Looking for the best things to do around Wollongong with kids? Whether you’re a local family or visiting the South Coast NSW, Parents Guide Illawarra helps parents discover the best places to take kids across Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and the wider Illawarra. From family-friendly attractions and indoor play venues to free outdoor fun and school holiday activities. Ditch the screens and devices and get amongst our top Illawarra family-friendly attractions!
These family-friendly attractions, venues and experiences are some of the most fun places to take kids across the Illawarra — perfect for weekends, rainy days and school holidays. We’ve explored them all the these are all wonderful fun places to take kids (that even parents will enjoy!).

Science Space is the largest hands-on science centre in NSW! Located at the University of Wollongong’s Innovation Campus in North Wollongong, this iconic venue boasts 100+ interactive STEM exhibits across two floors, explosive live Science Theatre shows, NSW’s largest immersive Planetarium, a fully stocked Science Shop and epic school holiday programs and camps.
Little ones can join Science Sprouts STEAM playdates (0–5 years) during term, and families can explore the exciting new multi-million new Energy Futures Zone featuring 25 hands-on exhibits on solar, wind, hydrogen and more. Open daily, it’s also one of the BEST spots in Wollongong for unforgettable science-themed birthday parties. Plan your visit to Science Space here.

Early Start Discovery Space on the University of Wollongong’s main campus is the ultimate learn-through-play destination for children aged birth to 10 and their adults, offering 20+ interactive experiences including loose parts play, a mud kitchen, marketplace, LEGO and block construction, fossil digging, water play, cave exploration, stage performance, train and ship role play, plus two outdoor adventure gardens. As the world’s first dedicated children’s museum on a university campus, every experience is backed by UOW research to support children’s development.
Open seven days a week, it includes FREE daily programs such as Storytime, Music & Movement, sensory play sessions and creative workshops. It’s a must-visit Wollongong experience for hands-on family fun. Plan your visit to Early Start Discovery Space here.

Flip Out Albion Park is the ultimate spot for active indoor fun in the Illawarra, open 7 days a week and packed with way more than just trampolines! Get your bounce on in the Main Arena, tackle the Ninja Warrior course, soar onto the Airbag, test your skills on the Parkour and Tumble Track, explore the Junior Arena, then refuel at the café.
With general admission from $17 (plus $4 grip socks), awesome deals like Manic Monday ($10 per hour) and 2 For 1 Tuesdays, plus weekday Toddler Time/Playgroup sessions (9:30am–12:30pm during term), Ninja Classes for school-aged kids and teens and epic all-inclusive birthday parties, Flip Out Albion Park is the perfect high-energy day out for families, friends and celebrations. Plan your visit to Flip Out Albion Park here.

Climb, balance and zip through the trees at Treetops Adventure Nowra – just one hour south of Wollongong along the stunning Shoalhaven River! Each 2.5-hour session (including gearing up) lets you tackle 80+ aerial challenges and 15 epic ziplines, from beginner 1-metre-high courses for little adventurers (aged 3+) right up to heart-racing 35-metre climbs for thrill seekers.
Take advantage of their current weekday price drop (Monday–Thursday): Adults $59, Children $49, Juniors $32 (no code needed). Book and visit by April 2, 2026 to save on Adults & Kids Standard Sessions – because adventure is always better together. Plan your visit to Treetops Adventure Nowra here.

Tabatinga Family Fun & Social Centre at Dapto Leagues Club is an award-winning, affordable and friendly indoor play centre designed for safe, social fun for kids aged 3–12. Open Tuesday–Sunday 10am–2pm, it’s the perfect spot for family playtime, themed birthday parties or their popular Drop & Dine sessions every Friday and Saturday night (5:30pm–9:30pm), where children are fully supervised while parents enjoy dinner in the club (parents must remain onsite; bookings recommended).
With regular Whacky Wednesdays and plenty of themed events and fun throughout the year, Tabatinga Dapto is a go-to for easy, stress-free kids entertainment in the Illawarra. Plan your visit to Tabatinga Dapto here.

