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Create core memories with the 9 best things to do in Johannesburg with your kids!

| Last Updated: March 2025

I love taking my kids out to explore new places. Fun activities not only keep them active but also boost their learning, well-being, and curiosity.

In today’s tech-driven world, I worry they’ll miss the joy of being outdoors. That’s why I’m always on the lookout for spots that pull them away from screens and into real-life adventures.

If you’re reading this, you’re probably worried about your kids too. So, I’ve put together the best things to do in Johannesburg with your kids. I guarantee they’ll let their phones go and enjoy what’s in front of them!

Spend a day in Gold Reef City

Media From: goldreefcitysa

Address: Northern Pkwy & Data Cres
Phone: +27 112 485 000
Operating Hours: Thursday to Sunday – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Website: https://www.goldreefcity.co.za/theme-park/
Admission Cost:

  • Adults – R295
  • Children – R225

Children can have a blast while learning about South Africa’s history at Gold Reef City theme park which is located near the Old Crown Mines. The amusement park has 30 rides which are sure to be thrilling.

As for entertainment, Jozi’s Story of Gold and the Underground Mine are part of the park’s offerings. Young children can also have a great time at the petting zoo. This park most definitely offers a great experience for all ages. 

For my son’s 7th birthday, our family decided to visit the park. There were plenty of entertaining things to do such as visiting the animal farm and going wild on the Anaconda roller coaster. The Underground Mine tour was a standout moment, letting the kids see the old shafts and learn about the city’s mining roots.

Tip: Sign up for their loyalty program to enjoy up to 20% off your ticket. It’s a great way to save and come back for more adventures.

Enjoy thrilling rides in Acrobranch Melrose

Media From: acrobranchza

Address: James and Ethel Grey Park, Melrose St, Birdhaven
Phone: +27 212 011 121
Operating Hours: Wednesday to Sunday – 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Website: https://acrobranch.co.za/outdoor-activity-parks/johannesburg/
Admission Cost: 

  • Adults – R90
  • Children – R50

Take the kids to Acrobranch Melrose for an outdoor adventure they won’t forget. This treetop playground is all about fun, movement, and getting closer to nature.

With six courses like Acro-Twigs, Hunting Lions, and Big Zip, there’s something for everyone, no matter their age or skill level. Each course challenges kids to boost their balance, coordination, and strength while exploring the outdoors.

When we went last weekend, my kids and I tackled the Sprinting Cheetahs course. It was packed with fun obstacles like zip lines, monkey bridges, and Tarzan swings. The thrill of completing each section had us hooked!

Tip: If you’re craving a serious adrenaline rush, go for the high-flying and Big Zip combos. It’s the park’s ultimate treetop challenge, capped off with an epic 140-meter zip ride.

Admire wildlife in Montecasino Bird Gardens

Media From: montecasino_za

Address: Montecasino, 1 Montecasino Boulevard
Phone: +27 115 111 864
Operating Hours: Wednesday to Sunday – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Website: https://www.montecasino.co.za/entertainment/bird-gardens/
Admission Cost: 

  • Adults – R90
  • Children – R50

For an engaging blend of wildlife and education, consider taking the children to Montecasino Bird Gardens. It’s a lush space teeming with over 750 plant species and more than 60 bird, reptile, amphibian, and mammal species. There’s plenty to see and do, and it’s all conveniently set in the heart of Fourways.

The kids will be drawn to the reptile and mammal exhibits, where they can spot snakes, lizards, and playful lemurs. 

The walk-through aviary is a must-see, with birds like Scarlet Ibises and Nicobar pigeons soaring freely. And don’t skip the Flight of Fantasy Bird Show. It’s an exciting showcase with pelicans, vultures, and cranes!

I took my kids here last month, and we loved it! The variety of animals kept us entertained for hours. We also learned a lot about ancient plants in the Cycad Gardens. 

To top it off, we enjoyed lunch at the Flamingo Café, overlooking a serene pond filled with flamingos.

Tip: Visit on weekends so you have plenty of time to catch the Flight of Birds show. The Showtimes are at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m., so plan your visit to fit one in!

Meet fascinating animals at Johannesburg Zoo

Media From: joburgparkszoo

Address: Shop U 30 Keyes, Jellicoe Ave, Rosebank
Phone: +27 833 292 320
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Website: https://www.jhbcityparksandzoo.com/
Admission Cost: 

  • Adult – R100
  • Children – R50

A visit to the Johannesburg Zoo is a must for quality family time with your kids. It has been an iconic spot to introduce little ones to animals from across the globe since 1904. 

