Things to do with kids in Johannesburg & Gauteng

by BabyYumYum
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things to do with kids in johannesburg
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Johannesburg and Gauteng are packed with exciting activities and attractions for families. Whether you're looking for a fun weekend outing or a holiday adventure, there’s no shortage of options to keep your little ones entertained. From wildlife encounters and thrilling playgrounds to educational museums and creative workshops, the region is a paradise for curious minds and energetic bodies. Let's explore the top things to do with kids in Johannesburg and Gauteng, ensuring you make the most of your family time. From city favourites to hidden gems, get ready to create lasting memories with your loved ones.

Staying home during the holidays, or looking for something to do as a family on the weekend? This list of family-friendly venues and activities in and around Johannesburg may be the spark your kids need to put down the XBox remote and explore the city. Here’s our list of the best activities for kids, as well as ideas for day trips and family outings in Johannesburg.

Acrobranch – Melrose or Huddle Park

This outdoor activity park has something on offer for kids aged three and up. From balance challenges to zip lines and swinging through the treetops like Tarzan, this is a thrilling experience, but parents can rest assured that safety is a main concern – belay systems and harnesses are mandatory.

Essential skills like midline crossing, decision making and proprioception are also key benefits, but your kids will only be focused on the fun they’re having. Adults have also been known to join in on the fun, and there are several courses that cater to different levels of ability and age groups, so why not make it a day out for the whole family?

Prices start at R150 per session. Visit acrobranch.co.za/kids/ for more information.

Things to do with kids in Johannesburg

Sci-Bono – Newtown

If you want to continue to enrich your kids and encourage their love of maths, science and technology (yes, even during the holidays!), this science museum in Jo’burg’s culturally bustling Newtown is a wonderful opportunity.

With a variety of activities and changing exhibitions on offer, you’ll need to visit more than once to get the full experience of Southern Africa’s largest science centre. As just one of the 350 interactive maths, science and technology exhibits, Nat Geo Kids Weird but True! permanent exhibition is sure to fascinate and enchant young and old. Keep an eye on the website for news on current talks and exhibitions.

Entry starts from R40 for kids and R60 for adults. Visit http://www.sci-bono.co.za/ for more information.

Hyto Tyto – Centurion

This is an epic family adventure. And when we say there’s something for everyone, it’s no exaggeration. Enjoy a delicious meal at the restaurant, or join in on the fun with the kids – anything goes!

Some of the highlights include the 4-storey indoor maze that’s within sight of the restaurant, two giant jungle gyms to burn off energy, a fairy garden for the gentle souls among you, and sandpits and a mud kitchen for the littlest visitors.

Entry to the park on weekdays starts from R35 and weekends is R110 – adults and toddlers enter free. Bookings essential. Visit www.hytotyto.co.za for more information.

Family-Friendly Activities

Aladdin & his Wonderful Lamp

This live production has all the makings of an intriguing tale: a hero, a princess and a villain are the central characters and their lives intertwine in a rags-to-riches storyline. This singing and dancing extravaganza brings the magic of a much-loved story to life on the stage.

Based on an original text by Producer Anjil Naidoo, Aladdin stars an international team of award-winning theatre artists and 20 of South Africa’s best young and talented actors and dancers. It’s a children’s classic that grown ups will love, too! Showing at the Theatre of Marcellus at Emperor’s Palace until 4 December 2022. Tickets from R270 via TicketPro.

The Lily Rose Collection
The Lily Rose Collection
Family Friendly Things to Do in Johannesburg

Johannesburg Zoo – Forest Town

Founded in 1904, the Johannesburg Zoo spans 55ha and is home to over 2 000 animals. Best of all, the Zoo is open 365 days a year, so you’ll always have an option to keep the kids busy.

Whether you take your own picnic and set up for the day near the bird enclosure, or opt for a day or night tour, your kids will love the experience of being in the wide open spaces with majestic animals like lion and elephant, or holding court with the wise old owls.

