Top Things to Do With Kids in Johannesburg

Bounce Inc is an indoor trampoline park in Fourways and it allows visitors to bounce off pretty much every surface. It’s an active way to spend the day and guarantees hours of excitement for all ages. From the free-jump arena, where trampolines are lined up as far as the eye can see, to dodgeball games, there’s enough to keep kids busy for hours. There’s also a gymnastics programme for ages three to six, which has to be booked in advance.

The Cradle of Humankind is only a short drive from Johannesburg and is a must-visit UNESCO World Heritage Site. A popular day-trip destination, the site has produced much evidence regarding the evolution of humankind and is the richest hominid fossil site in Africa. Explore the Sterkfontein Caves and visit the Maropeng Visitor Centre for interactive displays, exhibitions and a short indoor boat ride.

A combination ticket for Maropeng and the Sterkfontein Caves cost R190 (US$15) per adult and R125 (US$10) for children aged four to 14; children under four enter free.

City Rock is great for kids who love to climb, and of course, most of them do. Children over five can climb to their heart’s content on low walls from which they can jump onto soft mats. Then there’s the automatic belay wall, which allows a higher climb while attached to a harness. It’s all done in a safe environment, and mom and dad can either join in on the fun or grab a cuppa at the café. Day passes cost R150 (US$12) per adult and R110 (US$9) for children under 18, excluding gear.

From holding a baby crocodile to getting up close to other reptiles, snakes and even tarantulas, a visit to Croc City is a thrill for any child. On Saturdays and Sundays visitors can watch the crocodiles being fed, while on Sundays and public holidays a venomous snake show is the highlight. Tickets cost R80 (US$6) per adult and R60 (US$5) per child.

Gold Reef City is one of the biggest theme parks in South Africa and is the ideal day out for thrill-seekers. The park boasts 16 thrill rides, 14 rides for small children, a trampoline park, a mine tour and tons of great restaurants. From the Raging Rapids to the famous Anaconda rollercoaster, there’s something for all ages here. Ticket prices start at R120 (US$10).

Grab your walking shoes and spend the day at the impressive Honeydew Mazes. The most popular attraction, the Giant Maze, takes approximately an hour and a half to complete, whereafter you can picnic on the lush lawns and explore the smaller mazes. This is also the perfect spot to host a kid’s party, but make sure to book ahead. Tickets cost R150 (US$12) per adult and R100 (US$8) per child.

Step back in time at RollEgoli, a casual skating rink in Bryanston where children can play, or roll, around while parents join in or relax at the coffee shop. The disco ball lights up at night, adding to the 70s feel, and the pizzeria serves tasty slices for when hunger strikes. For dessert, head to the Italian gelato spot for a creamy scoop of ice cream. There’s also a jungle gym, trampoline and zip line. Standard entry costs R75 (US$6) per person for a three-hour session.

Sci-Bono Discovery Centre is Southern Africa’s largest science centre, offering fun learning experiences covering maths, science and technology. There are more than 350 exhibitions to interact with and exciting holiday programmes to keep kids busy. Tickets for children aged three to 16 cost R32 (US$2.60) while children under three enter for free.

The WITS Planetarium opened in 1960 and was the first complete planetarium in Africa. The planetarium hosts many shows for both adults and children and each is an interesting educational experience. The Space Travel show is perfect for children between five and eight years old, and follows the adventures of Thomas the astronomer in an educational show about the constellations and more. Tickets cost R50 (US$4) for adults and R35 (US$2.85) for children.

Whether you visit as a family or book a guided tour for a group, you’re guaranteed to spend a whole day at the Johannesburg Zoo. The beautifully kept park is large, so pack comfortable shoes and sun protection, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking. You’ll see the Big Five as well as many other interesting animals, including pygmy hippos. Tickets cost R80 (US$6.50) for adults and R50 (US$4) for children.

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