As a family school holidays can be very daunting with finances. Having said that, there are a few activities to do in Wollongong that are free. The first list is places you can go with your kiddies or family, the second list are things you can do at home with the kiddies to keep them from causing mischief.
Places you can go
1. Local Libraries
Libraries are always fun to go to! Especially in the holidays.
Most local libraries have activities you can sign up for (some are paid) that are educational and fun.
Head to their website and click "whats on" and go through the events and sign up.
However, if they don't, just take the kids and read a book together. A local library near me, Shellharbour Civic Center Library, has puzzles and colouring in some times as well.
2. Botanic Gardens
Wollongong Botanic Gardens are amazing to see! There is a massive playground at the entrance of the gardens, with a huge sandpit and even a maze!
The famous red bridge is always a must see too! Make sure to head up the path to the little house at the top. There is a garden there with some amazing looking pots (made from gumboots!) and a garden kitchen.
Check the cafe at the entrance too! They serve some yummy drinks and food.
3. Nan Tien Temple
The Nan Tien Temple is a relaxing and soul inspiring place to visit. The gorgeous temples with their exquisite sculptures and statues are amazing to witness. If you have smaller children, the temple grounds may be the better place to attend. The amazing views from around the temples of the area are just divine!
4. Sea Cliff Bridge
This amazing walk along the Sea Cliff Bridge is a must see.
Parking is available at one end, or off side streets at the other. Remember to take a hat and sunscreen! The walk is roughly 1-2km. A nice, relaxing and easy walk.
Whilst walking along the bridge look down at the rocks. You may even see some sea life!
Half way along, look up to the mountain side and you can see some interesting sights.
5. Killalea State Park
A favourite for our house is the Killalea State Park along with the locally renowned "Farm" beach.
The State Park, along with the cafe, is known for its Markets with local businesses coming together in a family fun day.
Head down the steps from the cafe (pictured left) and you are on the path to the "Farm" beach. A secluded and quiet beach with some pretty awesome waves apparently.
6. Stuart Park
Stuart Park in Wollongong near the "Blue Lagoon Restaurant" has had a huge upgrade in recent years.
The huge playground is a must for those with kids! They have a musical pathway (pictured right,) a huge zipline, swings, slides, you name it!
A very short walk to the lagoon where the kiddies can have a quick dip in the sea water. Remember to bring a towel!
7. Wollongong Harbour and Lighthouse
A great walk around the harbour is a great way to stretch those legs and get those kiddies moving!
Whether it be a walk from Stuart park along the water, or from the Lighthouse around to the Entertainment Center, the walk is always enjoyable.
We walked from Stuart Park, around to the lighthouse and back and it was 5km. It was a super easy walk too. At the harbour itself there is a great playground for the kids with a sea theme of course. Bubs loved the sea-saw!
8. Shellharbour Harbour - Little Park
Much like Stuart Park, Little Park at the Harbour at Shellharbour has had some pretty neat improvements lately. They now have a huge playground, along with it's own zipline! The grass area with picnic tables and the gazebo means it is the perfect place to bring a picnic. A small walk down from the playground is the sea water pools. The small baby pool has a cover too!
9. Kiama Park and Harbour
The beautiful Kiama is a great place to take the kids for a nice walk around the harbour, or a play at the huge playground in the heart of Kiama.
If it is a clear day, you might even be able to see sea creatures out in the water! We saw a whale or two!
The playground is surrounded with trees to sit under. A good place to grab some hot chips from the local shops and sit under a tree for a picnic. There is a good playground just near the water too.
10. Kiama Blowhole
The natural attraction is a must for everyone! The water rushes through the rocks and through the "blowhole" creating a massive blast of water into the air. (see picture to right)
When the water is really aggressive, the water can splash extremely high in the air! Just remember to be careful! No falling!! My daughter lost a shoe once! There is rails around the pathways, though.
There is also a nice cafe down the hill, or the "fish and chip shop" down near the water which serve up some pretty yummy chips!
11. Calderwood Valley playground
Calderwood Valley is an up and coming area which seems to be growing by the day! The amazing park across the bridge into the Calderwood Estate is a must for local families. The park has a large number of tables under cover, with barbecues and a toilet block.
There is an amazing Fig Tree that is a great way to sit in a cool area to watch the kids play on the big net climber, the sandpit, the slides and swings. There is also an amazing water park so make sure you remember your swimmers and a towel!
**Missing a place? Send me a message and I can add it to my list of places!
Activities to do
Sometimes leaving the house isn't an option. Here are some easy and fun things to do with the kiddies while at home.
1. BUBBLES! They are always a favourite in our house!
2. Blow up pool with water! Always fun! Add water pistols for extra fun! Too cold? Fill up the bath and add some toys.
3. Blow up pool with plastic balls. A good activity for toddlers or small kids. Add some extra little toys in the pool and have a search and find game. Who can find the most?
4. Movie day! Why not set up some daybeds with cushions and blankets. Cook up some popcorn. Close all the curtains and pretend it is a cinema!
5. Painting. Finger paint or with a brush! Set up a huge piece of butchers paper and go wild!
6. Puzzles! Get a huge stack of puzzles cheap from Kmart and spend hours enjoying creating masterpieces.
7. Boardgames. Am I the only one who has a huge stack of boardgames that we hardly ever get to? Why not take them out of hibernation!?
8. Bake something! Kids love to be involved and help. Why not bake some muffins or some cookies! Super fun! Plus if you get a vanilla cake mix from Woolworths or coles they are less than $1! We always add sprinkles.
9. Set up an obstacle course outside. Use household objects and create a course for the kids to climb, weave and balance through. Add a fun game or even a skill like shooting a ball into a net or skipping with a rope for extra fun.
10. Yoga videos from Youtube. A great relaxing activity that everyone can do. Follow the youtube video in the comfort of your loungeroom. Cosmic Yoga is great for kids!
11. Sensory play. Create a tub for sensory play. Set up a sand sensory play, or a water one in a plastic container.
12. Dance party! Play some tunes and have dance competitions for the best dance move. Close the curtains and add some glow sticks to create the ultimate dance party vibe!
13. Create a gratitude journal. Add in each day what they enjoyed the most, or use prompts for gratitude journals. Have them draw and add their ideas they create.
14. Dress up parties! Have a competition for the best dressed. Have fairybread and lollies to create a party theme. Even create a cat walk for them to walk down and "strut their stuff"
**What's your favourite thing to do during the school holidays? Comment below.
Comments