Family-friendly activities to enjoy during the school holidays

Saturday Star Reporter|Published

Stuck on what to do these school holidays? Here's a list of fun, family-friendly activities to help keep the kids busy and entertained these school holidays. From animal encounters to crafty indoor fun and outdoor adventures, there’s something for every age and energy level.

At Total Ninja, kids can jump, climb and swing through epic indoor obstacle fun.

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Total Ninja

This mega inflatable and obstacle course, Total Ninja offers energetic fun for all ages. Climb, balance, jump, and swing your way across various challenges while building your Ninja skills. A great place for keeping fit while having a blast.

Treat your child (and yourself) to pampering at Life Day Spa Kids in Fourways.

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Life Day Spa Kids

Everyone deserves a little pampering - yes, even the little ones. Life Day Spa Kids in Fourways offers the My Parent & Me package, which includes a full-body massage, pedicure, and even popcorn. A lovely way to relax and bond. 

Step into space-age storytelling at the Wits Anglo American Digital Dome.

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Wits Anglo American Digital Dome

Previously known as the Wits Planetarium, this newly upgraded  Wits Anglo American Digital Dome features immersive storytelling, cutting-edge visuals, and surround sound. A captivating, educational experience for all ages. 

Adventure Freaks

Get your adrenaline fix with go-karting and drift trikes at Adventure Freaks. The track promises speed, excitement, and laughs for the whole family.

Kids play while you relax at Lifestyle Home & Garden Centre in Randpark Ridge.

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Lifestyle Home & Garden Centre

Shop, stroll, and relax at this beautiful Randpark Ridge spot. Kids can enjoy the play area near Silver Birch Restaurant while parents unwind nearby. Lifestyle Home & Garden Centre

Bunny Hop Haven

Animal lovers will adore the Bunny Hop Haven filled with rabbits, guinea pigs, goats, pigs, and more. Kids can feed and learn to care for these furry friends in a hands-on environment.

Kidz Fun House Play Centre

With a pirate-themed playground, toddler zones, and imagination stations, the Kidz Fun House Play Centre offers interactive fun for children of all ages.

Navigate the massive maze and explore castle fun at Chartwell Castle.

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Chartwell Castle Maze

Explore the largest permanent hedge maze in the Southern Hemisphere. The enchanting  Chartwell Castle also features castle-themed inflatables, a play area, and a mini train.

Pony rides and horse trails make Shepherd’s Fold Stables a countryside delight.

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Shepherd’s Fold Stables

From scenic horse trails to pony parties for the little ones, the Shepherd’s Fold Stables offers tranquil countryside charm and lots of outdoor fun.

Willow Feather Farm

Located near Centurion, the Willow Feather Farm offers animal encounters, garden walks, and the perfect spot for a sunny family picnic.

Spark curiosity at Sci-Bono Discovery Centre with hands-on science exhibits.

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Sci-Bono Discovery Centre

This beloved Newtown Sci-Bono Discovery Centre in Newtown turns learning into fun with 350+ exhibits and interactive educational experiences.

Le Petit Playhouse

Let your child’s imagination run wild at this miniature role-play village. Ideal for creative play and skill-building. Le Petit Playhouse's new location is at Pineslopes Boulevard.

Enjoy fresh air and berries at fruit picking farms around Joburg.

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Fruit Picking Adventures

Seasonal fun at its finest at fruit picking destinations within driving distance of Joburg. Head out of the city for berry picking and fresh country air. Great for nature-loving families.

Travel back in time at Pretoria’s Pioneer Museum, with old-school fun and food.

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Pioneer Museum

Step back in time in Silverton, Pretoria, and experience pioneer life at the  Pioneer Museum in Silverton, Pretoria - complete with bread-making, candle dipping, and a family braai.

Rand Airport & SAA Museum Society

Planes, history, and excitement await in Germiston. Don’t miss the Rand Airshow or a meal at Harvard Café at the The Rand Airport in Germiston.

Go Karting Spots in Joburg

Perfect for speed-loving kids and parents. There are several go-karting venues in and around the city - just be sure to book ahead for Joburg’s go-karting destinations.

