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    What to do in Wollongong with Toddlers. Illawarra’s Best Kids Activities 

    What to do in Wollongong with Toddlers. Illawarra’s Best Kids Activities 

    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 entertainment wisdom’! Toddlers are such busy little people. Finding toddler-friendly places to go to burn off that energy can be tricky. Fortunately, here in the Illawarra, we have many great options. These range from playgrounds, parks, toddler classes, to cafes and play centres..

    1. Toddler-Friendly Events

    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!

    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!

    Free Open Day at Miss Zoes’ School of Dance Wollongong, Saturday 17 January, 2026

    Join the fun at the FREE Open Day at the Wollongong Studio on Saturday 17 January, 9am–12.30pm – a welcoming, inclusive chance to meet the team and discover what makes Miss Zoe’s so special.
    Reserve your spot by CLICKING HERE or contacting [email protected] / 0407 921 054. Enquire about their free trial classes.

    Dance classes for all ages, abilities, and styles are available as Miss Zoe’s School of Dance celebrates 20 years of fun, friendship, and self-expression — a place where every dancer truly belongs.

    With classes from 12 months to adults across hip hop, ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, acrobatics, Broadway Jazz, singing, stretch & fitness, musical theatre, and preschool programs, Miss Zoe’s continues to be recognised for excellence, proudly awarded Most Outstanding Dance Studio in the Illawarra & South Coast (2018, 2019 & 2023).

    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.

    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.

    Science Sprouts – Science Space Wollongong

    Join Science Space Wollongong every Thursday (during school terms) for a fun-filled morning of STEM exploration designed just for kids under 5. Enjoy guided activities and shows with their engaging educators, followed by free time to discover the wonders of the Science Space exhibits. Learn more here.

    Stories in the Park at Bulli Beach Reserve Playground

    Spark your child’s imagination with a morning of songs, stories and fun in the great outdoors with your friendly local library staff. They meet to the south of the surf club at Bulli Beach Reserve Playground. Don’t forget to bring along your hat, sunscreen and picnic blanket! Every month on the 2nd Thursday of the month, until further notice. Free, no bookings required, just turn up! Learn more here.

    Family Fun Day – 2nd Sunday of every Month at Five Barrel Brewing

    Looking for a day of family fun like no other? Look no further than Five Barrel Brewing’s monthly Family Fun Days. Join them for a fantastic day packed with games galore, messy play for the kids, a special Family Meal & Drinks Deal on the day – and all in a relaxing brewery atmosphere!

    Soak up the sun while challenging your loved ones to epic battles of Giant Jenga, Connect Four, and Cornhole. It’s all about outdoor thrills and good vibes! Prefer to keep things cozy indoors? They’ve got you covered with card games, chess, and checkers.

    Mark your calendars & see you there for some unforgettable family FUN! Bookings are recommended. Learn more 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.

    FREE school transition program for preschoolers – Wollongong City Libraries

    Get Ready! is a free four-week school transition program at Thirroul Library and Dapto Library locations, designed for children starting kindergarten in 2026 and their parents or carers. Through stories, games, and hands-on activities, children will build key school readiness skills such as routines, social confidence, and resilience, while carers connect with others on the same journey. Sessions run across 4 weeks each week from 10–11am at both Thirroul and Dapto library locations. Bookings are essential and both child and carer must attend together.

    2. Playgrounds

    I have a deep appreciation for a toddler-friendly playground. I generally look for uncovered slides, stairs and bridges without gaps. Accessible swings, spinners, cubby houses, rockers, and water play are always an amazing bonus. You can also read our dedicated article Best Wollongong & Illawarra Playgrounds for Toddlers .

    It can feel risky to try out a new playground. What if it has too much inaccessible equipment, leading to a frustrated or bored toddler? Check out these tried and tested playgrounds. Especially if you and your toddler need a change of playground scenery.

