House play area filled with slides, interactive spaces, and colourful shipping containers designed for imagination and fun.

    Families love Kids Eat Free Tuesdays at Fiftysix Dining, plus Friday night entertainment in the Precinct from 6–8pm that guarantees laughter and excitement. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, enjoying a family meal, or simply looking for a place where kids can play while parents relax, The Shellharbour Club delivers the perfect mix of food, fun, and family-friendly vibes.

    Hangdog Indoor Climbing Gym

    Want to climb to the top, race your friends, and try something awesome? At Hangdog Climbing Gym, there’s a whole world of fun waiting for kids — with towering walls, cool climbing challenges, and even no-rope bouldering! Whether they’re a first-timer or a little monkey on the move, Hangdog have got climbs made just for them. Come with your family, join a school holiday workshop, or be part of their fun climbing squads. So grab your water bottle, bring your energy, and get ready to climb, laugh, and explore!

    Revolution Laser Arena – now with NEW VR Arcade Experience!

    The Best Laser Tag Experience in Town Just Got an Upgrade! Looking for something exciting, active, and a little out of the ordinary? Revolution Laser Arena delivers heart-pounding laser tag action and now features our brand new VR Arcade + Escape Rooms for the ultimate adrenaline-packed experience!

    Spartan Kids Race & Obstacle Course, WIN Stadium, Saturday 29 November

    This adrenaline-fueled event marks Spartan’s launch to the Illawarra, featuring a 5K obstacle course with 20+ punishing obstacles for athletes, gym-goers, and fitness fans, all inside the stadium.

    Spartan is now an official Get Active NSW provider! You can now use your $50 Kids Voucher toward entry for the Wollongong Stadion Kids Race! Register your kids for their next race and save here!

    Mini warriors aged 4–14 can take on the Spartan Kids Race with 1–3km and 15 obstacles, climbing, crawling, and conquering their way to glory, with medals and swag for all finishers. Spectator passes are free, so the whole family can enjoy the festival atmosphere, meet Spartan athletes, and soak up the action. Join in for an unforgettable day of fitness, fun, and family-friendly adventure! Learn more here.

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

    Get into the festive spirit with Dreaming of a Green Christmas”, presented by The Eaton Gorge Theatre Company at Wollongong Botanic Garden on Saturday 20 December, 11am–12pm!

    Join Elfis and Elvin, two cheeky Christmas elves sent to Australia to help Santa prepare for his big night — though things don’t always go according to plan. Laugh, sing, and help them navigate the tricky Australian environment as they search for an animal to guide Santa’s sleigh, all while discovering fun and clever ways to celebrate a greener, more sustainable Christmas.

    Packed with songs, audience participation, and festive cheer, this interactive outdoor performance is perfect for families and recommended for all ages.

    Tickets: $17 per individual (adult or child over 4), $27 per shared adult & child ticket. Children under 4 are free. Places are limited — book your tickets now!

    MMJ Aquathon, Monday 26 January, 2026

    Illawarra’s favourite summer community fitness event is back this Australia Day public holiday – Monday 26 January 2026 – at Wollongong Harbour! For over 25 years, the MMJ Wollongong Aquathon has brought families, kids, and friends together for a day of fitness, fun, and community spirit.

    With events for all ages and abilities, it’s the perfect summer outing! Choose from the swim-run Aquathons or the popular Blue Mile 5K Fun Run. Kids can dive into the exciting NEW Kids Aqua – just for 6–13 year olds – with fully supported swims, fun runs, tag team options, and heaps of encouragement from lifesavers and volunteers. Every participant gets a finisher medal, plus age awards and giveaways! Learn more/register here now.

    Tabatinga Dapto

    Let the little rangers slide into epic fun at Tabatinga Dapto’s Drop & Dine sessions every Friday and Saturday night from 5:30-9:30pm. Tabatinga is an award-winning 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.

