Find all Kids Classes and After-School Activities Across Wollongong & Illawarra
There are many benefits to extracurricular activities for kids including improved academic performance due to the creative outlet, exploring personal interests, increased self-esteem, improvement in social skills, increasing life skills and abilities, a sense of personal achievement and so much more.
It’s time to pursue those dreams, hone those skills, start the creative juices flowing and get active. Here at Parents Guide Illawarra we’ve researched some great baby, kids and toddler classes.
A reminder also that now is the time to register for your NSW Govt Creative Kids Vouchers and Active Kids Vouchers! Each Voucher is $100 towards your child’s after school or term activity – you can read more about how to claim your vouchers and where to use them locally HERE
Watching your child’s creative mind soar is one of the great gifts of being a parent. If your little one has a love of the arts there are some great programs in Wollongong and throughout the Illawarra that can help harness that creative power while also having a really fun time. Art is a great, calming way for kids to express themselves after a long day at school. Check out some of our favourite after-school programs in the list below that provide creative fun with paint, craft, model clay, collages, textiles and much more in the Wollongong and Illawarra area
- Wollongong Art Gallery – Kids Art Classes – Wollongong Art Gallery’s Education programs aim to inspire and enrich student learning by directly engaging with art, artists and exhibitions
- Go Create Art Studio – Based in Thirroul, ART, PAINTING, DRAWING, and CERAMICS creative classes for kids and teens in Northern Illawarra.
Looking for more class options? See our full list of Art classes for kids here.
Is your child itching to change the world of technology? Maybe they are drawn to video game design, or building websites for future business, perhaps they have a future in robotics or 3D modelling. Be sure to nurture those STEM-based interests with after-school sessions to expand their skills and their imagination.
- Project Bucephalus – The Robo Club curriculum contains lessons and games designed to develop robotics, engineering, and programming skills.
- CIY.CLUB (Code it Yourself) – Kids Coding Workshops! Minecraft, website design, apps, game coding and more!
- Devika Learning – Workshops and STEM-based bootcamps in game development, website development, coding, 3D modelling and virtual reality.
- Zig Zag Hub – Channel your child’s creative energy with Zig Zag Hub’s Young Entrepreneur Program for ages 10 – 16. This cool after school program offers programs in Design Thinking and Coding & Gaming for creative minds to explore their potential!
Looking for more class options? See our full list of Coding and STEM classes for kids here.
Point those toes and spin until your heart’s content with these Dance studios that we love in the Illawarra. There is a wide range of classes on offer across the region covering all ages and every genre you can think of. Looking for musical theatre? We’ve got you covered. Preschooler classes, that are flexible without a big commitment? Sorted. Check out our list below for more information on opportunities to get those bodies moving across the Illawarra.
- My Tiny Dancer – Flexible, enjoyable dance classes for Toddlers and Preschoolers focused on inclusion and fun.
- Miss Zoe’s School of Dance – Dance classes from 12 months to adults across 3 locations – Kiama, Coledale, and Wollongong – in a variety of styles including hip hop, ballet, jazz, contemporary, tap, acrobatics, Broadway Jazz, singing, stretch & fitness, musical theatre and preschool classes.
- AWAKEN Dance & Fitness Academy – Dance and fitness classes with a focus on fun, health & friendship. Located in Balgownie.
- Treetop Arts – dynamic program that combines Parkour, Gymnastics, Aerials, Drama, Circus, Dance and Acrobatics/Tumbling and Preschool Programs in one space, both inside and outdoors.
- Academy of Music, Dance & Drama – based in Thirroul, the centre has been providing performing arts excellence in the Illawarra and beyond. Lessons and classes provide a sense of enjoyment and engagement and where students experience a learning environment that is positive and nurturing.
- With in-person lessons and remote learning available, the Academy is accessible for anyone who aspires to extend themselves in a safe, fun and friendly community.
- Ava Dance Centre – Dance classes with a positive, inclusive environment where children will create treasured memories and life-long friendships.
- Little Groovers – An exceptional dance program in Jamberoo that caters exclusively for little boys and girls aged 18 months- 7 years of age.