Northern Bowl is Illawarra’s iconic bowling alley and family entertainment centre, serving up classic tenpin fun alongside arcade games and an onsite café. With great-value deals including Cheap Tuesday $10 sessions, bumper bowling (ramps available), kids’ birthday parties, school group bookings, league bowling and large group events, there’s something for every age and ability. Got a teen keen to try league bowling? Head in Thursday nights from 4pm–8pm to bowl 3 games for just $19.50 and get tips from an experienced league bowler — no commitment, just strikes, skills and fun! Plan your visit to Northern Bowl, Bellambi here.

Sharky’s Play is an exciting indoor playcentre located inside Northern Bowl, offering a colourful sensory “under the sea” adventure filled with sea creatures and ocean-themed fun. Kids can explore the multi-level play space featuring a dedicated toddler zone (0–3 years) and a big kids area (4+ years) with slides, obstacles, mazes and soft play activities, while parents relax in the seated café area.
Perfect for play dates, casual drop-ins or unforgettable parties, Sharky’s also offers exclusive 2-hour private venue hire for kids parties. Walk-ins are welcome, or call (02) 4283 6222 to book in your next play session or party. Plan your visit to Sharky’s Play here.

Illawarra Light Railway Museum is a must-visit for train-loving kids and families, offering the chance to ride restored steam and diesel trains and miniature railways while discovering the fascinating history of rail transport in the Illawarra. Get up close to historic trams, locomotives and carriages, enjoy lively, history-filled tours, then relax with a café visit or BBQ picnic in the grounds. The venue is open to the public on the second Sunday of each month for Steam Train Rides and the fourth Saturday for Diesel Train Rides (10am–2pm), plus special school holiday events. You can also host unforgettable kids’ birthday parties, private functions or corporate events (up to 50 guests, larger groups by arrangement) — enquire via [email protected] or call 0492 267 581. Plan your visit to Illawarra Light Railway here.

Wollongong Botanic Garden (rated #1 on TripAdvisor for things to do in Wollongong) is a must-visit nature escape for families, with winding paths, hidden garden treasures, an all-abilities playground, duck pond, sustainable garden and one of the largest rainforest collections in Australia featuring Illawarra species. Kids will love spotting wildlife like bower birds, native bees, kookaburras and ringtail possums, while adults can unwind on the nature wellness trail or join guided buggy and walking tours.
With year-round activities including native plant sales, Budding Bookworms storytime, bird-spotting walks, educational excursions and the much-loved Sunset Cinema each summer, plus beautiful outdoor spaces for weddings, ceremonies, picnics and BBQs, it’s an open-daily (from 7am) and completely FREE Wollongong favourite. Plan your visit to Wollongong Botanic Garden here.

HARS Aviation Museum at Shellharbour Regional Airport is one of the Illawarra’s best-kept secrets for a family day out. Families can board many of the aircraft, walk through working hangars, sit in selected cockpits and enjoy guided tours led by passionate volunteers (general admission includes the full tour; open daily). Don’t miss the monthly Tarmac Days (across the second Friday & weekend each month) where aircraft are displayed outdoors and open for boarding, plus VIP experiences like the B747 Wing Walk and Cockpit Tours — perfect for unforgettable kids’ birthdays or special occasions. With onsite favourite Cafe Connie serving coffee, snacks and a kids’ menu, it’s easy to make a full day of this hands-on aviation adventure. Plan your visit to HARS Aviation Museum here.

Want to climb to the top, race your friends, and try something awesome? At Hangdog Indoor 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! Plan your visit to Hangdog Indoor Climbing Gym here.

Revolution Laser Arena is taking kids’ birthday parties in the Illawarra to the next level, combining heart-pumping laser tag with epic new VR Arcade and VR Escape Room experiences for unforgettable celebrations. Their 5-star party packages include a dedicated host, private party area, catering options (or BYO), personalised player cards and VIP upgrades + an exclusive Parents Guide Illawarra offer: $50 cashback for every 10 kids booked or 15% off (whichever is greater) with code PGPARTY2025, and 20% off first-time VR bookings with code PGVR2025.
Open for walk-in laser tag, group bookings and weekend fun, the venue is fully licensed so parents can relax with a coffee or cold drink while the kids dive into action-packed games. With parties from just $19 per child (and even bonus guest deals with code PGCAKE), dates book fast — call (02) 4243 7809 or book online to secure your spot. Plan your visit to Revolution Laser Arena here.