    Tabatinga Dapto’s Attractions & Benefits:

    • Toddler Play Area (0-3yrs)
    • Multi-Level Climbing Structure (0-12yrs)
    • Tinga Ninja Course (basic course for children)
    • Bumper Car Arena

    Visit/learn more about Tabatinga Dapto here!

    Budding Bookworms at Wollongong Botanic Garden

    Stories, sing-alongs and smiles at Budding Bookworms at the Wollongong Botanic Garden! Join in for this free event of magical and engaging stories, sing-alongs, rhymes, wiggly dances and crafts on Fridays near the Garden’s Japanese Tea House (west of the Rose Garden) from 10am. Lots of fun for you and your pre-school aged children (3-5 years). Bookings not required. Learn more here.

    Science Space Wollongong

    Science Space – hands on learning and FUN!

    UOW is reaching out and creating learning spaces that are hands-on and fun. Here at Science Space, children learn by doing and experimenting. It is fantastic for primary-aged children. It has a planetarium, and this is a great experience. The staff take you to space to explore planets and moons. Science shows are on during the day. These include experiments using liquid nitrogen, discovering the wonder of bubbles, and more. There is a cafe outside and a lovely outside area. The staff are helpful and enjoy teaching young people the wonders of science. The installations here are fun and interactive; my children love it here. The yearly memberships are very affordable if you are going to visit two or three times a year.

    Flip Out Albion Park

    Burn off the crazies at Flip Out Albion Park

    Flip Out in Albion Park, just 15 min South of Wollongong, is a wonderful indoor trampoline park and play centre. Great for toddlers to large energised kids! A good choice to burn off energy, bounce away the crazies and unleash the endorphins. With entry starting at $17 per child plus special offers Monday and Tuesday with reduced entry prices – click here for info, it’s a cost effective choice.

    Northern Bowl, Bellambi

    Northern Bowl in Bellambi is THE Illawarra’s cool & iconic bowling alley and local family entertainment centre with arcade games and cafe on site. And in our opinion, makes for a pretty cool, relaxed and fun way to kick back and hang with the kids after school, the weekend and perfect for a rainy day!

    They also offer:

    • CHEAP TUESDAY Bowling $10 sessions
    • Would your teen like to give league bowling a go?  Now’s their chance to give it a try on Thursday nights. Stop by anytime from 4 PM to 8 PM, bowl 3 games for just $19.50, and get expert tips from an experienced league bowler! No commitment – just fun, learning, and plenty of strikes….
    • Book here or give their friendly team on (02) 4283 6222.

    Bush Magic Adventures – child-led, inclusive, therapeutic, nature-based programs

    At Bush Magic Adventures, every child is given the chance to play, explore and learn in nature, guided by a team of skilled educators, counsellors and mentors. Their inclusive, therapeutic programs — from Bush School and after-school nature immersion to school holiday adventures and birthday parties — help children of all abilities, including those supported through NDIS or private funding, build confidence, independence, emotional regulation and social skills. With activities like archery, shelter building, fire making, creek play, bushwalking and nature art, kids have so much fun they don’t even realise they’re learning skills that last a lifetime, all while connecting with nature and forming meaningful friendships. Located at Avondale & Keiraville.

    The Sip Studio Wollongong

    The Sip Studio is famous for its adult Paint & Sip sessions – but did you know they have a wide range of kids painting classes right here in Wollongong?

    Their exciting art lessons are designed to inspire little artists and help them explore their imaginations while learning new skills for Primary & High School classes, Tuesday – Thursday. Creative vouchers accepted and all art material supplied, so you don’t have to worry about making a mess at home.

    Small groups for one on one attention, learn painting techniques, sketching & oil pastels. Find out more here.

    Sharky’s Play, Northern Bowl Bellambi

    Sharky’s Play, Northern Bowl Bellambi: Delight your child in a sensory “under the sea” experience, with sea critters and creatures. The multi-level playcentre features a separate toddler play area and big kids play area (3+ years) with slides, obstacles, mazes and more! The facility includes a seated area and cafe. They also host Kids Parties too.