- Circus Monoxide – Unique circus training & gymnastic classes for kids and adults. Party packages also available.
- Ada Dance – Enthusiastic and passionate staff offering classes in Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Acrobatics, Stretch and technique, Mat and Tumble, Pre school and babyballet classes also.
- Sharna-Lee Classical Coaching – offers Baby Ballerina & Jazz classes for Pre-schoolers aged 2 years to 5 years and personalised and private ballet training.
Looking for more class options? See our full list of Dance and Movement classes for kids here.
All of our children can be dramatic at times, but some of them are destined for the spotlight, only needing some inspiration and the right guidance before they take the world by storm. If your child has a flair for the dramatic, encourage them to work on their craft in one of the after-school classes available around Wollongong and the Illawarra.
- Circus Monoxide – Unique circus training & gymnastic classes for kids and adults. Circus Monoxide has a focus on performing with classes that include many of the fundamental basics of the performing arts.
- Treetop Arts – dynamic program that combines Parkour, Gymnastics, Aerials, Drama, Circus, Dance and Acrobatics/Tumbling and Preschool Programs in one space, both inside and outdoors.
- Academy of Music, Dance & Drama – based in Thirroul, the centre has been providing performing arts excellence in the Illawarra and beyond. Lessons and classes provide a sense of enjoyment and engagement and where students experience a learning environment that is positive and nurturing.
Looking for more class options? See our full list of Drama and Performing Arts classes for kids here.
For kids that love being active and learning new skills, gymnastics and circus classes are a great way to stretch those limits and limbs at the same time. Chttps://parents-guide.com.au/places/category/gymnastic-classes/heck out the list of classes offered for Gymnastic and Circus Classes in the Illawarra below. Have fun with balance, rolling, apparatus work and more for preschoolers and kids in the Wollongong and Illawarra area.
- Gravity Gymnastics – Fantastic gym space for bubs up to teens! Adult fitness classes also available.
- Circus Monoxide – Unique circus training & gymnastic classes for kids and adults. Circus Monoxide has a focus on performing with classes that include many of the fundamental basics of the performing arts.
- Treetop Arts – dynamic program that combines Parkour, Gymnastics, Aerials, Drama, Circus, Dance and Acrobatics/Tumbling and Preschool Programs in one space, both inside and outdoors.
- My First Gym – Figtree & Shellharbour – a one-stop fitness hub for kids! A space for kids to fall in love with movement and fitness, a place that supports skills development and inspires kids to move their bodies through their most important developmental years. Classes available for kids 7 months to 13 years.
- PCYC Bulli – is your go-to community sporting hub for kids of all ages. You will find 2 full sized basketball courts, gymnastics and boxing room. Term and holiday programs are always super popular.
Looking for more class options? See our full list of Gymnastics Programs for kids here.
Martial Arts is a fantastic way for your child to learn a wide variety of skills including respect, patience, and self-control. Working their way through the belt system encourages children to keep working hard, practising what they learn to better themselves within the sport as well as in everyday life. If your child has an interest in Martial Arts or could benefit from the grounding experience of working with a class, make sure you check out the options below.
- Xtreme B-Force Martial Arts – A family-friendly, encouraging and inclusive premier training centre for aspiring martial artists for 4 years right up to adults!
- Fire Phoenix Martial Arts – Hapkido school located in Corrimal offering classes for fitness, fun and to deliver the power benefits of training such as self control, discipline and respect.
- Adapt Martial Arts and Boxing Academy – The perfect place to begin your martial arts and boxing journey. Classes available from 3 years to adults.. Winner of the Most Outstanding Martial Arts Business of the Year at The Illawarra and South Coast Local Business Awards!
Looking for more class options? See our full list of Martial Arts classes for kids here.
Launch your child’s musical creativity by introducing them to after-school music lessons. Broaden their horizons with classes in a specific instrument or voice lessons and watch them grow into confident performers. Improve confidence by encouraging them to learn the expressive language of music. Find music classes that include fun songs, rhymes, games, instrument play, private lessons and more in and around Wollongong.
- Haworth Music School – No matter your goals, experience, age, or instrument, Haworth Music School is here for you.
