How to keep the family busy this summer
Are you searching for ideas to keep the kids busy this summer? Look no further, we’ve got you sorted!
The school holidays are in full swing until the end of January 2026 – which means there are about six weeks of fun to be had.
To keep the family entertained, Wollongong City Council are running a range of workshops, activities and events for children and young people. There’s something for everyone with many activities being free.
Experience a unique art festival at Wollongong Art Gallery, test your K-Pop Demon Hunters knowledge, learn the basics of robotics or shape up your wilderness survival skills.
See what’s on offer across our city and start booking out your summer calendar by visiting our school holiday page on our website.
Wollongong Youth Services
All the workshops and activities are hosted at the Youth Service Centre are aimed for ages 12+ and are located at 85 Burelli Street, Wollongong.
Bookings are required for Youth Services workshops so reach out to them via DM on their socials or call 4227 8222 to secure your spot.
Make sure you don’t miss out on the first Wollongong Youth Services Day on Thursday 22 January 2026. You can meet the team, tour the centre, find out about what programs are run and more.
For more information, please visit our website.
| What | When |
|---|---|
| Stop Motion Animation workshop | 11am - 3pm, Tuesday 13 January |
| E-Scape Art workshop | 1 - 3pm, Tuesday 13 January 1 - 3pm, Wednesday 14 January |
| Street Art workshop | 12 - 3pm, Thursday 15 January |
| Itch to Stitch | 11am - 1pm, Saturday 20 January 11am - 1pm, Sunday 21 January |
| Meet and Mingle | 11am - 1pm, Tuesday 27 January |
| Robotics workshop | 10am - 1pm, Wednesday 28 January |
| Micro Moving Making workshop | 11am - 1pm, Wednesday 28 January |
| Dungeons and Dragons Crawl | Multiple dates and locations between Tuesday 20 January to Thursday 29 January |
| Wollongong Youth Services Open Day | 1 - 8pm, Monday 22 January |
| Hang Out | 1 - 4pm, every Tuesday and Wednesday 3 - 8pm, every Thursday 1 - 4pm, every Saturday |
Wollongong City Libraries
Across our seven libraries, there’s something for everyone! Visit the Wollongong City Libraries website for the full school holiday program.
| What | When |
|---|---|
| Summer Storytime Ages 3+ | Multiple locations and dates from Wednesday 7 January. Free, no bookings are required - just drop in. |
| Pet Rocks Ages 5+ | Multiple locations and dates between Wednesday 14 January to Thursday 22 January. Free, bookings are essential via Eventbrite. |
| K-Pop Demon Hunters Trivia Ages 5+ | 2 - 4pm, Friday 9 January, Corrimal 2 - 4pm, Tuesday 13 January, Wollongong 2.30 - 4pm, Wednesday 21 January, Helensburgh Free, bookings are essential via Eventbrite. |
| Butterfly Experience Ages 5+ | 10am - 12noon, Monday 19 January, Thirroul Free, bookings are essential via Eventbrite. |
| Puppet Show Ages 5+ | 10.30 - 11.30am, Wednesday 21 January, Warrawong 2.30 - 3.30pm, Wednesday 21 January, Corrimal Free, bookings are essential via Eventbrite. |
| Summer Movie Ages 8+ | Multiple locations and dates from Friday 9 January Free, bookings are essential via Eventbrite. |
| Book Bedazzling 12 - 18 years | Multiple locations and dates from Tuesday 13 January. Free, bookings are essential via Eventbrite. |
| Butterfly Houses 12 - 18 years | 3 - 4pm, Tuesday 13 January, Unanderra 3 - 4pm, Tuesday 27 January, Dapto Free, bookings are essential via Eventbrite. |
| Dungeons and Dragons Crawl 12 - 18 years | Multiple locations and dates from Tuesday 20 January Free, bookings are essential via Eventbrite. |
| Heroes of Olympus Trivia 12 - 18 years | 3 - 5pm, Thursday 22 January, Warrwong Free, bookings are essential via Eventbrite. |
Wollongong Art Gallery
Wollongong Art Gallery is kicking off 2026 with a fun school holiday program for creative kids. From clay pinch pots to fruity collages, our artist-led workshops for ages 5–14 offer hands-on experiences guided by professional artists and educators. Book your tickets through the Gallery website to secure your spot.
Then, on 20 and 21 January, we’re bringing the Hive Festival to Wollongong! It's completely free and perfect for the whole family. Presented in partnership with the Art Gallery of New South Wales and inspired by Kate Mitchell’s current exhibition Set States, Hive features interactive activities including a build your own plushie workshop and more creative experiences that bring Kate’s work to life. No bookings required, just come along and join the buzz and meet the artist! Check out more information about the Hive Festival.
| What | When |
|---|---|
| Clay Monster Pinch Pots (ceramics) 5 - 8 years | 1 - 3pm, Tuesday 13 January Bookings are essential via Eventbrite. |
| Funny Faces (drawing and collage) 5 - 8 years | 1 - 3pm, Tuesday 13 January Bookings are essential via Eventbrite. |
| Still Life in Charcoal (drawing) 9 - 14 years | 10am - 3pm, Wednesday 14 January Bookings are essential via Eventbrite. |
| Fruity Collages (collage) 5 - 8 years | 10am - 12pm, Thursday 15 January Bookings are essential via Eventbrite. |
| Paint a Slice of Summer (painting) 9 - 14 years | 1 - 3pm, Thursday 15 January Bookings are essential via Eventbrite. |
| Moonlit Jetty: Tropical Night Painting (painting) 9 - 14 years | 10am - 3pm, Friday 16 January Bookings are essential via Eventbrite. |
| Hive Festival: Plushie Pals | 10 - 4pm Tuesday 20 January Wednesday 21 January Drop-in workshop session, no need to book! |
| Hive Festival: Sweep It Out The Door, Let It Come In The Window | 10 - 4pm Tuesday 20 January Wednesday 21 January Drop-in workshop session, no need to book! |
| Hive Festival: It's In The Air | 10 - 4pm Tuesday 20 January Wednesday 21 January Drop-in workshop session, no need to book! |
Wollongong Botanic Garden
Step outdoors to enjoy the summer weather and have some fun with nature.
The Wollongong Botanic Garden is located at 40 Murphys Avenue, Keiraville. Check out the Wollongong Botanic Garden website for the more details.
| What | When |
|---|---|
| Dig'n'Play 4 - 7 years | 9.30 - 11.30am Wednesday 7 January Wednesday 14 January Bookings are essential via Eventbrite. |
| Wild Games and Beginner's Bushcraft 8 - 12 years | 1 - 3pm Wednesday 7 January Wednesday 14 January Bookings are essential via Eventbrite. |
| Sunset Cinema | Multiple screenings every Thursday, Friday, Saturday until March 2026. See what's showing and book your ticket on the Sunset Cinema website. |
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