The Shellharbour Club offers modern, family-friendly surroundings with standout dining, entertainment and kids’ fun all under one roof. With six delicious dining options + the vibrant Precinct indoor street market, there’s something for every appetite. Families love the Kids Eat Free Tuesdays and the FREE kids entertainment every Friday from 6–8pm in Precinct.
Little ones can also explore Block House at Precinct, an exciting indoor dockside-themed play space with slides and interactive zones. Planning a celebration? From kids’ parties to birthdays and engagements, The Shellharbour Club offers flexible event spaces. With indoor and outdoor play areas and a buzzing dining scene, it’s a go-to destination for family fun in Shellharbour. Plan your visit to The Shellharbour Club here.

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 free monthly Junior Art Trail for kids aged 3 to 5 years old, as well as After School programs for primary school students! Plan your visit to Wollongong Art Gallery here.

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. Plan your visit to Wollongong City Libraries here.

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. 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. Check out the current Holiday Haven park offers below (some offers also extend to School Holiday periods). Plan your visit to Holiday Haven Parks here.
Current 30% Holiday Haven Park offers:
Book 7 nights, only pay for 5 at the following Holiday Haven Parks (T&Cs apply):

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, child-led, nature-based, 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. Plan your visit to Bush Magic Adventures here.

Game Point Coniston is Illawarra’s home of indoor pickleball – a welcoming, purpose-built venue with three premium indoor courts, social and competitive sessions for all skill levels, and regular kids & teens programs including school holiday workshops.
Whether you’re brand new or already hooked, you can join beginner-friendly social play, intro-to-pickleball classes, coaching clinics and friendly competitions, with paddles and balls available to hire so you can simply turn up and play. Game Point offers a fun, community-focused space to play, learn and connect year-round. Find them at 30 Miller Street, Coniston or call 0438 800 250 for more info. Plan your visit it Game Point Pickleball Coniston here.

Stories, sing-alongs and fun 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. Plan your visit to Budding Bookworms at Wollongong Botanic Garden here.

Green Connect’s Farm Play & Picnic Days offer families a beautiful, hands-on farm experience with up to three hours in the Children’s Garden enjoying free play in the sandpit, mud kitchen and natural loose parts, plus two small-group mini farm tours to meet and feed pigs, sheep, goats and chickens, explore the organic market gardens, learn about composting and discover how food is grown sustainably. Held 9:30am–12:30pm on select dates every month. Bring a waste-free snack and picnic rug and settle in for a fun, enriching morning on the farm. Plan your visit to Green Connect’s Farm Play & Picnic Days here.

Circus Monoxide is a super fun, high-energy place where kids can climb, flip, spin and build confidence in a non-competitive environment. From aerial silks and trapeze to tumbling, juggling and tightrope walking, there’s a class or program for every age and ability – including toddlers, teens and school holiday programs. It’s all about movement, creativity and joy, making it a brilliant option for active kids, ASD and neurodiverse children (and for burning off all that energy!). Plan your visit to Circus Monoxide here.

Photo c/o Chilby Photography
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.

Get ready for magical summer nights under the stars as Sunset Cinema is on now until 28 March 2026! Set in the beautiful Wollongong Botanic Garden, this outdoor cinema is the perfect way to unwind with friends, family, or a date night out for parents. PLUS – get 20% off your tickets now with Parents Guide Illawarra here.
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. Plan your visit to Sunset Cinema Wollongong here.

The St George Illawarra Dragons’ first home game of the regular season is set to bring big energy to WIN Stadium on Saturday 14 March, and with a family-friendly evening kick-off at 5:30pm, it’s the perfect outing for fans of all ages. Make an afternoon of it — gates open at 3:00pm with the NSW Cup kicking off at 3:10pm, before the NRL action lights up the stadium later in the day. Expect big hits, passionate fans and an electric atmosphere as the Dragons take on the Melbourne Storm. Bring the kids, grab your seats and enjoy a great family night of footy by the beach. Grab your tickets to the Dragons v Storm, WIN Stadium, Saturday 14 March here.