    • Bulli Beach Reserve, Bulli: Very recently revamped, this playground is now nothing short of excellent. It has something for everyone – but a LOT for toddlers. Plus, it has the huge bonus of being right near the beach, toilets, and two different cafes.
    • Pop Errington Park, Towradgi: I love that Pop Errington still has plenty to keep a toddler busy for a smaller playground. In particular, it has a fantastic water play feature and an excellent circular footpath that is great for learning to ride a scooter or balance bike.
    • Figtree Park, Figtree: This is an older playground, but it has proved to be great fun for my daughter since she was only one year old. It has a dedicated toddler section (with a tunnel!) and a field right next door to run around on. Perhaps best to avoid visiting during weekend sports hours, though.
    • The Red Lamp Play Space, Reddall Reserve: Shellharbour Council has recently upgraded the play spaces across the length of Reddall Reserve. This particular playground has a Ninja-Warrior course for older kids, but plenty to do for young ones. It is right near Kiyong Beach, which is perfect for toddler beach play with its calm inlet waters.
    • Kanahooka Lakeside: As my family’s local playground, I’m perhaps slightly biased towards this park, but I do think it’s absolutely fantastic for toddlers. New toddler play equipment was installed within the last few years, and my daughter has played on it at least once a week for the last two and a half years. I think that says a lot about how good this park is.
    • King George V Playground, Port Kembla: Whilst it may not be as new as some other parks on the list, this playground does seem to be built for toddlers. There are some simple climbing nets great for beginner climbers and a great variety of slides for a playground this size. Pair it with a visit to the (very toddler-friendly) Port Kembla pool, and you have an amazing morning out.

    What to do with Toddlers – Parent’s Guide Illawarra – Photo c/o Wollongong Botanic Garden

    3. Best Gated/Safe Places to Contain Toddlers on the Run

    Cringilla Hills Playground: An excellent, free playground that is fenced is one of my favourite places now that I have a toddler. This large, fully fenced and NEW playground has some great covered seating, a wheelchair-accessible sway fun glider, water play, musical instruments and a cubby, amongst many other things.

    All Abilities Playground, Wollongong Botanic Garden: Depending on your child’s interests, this playground may be more or less of a hit. There is a large sandpit which is usually a great drawcard, and a climbing net that my three-year-old can get up. However, with three gates into the playground, you do need to pay a bit more attention to where that run-away toddler is than at Cringilla Hills.

    Splash Park, Albion Park Swimming Pool: We discovered this gem last summer. The toddler pool is fully fenced and includes a small but excellent splash park where toddlers can safely run around until their heart’s content. A small fee to enter, but totally worth it for the fun to be had.

    4. Toddler-friendly Playcentres

    Our family doesn’t frequent play centres often as they can be expensive. But if we’re all stir-crazy from rain or we want an easy way to guarantee a fun time, we hit up one of these play centres. My top tip is to head to these centres in the late morning if you can (e.g. if your toddler no longer naps). By then, the crowds have usually thinned out by then, and you can have a bit of a quieter time.

    • Tabatinga, Dapto: Located inside Dapto Leagues Club, Tabatinga is really well-priced and boasts a toddler play area. It has a multi-level climbing structure, a kids’ basic ninja course, a bumper car arena (extra cost) and a cafe with plenty of seating. Their Drop & Dine sessions are available Friday & Saturday evenings between 5.30pm – 9.30pm). Bookings essential.

    What to do with toddlers in the Illawarra – Parent’s Guide Illawarra – Tabatinga Dapto

    • 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.

    What to do with toddlers in the Illawarra – Parent’s Guide Illawarra – Sharky’s Play

    • Early Start Discovery Space: I don’t think many parents in Illawarra need to be told about Early Start, but it deserves a place on the list because it’s so great! So many different play opportunities, a beautiful outdoor space with seating and access to a great cafe, and lockers to stash your things. Plus, I think it’s really great value for money.

