Tired of sitting at home doing nothing and are looking for something fun to do with the whole family? Well, here’s plenty of exciting family-friendly activities you can explore and experience within the city and surrounds. Keep your eye on this list, as we will be adding some new adventures to it every month!
Please note: Costs mentioned were correct at the time of writing (January 2025) and are subject to change at any time. Please contact your desired destination directly to confirm entry fees, costs and operating times.
Kiddies Fun Under R150
Times are tough, especially with the price in petrol, inflation, and everything else. But if you still have budget to treat the kids with a fun-filled day out and around the city, then take a look at our list of fun activities for under R150 per person. Not all thrills and entertainment need to cost a pretty penny.
Adventure Freaks
Keen on some adventure with your loved ones? Step into a world of nonstop action at Adventure Freaks. They offer a diverse range of activities designed to cater to everyone’s sense of adventure. Take a spin on our exhilarating go-kart track, where you can unleash your inner speed demon and race your friends and family. For a truly unique experience, try their drift trikes, offering controlled drifting and unmatched excitement.
Lifestyle Home & Garden Centre
Unwind, shop, relax and enjoy the outdoors at Lifestyle Home & Garden Centre in Randpark Ridge. This is a great spot to hang out with the family. Not only will you and the kids enjoy a taking a stroll through the Lifestyle Garden Centre admiring the flowers and exploring, but there’s also a kiddies play area for the little ones to enjoy. And best of all, the play area is close to the Silver Birch Restaurant, so you can keep an eye on the kids while they blow off some steam.
Bunny Hop Haven
Whether you’re a bunny enthusiast or simply looking for a relaxing and heartwarming experience, the Bunny Hop Haven is perfect for families and animal lovers of all ages. Here, you and your little ones can spend the day feeding loads of cute and cuddly animals, including rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens, turkeys, ducks, goats, pigs and tortoises. Plus, kids will also learn how to take care of furry critters.
Kidz Fun House Play Centre
Kidz Fun House Play Centre is more than just a play centre; it’s an experience. It’s a place where children can unleash their imaginations, explore, and make cherished memories. With its captivating pirate-themed playground, dedicated toddler area, and engaging imagination stations, it caters to children of all ages, ensuring a day filled with endless entertainment.
Chartwell Castle
Take the family to Chartwell Castle for a fun day out. Here, you and the kids can explore their 6 000m² maze. It’s the largest maze in the Southern hemisphere and is definitely a sight you don’t want to miss. This certainly tops our list as one of the most unique outdoor activities in Joburg. Also, there’s a kiddies play area at Chartwell Castle, with a castle-themed bouncy house, rocket-shaped inflatables and a mini train track.
Shepherd’s Fold Stables
From horse trail rides out in nature and fun-filled school holiday camps to a quiet countryside escape and pony parties, Shepherd’s Fold Stables provides the setting for any occasion, be it a fun day out or for a little bit of adventure. Also, there are pony rides available for the little ones under the age of 6. They can enjoy a little ride around the farm accompanied by a groom. Also, if you kids love ponies and have a birthday coming up, why not plan a two-hour pony party at this idyllic destination?
Willow Feather Farm
Willow Feather Farm located on the outskirts of Centurion offers families a lovely destination to enjoy the outdoors, get some fresh air, and some lovely sunshine. One of the goals of Willow Feather Farm is to recreate the cherished experiences of their childhood on the farm. Visit their a delightful animal touch farm, indulge in a lovely picnic at their Picnic Park, and stroll through their beautiful gardens.
Sci-Bono Discovery Centre
The Sci-Bono Discovery Centre in Newtown is one of those places that slips off our radar screen, only to return with a vengeance when we remember how much we love it! We have spent many MANY hours there over the past few years, and it never ceases to amaze us. It is a giant “classroom” where kids learn maths, science and technology through play and experimentation. There are over 350 exhibits to explore, as well as a variety of educational activities and events throughout the year.
Le Petit Playhouse
Le Petit Playhouse offers a unique haven for children. It’s a charming role-play village designed to spark their imagination and encourage purposeful play. Here, children can explore the wonders of make-believe and learn valuable skills through fun activities. Their latest branch has opened at Pineslopes Boulevard, book a visit!
Fruit Picking Near Johannesburg
Escape the rush of the city and head out to the countryside to enjoy an afternoon of fruit picking. There are a number of fruit picking destinations within driving distance of Joburg. Strawberry season has just begun, so be sure to head to these lovely berry farms for an afternoon in the sun, enjoy some fresh country air.
Pioneer Museum
Treat the family to an outing at the Pioneer Museum in Silverton, Pretoria. This museum will give you a look into life and the way of living during the 1870s. Here, you and your family will get the opportunity to travel back in time, knead homemade bread, make your own candles, and enjoy a braai with the kids! For entry costs, be sure to visit their website for further information.
