Fast five: easy ways to keep the kids entertained these school holidays
Well, that first term went quickly! With the autumn school holidays upon us, we’ve got five fantastic ways to keep the kids entertained – and none of them involve devices. Read on to learn about hands-on art and sculpture workshops, skateboarding competitions and embarking on a Dungeons and Dragons quest.
1. Get creative with art workshops
Wollongong Art Gallery is once again hosting a fantastic lineup of paid workshops for young creatives aged 5–14. These artist-led sessions explore everything from local industrial landscapes to celebrity portraits.
Highlights include:
Industrial Landscapes (ages 9–14): A full-day mixed media workshop inspired by the city’s gritty industrial beauty.
Ceramic Fish Tiles and Fishbowl Artwork (ages 5–8): Two fun-filled sessions using clay, paint and collage to craft sea-themed masterpieces.
Modigliani Style Portraits (ages 9–14): Learn pastel techniques to create bold, stylised self-portraits.
Celebrity Heads and Surreal Collages (ages 5–8): Explore colour and composition while letting imagination run wild.
All workshops are led by professional artists and educators and take place at Wollongong Art Gallery. Visit the Gallery website to view the full program and to book.
2. Explore the outdoors
Head to Wollongong Botanic Garden and experience Sculpture in the Garden Wollongong. Featuring 18 thought-provoking and playful works by artists from across Australia, it’s the perfect excuse to step away from the screens and spend some time outdoors this April.
For the kids, there are Kids and Their Grown Ups sessionsbeing held on 14, 15, 17 and 22 April from 10am-2pm. Run by the FOLKplay team, children can build nature-inspired sculptures along the creek line.
There’s also a downloadable activity booklet full of fun drawing prompts and sculpture challenges designed to get kids looking closely at the art and the natural environment around them.
The Botanic Garden is a great space for families to play, picnic and explore during the school holidays.
3. Hit the streets at CitySkate
Roll into the holidays with CitySkate in the Wollongong CBD, returning Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 April. This free, all-ages event includes:
- Free skateboarding lessons
- a competition prize pool of $2,000 cash plus $2,000 worth of giveaways in Saturday’s Skate Comp
- Drop-in creative sessions at the Skate & Create art station
- Live DJs, markets, giveaways and more!
Skate workshops are free, but bookings are required.
Skate deck art sessions are drop in/drop out and you can book in for $43.66 - this includes an Element skateboard deck valued at $130! Book for the Saturday session here or the Sunday session here. Or you can bring your own deck and take part in the sessions for free (no booking required).
Whether you’re skating, creating or spectating, it’s guaranteed fun in the heart of the city. Proudly presented by Wollongong CBD and Wollongong Central.
4. Embark on a Quest at the Youth Centre
Wollongong Youth Services is hosting a school holiday Dungeons & Dragons session on Tuesday 15 April from 10.30am–2.30pm at Wollongong Youth Centre. Open to young people aged 12+, this is a chance to make new friends, fuel your imagination and share a meal in a welcoming, creative space.
No experience with D&D? No problem! The session is beginner-friendly, and food is provided. Bookings are essential through the Humantix website. Dungeons + Dragons
Other workshops and events on offer at the Youth Centre include Create Camp on with street art on Monday 14 April from 11am-1pm and bracelet making on Tuesday 15 April from 11am-1pm, the Wollongong Youth Week Markets on Thursday 17 April from 3-7pm and a Forecourt Party on Thursday 24 April from 4-7pm.
There’s also the Saltwater Festival at Howard Fowles Park on Wednesday 16 April from 10am-2pm.
5. Dive into comics and crafts
Wollongong City Libraries are getting into the Comic Gong spirit early with a range of free, bookable and drop-in workshops across the Local Government Area.
Transformers Drawing Workshop (ages 8+): Learn to draw your favourite characters with professional comic artist Marcelo Baez at Thirroul and Wollongong Libraries.
Create your own Kaiju (ages 8+): Award-winning artist Louie Joyce helps kids design monstrous creatures at Warrawong and Corrimal Libraries.
Superhero Craft (ages 5+): Make your own superhero mask or puppet at one of six library locations.
Places for drawing workshops are limited, so book early via the Library website to avoid missing out.
Looking for even more to do these school holidays? Check out Council’s events calendar and Library, Gallery and Botanic Garden websites for the latest workshops, programs and activities.
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