- SINGsational – Singing, piano, guitar and music theatre lessons in Wollongong.
- Academy of Music, Dance & Drama – based in Thirroul, the centre has been providing performing arts excellence in the Illawarra and beyond. Lessons and classes provide a sense of enjoyment and engagement and where students experience a learning environment that is positive and nurturing.
Looking for more class options? See our full list of Music classes for kids here.
Shake out that energy from the school day with classes that teach sports skills including kicking, catching, coordination, throwing, jumping, equipment use and more for Toddlers, Preschoolers and Kids. Looking for something a bit further out of the box? Try ninja courses, trampoline flipping or climbing, we’ve got them all coved with kids after-school classes in and around Wollongong.
- Flip Out Albion Park – Jump the stress of the day away with Jump Sessions, Ninja Warrior Course, Parkour Arena, Tumble Track, Foam Pit, Junior Arena & Junior Foam Pit, and Ninja Trampolining Classes.
- Hangdog Climbing Gym – With over 100 climbs and a back wall designed with kids in mind we’ve got your next adventure covered.
- Ready Steady Go Kids Illawarra – Multi-award wining pre-school sports program! Bulli, Coniston and Unanderra
- Trees Adventure Nowra Park – This one might not offer classes, but Trees Adventure Tree Ropes Course and Ziplining Experience in Nowra is so cool, it made the list anyway.
- Wollongong Wolves Football Club – fun, competitive, skills-enhanced programs for sporty kids aged 6 years to 18.
- Football South Coast – runs junior competitions, school term/club and school holiday programs for Junior’s from 5 years of age up to under 18s! Also runs a program for those kids with special needs and is the the first of its kind in our region.
- PCYC Bulli – is your go-to community sporting hub for kids of all ages. You will find 2 full sized basketball courts, gymnastics and boxing room. Term and holiday programs are always super popular.
- Adapt Martial Arts and Boxing Academy – The perfect place to begin your martial arts and boxing journey. Classes available from 3 years to adults.. Winner of the Most Outstanding Martial Arts Business of the Year at The Illawarra and South Coast Local Business Awards!
Learn more about your term activities HERE.
We get young people active in life. We work with young people to develop their skills, character and leadership. We reduce and prevent crime by and against young people, and provide programs to suit all ages and lifestyles. We are Australia’s pre-eminent youth organisation working with Police and community to empower young people to reach their potential.
Looking for more class options? See our full list of Sports Activities for kids here.
Swimming is not only an extremely fun way to get moving and cool down in summer, but it is also an essential skill for any child that lives near the ocean or likes to swim in general. Local options throughout Wollongong and the Illawarra include learn-to-swim lessons, aquatic survival classes and drowning prevention for babies, kids & children with disability;
- Learn to Swim Shellharbour – All learn to swim and squads run in conjunction with NSW school terms and the cost is based on a ten week program with classes for all ages and abilities.
- McKeons Swim School Towradgi – Swimming lessons for all ages from babies to adults, squad training, aqua aerobics and pool parties are all offered at our indoor, heated pools.
Looking for more class options? See our full list of Swimming Classes for kids here.
Adding yoga to your child’s routine can help them learn to keep their bodies calm and maintain any nerves or anxiousness under control. Connecting the mind to the body allows you to form an understanding of your feelings and your body’s physical reactions to them. Stay calm and do yoga with some of the best instructors around Wollongong.
- Erika Steller Yoga & Mindfulness – Yoga and Mindfulness for children and adults. Increasing a sense of calm and confidence. Northern Illawarra.
- Austinmer Beach House Yoga – They offer Slow Flow Yoga, Mums and Bubs Yoga, Feminine yoga, Beginners Yoga, Outdoor Yoga, Massage and Sauna. They also regularly offer kids holiday programs. They provide a space that is welcoming and a non judgemental environment.
Looking for more class options? See our full list of Yoga Classes for kids here.
We’ve got so many more fun classes to share with you over in our Classes for Babies, Toddlers and Kids section. You will find information on groups and activities to encourage your child’s health and development while nurturing their mind and creativity at the same time.