The Rand Airport & SAA Museum Society
The Rand Airport in Germiston offers visitors a touch of history, tons of family fun, and spectacular flights of fancy at their annual Rand Airshow. Not only is this destination entertaining for all ages, but it is also educational. And if you’re feeling a bit munchy after walking around the museum, then stop by Harvard Cafe for something delicious and a refreshing drink.
Herb Land in Midrand
Herb Land is a delightful destination that offers plenty of fun for the whole family. This charming venue is a haven for nature lovers, food enthusiasts, and those seeking a peaceful retreat. There’s a fun-filled play area for the kids, a cosy little cafe to grab a bite to eat, and plenty of gardens to enjoy.
Go Karting In Joburg
Keen on a bit of fun combined with adrenaline and excitement as your race around an asphalt track? Then be sure to book a fun day out at one of Joburg’s go-karting destinations. A little bit of competition is healthy, and this activity will definitely have the young ones thrilled. Booking are recommended. Here’s where you can race a go-kart!
Waterpark Thrills
With Spring blooming throughout the city, it’s time to get those cozzies ready and head to one of Gauteng’s exciting waterparks! During the month of September, many of these parks will be reopening to celebrate Spring, offering a great place full of watery fun and a spot to keep cool. Just don’t forget the sunscreen and cap!
Blueberry Beacon Family Restaurant & Playground
What sets Blueberry Beacon apart from other family-friendly restaurants is its dedication to providing a fun and engaging environment for children. The restaurant boasts a playground that keeps the little ones entertained, allowing parents to enjoy their meal in peace. The menus offer everything from hearty breakfasts, moreish street food and must-try nachos to saucy pastas, combo platters, pizzas, and of course, decadent desserts.
Asher’s Sanctuary Farm
Asher’s Farm Sanctuary is a safe haven for animals and a place where stories of struggle and survival are shared. Each resident of the sanctuary, from cows and pigs to chickens and horses, has a unique tale to tell.
Visiting Asher’s Farm Sanctuary is a must for families seeking a fun, educational, and heart-warming day out. The sanctuary offers tours where visitors can meet the rescued animals and learn about their stories. The animals at Asher’s love visitors as much as you’ll love touring the farm. This is the perfect destination for animal lovers of all ages.
The Ditsong National Museum of Military History
There’s a reason why the Distong National Museum of Military History in Saxonwold is a must-visit for families. It is a treasure trove full of military-related journals, weapons, vehicles and photographs from a number of wars in South African history. It aims to commemorate and pay homage to South Africans that have died fighting in and for their country.
The James Hall Museum of Transport
The James Hall Museum of Transport is the largest and most comprehensive museum of land transport in South Africa. The museum’s impressive collection of animal-drawn vehicles, coaches, motorcycles, buses and cars dates back to as early as 1870. Their steam vehicle collection is one of the most popular attractions for the little ones, as well as antique fire engines donated by the Johannesburg Fire Station.
Play Africa
The Play Africa Museum in Johannesburg is an inteactive museum that encourages children to learn through play. The museum is designed to be hands-on. Children are not just allowed but encouraged to touch, explore, and interact with the exhibits. This approach helps children to engage with the material in a more meaningful way, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the subjects at hand.
Jozi X Adventure Centre
There is nothing like an adventure to get the adrenaline pumping! And to delight your kids’ sense of adventure AND keep them entertained for hours on end, Jozi X Adventure Centre is a must. They have everything under the sun from bubble soccer, games of Arch Rivals, zorbing and loads of other fun and exciting obstacle courses. This makes for an epic day out for your kids and their friends.
Visit JoyJozi!
There’s a brand-new family-friendly destination waiting for families to visit. A place where kids can take their parents, JoyJozi offers a one-of-a-kind family playground and restaurant experience that you won’t get anywhere else! They provide families with a safe and secure space to enjoy some playtime, delicious food, and treat the kids, inspiring curiosity, connection, and exploration. This is a fun-filled playground paradise for the little ones. Since they are new on the block, space is limited! So be sure to book your visit to avoid disappointment.
Harties Cableway
Looking for something different to do over the weekend? then why not visit the Hartbeespoort Aerial Cableway for amazing views, good food, and some thrills for the kids! Take a cable car up to the top of the mountain, take a stroll along Dassie Loop to take in the views, and then head to the Kids Zone for some family entertainment. There is a Boost ‘n Bounce, jungle gyms, as well as an ice cream parlour, that’s sure to delight the kids. As the kids have a blast, parents can grab a drink, pick the perfect shaded table or beanbag and take in the views of the Magaliesberg Mountains, Harties, and surrounding areas.