Make a splash at Gauteng’s favourite waterparks this winter.

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Waterpark Adventures

As spring returns, so do the waterparks. Dive into splashy fun at Gauteng’s exciting waterparks with slides, pools, and sunny weather. Don’t forget your sunscreen.

Delicious food and a colourful play space await at Blueberry Beacon.

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Blueberry Beacon Restaurant & Playground

Parents can relax while kids enjoy the vibrant playground. The diverse menu - from nachos to pastas - has something for everyone at the Blueberry Beacon.

Meet rescued animals and hear their stories at Asher’s Farm Sanctuary.

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Asher’s Farm Sanctuary

This Centurion  Asher’s Farm Sanctuary lets you meet rescued animals and hear their powerful stories. A heart-warming and educational visit.

Explore tanks and wartime relics at the Ditsong Military Museum in Saxonwold.

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Ditsong National Museum of Military History

Discover military artifacts, vehicles, and historical displays in Saxonwold at the  Distong National Museum of Military History. An educational and moving outing for all ages.

Engines and old-time vehicles take centre stage at James Hall Museum.

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James Hall Museum of Transport

Explore everything from steam engines to vintage fire trucks at the James Hall Museum of Transport. A fun and informative museum that brings transport history to life.

Play Africa

This hands-on children’s Play Africa Museum in Johannesburg encourages interactive play and learning. Perfect for curious little minds.

Acrobranch

Swing, zip, and climb through the treetops at Acrobranch. There are age-appropriate adventures for the whole family - and it’s a great way to enjoy nature.

Jozi X Adventure Centre

From bubble soccer and zorbing to obstacle courses, the Jozi X Adventure Centre promises loads of active fun and excitement for older kids and teens.

Let imaginations soar at JoyJozi, a vibrant play-and-dine destination.

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JoyJozi

This new kids-first destination combines imaginative play spaces with great food and a relaxing environment for parents. Booking at JoyJozi is essential.

Harties Cableway

Ride the cable car up for scenic views, a fun kids' zone, and food stalls. Relax while the kids enjoy jungle gyms and ice cream at the Hartbeespoort Aerial Cableway.

Chameleon Village

This Harties gem has everything from markets and water features to live entertainment and mini-golf. A fun day trip with something for everyone at the Chameleon Village.

Get Crafty at Color Café

Tap into your creative side with ceramic painting. No experience needed - just pick a piece, paint, and take it home at the Color Café.

Donkey Dairy

Just two hours from Joburg in Magaliesburg, meet miniature farm animals like alpacas, pigs, and donkeys. Booking required for visits to the Donkey Dairy in Magaliesburg.

CityROCK Indoor Climbing Gym

Let the kids scale new heights while you enjoy great coffee. This world-class CityROCK climbing facility in Randburg is ideal for active families.

Montecasino Bird Gardens

Marvel at birds, reptiles, and small mammals in this walk-through  Montecasino Bird Gardens aviary. A peaceful and fascinating wildlife encounter.

City Sightseeing Bus Tours

Hop on the City Sightseeing Johannesburg red bus and explore iconic Joburg landmarks like Constitution Hill and the Mandela Bridge. A must for locals and visitors alike.

Croc City & Reptile Park

Dare to touch a baby croc or a hairy tarantula. For the brave and curious, this park is a creepy-crawly thrill at the Croc City & Reptile Park.

Skate and snack at RollEgoli, a retro-cool rink with wood-fired pizza.

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RollEgoli Roller Rink

Throw it back to the good ol’ skating days at RollEgoli. With wood-fired pizzas, a tree garden, and trampolines, this spot is great for kids - and grown-up skaters, too.

Team up to solve puzzles at Joburg’s thrilling Escape Room venues.

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Escape Room Challenges

Perfect for teens and tweens. Put your problem-solving skills to the test and work together to escape themed rooms packed with puzzles at the Escape Room.

Please note: Prices and details were correct at the time of writing but may change. Contact venues directly for the latest info.

Information from https://joburg.co.za/