Save the date! Keira Lane is transforming into a lively family-friendly laneway festival for Keira Laneway Live on Sunday 22 March. Expect live music, roving performers, fun games and activities for kids, plus plenty of delicious food from local favourites including Ruki, Amigos, K’Malu and Balinese Spice Magic. This free community event is the perfect way for families to spend a relaxed Sunday in the Wollongong CBD – wander through the laneway, enjoy the entertainment, grab a bite to eat and soak up the vibrant street atmosphere together. Plan your visit to Keira Laneway Live here.

The Easter long weekend is packed with family-friendly fun — from Easter egg hunts and markets to live entertainment, Easter raffles and special dining events at local clubs and venues. Whether you’re chasing chocolate, planning a relaxed long lunch, or looking for something to keep the kids busy this Easter, there’s plenty happening right across the Illawarra. Plan your Easter in the Illawarra here.

The Fraternity Club is bringing back the much-loved Castagne Day 2026 — and it’s set to be another fantastic, family-friendly celebration! Enjoy traditional chestnut roasting, international food and market stalls, live entertainment and carnival rides for the kids, all with free entry. It’s a vibrant day filled with the sights, sounds and flavours of Italian culture, perfect for bringing the whole family together. Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more exciting details. Plan your visit to The Fraternity Club’s Castagne Day here.

Sydney’s premier airshow is back! Wings Over Shellharbour returns to the South Coast for an adrenaline-charged weekend of high-energy aviation action. Watch the skies explode with historic warbirds, modern aircraft and breathtaking aerobatics, while the ground comes alive with a huge family-friendly festival – rides, kids’ zone, food trucks, Defence Force activations, live entertainment and more. Tickets on sale now. One epic weekend. Fast, loud and unforgettable. Plan your visit to Wings Over Shellharbour here.

Round up the family for an unforgettable night of rodeo action, live music and entertainment at the MJ Rowles Rodeo 4 Life at WIN Entertainment Centre on 30 May 2026. Watch Australia’s top bull riders take on the arena in a thrilling showcase of skill and courage, alongside a live performance from Robbie Mortimer. Kids and adults alike will love the spectacular Lachie Cossor’s Outback Stockman’s Show and plenty of laughs from crowd-favourite rodeo clown Big Al.
With exciting action, great entertainment and even the chance to win $10,000 in cash prizes, it’s shaping up to be a fun-filled night out for the whole family. Tickets and family bundles available now.

The Balgownie Hotel’s Monthly Family Fun Days are a hit with Illawarra families! Held once a month on a select date from 12–4pm, these relaxed, community-style afternoons feature live music, outdoor games, table tennis, pool tables and a dedicated kids’ painting station to keep little ones entertained while parents unwind. It’s the perfect excuse to gather the family, enjoy a great meal and settle in for an easy, fun-filled afternoon together. Bookings essential for lunch or dinner. Plan your visit to The Balgownie Hotel here.

Looking for an easy, fun Sunday outing with the kids? Warilla Hotel hosts a Sunday Funday every week – a relaxed, family-friendly afternoon designed just for Illawarra families. From 12pm–3pm, kids can enjoy FREE face painting and family fun, while parents settle in for a laid-back lunch and drinks (cabanas available). With a big outdoor & covered playground, plenty of space to relax and a welcoming local vibe, Sunday Funday is the perfect way to wrap up the weekend together. Plan your visit to the Warilla Hotel here.

Five Barrel Brewing hosts a fantastic Family Fun Day every 2nd Sunday of the month from 12:30pm–2:30pm, bringing together great beer, delicious burgers and relaxed community vibes with free games for all ages. Families can challenge each other to Giant Jenga, Connect Four and Cornhole outdoors (weather permitting), or head inside for card games, chess and checkers — all in a laid-back brewery setting right in the heart of Wollongong. With tasty food and drinks available and plenty of space to unwind, it’s an easy, fun-filled afternoon for the whole crew. Bookings are recommended. Plan your visit to Five Barrel Brewing here.

