Keeping the kids occupied during the school holidays can be quite challenging. We’ve made it easy for you by compiling a list of activities around Joburg that will keep everyone occupied and entertained.
1. Get swinging at Acrobranch
Acrobranch gives you and the kids the chance to go swinging through the treetops. The Acrobranch park in Melrose consists of four courses (two for kids, two for adults and teenagers) and is equipped with four zip lines, two obstacle courses for kids and the Acro-bungy. The courses are family-friendly and safe for children as young as three years, and there’s a lot of variety, from acrobatic bungee-style adventures to obstacle courses and even combination courses.
Contact 0869990369, acrobranch.co.za
2. Red Bus City Tour
The Red Bus City Tour is a hop-on, hop-off excursion which takes you to over 20 of the most interesting attractions in Joburg, from Gold Reef City to the James Hall Transport Museum, with a special audio commentary channel for kids. Keep your eye out for specials which often run over the school holiday period.
Contact 0861733287, citysightseeing.co.za
3. Visit the Cradle of Humankind
Get out of the city and head to the Cradle of Humankind in Maropeng for a family trip that promises to be as fun as it will be educational. The Learner Centre is interactive and informative and will be a hit with both young and old. The main attraction, however, is the underwater boat ride that guides you through the history of Earth’s creation in a visceral, awe-inspiring way. If the fossil display piques your interest, take a tour through the Sterkfontein caves—the home of the historic ‘Mrs Ples’.
Both Maropeng and Sterkfontein are open from 9am-5pm, but the last tours of each day start at 4pm. Please note: the caves are sometimes closed to the public, so it’s best to call them beforehand to check if they’re open.
Contact 0145779000, [email protected], maropeng.co.za
4. Go quad-biking
Escape the urban jungle and hit the Segwati quad trails on the slopes of the Witwatersberg mountain range overlooking the Cradle of Humankind. Combine your quad-biking trip with a picnic, braai or maybe even some game-viewing or bird-watching. There’s also a paintball range here. Kids have to be over 13 years old to go quad-biking. You can experience Segwati on foot as well—it has lovely hiking and walking trails. Segwati also has cottages and a bush camp if you plan on turning your quad-biking trip into a weekend away.
Contact 0824129823, segwatigetaways.co.za
5. Visit Kloofendal Nature Reserve
Friends of Kloofendal is a conservation NGO that offers guided nature tours through the Kloofendal Nature Reserve in Roodepoort. These tours give you a chance to learn about and interact with the reserve’s plants, animals and insects. From bird-ringing to panning for gold, there are interesting events happening almost every weekend. You can have a look at the reserve’s event line-up here.
6. Attend a cooking class at Little Cooks Club
If you and your kids are foodies or simply want to learn more about cooking, why not sign up for a family cooking class? The Little Cooks Club has franchises throughout the city and will be offering morning classes for children during the school holidays (excluding Easter weekend and public holidays). Each franchise has a different schedule, so it’s best to phone and check what’s on offer at the club nearest to you (there are clubs in Bedfordview, Fourways/Dainfern, Kyalami/Sunninghill, and Sandton).
It’s not only a great way for kids to learn about nutrition and the joys of cooking but also a chance for you and the little ones to work together and bond. Added bonus: your dinners at home can only benefit from the cooking skills you’ll acquire and the easy, yummy recipes you’ll learn at these classes.
Contact 0835563434, littlecooksclub.co.za
7. Play paintball at Woods Paintball
Feeling trigger-happy? Try out paintballing at Woods Paintball’s range, conveniently situated 10 minutes from the Fourways Shopping Mall in a forest environment. It’s open 7 days a week and offers a number of different playing fields. Prices start at R150 per person for standard and low-impact courses.
Contact 0793874217, woodspaintball.co.za
8. Explore the night skies at the planetarium
If stars, constellations and comets are your kid’s thing, the Johannesburg Wits Planetarium should be at the top of your holiday itinerary. There experts on site to answer astronomy questions and stoke your child’s curiosity in what lies beyond the earth’s atmosphere. Added bonus: telescopes are also for sale at the planetarium which means you can take star-gazing into your own hands. Attend the planetarium’s public shows this holiday season and consult the site for its show diary.
Public show tickets are available online on Webtickets.
Contact 0117171390, planetarium.co.za
9. Paint your own pottery at Pottery Junxion
Pottery Junxion in Edenvale is a great place to get your hands dirty and have something to show for it at the end of the day. Check into its studio and paint and decorate your own plates, bowls or tea sets. All tools, products and ceramics are available on site. Ages 7 and up can try one of the painting or mosaic workshops. Check out Pottery Junxion’s site for more details. Booking is essential.
Contact 0114532721, potteryjunxion.co.za
10. Get lost in a Maze
Honeydew Mazes’ Bee Maize Maze has a whopping 3.5km of pathways and includes an eight-station general knowledge quiz which can be enjoyed by the whole family.
It is open on weekends and most public holidays from 10am-5pm (no bookings required). Booking by email, however, is required for any special events such as kids’ parties. If you wish to host a large group or a birthday party, please refer to Honeydew’s website for more information.
Contact 0737952174, honeydewmazes.co.za
11. Adventure golfing for a school hols-in-one
Gather a team of four and head down to the green. The Adventure Golf branches in Stoneridge, Randburg and Fourways take miniature golfing to another level and are great for parties, too. SA golfing legend Dale Hayes gives it a thumbs-up.
Contact 0827891400 / 0824672003, adventuregolf.co.za
12. Boating at the Zoo Lake Baths
Rent a rowboat at Lions Boating Club and head for some fun on the water. Pack a picnic and enjoy some quality family time in the park. There’s also an enclosed play area too for some post-picnic activities.
Contact 0116466245, zoolake.org
13. Roll Egoli
Roll up, or rather roll on down to the Roll Egoli Rink for some fun on skates. Egoli is great for kids’ parties too as there are loads of other activities and amenities to keep everyone, young and old, busy as long as they can last. The rink is open Tuesdays to Sundays from 9am-6pm. Bring your own skates/blades or rent them from the rink.
Contact 0832329861, rollegoli.co.za
Image source: Pixabay
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