    What to do with toddlers in the Illawarra – Parent’s Guide Illawarra – UOW’s Early Start Discovery Space

    • The Mill at Dapto Leagues Club: Little Foodies, Big Imaginations! At The Mill at Dapto Leagues Club, kids are always welcome! Their dedicated children’s play area is the perfect spot for curious minds to explore and play. Little ones can let their imaginations run wild in our pint-sized pizza shop and fruity little grocer – perfect for budding chefs and mini market owners in the making. Looking for a night off? Their friends at Tabatinga Dapto offer Drop & Dine every Friday and Saturday night for children aged 3+ (must be toilet trained) – so you can enjoy your meal while they enjoy the fun!
    • The Lake Illawarra Hotel’s playground 4 slides, climbing and play equipment. It also has soft flooring and is fenced in to keep your kids safe. It also has a roof to protect your kids from the sun or the rain so you can utilise the playground all year round. They also have plenty of outdoor seating next to the playground so that you can sit and keep an eye on your children. The Lake Illawarra Hotel’s cabanas are adjacent to the kids’ playground and are perfect to book out for kids parties, birthdays or to catch up with friends. We have 3 outdoor cabanas and 3 fully enclosed indoor cabanas. Learn more here now.
    • Flip Out Playgroup sessions: Flip Out Albion Park runs three-hour play sessions on weekday mornings that are only open to children five and under (and their caregivers). This lets them access the whole play space without having to worry about the bigger kids. Plus, they place extra equipment out for the toddlers/preschoolers to play with. My daughter has only been once, nine months ago, but she still talks about it almost weekly, so I think it made a positive impression!
    • Family Fun at the Newly Renovated North Nowra Tavern! Looking for a spot where the whole family can relax and enjoy? The North Nowra Tavern has you covered! Their brand-new kids play area is a total hit—featuring soft play equipment, slides, and a safe, secure environment that keeps little ones entertained for hours. Parents can kick back in our spacious outdoor seating area with full view of the playground, making it easy to enjoy a meal or drink while keeping an eye on the fun. Plus, don’t miss Kids Eat FREE Mondays during dinner—check the menu for details! Great food, cold drinks, and plenty of fun for the whole family—it’s all here at your local, family-friendly tavern down the coast!
    • The Block – The Shellharbour Club: Let your little ones enjoy the rush of slippery slides & interactive spaces! Set amongst the docks in the Precinct, the children’s play area is a unique place full of wonder. Promoting learning, imagination and interactive play, kids will explore the bright colours of the shipping containers providing indoor-weather proof play. It’s endless hours of play! Learn more here.

    What to do with toddlers in the Illawarra – Parent’s Guide Illawarra – The Shellharbour Club

    5. Toddler-friendly classes or library activities/venues.

    A wonderful way for toddlers to develop gross and fine motor skills, enjoy activities and movement and for parents to meet other parents! Click here to read our comprehensive Baby, Toddler & Kids Classes across Wollongong & Illawarra.

    Farm Kindy at Green Connect

    Join in at the Green Connect Farm each Thursday from 9am-11am during the school term, for a wonderful morning of nature-based learning and play.

    Each week they’ll enjoy the sandpit, mudpit, and changing loose-parts, meet the farm animals and explore different parts of our beautiful farm. There’ll be a big focus on using natural materials to understand the world around us. They’ll build, draw, make and create, as well as get dirty and immerse themselves in the great outdoors.

    Farm Kindy is aimed at children aged 2-5 years. Younger children are very welcome to join, though activities may be aimed at slightly older children. Secure your child’s spot here now.

    Miss Zoe’s School of Dance

    Dance Schools Illawarra – Miss Zoe’s School of Dance

    Get your FREE Trial Class & FREE T-Shirt when you mention ‘Parents Guide Illawarra’ when you enrol at Miss Zoe’s!

    Miss Zoe’s School of Dance is an award-winning dance school operating for over 17 years with locations in Wollongong, Kiama & Coledale. They run a number of fun, casual and relaxed dance classes for toddlers and preschoolers – from ballet, hip hop, tap and more!

    Their popular “MONKEY MOVERS” program for ages 1 – 8 is an awesome dance and movement program with lots of high energy and kids are grouped into specific age groups so they are with children the same age. It’s a magical journey of music, movement, and bonding.

    Get in touch with Miss Zoe and her team to learn more and discover the best class for your toddler.

    Wollongong City Libraries

    Wollongong City Libraries are an inclusive, welcoming group of 7 library locations from Helensburgh to Warrawong and everywhere in between – and each library runs free baby and toddler programs.

    Their Preschool Programs run during school term aim to support your child’s early literacy and social development through engaging stories, lively songs, and fun play. No need to book—just drop in! Programs include Baby Beats, Baby Bookworms, Drop in Duplo, Preschool Storytime, Toddlertime and Wriggle & Jiggle. For babies – 2 years.

