10 things do to with your kids in Johannesburg

“Mom, I’m bored!” is probably the worst thing any parent can hear their children say during the holidays.

Some kids need constant entertainment, but it is not always easy to keep it new and interesting.

Here are some things to do with your children in and around Johannesburg:

1. Take them on the Red Bus City Tour through the city. This is a hop-on, hop-off excursion which takes you to some of the most interesting spots in Johannesburg – from Gold Reef City to the James Hall Transport Museum – with a special audio commentary channel for kids. Keep your eye out for specials that often run over the holiday period. Visit https://www.citysightseeing.co.za/johannesburg or phone 0861 733 287.

2. Acrobranching gives you – and the children – a chance to release your inner monkey and get swinging through the tree tops. Situated in Melrose, they have four courses and are equipped with zip lines, swing bridges and Tarzan swings. The courses are family friendly and safe for children as young as three years of age. There is a lot of variety so, grab the kids and take to the trees. Visit https://www.acrobranch.co.za or phone 086 999 369.

3. Leave the city behind and visit the Cradle of Humankind at Maropeng – a trip that promises to be both fun and educational. Activities include an interactive and informative learner centre (which will be a hit with young and old) as well as an underground boat ride that guides you throughout the history of earth’s creation in an awe-inspiring way. You can also take a tour through the Sterkfontein Caves. It is advisable to contact them beforehand, as the caves are sometimes closed to the public. Visit https://www.maropeng.co.za, phone 011 457 7900 or send a mail to info@maropeng.co.za.

4. If all else fails, you can always take the kids to the Johannesburg Zoo. They have all sorts of exciting things lined up for the holidays and kids from seven to 13 years old can enjoy a holiday fun day. Activities for this fun day include animal feeding, crafts and games. Visit https://www.jhbzoo.org.za or phone 011 646 2000.

5. Escape the urban jungle and go quad-biking at the Segwati quad trails situated on the slopes of the Witwatersberg mountain range overlooking the Cradle of Humankind. You can combine your trip with a picnic, braai or some game viewing and bird watching. There is a paintball range as well. Kids have to be 13 or older to go quad-biking. Segwati has hiking and walking trails as well as cottages and a bush camp. Visit https://www.segwatigetaways.co.za or phone 082 412 9823.

6. Friends of Kloofendal is a conservation NGO offering guided tours throughout the Kloofendal Nature Reserve in Roodepoort. These tours offer you a chance to learn about – and interact with – the reserve’s plants, animals and insects. From bird ringing to gold panning – there is an interesting event happening almost every weekend. Visit https://kloofendalfriends.yolasite.com or phone 011 674 2980 or 079 693 5608.

7. If you are feeling trigger-happy, you should visit the Bush Paintball Range situated 10 minutes from the Fourways Shopping Mall. They are open seven days a week and offer a variety of playing fields. Visit https://bushpaintball.co.za or phone 079 387 4217.

8. The Johannesburg Planetarium should be on top of your list if stars, comets and constellations are your child’s thing. An added bonus is the telescopes that are for sale at the planetarium – allowing you take star gazing into your own hands. Visit https://www.planetarium.co.za or phone 011 717 1390.

9. If you love working with your hands, The Pottery Junxion in Edenvale is the perfect place for you. At the studio you can create, paint and decorate your own personalised bowls or tea sets. All tools, products and ceramics are available on site. Their mosaic or painting workshops can be attended by children aged seven and older. Visit https://www.potteryjunxion.co.za or phone 011 453 2721.

10. Honeydew Mazes are open until 18 December and reopen again on 2 January. They have a new Bee Maze, designed in a honeycomb shape. The maze has an unbelievable three and a half kilometres of pathways and includes an eight-station general knowledge quiz which can be enjoyed by the whole family. Visit https://www.honeydewmazes.co.za or phone 073 795 2174.

Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at roodepoortrecord@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.

For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister newspaper websites Randfontein Herald, Krugersdorp News and Get It Joburg West Magazine

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