We've hit the mid-January slump. The excitement of Christmas presents has faded, many parents have returned to work, and children across the Illawarra still face weeks before the school bell rings again. Finding engaging ways to fill those long summer days can be a challenge, but the region is brimming with opportunities to create magical memories.
Adventurous Outings and Creative Fun
For families seeking active entertainment, several unique experiences are on offer. From January 17, a section of Wollongong's Crown Street Mall will morph into a free open-air roller rink for 'City Skate: The Roller Remix'. Participants can bring their own skates and safety gear or hire them on-site at no cost. For a classic indoor vibe, GO Skating in Oak Flats offers sessions for $19, plus a $3 skate hire fee, complete with retro games.
Nature lovers can explore the Wollongong Botanic Garden after dark on a torchlight wildlife tour. Suitable for ages five and up, the hour-long walk offers a chance to spot tawny frogmouths, possums, and fascinating mini-beasts. Bookings are essential via Eventbrite. Alternatively, the Garden's Sunset Cinema provides a more relaxed evening option, screening family favourites like Finding Nemo and Zootopia 2 until March.
Younger children, and their parents, are in for a treat with Bluey's Big Play at the Illawarra Performing Arts Centre. Running from January 14 to 17, the show features larger-than-life puppets and the familiar voices from the beloved TV series, offering a perfect first live theatre experience for many little fans.
Learn New Skills and Get Close to Nature
Fairy Meadow's Circus Monoxide opens its doors for school holiday programs, allowing kids to try their hand at trapeze or juggling in a supportive, all-welcome environment. Both full-day and half-day sessions are available.
For aspiring animal carers, Symbio Wildlife Park's Junior Keeper Camp is a standout, albeit premium, option. Children aged 7-12 can shadow real zookeepers, assist with feeding duties, and learn about conservation. The ticket price includes zoo entry, meals, and a full day of activities.
Creative minds can head to the Wollongong Art Gallery for the free Hive Festival on January 20-21, held in partnership with the Art Gallery of NSW. Kids can craft their own plushie pals, design postcards of hopes, or create thank-you flags.
Scenic Walks and Classic Summer Treats
Sometimes the simplest plans are the best. A family walk is a perfect boredom buster, and the Illawarra offers stunning options. The Mount Kembla summit track provides a short walk with rewarding views, while the Cascades walk at the base of Macquarie Pass is an easy, shaded rainforest adventure. For a thrilling perspective, the Illawarra Fly features suspended walkways high in the forest canopy.
No summer holiday is complete without iconic treats. Wollongong is home to the award-winning Cow and Moon gelateria in the Crown Street Mall. For a legendary seaside meal, many critics point to Rosie's in Coledale, frequently hailed as serving some of the state's best fish and chips, complete with beef tallow fries and famous potato scallops.
Finally, bookworms can stock up on reading material at the Wollongong Libraries Summer Book Sale, running until January 23 across all seven branches. Books are priced at just 50 cents each, or you can fill a bag for $5, with proceeds supporting local library programs.