    Find out more about activities for toddlers at Wollongong City Libraries here.

    What to do with toddlers in the Illawarra – Parent’s Guide Illawarra – c/o Wollongong City Libraries

    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 toddler and kids to enjoy all year round.

    This includes our free monthly Junior Art Trail for kids aged 3 to 5 years old! The Junior Art Trail is a free, fun tour of the Gallery for children aged 3 to 5 years old. Explore artwork through storytelling, art making, songs and games. Learn more here now.

    What to do with toddlers in the Illawarra – Parent’s Guide Illawarra – c/o Wollongong Art Gallery

    6. How to meet other toddler mums and dads locally.

    Playgroups: A playgroup has to be one of the easiest and best ways to meet other parents in your local area. The only real challenge is finding one, but a search on Facebook or Google should offer some suggestions. Many churches or community centres will have a playgroup operating out of their premises. It’s worth focusing a search on those spots too.

    7. Toddler-friendly Cafes and Restaurants

    Our daughter loves a good cafe trip for a milkshake and banana bread. But a trip to a cafe (let alone a restaurant) can be quite challenging. There are a few things that make it easier. Knowing the kids’ food will come quickly, having space to move around or play both help. You’ll also like reading our dedicated article Wollongong Restaurants & Dining with Indoor & Outdoor Play Areas, PLUS Best Family Friendly Pubs & Clubs Wollongong & Illawarra.

    • The Fraternity Club, Fairy Meadow: The Frat have got plenty for kids of all ages, with their indoor games room, the Orange Frog playground (pictured below), Bambini Disco, $12 Weekday lunch specials, and WiFi (for those attached to their iPhones) throughout the club!

    What to do with toddlers in the Illawarra – Parent’s Guide Illawarra – The Fraternity Club. Fairy Meadow

    • Dapto Leagues Club (pictured above) Little Foodies, Big Imaginations! At The Mill at Dapto Leagues Club, kids are always welcome! Their dedicated children’s play area is the perfect spot for curious minds to explore and play. Little ones can let their imaginations run wild in our pint-sized pizza shop and fruity little grocer – perfect for budding chefs and mini market owners in the making.
    • Looking for a night off? Their friends at Tabatinga Dapto offer Drop & Dine every Friday and Saturday night for children aged 3+ (must be toilet trained) – so you can enjoy your meal while they enjoy the fun!
    • Smith’s Lane Dairy, Wongawilly: Recently opened, Smith’s Lane Dairy has an outdoor discovery garden where kids can play. They have mud kitchens, a wooden tractor and a balancing course. As adults, we’ve enjoyed the great range of locally blended teas and browsing the general store.
    • The Woolshed, Yallah: The Woolshed is our go-to if we want an easy coffee or breakfast with the kids in tow. It’s pretty spacious. Book one of the couch areas so your little one will have plenty of room to move while you eat.
    • Towadgi Beach Hotel: We love Towradgi Beach Hotel. It has good quality pub-style food and is spacious (lots of room for either running around or maneuvering a pram). Plus, there are many different seating options (indoor/outdoor, booths etc.). There’s also a fully fenced playground outside (excellent for burning off that toddler energy in between ordering and eating).
    • Saints Espresso, Wollongong: Full disclosure, I haven’t managed to visit this Wollongong cafe yet. However, I know they have an outdoor grassed play area for kids to run around in. So as a toddler parent, I’m sure it’s worth a visit.
    • Rashays, Warrawong: I think Rashays must be the hidden gem of restaurants to take kids. The kids’ food comes out quickly and generally first, plus they provide crayons and a small colouring book. There isn’t necessarily space for kids to move around or play. But at Rashays (and similar restaurants), we try to get a booth seat. Doing this allows the little ones just that extra bit of freedom in moving about than regular chairs do.

    If you are looking for even more kid-friendly, fun (and free) activities to do in the Illawarra, check out our Fun Places To Take Kids page on our site HERE.

    After even more local playground inspo? Check out Play Illawarra’s guide to free outdoor play spaces for kids in Wollongong, Kiama, Shellharbour & Shoalhaven

    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!

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