    Illawarra Light Railway Museum

    Illawarra Light Railway Museum in Albion Park is a great place to take children who love trains! Visitors can enjoy rides on restored light rail vehicles and learn about the evolution and history of railways in Illawarra.

    Ride the steam trains and miniature rail trains whilst getting a fascinating glimpse into the history of our rail transport. The tours are lively and full of history, you’ll get up close and personal with all the trains. The museum features a collection of trams, locomotives, and carriages + you and the kids will LOVE riding the miniature trains. Book online!

    With a cafe and BBQ picnic areas to enjoy, make a day of it! Wheelchairs are welcome and can be accommodated on some of the train rides, so it’s an accessible venue.

    The Museum is opened to the public for Steam Train Rides on the Second Sunday of Each Month and On the Forth Saturday of each month for Diesel Train Rides from 10am – 2pm. Plan your visit now here.

    Wollongong City Libraries

    Top 10 things to do with kids in Wollongong & the Illawarra – Wollongong City Libraries

    Discover Wollongong City Libraries with seven locations across the region! Their libraries are more than just places to read—they are inclusive, safe spaces for all ages – and are fun & educational places for families with young children right up to teens.

    Whether you’re looking to learn, play, or connect, they offer a diverse range of free educational, recreational, and social sessions for preschoolers, school-aged kids, and young adults, with programs during the school term and on every school holiday period. From art workshops, to music, to STEM to writing programs and so much more! Simply drop in—no bookings required. Join in and explore all that our libraries have to offer!

    Wollongong Botanic Garden

    Top 10 things to do with kids in Wollongong & the Illawarra – Parents Guide Illawarra – Wollongong Botanic Garden

    Best free things to do with kids in Wollongong! Go exploring in nature! What’s your favourite zone? The rainforest? Desert? Rose garden? Japanese tea house and bridge? Bring frozen peas to feed the ducks, water dragons and eels (no bread, as it makes the animals sick). Have a picnic in the Japanese tea house. There is a fantastic, enclosed park with a maze and sandpits for all abilities. Wollongong Botanic Garden is beautiful and has so much to explore. They also have a coffee van near the playground at the Murphys Avenue entrance daily from 9 am-2 pm. You can even buy some native plants at the native plant sale. See their website for details here!  For younger children; the gardens host a monthly storytime on a Friday for $5 per child plus a booking fee. Click here to book!

    UOW’s Early Start Discovery Space

    Top 10 things to do with kids in Wollongong & the Illawarra – Parents Guide Illawarra – UOW Early Start Discovery Space

    Australia’s only children’s museum, and my family’s absolute favourite. The Early Start Discovery Space blows my mind every time I go there. My children love it and get lost in play and learning. Inside is full of hands-on play-based educational activities aimed at children birth to 10 years old. These include a Lego room, construction site, two outdoor play grounds, loose parts play, a marketplace and bakery, and much much more.

    Membership also gives you access to underground members car park Monday to Friday. This is underneath the Discovery Space. It makes loading and unloading the children and supplies easy. Even without a membership, there is still free parking in the university carpooling car park, a short walk from the Discovery Space. There are lockers inside to store everything you need for a day out. In the enclosed outside area there is a cafe, creek and play equipment. What’s not to love?

    HARS Aviation Museum

    Top 10 things to do with kids in Wollongong & the Illawarra – Parents Guide Illawarra – HARS Aviation Museum

    Do you and your children love planes? Gets up close and personal with some at this fantastic Aviation Museum at Albion Park. A guide will walk you through operational hangars, and take you up close to historic planes. Explore some of the planes and learn about how they work. HARS Aviation Museum is a must for any plane enthusiast, young or old!

    Wollongong Art Gallery has a variety of fun programs to nurture your child’s curiosity in the arts!

    Located in the heart of Wollongong CBD with easy access to great cafes, restaurants, public transport, and parking – it’s a wonderful and unique family activity.

    Entry is free, and there are a range of specialised tours, workshops, and programs for kids to enjoy all year round.

