It’s raining, it’s pouring… your kids are complaining it’s boring! So, what to do on a rainy day?
This…!
Early Start Discovery Space, Keiraville
This is how you make learning fun! Visit Australia’s first dedicated hands-on children’s museum.
Suitable for :: 0 – 10
Kids can :: get creative in a fun art workshop, pull up a cushion for story time, feed the fish, build (or knock over) blocks, or sign up to one of the fun events these guys have going on.
$ :: $15 per child and adult or sign up to become a member for multiple visits and discounts. Babies under 12 months are free.
Flip Out, Albion Park Rail and North Wollongong
An indoor trampoline park will definitely provide somewhere for all that wet weather energy to go!
Suitable for :: All ages but big kids need to keep an eye out for the little ones.
Kids can :: book in for a Ninja Warrior or parkour course, practice their flips and summies, or just bounce around on the trampolines and into the foam pits. North Wollongong Flip Out also has a Human Pinball Trampoline and a Basketball Trampoline Court!
$ :: Prices start from $15 but check with the venues direct for admission prices for specific times.
Science Space, North Wollongong
An awesome science experience for all ages with loads of interactive exhibits.
Suitable for :: All ages.
Kids can :: check out the Science Shows, sign up for a workshop, learn about the universe and beyond in the Planetarium, or get hands on with all the interactive exhibits. So much fun!
$ :: Kids $12, Adults $16 and check the website for discounted prices for kids under 3.
Hangdog Climbing Gym, Wollongong
If the kids feel like hanging out [literally], this is the place to go!
Suitable for :: All ages. Kids will need to be supervised.
Kids can :: test their grip strength and get climbing at this purpose-built indoor rock and boulder climbing gym. An exercise that uses physicality AND the brain as they find their own path up, across or down!
$ :: U12 is $14 excluding harness hire. Climbers that are 12 and over, it’s $19 plus harness hire.
Bookings last for 3 hours.
Revolution Laser, Wollongong
Who wants to play video games when you can actually BE in one at Revolution Laser?
Suitable for :: Ages 5 and above.
Kids can :: get immersed in live action laser gaming with a movie set quality arena, detailed backstory, the latest technology and a whole lot of fun. Parents can jump in too! A great way to burn off some of your own steam!
$ :: Prices start from $8 per 15-minute game.
HARS Aviation Museum, Albion Park
Got a mini plane spotter? Or someone keen to spread their wings [or earn them]? Head to this local museum.
Suitable for :: All ages welcome.
Kids can :: join a guided tour to check out operational hangars and get up close and personal with the awesome aeroplanes onsite.
$ :: $10 per child and $25 per adult or family entry for $60.
Australian Motorlife Museum, Kembla Grange
One for the motoring enthusiasts, head to this popular museum for some pretty impressive motoring memorabilia.
Suitable for :: All ages welcome.
Kids can :: wander through a huge collection of cars and memorabilia, check out The Wayne Gardner Collection of trophies and motorcycles, as well as the NRMA heritage display.
$ :: Adult $17.50 pp, Children 6 – 16 years $6 pp and kids under 6 are free.
C1 Speed, Albion Park Rail
Hit the track at this awesome go-karting spot.
Suitable for :: A junior racer is 10 – 16 years old. Not suitable for under 10’s.
Kids can :: get their go-karting licence for only $5, and then hit the track for multiple races. Great place for a party too!
$ :: Prices start from $25 but call the guys to chat through prices which change depending on the type and length of each session.
Head to the movies
You can’t beat a bucket of buttered popcorn and a choc top to chase the wet weather blues away.
Suitable for :: All ages.
Kids can :: head to their local cinema to while away a few hours watching the latest movie – here’s a list :
HOYTS Warrawong
Greater Union Cinemas Wollongong
Greater Union Cinemas Shellharbour
Illawarra Film Society
Sunset Cinema Wollongong (opening dates TBA)
Wollongong UniMovies
Gala Twin Cinema
$ :: Check with your local cinema.
Illawarra Museum, Wollongong
One to keep the history buffs busy, this museum houses a vast collection of furniture and objects from the Wollongong region from yesteryear through to the present day.
Suitable for :: All ages welcome.
Kids can :: see what it was like to live in 19th century Wollongong by checking out the schoolroom, heading into the Stockman’s Hut, Air Raid Shelter and a Blacksmith’s Shop. The museum’s Farm Shed has plenty of agricultural, dairy and farm tools on display, as well as several horse drawn vehicles. It might make them appreciate what they’ve got now!!
$ :: Entry is free, but donations are appreciated.
Strrrrrrrrrrrike!
If you love a bit of family competition, head to your local tenpin bowling centre.
Suitable for :: All ages.
Kids can :: put on those funny-looking shoes [take your own socks!] and throw down some bowling balls. Plenty of tenpin bowling centres now have play centres, cafes, bars and some fun lighting to keep everyone busy and entertained on a rainy day.
$ :: Check with your local tenpin bowling centre.
Indoor Play Centres
From mazes to inflatables to ball pits and all things bouncy, there are plenty of indoor play centres across the Illawarra to keep kids dry and parents caffeinated [most have a café on site – yippee!].
Suitable for :: Most indoor play centres are suitable for kids aged up to 10 but check with your local before heading there.
Kids can :: jump into a ball pit, bounce on a giant inflatable, climb into a maze, hit the slides and have a whole lotta fun at these indoor play centres.
$$ :: Prices start from $14 for general admission but vary depending on the session booked and the duration of the sesh.
Timezone, Shellharbour
Who DOESN’T love going wild in a Timezone? And this one has bumper cars lit up like a disco – fun!
Suitable for :: All ages welcome, although most games are suited to primary school and high school age.
Kids can :: hit the arcade games or go old school with some air hockey, pinball and skee ball or move their feet with Dance Revolution and try some VR action – soooo cool! Plus, the Shellharbour Timezone has Spin Zone bumper cars, all lit up and loads of fun.
$ :: Start loading up from $25 (you get $30 credit for that)
