A school holiday tradition for many Illawarra families is for mum or dad to hit the shops at Wollongong Central while the kids learn a new skill with crafty workshops.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Social distancing and other strict pandemic restrictions have meant workshops are now off cards, but the CBD centre has brought the craftiness to your lounge-room.
Manager Jasmin North said visitors to the centre can grab free take-home activity packs for their children with a different pack for each week of the holidays.
"They were a big hit last school holidays," she said.
"Due to the popularity ... [we've had to] issue a set amount each day to manage stock after we ran out in the last school holidays."
The packs are suited for primary kids aged three to 10, and are "educational and entertaining" at the same time, according to Ms North.
This week children can decorate their own wooden bird cage. From Monday October 5 to October 9 they will be able to try their hand at growing their own "Veg Head" activity.
Depending how the pandemic restrictions play out in coming months, Ms North said in person workshops may make a return for the summer holidays.
"As soon as it is safe and compliant with NSW Health guidelines to do so, we look forward to reinstating traditional workshops in centre workshops for children," she said.
"[We make kids a priority] because a significant segment of our shopper base are valued local families."
The take-home packs can be found at the Customer Service Desk and replace traditional in-centre workshops while COVID-19 constraints are in place.
We depend on subscription revenue to support our journalism. If you are able, please subscribe here. If you are already a subscriber, thank you for your support.