Things To Do For Teens in Wollongong. Events & Activities Youth / Illawarra
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, low cost and dedicated centre’s, places and activities that our Wollongong teen’s rave about. We also include where to take your teen, so best events for under 18’s in Wollongong,.
Now drumroll please for the best parks, places, events and activities for youth and teens across Wollongong and Illawarra.
Table of contents
Wollongong Youth Centre
85 Burelli Street, Wollongong
Best playgrounds for big kids & teens across Wollongong & the Illawarra – Parent’s Guide Illawarra – Wollongong Youth Centre
The Wollongong Youth Centre is an inclusive space for young people aged 12-24 to connect, explore new interests, and enjoy a safe environment. Run by the dedicated Youth Services team, the centre provides a range of free resources, workshops, and social groups tailored to meet the unique needs of local youth. Wollongong Youth Centre also run regular drop-in, free programs during the School Term and School Holidays.
What’s available:
- Free resources like WiFi and charging stations
- Art and drama workshops
- Big-screen gaming, live music, and events
- Social groups (Rainbow League & Q-munity)
- Legal Aerosol Art Wall
- Recreation options: pool tables, basketball, and skateboarding
You can learn more about Wollongong Youth Centre and contact their team here for further information here.
Treetops Adventure Nowra
23 Rock Hill Road, North Nowra
Best playgrounds for big kids & teens across Wollongong & the Illawarra – Parent’s Guide Illawarra – Treetops Adventure Nowra.
A great day out for parents with teens (and ages 4+), the more challenging climbs and ziplines at Treetops Adventure Nowra are a fun, bonding activity and get rid of some teen need for adrenaline (in a safe way!). Great for building skills and stepping out of your comfort zone. With amazing views and great staff who will support you every step of the way. With over 80+ challenges and 15 flying foxes, this is an experience your young person will always remember. A great activity to bond with them, get away from screens, be in the great outdoors and an experience that you will always share together. See the link here below for more info.
Over 16 Skydive Jumps at Skydive Australia
North Wollongong NSW 2500
Give your teen the adrenaline-packed experience of a lifetime with a tandem skydive over Wollongong with Skydive Australia!
For thrill-seekers aged 16 and up, they’ll take the plunge from up to 14,000 feet, freefalling at over 200 km/h before floating gracefully under canopy, enjoying the stunning views of North Wollongong Beach and the coastline.
Whether they’re an adventure junkie or just looking to push their limits, this is a unique, unforgettable gift that will leave them talking about it for years. Their drop zone in Stuart Park is just steps from the beach, making it the perfect summer experience. Book their skydive adventure today
Revolution Laser Arena – now with NEW VR Escape Rooms and VR Arcade!
2 Drummond Street, Spring Hill
Best playgrounds for big kids & teens across Wollongong & the Illawarra – Parent’s Guide Illawarra – Revolution Laser Arena.
Revolution Laser Arena is the go-to spot for teens who want action, excitement, and a challenge. Battle it out in their immersive laser tag arena or level up your experience in their brand new VR Arcade and Escape Rooms – from zombie fights to puzzle-solving in ancient ruins, there’s something for every vibe.
Whether you’re hanging out with friends, celebrating a milestone, or just chasing some weekend fun, Revolution is packed with energy and adventure. First time trying VR? Use code PGVR2025 for 20% off your first booking!
Hangdog Indoor Climbing Gym
130 Auburn Street, Coniston.
Best playgrounds for big kids & teens across Wollongong & the Illawarra – Parent’s Guide Illawarra – Hangdog Climbing Gym.
Looking for something fun, active, and a bit different to do for teens in Wollongong? Hangdog Indoor Climbing Gym is the perfect hangout spot for teens who want to challenge themselves, have a laugh with friends, and try something new.
With bouldering, top rope climbs, vertical challenges, and auto-belays, there’s something for every level—no experience needed. Whether they’re climbing solo, with mates, or joining one of their youth programs, it’s a great way to build strength, confidence, and community. Teens can also check out Hangdog’s NEW Recovery Room with next-gen infared sauna & ice bath combo!
