Kid Friendly Entertainment: 5 Best Kids Activities In The Illawarra
This beautiful coastal region is visited by families year round and whilst its known for its beach focused lifestyle, has plenty to offer when it comes to entertaining the kids.
This beautiful coastal region is visited by families year round, particularly in the warmer months where people of all ages swarm to the beaches. Whether it’s a rainy day or you are travelling at a not so beach friendly time of the year, this region still has plenty to offer when it comes to entertaining the kids. Here are five of our favourite activities.
1. ILLAWARRA FLY TREETOP WALK: KNIGHTS HILL
A truly unique experience, the Illawarra Fly Treetop Walk is a 1.5km path that runs 20-30 metres above the ground through lush rainforest canopy. The journey culminates with a walk up the spiral staircase of Knights Tower where you’ll end up with an incredible view 45 metres above the forest floor. Whilst suitable for all ages, we do recommend only going on the walk if your kids are confident on their feet. For those seeking a bit more of an adrenaline rush, there is also a zipline tour on offer which will have you flying through the treetops at height.
Location: 182 Knights Hill Rd, Knights Hill NSW
2. SYMBIO WILDLIFE PARK: HELENSBURGH
Young animal lovers will have the time of their lives at Symbio Wildlife Park where they will be able to explore 16 picturesque acres of manicured gardens and get up close with a variety of animals, both Australian natives and some exotic species from overseas. A variety of live and interactive presentations occur throughout the day with various animals, and you’ll get the chance to have a happy snap with koalas, alligators and snakes and interact with a variety of animals through live roving.
Location: 7/11 Lawrence Hargrave Dr, Helensburgh
3. SCIENCE SPACE MUSEUM: NORTH WOLLONGONG
For the curious young minds, this science based museum is the perfect place to visit and learn about all things science and technology, as well as visit DIGISTAR 6, NSW’s most digitally advanced Planetarium. We love the live science shows where one of the scientist ambassador team takes a group through an interactive, engaging and educational experience that will help them learn more about a particular field of science. We recently saw one that was all about bubbles (including plenty of live, large bubble creation) which the kids loved.
Location: Innovation Campus, 60 Squires Way, North Wollongong NSW
4. JAMBEROO ACTION PARK: JAMBEROO
Jamberoo Action Park is the largest Water Park in NSW and has something for thrill seekers of all ages. Our favourite ride is surf hill, a speed slide that heads straight downwards and encourages some healthy competition between those on it. For those that love the water but aren’t so keen on the rides, there’s plenty of pool space across the park for you to have a gentle dip in. If you want to stay dry, there’s also a bobsled, chairlift and mini golf course. Note that given it is a water park, Jamberoo Action Park is only open from September to April inclusive.
Location: 1215 Jamberoo Rd, Jamberoo NSW
5. THE BEAD SHACK: GERRINGONG
One of the creative souls, The Bead Shack hosts frequent workshops where you’ll learn and create your own piece of beaded art. You aren’t just limited to jewellery, with options also to create beaded animals, personalised key charms and bouncy sun catchers. This is of course lots of fun, but also educational, with all groups being taught the fundamentals of design, colour theory, and shape utilisation.
Location: Rear/Below Millers Arcade, 123-125 Fern St, Gerringong NSW