Chameleon Village
Also in Harties, you’ll find the family-friendly Chameleon Village! Here, you’ll find everything from a market, edutainment and conservation parks, plenty of foodie spots, a putt-putt course, pool and water features to keep the kids cool, and live entertainment. This is a great way to spend your Saturday afternoon. There is most definitely something for everyone to enjoy here.
Get Crafty at Color Café
There’s plenty of fun to be had at Color Café! Grab your little ones and spend a few happy hours with Color Café, getting creative with some ceramic painting. And the best part about this activity is you don’t need any painting or art experience to create something special and unique. Have a blast picking the item you want to paint, letting your inner artist indulge, and having a good time with your loved ones. And once you’re done, you’ll each have a custom piece of art to take home with you. This is certainly a unique and different activity to try!
Donkey Dairy
For a unique experience perfect for the whole family, be sure to head to Donkey Dairy in Magaliesburg. Yes, it’s a two hour drive from Joburg, but we promise you, it is well worth the visit! Here, you and the little ones can enjoy a day interacting with rare miniature animals out in the countryside. You can expect to find an array of farm animals, including dwarf goats, miniature pigs, miniature rabbits, miniature cattle, miniature horses, silky chickens, Suri alpacas and not to forget the stars of the farm, miniature spotted donkeys. Booking is essential as no visitors are allowed without a prior booking.
CityROCK
Let the kids climb the walls in a good way at CityROCK in Randburg. It’s the biggest indoor climbing gym on the continent, and best of all, it has some of the best coffee in town too! So, if climbing isn’t your thing, at least you can enjoy a good cuppa joe while the kids go climbing. The gym boasts 2 000m² of high-wall climbing, 124 top rope anchors, nine automatic belay walls, 500m² of bouldering, a well-stocked outdoor gear shop, a beautiful yoga studio, a training area and a dedicated beginners’ climbing area perfect for birthday parties, kids and courses. Not only is it fun, but it gets the kids active too!
Montecasino Bird Gardens
Spend quality time as a family and experience the beautiful vibrant residents of the Montecasino Bird Gardens. This is the only wildlife and bird park of its kind in Africa and is a must when you’re visiting Montecasino. Here, you can wander along walkways, explore the manicured gardens and marvel at a menagerie of colourful birds, mammals, reptiles and unusual animals from around the world. Also, enjoy their walk-through aviary where you’ll find over 60 species of birds, reptiles and small mammals roaming freely.
City Sightseeing Johannesburg
How much of the city have your kids actually seen? We don’t mean all the fun places, their friend’s house down the road or the mall. We mean all the significant and historic parts of the city, including Nelson Mandela Bridge, Constitution Hill, the Apartheid Museum and the Johannesburg Zoo. City Sightseeing Johannesburg is all about experiencing the city and 20 of Joburg’s leading attractions from the comfort of a big, red, double-decker bus. Fun for the whole family!
Croc City & Reptile Park
Sure, scaly critters make our skin crawl, but this cool spot is worth the visit if you and your kids are braver than us and are looking for thrills, chills and a whole lot of fun in between. If your kids are fearless and up for experiencing anything (even holding a creepy, cold, icky creature that sends us running for the hills), then the Croc City & Reptile Park is just the place for them. They can touch a baby crocodile or a slithery snake and get up close and personal with a hairy tarantula. Eeeek!
RollEgoli
Today’s kids don’t understand the fun, excitement and concentration that goes into roller skating. This was THE thing to do when we were kids and RollEgoli is bringing it back with a bang! If you see us roller skating too, don’t judge us! This is the perfect activity to get the kids out of the house to a place where they can hang with their friends and be active, showing off their skater tricks (like we used to do, back in the day). Skating works up an appetite, which is why RollEgoli has some of the best wood-fired pizzas in town! And for the younger ones, they also offer a tree garden with a few shy chickens and a jungle gym with a trampoline.
Escape Room Thrills As A Family
Need something entertaining for older kids, let’s say from 12 years upwards? Then why not challenge their cognitive skills with real-life room games at the Escape Room? This is the type of adventure where they are ‘trapped’ in a room with friends and family. This is real, not a computer game, so there are no cheat codes! They’ll need to use their noggins to get out. Once they have cracked a series of stimulating, challenging and fun puzzles and solve the mystery, they’ll be freed. They just need to keep in mind that they’ll have to do this within the time limit.
Artjamming For Family Crafting Fun
We all know how kids LOVE making a big mess! So, why not let them go bonkers with paint and creativity at Artjamming? Best of all, you don’t need to worry about the clean up afterwards. Artjamming allows your little ones to indulge their inner artist and create their own inspired, colourful and interesting masterpieces. All they need to do is pick their canvas, decide what they want to paint and go wild. It’s a creative family activity you’ll all enjoy.