Entry is R68 for children 3-12 years old and R115 for adults. Visit www.jhbcityparksandzoo.com for more information.

Bounce – Fourways Mall

This indoor trampoline park features a variety of jumping and climbing options from free bounce to dodge ball and obstacle courses – in fact, there are over 100 trampolines in total. You can rest assured your kids are safe thanks to marshals stationed at each jump station, and access is restricted to a certain amount of jumpers at a time. Most sessions are an hour long, which is just enough time to work up an appetite for one of the restaurants in the mall food court just outside. There’s also an arcade next door if you want to make a day of it.

Jump sessions start on the hour, so give yourself plenty of time to get from the parking lot to Bounce so you don’t lose any jump time.

Entry starts from R90 for one hour jump time. Visit www.bounceinc.co.za for more information.

Places to take kids for fun

Bryanston Organic Market – Bryanston

Open on Thursdays and Saturdays only, gather the whole family for an experience filled with delicious foods, handmade crafts and live music.

While adults will enjoy the food and treats on offer, kids with love the stone crafting lead by a professional stone crafter. It costs R220 and your little one can take home an ornament or pedant of their own.

The Lily Rose Collection
The Lily Rose Collection

Following the Rudolph Steiner school philosophy (the market shares grounds with school), the kiddies areas encourage imaginative play and autonomy with a mud kitchen and sandpit situated under the shade of a tree. They’re also sure to love the handcrafted wooden toys on offer.

Entry is free. Visit www.bryanstonmarket.co.za for more information.

Rush – Greenstone Hill

This is a trampoline park to remember. Catering for everyone from toddlers to teens and adults, rest assured there is fun to be had in a safe and engaging environment.

The toddler area is separate from the main jumping area and there is also a closed-off dodgeball setup for the brave at heart. Diving boards into a foam pit and music to keep rhythm to are just some of the elements that keep kids going back again and again. Rush also offers kids’ gymnastics lessons.

Prices start at R150 per jumper. Visit www.rushsa.co.za for more information.

fun places for kids and adults

Gioia Trattoria – Parkwood

One of Joburg’s best-kept secrets, this restaurant situated next to the Zoo Lake Sports Club offers an expansive children’s play area including a jungle gym, trampoline and a dedicated play area for even the littlest littles, where they will be safe from the boisterous adventures of the older kids. Best of all, childminders are there to keep order while you enjoy a meal of Italian comforts, and maybe even a glass of wine. 

The kids’ meals are delicious and the tortellini is a must-try! While you linger a little longer, the kids will enjoy choosing their own toppings at the soft-serve kiosk.

The restaurant usually has space available, but book to avoid disappointment. Visit www.gioia.joburg for more information.

Family-Friendly Activities To Enjoy This December

Cycle Lab Cycle Park – Bryanston

If your kids are confident on two wheels, hitch up your bike rack and head to the Cycle Lab Cycle Park. There are also bikes and safety gear for hire, so everyone is welcome.

From complex rides to easier trails for little kids, this is the perfect place to hone those skills, train, learn and just have a great day out. There are also jungle gyms and jumping castles as well as an on-site restaurant.

If you’re hesitant to venture to the cycle park because one or more of your kids can’t ride a bike, consider booking a beginner’s lesson, or let your older child hone their skills with a more advanced class.

Entry starts from R60 for riders under 15 and R80 for adults. Visit www.bikepark.co.za for more information.

Jozi X Adventure Centre – Bryanston

Here’s a family-friendly outing that’s suitable for everyone aged 4 to 75 year olds. This is the perfect place to bring your kids to try all the extreme sports and activities they’ve always dreamed about. From NERF wars to Zorbing, Bubble Soccer, archery and Parkour – they’ll get to try it all.

If Mountain Boarding (similar to snow boarding, but without the snow) is more your thing, you’re in luck – and you’ll also be able to make your way through the obstacle course at the inflatable park, go down the Slip & Slide or try out a Splatter Painting Session.

