As children at New South Wales public schools hit the halfway point of school holidays, carers will be scratching their head for ideas, especially on rainy days when the family feels housebound. Luckily, Kiama has no shortage of activities for the second week of Autumn holidays, and many of them are free. Here are our highlights:

1.Build a Lego Spaceship

On the 23 April, anyone (aged 5 to 105) is invited to join the World Lego Space Challenge, a free event at Kiama Library, which runs from 4.30 – 6.30pm. Working alone or as a team, design and create a space vehicle that could take you across the galaxy. Visit library.kiama.nsw.gov.au

2. Inflatable Fun

In week two, Kiama Leisure Centre will holding three sessions of their popular school holiday program on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Children aged 5 to 12, can be dropped off at the Leisure Centre for four hours of fun, which includes gymnastics, games and pool-time with inflatable toys suitable to a child’s swimming level. Cost is $31.50 per child. Visit kiama.nsw.gov.au

3. Minnamurra Rainforest by Torchlight

On 24 April, see Minnamurra Rainforest at you’ve never seen it before as Budderoo National Park opens after-dark. Join an experienced guide as you explore Lyrebird Loop Walk by torchlight, navigating the suspension bridges and elevated walkways. The tour begins at 6pm and cost $25 per adult and $15 per child. Visit nationalparks.nsw.gov.au

4. Family Roast Picnic

Diggies Kiama will be holding a Family Roast Picnic every Friday during the school holidays. Enjoy live music in the courtyard, free kids lawn games, and tennis with a delicious roast, cocktails and ice cream at a table or take away on a picnic rug. Visit diggies.com.au/kiama

5. Holiday Train Rides

On April 23, Illawarra Light Railway Museum will hold school holiday train rides from 10am to 2pm. Ride trains hauled by a heritage steam or Diesel locomotive and make the most of the picnic area with free wood-fired barbeques. Prices start at $11 for children and $16.50 for adults. Children under three-years-old are free. Visit ilrms.com.au

6. Outdoor Cinema

On 24 April from 6pm, pack a picnic and head to the Waterfront, Shell Cove, where there will be a free screening of the family-friendly movie, Migration, shown on a big screen on the lawn near the kid’s beach. This event is weather-dependant. To find out more, visitshellharbour.com.au

7. Kiama Farmers Market

Take a break from cooking and head to Coronation Park for Kiama’s Wednesday afternoon farmers market, where the whole family can enjoy live entertainment, delicious local produce and a range of food trucks that will satisfy tastebuds of all ages. Visit kiamafarmersmarket.com.au

8. Take a Playground Tour

Although Hindmarsh Park upgrade is still a work-in-progress, there are plenty of local alternatives. Parents know, the best playgrounds are close to a good cup of coffee. Popular pairings are Penny Whistlers café and Black Beach foreshore, and The Grumpy Bunny café and Coronation Park. Or, go further afield to Boongaree Nature Play Park in Berry.

9 Go Thrifting

A great opportunity to talk about sustainability, Kiama’s local second-hand stores can be an exciting place for children, with clothes, books, toys and jewellery that can be purchased for pocket-money. Local op shops include Salvos and Vinnies on Terralong Street, and Kiama Presbyterian Church Op Shop. 

10. Surf Skate & Meditate

Gerringong Surf School is back with the unique school holiday program, Surf, Skate & Meditate. During the three-day program for children aged 4-15, participants will learn to surf on Seven Mile Beach, Gerroa, acquire safe skateboarding skills and be introduced to a gratitude breathing meditation. Cost is $200, including equipment and morning tea. Book at gerringongsurfschool.com.au