The conversation around the Kiama Show water cooler focused on one topic: freebies.

As young families lined up at the Wallop Water Station, which offered free refills of filtered drinking water, it was clear the cost of living is on everyone’s minds this year.

Families were grateful for a reprieve from show expenses.

“There seems to be a lot more free activities this year,” a mum of two told The Bugle.

“Normally, it feels like we’re just handing out notes to our kids, but this year there’s a lot of free activities. We’re all very grateful.”

One of the standout hits for kids was the Junior Tradies area, where children could play on construction sites and drive miniature construction vehicles.

One mum sounded shocked when she got to the front of the queue and asked where she had to buy tickets, only to be told she didn’t have to pay.

The petting zoo was also popular, along with the “Drop In Art” tent.

At the World of Wildlife Encounters tent, kids could meet and greet a carpet python or blue-tongue skink — free, unless they wanted a photograph, which cost $5.

Parents also praised the show for its inclusivity, not only for young children but for neurodivergent kids as well.

“My little boy is autistic and doesn’t enjoy the big rides,” said the mum of a six-year-old.

“This year, he had a lot more to do, and most of it we didn’t have to pay for.”

Photo: Amy Molloy

There was, however, one piece of common feedback.

“It would be great to have more shade next year,” said one mum.

“If there were a few umbrellas for downtime with the kids, we could have stayed all day.”