WHETHER you’d like to say hello to some scaly or feathery Australian wildlife, learn the basics of animation, make a robot out of recycled materials, or turn your pet into Pop Art, there’s loads to do these school holidays. Here’s just a taste of some of the great activities available:

What’s on at the library

For the full list of school holiday activities, visit the Wollongong City Libraries website.

Australian Wildlife Display [Ages 5+]

Get up close, interact and learn about some furry, feathery and scaly friends from the bush.

Australia is home to many amazing creatures. With Australian Wildlife Displays’ Animals Galore program, your kids will have fun discovering the differences and unique qualities of Australian animals.

If any featured creatures are hungry on the day, they might even feed one of them!

This activity is only for children aged 5+. Children under 8 years old must be accompanied by a parent who stays in the room during the activity.

Book your free ticket and find out more via the Wollongong City Libraries website.

Cookies & Canvas: Paint Your Pet / Pop Art Pet Portrait [Ages 8+]

All you need is a photo of your pet, the library provides the canvas and paint for your masterpiece. Pop Art is all about being loud, bright and bold! In this workshop you’ll learn how to transform your pet photo into a work of art.

This activity is only for kids aged 8+.

Book your free ticket and find out more via the Wollongong City Libraries website.

Author Talk with Liv Lorkin [Ages 8+]

Hear from the author of Sage & the Journey of Grief. Children will hear a reading from Liv, be able to ask questions, and engage in an activity.

Liv Lorkin is a heart-led creative, children’s book author, and illustrator. She crafts thoughtful and vibrant stories, navigating complex emotional themes in her work, including childhood grief, while spreading messages of hope through storytelling.

Book your free ticket and find out more via the Wollongong City Libraries website.

What’s on at the gallery

For the full list of school holiday activities, visit the Wollongong Art Gallery Eventbrite.

Scene Through a Window [9-14years]

10am-3pm, Tuesday 9 July

Paint your favourite scene through a window. Bring a photo of your favourite scene or choose one from the selection provided by the Gallery. You will learn how to draft out your scene onto paper then add paint to make your artwork come alive.

Cost: $59.26

Book your ticket via Eventbrite.

Recycled Robots [5-8years]

10am-12noon, Wednesday 10 July

Get creative and learn how to make cool robots using recycled materials. This workshop will get you recycling, reusing and maybe even robot dancing, but most of all you will be having fun.

Cost: $24.49

Book your ticket via Eventbrite.

Paint a Lighthouse [9-14years]

10am, Thursday 11 July

Learn how to paint Wollongong’s iconic lighthouse. Re-invent this landmark using your imagination, paint and selection of other art materials.

Cost: $59.26

Book your ticket via Eventbrite.

What’s on at the Youth Centre

For the full list of school holiday activities, download the Wollongong Youth Centre school holiday flyer.

Winter Warmer Youth Market

3-7pm, 18 July

Come along and support local youth businesses at the Winter Warmer Youth Market!

Self Care Day

11am-1pm, 17 July

Take some time to pamper yourself! Drop in to get your nails, hair and makeup done. There will also be an opportunity to chat to staff from Headspace.

Create Camp

11am-1pm, 1, 18 & 19 July

The Youth Centre will be holding two creative workshops these school holidays; one that teaches the basics of animation, and the other on how to upcycle with scraps of thread.

What’s on in the Botanic Garden

Budding Bookworms [3-5years]

Every Friday at 10am.

Magical and engaging stories, sing-alongs, rhymes, wiggly dances and crafts on Fridays near the Garden’s Japanese Tea House (west of the Rose Garden) at Wollongong Botanic Gardens.

No need to book, just drop in. Visit the Wollongong Botanic Garden website for more information.

Dig n’ play! [5-13years]

10am-12noon, Wednesday 10 July & Thursday 18 July

The Garden’s Education Centre will help you prepare and plant a new veggie garden, play some nature games, do some wildlife exploring and make a mini scarecrow to take home.

Cost: $14

Book your ticket via Eventbrite.

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