School holiday survival guide for Illawarra parents

Two weeks. You can do this. Here's a suburb-by-suburb survival guide for the Illawarra school holidays.

Wollongong: the council runs inclusive holiday programs at WIN Sports Centre and free craft sessions at the library. The art gallery's kids' trail is a winner on rainy days.

Shellharbour: free family movie nights at Stockland, plus the splash park at the village. Shellharbour Library runs sensory storytime once each holiday week.

Kiama: the Blowhole walk is short, easy and endlessly entertaining. Kiama Pavilion has free open play sessions on Tuesdays.

Dapto and the West: Dapto Pool runs quiet swim sessions on Wednesday mornings. The community centre has supported youth groups for teens 12–17.

Quiet day at home? Stock up on craft kits from the $2 shop, set up a tent in the living room, and remember that screen time is not a moral failing.