Outings to keep them busy during school holidays

WITH the winter school holidays right at our doorstep, and quite a long break at that, we’ve put together a list of exciting and fun activities to do with your children.

Acrobranch

Acrobranch is a fun activity for the whole family, and gives you and your children the opportunity to release your inner monkey and go swinging through treetops. Acrobranch consists of two courses for children and two for adults and is equipped with four zip lines, swing bridges and Tarzan swings. The courses are safe for children as young as three years.

Acrobranch is situated in Melrose. They operate cash free, so online bookings are essential, or you can make use of their card facilities on site. For more information visit their website (www.acrobranch.co.za) or contact them on 086 999 0369.

Red Bus City Tours

The Red Bus City Tour is a hop-on, hop-off excursion for the whole family, which takes you to over 20 of the most interesting attractions in Johannesburg. The tour offers two routes in and around Johannesburg and a tour into Soweto.

For more information visit their website (www.citysightseeing.co.za) or contact them on 086 173 3287.

Peoples Theatre

The Peoples Theatre at the Johannesburg Theatre Complex in Braamfontein put on at least four productions a year. Madagascar – A Musical Adventure is on show from June 3 to August 4. For more information visit their website (www.peoplestheatre.co.za) or contact them on 011 403 1563.

The Cradle of Humankind

The Cradle of Humankind in Maropeng is a great family trip that is both fun and educational. The Learner Centre is interactive and informative for young and old. The main attraction is an underwater boat ride that guides you through the history of Earth’s creation in a visceral, awe-inspiring way. Take a tour through the Sterkfontein Caves filled with interesting fossil displays.

For more information visit their website (www.maropeng.co.za) or contact them on 014 577 9000.

Johannesburg Zoo

The Johannesburg Zoo is the perfect outing for a family of all ages. Visit the animals, wander around the beautiful grounds, take a picnic basket or get something to eat there.

For more information visit their website (www.jhbzoo.org.za) or contact them on 011 646 2000.

Go quad-biking and follow it up with a game of paintball

Hit the Segwati quad trails on the slopes of the Witwatersberg mountain range overlooking the Cradle of Humankind. Or play a game of paintball at their range. Combine the trip with a picnic, a braai, some game-viewing, hiking or bird watching.

You can even turn your trip into a weekend away as Segwati also has cottages and a bush camp.

For more information visit their website (www.segwatigetaways.co.za) or contact them on 082 412 9823.

Attend a cooking class at Little Cooks Club

This is another great activity for the whole family. There are clubs in Bedfordview, Fourways, Dainfern, Kyalami, Sunninghill and Sandton.

For more information visit their website (www.littlecooksclub.co.za) or contact them 083 556 3434.

Explore the night skies at the Johannesburg Wits Planetarium

A great outing for children and adults interested in stars, constellations and comets and a wonderful way to stoke your child’s curiosity in what lies beyond the earth’s atmosphere.

For more information visit their website (www.planetarium.co.za) or contact them on 011 717 1390

Montecasino Bird Gardens

Visit the vibrant residents of the Montecasino Bird Gardens, wander along walkways, explore the manicured gardens and marvel at the colourful birds, mammals, reptiles and unusual animals from around the world. For more information visit their website (www.tsogosun.com/montecasino/entertainment/bird-gardens).

The Lion and Safari Park

The Lion and Safari Park in Harties offers a fun day out for all ages. Take your pick from interaction and walking experiences, guided tours, self-drive safaris or you can even feed a giraffe. For more information visit their website (www.lionandsafaripark.com) or contact them on 087 150 0100.

Gold Reef City

This is one place in the city that has everything you need to thrill, excite and treat the children, and the adults, to a fun day out. There are loads of rides for all ages and some lovely food spots. Jozi’s Story of Gold Heritage tour is a must for all ages to learn how Johannesburg came to be and how gold was discovered on the reef. For more information visit their website (www.tsogosun.com/gold-reef-city-casino).

Escape Room

This is the type of adventure where a group of people are “trapped” in a room with friends and family. Typically this kind of adventure caters for adults and children from ages 10 years and up. You’ll need to use teamwork to get out, follow some crucial clues and complete the challenge within a set amount of time. It is a great bonding experience. For more information visit their website (www.escaperoom.co.za) or contact them on 061 586 6285.

Jozi X Adventure Centre

Jozi X Adventure Centre has everything under the sun, from bubble soccer, games of Arch Rivals, zorbing and loads of fun and exciting obstacle courses. This makes for an epic day out for your children and their friends. For more information visit their website (www.jozix.co.za) or contact them on 082 456 2358.

Artjamming

Let your children go crazy with paint and creativity at Artjamming. It’s a great way for them to explore colours and creativity, and explore their inner artist. Best of all, you don’t need to worry about the clean-up afterwards. For more information visit their website (www.artjamming.co.za) or contact them on 011 615 2695.

21 Jump Street

Let your children get rid of some energy with a fun bouncing session at 21 Jump Street at Mall of the South. They have connected trampolines, foam pits and dodge ball, and activities that keep children occupied for hours. For more information visit their website (www.21jumpstreet.co.za).

Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve

Take a family hike in the beautiful Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve, the largest proclaimed nature reserve in the Johannesburg Metropolitan area. The reserve boasts a diversity of interests ranging from larger game, such as zebra, red hartebeest and black wildebeest. There are also many items of botanical, geological, archaeological, historical and cultural interests. For more information visit their website (www.klipriviersberg.org.za).

Rietvlei Zoo Farm

Located in the South of Johannesburg, the Rietvlei Zoo Farm offers a wide range of recreation, education, sport and family outdoor activities. For more information visit their website (www.rietvleilifestylecentre.co.za).

With so much to do in and around the city, there really is no excuse for a single dull moment these holidays!