The Showtime Carnival in the City is on from April 9 to 13, and includes a little ninja obstacle course for children aged five to 12 where they can climb, crawl, leap, traverse and swing their way through and challenge themselves.

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"After two years of restrictions the Illawarra has proven itself to be keen to get out and have some fun while supporting the businesses who did it tough for so long," said Sharon Johnson, Centre Manager.

"[The carnival] celebrates the child in all of us, brings families together and invigorates the centre of Wollongong. It's a great opportunity to indulge in some shopping or dining out while taking the time to have fun as a family."

Rides include the Cup and Saucer, Mini Pirate Ship, Kanga Bounce, Jnr Whirlwind or Cartoon trains.

Sideshow alley favourites will also be around with Catch a Duck or the Laughing Clowns, while enjoy Snow Cones and Fairy Floss - reminiscent of the big Easter Show in Sydney.

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Face painting and activities for the little-ones can be found at the Kids' Corner in the Gateway Building along with free, family friendly performances on the Crown Street Mall stage.

Tickets can be purchased for $5 from the Carnival Ticket Booth at the Wollongong Central Entrance near Forever New

Tickets are also available for every $5 spent at Wollongong Central or Crown Street Mall retailers from April 4.

The carnival runs from 10am to 3pm daily between April 9 and 13.

For more information, visit www.wollongongcentral.com.au

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