    This includes our free monthly Junior Art Trail for kids aged 3 to 5 years old, as well as our After School program for primary school students! Explore their regular kids’ activities here.

    Seacliff Bridge & Grand Pacific Drive

    If you have a car (and kids that don’t get car sick on winding roads!), this is a great choice! One of best known Illawarra & Wollongong tourist attractions, but locals love it too…Read our comprehensive Sea Cliff Bridge Guide here.

    Playgrounds & Parks

    Wollongong & the Illawarra has AMAZING parks, all free and wonderful for kids to burn off energy and play. Read our guide to best local parks and playgrounds here.

    Best Bush Walks for Families

    Top 10 things to do with kids in Wollongong & the Illawarra – Parents Guide Illawarra – Maddens Falls, Darkes Forrest.

    Being in the bush can be very therapeutic. Why not explore some of these local spots? Please encourage your children to stop and look around them. Pack a scavenger hunt for different leaves or creatures. Take a camera and get them to look for things that interest them and capture their attention. Point out the light in the trees or how the water rushes over the rocks in a rock pool. Please encourage your children to pay attention to their surroundings. They might find an echidna or notice a kookaburra in a tree. Doing this connects them to nature and refreshes their energy. Below are a few my children and I frequent to inspire you.

    Cascade Falls This gorgeous walk is at the bottom of Macquarie Pass. If you’re quiet, you might see an echidna. There are shallow rock pools to play in along the way. A short 2-km walk though steep in places. It is easy for children ages four and over to explore, with a beautiful waterfall at the end. There’s also plenty of space for a picnic before or after the walk.

    Kelly Falls walk and picnic area. This beautiful walk is right near the Helensburgh turn-off along the Princes Highway. Bring hats, sunscreen, drinking water, and clothes that can get wet or dirty. This walk is steep in places but a delight to do.

    For more inspiration for bush walks in the Illawarra see the links below or read our 18 of the best, family-friendly bushwalks in the Illawarra here

    Best Beaches & Rockpools for Families

    Top 10 things to do with kids in Wollongong & the Illawarra – Parents Guide Illawarra – Coalcliff Ocean pool

    Find a beach and explore the rock pools. Paddle your toes in the waves or build a sandcastle. Most beaches have a full-sized pool for doing laps, swimming, or playing in. They are not patrolled, though, so you must always watch your children. With so many beaches to explore, you could visit a new one every day. Check tide levels, and you could explore the same one at different times for a new experience.

    Make it a healing experience: Take your shoes off, feel the sand on your feet and hands, and touch the water. Look at the crab holes in the sand, watch for dolphins or whales, and look at the ships. Find a jetty where boats come in and look for stingrays or pelicans. Get there for sunrise, watch in wonder the colours in the clouds and sky, and feel the sun’s warmth on your skin. Be present and mindful, slow down and allow your nervous system to reset. Many beaches even let you bring your fur baby.

    After more family-friendly beach inspiration? Read our Best Beaches & Swimming Spots Wollongong, Illawarra and South Coast here

    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 outdoor seating that 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 (below) 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.

    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 Lake Illawarra Hotel (pictured above). The newly refurbished Lake Illawarra Hotel in Windang is a perfect family-friendly destination, offering a modern bistro open 7 days, great daily dining and drink specials, a huge kids playground with cabanas for parties, and plenty of indoor and outdoor seating.

    North Nowra Tavern The newly renovated North Nowra Tavern is your go-to local for great food, cold drinks, family-friendly fun, and unbeatable atmosphere. With a new kids play area, Kids Eat Free Mondays, and versatile function spaces perfect for parties and events.

    Finally, make the most of family life in our stunning Illawarra – Subscribe to the ultimate guide to family living weekly email by Parents Guide. Say NO to bored kids and get inspired! Click and sign up for our Parents Newsletter here. Get all the local inspo!

    Check out these articles below for more ideas on things to do and places to see in Wollongong or the Illawarra (and surrounds):

    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.