Northern Bowl
103 Bellambi Lane, 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 your teen – and even makes for a supercool and safe hangout with their friends on the weekend.
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 a call on (02) 4283 6222.
Miss Zoe’s School of Dance
Wollongong, Kiama & Coledale
There’s no better way for your teen to strike up new friendships, gain more confidence, get out of their comfort zone and get fit and active, than with a dance class!
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 teens – from hip hop, jazz, contemporary, acrobatics to stretch & fitness and more. The offer an inclusive, all abilities dance school and they take enrolments at any time. A free trial class option is also available.
The Rotary Club of Dapto Membership & Volunteering Opportunities
Dapto Leagues Club, Cnr Station St & Bong Bong Rd, Dapto NSW 2530
Got a teen who wants to make positive changes in their local community and the world? The Rotary Club of Dapto members and volunteers are dedicated people who share a passion for community service and friendship – and is an excellent way for young people 18 years + to make friends with a diverse group of like-minded people who share their drive to give back!
You just need to be over 18 and you are welcome to participate in as much or as little as you would like. There is also an engaging mix of social activities, community events, and opportunities for teens to discuss how they can give back and contribute to their local community. Learn more here about all the different ways they can get involved.
Youth Valley Supports: Inclusive Activities & Support for Neurodiverse Youth
Illawarra – South Coast – Wollongong
At Valley Youth Supports, they offer personalised 1:1 and small group support for young people aged 8–24 who are experiencing burnout, social disengagement, or simply looking to build meaningful friendships in a supportive, inclusive environment. Their passion lies in empowering neurodiverse youth—including those with PDA profiles, ASD, ADHD, ODD, OCD, and LGBTQ+ identities—to step beyond their comfort zones and embrace a life filled with confidence, joy, and connection. Get in touch with their incredible team now here.
- Group Activity Programs – “Get Them Out”: Perfect for those seeking a safe and nurturing space to socialise, grow, and have fun through pressure-free group activities.
- Individualised 1:1 Support & 24/7 Care: Their flexible, around-the-clock services include in-home overnight support, weekday and weekend assistance, age-based group activities, and vibrant school holiday programs. They focus on everything from mental health and hygiene to social skills, fitness, mentorship, and independence.
Music Events for Under 18’s & Teens & Family
Not easy to find as many live music gigs and venues are over 18’s only. However, we’ve found some amazing Live Music at Seeker Brewing where teens and under 18’s are welcome if accompanied by an adult at all times. Click here to find upcoming music and shows at Seeker Brewing in Unanderra
Plus, enjoy sit down music and dinner with your teens, click to view Wollongong’s Centro CBD who have some amazing live music acts.
Jamberoo Action Park
1215 Jamberoo Road, Jamberoo.
Best playgrounds for big kids & teens across Wollongong & the Illawarra – Parent’s Guide Illawarra – Jamberoo Action Park.
A huge day out full of laughter, adventure, and adrenalin-filled rides. Jamberoo Action Park is everything you want a water park to be, and so much more. See the link below for more details.
For more info check out their link here.
Flip Out, Albion Park
182 Princes Highway, Albion Park Rail.
Best playgrounds for big kids & teens across Wollongong & the Illawarra – Parent’s Guide Illawarra – Flip Out
A fantastic space for all ages, filled with trampolines and even a Ninja Warrior course. My kids love it here and want to come back again and again. They also have a good cafe with coffee and food options. Plan your visit to Flip Out Albion Park here.
Art Classes for Teens with The Sip Studio Wollongong
Best art classes for big kids & teens across Wollongong & the Illawarra – Parent’s Guide Illawarra – 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 teens painting classes right here in Wollongong? Their exciting art lessons are designed to inspire young adult artists and help them explore their imaginations while learning new skills in their after-school 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.
