Keep the kids busy and active with our pick of awesome things to do in the Illawarra during the Christmas and summer school holidays.
Whether you love them, or you can’t wait for them to be over – they’re here!
And they’re the loooooooong summer ones, but all good – there’s plenty for kids to see, do and sign up for to keep them busy, active and happy.
So, here’s a list of our picks of fab things for kids to do in the summer school holidays right here on our doorstep!
1 :: Control the action at Jamberoo Action Park
It’s summer which means we head to our water park mecca in the Illawarra. Can’t wait to try out the new rides! And they’ve got some awesome Dive-In movie events…..fun!
2 :: Be a junior zookeeper for the day
The awesome Symbio Wildlife Park is hosting very cool Junior Keeper Camp Programs in January. These book out quickly, so jump on it!
The kids get to feed a variety of different animals, help the keepers with their daily duties and much more. What an experience for the animal lover!
3 :: Swim + sip
We love a day at the local pool and Corrimal Pool is extra fab because of cute little cafe The Kiosk serving up White Horse coffee for the parents and carers, gelato for the kids, baked treats and lots of other delicious nibbles and treats. Open 7 days a week!
Port Kembla Pools are also iconic, and are right next to Port Kembla beach so you can have the best of both worlds.
Here’s a list of other swimming pools and ocean pools all around the Illawarra.
4 :: Pet friendly + kid friendly lunch at Scarborough Hotel
With one of the best views in the Illawarra, the Sea Cliff Garden at The Scarborough Hotel is pet friendly [puppers on a leash] as well as kid friendly. We love Nonno’s Bolognese on the kids menu!
5 :: Playground paradise
The Boongaree Rotary Nature Play Park is one awesome playground that will keep the kids busy for hours – we see looooong naps in their future after heading here.
An inclusive playground packed with sensory and nature play opportunities – think bridges, tunnels, sand and water play areas [great for cooling off on a hot day], climbing nets and a flying fox. Wheeeeee…….!
6 :: Surf’s up
Sign up your grommet to surf lessons with Illawarra Surf Academy. The 3 Day Summer Holiday Program happening at Corrimal Beach will teach them all about negotiating the break, choosing the best waves to catch as well as correct pop-up and stance. There are never more than five kids per coach which is pretty cool.
7 :: Visit an enchanted forest
The fabulous Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures have fun school holiday themes and adventures and this summer, big kids can take a zipline through the canopy taking in the gorgeous rainforest beauty. Book online to save some dosh and prepare to make your school holidays a leafy one.
8 :: Catch a family-friendly flick under the stars
Wollongong’s Sunset Cinema is back – yay! – at the Botanic Gardens and there are plenty of family-friendly films to take the kids along to.
There’s hits for all ages like Paddington in Peru, Moana 2, Sonic the Hedgehog 3, Piece by Piece, Mufasa: The Lion King and Wicked, sure to keep even the fussiest movie-goer happy.
9 :: Art classes for mini Picasso’s
If you have a creative mini-me, or even if you don’t and you’re just looking for something new and different for the kids to do, head to the kids’ classes at Pinot and Picasso.
The team here are holding special family and Picasso Kids sessions in January, which is obviously more Picasso than Pinot!
10 :: Make Some Noise
Join Park Sound Factory for their 2025 Band Workshops!
The Groovers Band Workshop, for ages 12+, will feature special guests Mia from Brooklyn Comic and Paul from The Huneez.
Meanwhile, the Junior Jammers Band Workshop is ideal for kids aged 7-12 who want to explore the world of music.
Make sure to book your spot before they fill up.
So, these hols are long but start with these ideas, plus even more in our events guide, and we reckon you’ll make it out the other side with happy kids and [relatively] sane parents and carers!