Woonona Bulli RSL
Read our ultimate Kids Friendly Dining Guides below, written by parents at Parents Guide Illawarra!
Woonona Bulli RSL (pictured above) offers outdoor al-fresco seating, plus an outdoor covered kids’ playground. Open daily, the club offers plenty of space to enjoy a meal together, with regular casual dining specials – like pizza nights, steak or schnitzel deals + more – making it a fun choice for family outings or weekend lunches. Plan your visit to Woonona Bulli RSL here.

Looking for a fun place to take the kids? The Gelato Emporium at Bulli Tops is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Little ones will love choosing their favourite artisan gelato flavours, while parents can enjoy quality coffee and gourmet treats — all with stunning coastal views as the backdrop. It’s an easy, relaxed outing that feels like a treat for the whole family. Plan your visit to the Gelato Emporium here.

Early Start Discovery Space
Parents Guide Illawarra is your ultimate guide to school holidays in Wollongong and the Illawarra Discover kids events, workshops, holiday programs and family experiences — from nature-based camps to creative workshops and indoor activities. Browse current school holiday activities and kids events here

Boongaree Rotary Nature Play Park, Berry
Looking for the BEST playgrounds and parks in Wollongong, Shellharbour and across the Illawarra, including safe, gated options? We’ve rounded up the top spots where kids can climb, swing, scoot and explore, from epic adventure playgrounds to fully fenced parks perfect for toddlers and peace-of-mind play. Get the BEST Playgrounds & Parks in Wollongong, Shellharbour & Illawarra areas here.
We have also rounded up even more playground guides for every age & stage here:

Play Illawarra is a FREE playground discovery website helping families explore more than 270 playgrounds and parks across Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and the Shoalhaven. Easily find a playground near you and check facilities like BBQs, bubblers and toilets, plus browse their ‘What’s On’ calendar packed with free, fun community events.

The Wollongong and Illawarra region is full of fun and scenic family-friendly bike rides for all ages and abilities. Our Illawarra kid-friendly bikes paths below include paved, shared and mountain bike trails. So, put air in those tyres, pop on your helmet, grab the kids and fam and hit the road. Fresh air, endorphins and exercise are also free with our guide to 10 best bike rides in Wollongong! Discover them all and get planning here.

The Nun’s Pool, North Wollongong. Photo c/o Jasmine Low
Looking for the best family-friendly places to swim in the Illawarra? The Parents Guide Illawarra swimming pools & rock pools guide rounds up heated indoor centres, free outdoor council pools like Continental, Port Kembla and Thirroul, plus stunning ocean & rock pools from Austinmer to Woonona – perfect for families wanting everything from toddler-friendly splash zones to scenic ocean swims. Whether you’re chasing a calm lap pool, a shallow beachside swim or a rock pool adventure, this guide makes it easy to plan your next water-fueled family outing.

Hyams Beach, South Coast NSW
Let us short cut you to the best beaches for kids and families in Wollongong and the South Coast of NSW. We are so very blessed to be spoilt in the Illawarra and South Coast with a smorgasboard of beautiful coastline, rock pools and stunning beaches. Seriously, where else can you say you live amongst 17 and counting (yes, 17) beaches ranging from Stanwell Park in the north to Windang in the south alone?

Being in the bush can be very therapeutic. 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.
What are the best rainy-day things to do in Wollongong with kids? Read our rainy & windy day Wollongong & Illawarra guide here
Where can I find school holiday activities in Wollongong?
Parents Guide Illawarra lists all school holiday programs, workshops and events across Wollongong, Shellharbour and Kiama.
What are Wollongong & the Illawarra’s best parks & playgrounds? Read our guide to best local parks and playgrounds here.
What are the go-to playcentres for kids in the Illawarra? Explore our list of the best playcentres in Wollongong and the Illawarra here.
What are the favourite, free & low-cost activities to do with kids in Wollongong & Illawarra? Discover the best budget-friendly fun for families here.
Where are the best family-friendly beaches in Wollongong & the Illawarra? Explore the Illawarra’s ultimate kid-friendly beaches here.
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.