Local markets
With such an amazing diversity of Wollongong & Illawarra markets, you teen can pick their fave! Generally free to get in, with many having music, food and free entertainment, it’s a fun thing for teens to visit with mates, or mooch together as a family.
Mobile Revolution Archery Tag
Unit 1 / Lot 2 Drummond Street, Spring Hill.
Best playgrounds for teens & pre-teens across Wollongong & the Illawarra – Parent’s Guide Illawarra – Mobile Revolution Archery Tag.
Team-building at its finest. What an amazing way to spend a day. Two teams, armed with bows, face-masks and arrows (with foam tips) have objectives to complete and seven minutes each round to do it. See the link here for more details.
Science Space
60 Squires Way, North Wollongong.
Best playgrounds for big kids & teens across Wollongong & the Illawarra – Parent’s Guide Illawarra – UOW Science Space.
UOW’s Science Space is amazing. The Science Shows & Planetarium is great for younger teens. Children of all ages will learn something new from each and every hands-on activity here. They won’t even realise they’re learning as they explore how and why things work. The planetarium is spectacular. See the link here now for more info.
Wollongong City Libraries
Wollongong, Corrimal, Warrawong, Thirroul, Dapto, Helensburgh and Unanderra
Free things to do with Big Kids in Wollongong & the Illawarra – Parent’s Guide 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 including teens and young adults from 13 – 18 years of age.
Whether teens are looking to learn, play, or connect with other like-minded young people, Wollongong City Libraries offer a diverse range of free educational, recreational, and social sessions young adults. Simply drop in—no bookings required!
Programs on offer during the school term include Board Game Club, Build & Connect, Highschool Tutoring, Homework Club, Kidz Connect, STEAM Punks, Teenz Connect. Join in and explore all that our libraries have to offer!
Unanderra Velodrome & Criterium Track
Lyndsay Maynes Park, Unanderra
The Criterium Track is great for all ages, and all non-motorised wheels are welcome. The Illawarra Velodrome is licensed by and run by the Illawarra Cycle Club. Join the Illawarra Cycle Club for regular cycling events held here too.
Illawarra & Wollongong Rock and Beach Pools
Free things to do with Big Kids in Wollongong & the Illawarra – Parent’s Guide Illawarra – Austinmer Rock Pools.
We are so lucky to live in this part of the world. Nearly every beach has an ocean pool to enjoy. They are beautiful and regularly cleaned. From Coalcliff to Port Kembla, most beaches have an ocean pool. Just in case you want a list, though, here it is: Coalcliff, Wombarra, Coledale, Austinmer, Thirroul, Bulli, Woonona, Bellambi, Towradgi, Wollongong, and Port Kembla.
After more beach and rockpool exploring inspo for your kids? Read our Best Beaches & Swimming Spots Wollongong, Illawarra and South Coast guide here.
Best Skate Parks
Free things to do with Big Kids in Wollongong & the Illawarra – Parent’s Guide Illawarra – Holborn Park Skate Plaza (Berkeley)
We have a great range of dedicated Wollongong & Illawarra skate parks. These are places your kids can ride their bikes, skateboards, or scooters. Most are close to a playground for younger kids too. Here’s a list of the ones we found for you: Helensburgh, Fairy Meadow, Unanderra, Holborn Park Skate Plaza (Berkeley), Albion Park Rail, and Port Kembla.
Cringila Hills Mountain Bike Park
Free things to do with Big Kids in Wollongong & the Illawarra – Parent’s Guide Illawarra -Cringila Hills Mountain Bike Park
Cringila Hills Mountain Bike Park is bound to be fun for the whole family, but older kids will love the freedom and mixture of challenges here. There is a jumps park for beginner to intermediate riders, a pump track, and a bike skills playground. Every skill level is catered for here.
PLUS – we have even more cool local bike tracks for kids of all ages to discover at our 10 Family Friendly Cycle Rides in Wollongong. Best Bike Tracks in the Illawarra guide here
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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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 surrounds. Searching for fun and educational activities are her favourites for her kids whom she homeschools.
