FROM book swaps, to workshops on bike maintenance and felting workshops there are activities for everyone these school holidays at Wollongong City Council’s libraries, the Wollongong Botanic Garden and Wollongong Art Gallery.

The classes and workshops cater to school children of all ages, and many do not require bookings.

Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbury said the school holiday program run through Council’s libraries, garden and gallery are always popular.

“If you’re interested, I’d recommend getting in early and ensure if you need to book a spot you do so as soon as possible,’’ he said.

“These programs offered by Council provide an alternative to watching TV all day or playing computer games. They give kids and young people the chance to get out and interact with others and have a good time.

“There are some fantastic things kids can do. I’d love to give the sticky tape sculpture workshop at the gallery a go, and who can say no to a Lego session in the libraries? You don’t need to be a kid to love Lego!’’

For information on each of the workshops and activities, people are encouraged to visit Council’s website.

Wollongong City Libraries

Symbio Visit – Ages 7+ – Bookings essential
Wollongong Library, Tuesday 2 July, 10am
Corrimal Library, Wednesday 10 July, 2pm
Thirroul Library, Thursday 11 July, 10.30am
Helensburgh Library, Friday 5 July, 10.30am

Porcelain Cups – Ages 8+ – Bookings essential
Corrimal Library, Tuesday 9 July, 10.30am
Wollongong Library, Tuesday 9 July, 10am

Wild Weaving Mats (Ages 5+) – Bookings essential
Thirroul Library, Thursday 4 July, 10am

Drop in Games (Ages 5+) – Board and Electronic
Wollongong Library, Thursday 4 July, 2pm

Drop in Craft (Ages 5+) –
Thirroul Library, Tuesday 2 July, 10am-11am
Corrimal Library, Wednesday 3 July, 2.30pm
Wollongong Library, Wednesday 3 July, 10am
Helensburgh Library, Wednesday 10 July, 10.30am-11.30am

LEGO – Ages 5+ – Bookings essential
Helensburgh Library, Wednesday 3 July at 10.30am
Thirroul Library, Tuesday 9 July at 10am, Tuesday 9 July at 2pm
Wollongong Library, Wednesday 10 July at 10am
Corrimal Library, Thursday 11 July at 10am, Thursday 11 July at 2pm
Wilson’s Bike Hub Maintenance workshop – Ages 8-12 – Bookings essential
Wollongong Library, Thursday 11 July at 10am

Age limits apply to some programs, particularly our school holiday activities. To ensure your child has the best possible experience while participating in a library program, exceptions to age limits will not be made. Wollongong Libraries provide programs for a wide age range so please look for programs that match the age of your child/children.

Wollongong Botanic Gardens

Winter Tales School Holiday Activities | Monday 1 to Friday 5 July, 10am – 1.30pm daily. Kids can participate in a treasure hunt, hands-on craft activities, book swap and enjoy a garden theatre performance. Cost is $9 per child. Participants are encouraged to wear appropriate shoes, a hat and sunscreen. Bookings only required for large groups. In case of bad weather, cancellation notices will be placed on the Wollongong Botanic Garden and Council’s Facebook pages, and on the Garden’s website.

Wollongong Art Gallery

Hand-painted T-shirts
Tuesday 2 July, 5-8 year olds, 10am-12 noon
Jungle Prints
Wednesday 3 July, 5-8 year olds, 10am–12 noon
Needle Felting Keepsake
Thursday 4 July, 9-14 year olds, 10am-3pm. Note: Students must bring their own recess and lunch
Kooky Creatures
Friday 5 July, 5-8 year olds, 10am-12 noon
Christmas in July Cards
Friday 5 July, 9-14 year olds, 1.30-3.30pm
Newspaper Baskets and Sticky Tape Sculptures
Tuesday 9 July, 9-14 year olds, 10am-3pm. Note: Students must bring their own recess and lunch
Amazing Animals
Wednesday 10 July, 9-14 year olds, 10am-3pm. Note: Students must bring their own recess and lunch
Superhero Masks
Thursday 11 July, 5-8 year olds, 10am-12 noon
Human Machine
Thursday 11 July, 9-14 year olds, 1.30-3.30pm
Bizarre Deep Sea Creatures
Friday 12 July, 9-14 year olds, 10am-3pm. Note: Students must bring their own recess and lunch
Workshops run for two hours. Cost is $20 per child. For the full-day workshops cost is $50 per child.
For bookings and information please phone (02) 4228 7500.

Beaton Park and Lakeside Leisure Centres

Pool Inflatable at Beaton Park Leisure Centre
Sunday 7 July, 1-3pm. Cost $5.40 per child
Thursday 11 July, 1-3pm. $5.40 per child
Note: A small swim test is required. Children must be over 1 metre tall and under 60kg.

School Holiday Activities

Available from Saturday 29 June – Sunday 14 July:
Free use of gymnasium and cardio fitness studio for 17 & 18 year olds only.
Free participation in group exercise classes (excluding pump) for 13-18 year olds.
Free entry to Beaton Park Indoor Heated Pool after 3pm for 5-18 years only.
Free tennis and squash court hire at Lakeside (one hour per family) before 5pm.