Prices start from R100, depending on that activity you choose. Visit www.jozix.co.za for more information.

Things to do with kids in Johannesburg
Zorbing at Jozi X

Life Day Kids Spa – Fourways

If it’s a particularly hot day or your kids just need a little bit of pampering, a spa day might be in order.

From manis, pedis, massages and even a jacuzzi, your child will feel energised after a session at the spa. Check out the treatment menu because there are packages specially tailored for moms and daughters, siblings or best friends to help you get the most from your time there.

And, of course, all products are child friendly and free from parabens!

Packages can be tailor made to your requirements and budget. Visit www.lifedayspakids.co.za for more information.

Where can I go with small kids?

National Children’s Theatre – Parktown

Take a break from the TV and enjoy some live entertainment as a family at the National Children’s Theatre. There are both indoor and outdoor theatres as well as a puppet theatre.

Keep an eye on the website for the various shows on offer, but most are suitable from two or three years old and up, so this is a great way for siblings to make memories together.

If your little one is a budding performer, the Theatre also offers workshops such as Storytelling for parents and their kids up to the age of four years to bond over imaginative play, music and dance. Junior workshops are also available during school terms.

Tickets start at R12 per person. Visit www.nctheatresa.org for more information.

ALSO CHECK OUT: Free family fun in Jozi

FAQs: Things to Do with Kids in Johannesburg & Gauteng

What are some outdoor activities for kids in Johannesburg?
Johannesburg offers a range of outdoor activities, such as visiting the Johannesburg Zoo, picnicking at Zoo Lake, or exploring the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens, which features a stunning waterfall.

Are there any kid-friendly museums in Gauteng?
Yes, the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre in Newtown offers interactive science exhibits for kids, and the Apartheid Museum provides a thoughtful yet educational experience for older children.

What indoor activities are available for kids in case of bad weather?
Indoor play areas like Play Africa at Constitution Hill and trampoline parks like Bounce in Midrand are great options. You can also visit the Montecasino Bird Gardens, which has indoor and outdoor exhibits.

Are there any wildlife experiences suitable for children?
Yes, kids can enjoy a day trip to the Lion & Safari Park or take a guided tour at the Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve to see animals up close in a safe environment.

What family-friendly restaurants are there in Johannesburg?
Many restaurants offer child-friendly facilities, such as Papachinos, which has play areas, and Moyo at Zoo Lake, which offers a unique dining experience with African-inspired cuisine.

What are some budget-friendly activities for families?
Budget-friendly options include taking a stroll at Emmarentia Dam, visiting the Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve for hiking, or exploring craft markets like the Bryanston Organic Market.

Are there any theme parks in Gauteng suitable for children?
Yes, Gold Reef City Theme Park offers rides and attractions for all ages, along with historical exhibits about Johannesburg’s gold mining past.

What cultural activities can kids enjoy?
The Origins Centre at Wits University provides a fascinating look at human history and culture. For a more hands-on experience, kids can explore local crafts at markets or attend workshops at Artjamming studios.

Are there any educational experiences for kids in Gauteng?
Educational activities include a visit to Maropeng and the Sterkfontein Caves, part of the Cradle of Humankind, which teaches kids about human evolution and fossils.

Can you recommend any parks with play areas for kids?
Delta Park in Johannesburg is a popular choice with open spaces and jungle gyms. James and Ethel Gray Park also offers beautiful views and play areas for children.

What day trips are suitable for families around Gauteng?
Families can enjoy day trips to Hartbeespoort Dam for boat rides, the Magaliesberg mountains for a scenic cableway experience, or Cullinan for its diamond mine tours.

Are there any seasonal activities for kids in Gauteng?
Seasonal activities include berry picking at local farms, enjoying summer waterparks like Wild Waters in Boksburg, or ice skating at The Grove Mall during winter months.

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