Go Ape Aerial Forest Park
Aerial parks are all the rage right now. So, why not bring the kids to Modderfontein’s Go Ape branch over the weekend? They can let out some steam and brimming energy while you sit back and enjoy the fresh air. There are four courses to choose from, sorted according to age appropriateness and difficulty. Kiddies aged 4 – 8 can test their balancing skills on the Green Course, which features 21 obstacles. The most popular course caters to 8 – 12 year olds, offering 22 aerial challenges. Teens can have their fill of fun here too, on the Blue or Purple courses. The course can fill up quickly over weekends, so it’s best to arrive early. It’s family fun for all!
Modderfontein Nature Reserve
The Modderfontein Nature Reserve is a hot spot for weekend braais and family get togethers. While it does tend to get busy over weekends, the reserve is expansive enough to escape for a few hours. There are various walking and hiking trails, which take you on a tour of the reserve dam and plant life. If you are weary of walking alone, join the Modderfontein ParkRun event which takes place every Saturday morning. This 5km timed run (or walk) is a great way to get your weekly dose of sunshine, good exercise and a chance to meet new friends.
The Ditsong National Museum of Natural History
Explore South Africa’s natural heritage at the Ditsong National Museum of Natural History. This is the only natural history museum in Gauteng and one of the largest in South Africa. Here, visitors will be able to view collections and exhibits that includes hominid fossils from the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, other fossils, skeletons, skins and mounted specimens of amphibians, fish, invertebrates, reptiles and mammals and much more!
The Grove Ice Rink
For an easy entertainment solution perfect for both young and old, why not visit The Grove’s Ice Rink for some cool fun on the ice? Hire some skates and take to the ice, race your friends and family with laps around the arena, practice your skills, or simply just have a great time. This is the perfect outing during the summer month when it’s hot outside, the ice rink is sure to keep you cool and refreshed.
CryWolf
For an exciting day outdoors, filled with adventure and adrenaline, visit CryWolf in Irene. Here, the family can spend the day doing exciting activities including two-speed go-karting ideal for both young and old, playing some paintball or laser tag (depending on whether or not you can handle being hit with a paint ball), or trying out laser clay pigeon shooting! Click here for all the pricing details.
BOUNCE Inc
Sitting on the couch with their eyes and hands glued to their cellphones is NOT the way kids should spend their weekends or school holidays. They need to get out of the house, away from their gadgets and get active, which is why BOUNCE Inc is ideal. Not only does it offer a cure for boredom, but also loads of fun activities to keep the whole family busy all day long. Think 3 000m² of interconnected trampolines, adventure features, padding and airbags, giving kids (and even adults) the chance to bounce around, throw balls, do backflips, show off their aerial skills and just have a blast.
Papachinos Offers Family Dining
Sometimes, parents just need a bit of time-out. A place where they can relax unwind while letting the kids run wild and blow off some stream. Cue Papachinos. Not only is this an awesome hangout for the family and all ages, but it’s a great place to grab a bite to eat (the pizzas are amazing) while the kids run rampant and blow off steam in the designated kiddies’ play area. This is a family restaurant that caters to all your needs — kiddies entertainment, food, wine and chillaxing.
The Lion & Safari Park
Who doesn’t love animals? And lucky for us, we don’t need to drive too far to experience what South Africa is well known for — its wildlife! The Lion & Safari Park in Harties offers loads of outdoor activities for a fun day out for the whole family. No need to travel all the way to Mpumalanga or the Kruger! Take your pick from interaction and walking experiences, guided tours and self-drive safaris. After all that excitement, relax and grab a bite to eat at the Bull ‘n Buck Grill.
Museum of Illusions
Opening on 06 July 2024, head to The Zone @ Rosebank for a mind blowing and exciting experience! Here, you’ll find the new Museum of Illusions. Get ready to be amazed with this fun-filled and extraordinary exhibit. Museum of Illusions is a unique and exciting experience that provides visitors with a fun, interactive and educational immersion that challenges perceptions and inspires creativity. Featuring an unrivalled variety of extraordinary exhibits that use optical illusions, visual tricks, and hands-on interactive displays to create a playful environment, nothing is ever quite as it seems.
Go On An Adventure at The Johanesburg Zoo
While summer is still in full swing, why not enjoy the outdoors by visiting The Johannesburg Zoo? Spend the day strolling through the various enclosures, viewing the furry, scaly, weird and wonderful animals that call this place home. Not only is it fun for all ages, it’s also educational. Also, keep an eye out for their upcoming events that’s sure to thrill the whole family.
SOURCE: https://joburg.co.za/family-fun-activities-for-all-gauteng/