Spread over 55 hectares, the zoo is home to more than 2,000 animals enclosed in exhibits like Amazonia, AngloGold Lion Enclosure, The Ape House, and more. 

There’s also a zoo train that can take families to the exhibits faster. 

Don’t miss the feeding sessions for animals like chimpanzees, vultures, and cheetahs. These are always a crowd-pleaser.

I always make time for the Education Centre when I visit with my kids. The interactive displays and activities are a brilliant way to teach them about wildlife conservation. It’s a hands-on way to spark their curiosity and maybe even inspire them to care for animals in the future.

Tip: Pack a picnic blanket and enjoy lunch in one of the zoo’s shaded picnic areas. It’s the perfect way to recharge before exploring more.

Jump around with your kids at Bounce Trampoline Park

Media From: bouncesouthafrica

Address: Winnie Mandela Dr L030, Fourways Mall
Phone: +27 115 172 500
Operating Hours:

  • Monday to Friday – 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Saturday to Sunday – 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Website: http://www.bounceinc.co.za/
Admission Cost: R150 per hour

Take your kids off their screens and have them play physically at Bounce Trampoline Park in Fourways. It’s a place where jumping, running, and fun take centre stage!

The park has six areas designed for all age groups. There’s open jumping for everyone and the foam pit for soft landings after big leaps. Children can bounce freely in the Junior Jumping Zones or get their dunk game on in the Slam Dunk Area.

Last Christmas, I took my kids, and we had an amazing time. We bounced on the interconnected trampolines and even joined a friendly dodgeball game with other visitors!

Tip: The park is cashless, so make sure you bring your card for any purchases.

Learn ice skating at Northgate Ice Rink

Media From: theicerinksouthafrica

Address: Northgate Shopping Centre, Northumberland Ave
Phone: +27 117 948 706
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Website: http://www.theicerink.co.za/
Admission Cost:

  • Entrance – R105
  • Skate Hire – R50

Northgate Ice Rink is a great place to take your kids for a fun, active day. Ice skating is not only great exercise but also helps kids improve their balance, coordination, and strength—all while having a blast.

There are open skating sessions, where you can spend time with your family skating around. If your kids are new to skating, professional instructors are available to teach them the basics. Occasionally, ice hockey and figure skating events are held here, which are fun to watch.

Living in Joburg where snow is a rare treat, I often bring my kids here for a taste of winter fun. We skate, laugh, and enjoy the cool escape. My middle child even celebrated his 6th birthday here!

Tip: Head over on Sundays at 7:30 p.m. for themed skating nights. It’s only R95 per person with free skate hire and an unbeatable vibe!

Have close encounters with reptiles in Croc City Crocodile & Reptile Park

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Address: Corner of Cedar Road & R114 Nietgedacht 535 Chartwell
Phone: +27 836 577 561
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Website: http://www.croccity.co.za/
Admission Cost:

  • Adult – R100
  • Children – R85

Have your children come face-to-face with ferocious crocodiles and other reptiles at Croc City Crocodile & Reptile Park. You’ll find Nile crocodiles, venomous snakes, tortoises, and exotic species like tarantulas!

There is plenty to do, like guided tours, crocodile feeding shows, and hands-on time with baby crocodiles. For younger kids, there’s a play area where they can burn off some energy while parents relax with a snack or drink.

The best part of our experience here was the Croc FlyOver. We zipped in a 150-meter zipline above crocodiles. It was exciting and scary. We couldn’t help but let out some screams!

Tips: 

  • Don’t miss the crocodile feeding shows happening at 2 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday.
  • Every Sunday at 11 a.m., there’s a venomous snake show featuring South Africa’s most dangerous snakes.

Escape the maze at Chartwell Castle

Media From: pre_meeks

Address: 1 Hood Rd (Cnr. Watercombe), Chartwell West
Phone: +27 661 488 754
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Website: http://www.chartwellcastle.co.za/
Admission Cost: R50 per person

Challenge your kids by taking them to Chartwell Castle’s interactive hedgerow maze. It’s a maze that spans around 1.5 acres and features 900 conifers. 

You’ll be met with puzzles that require problem-solving and teamwork. Plus, you’ll teach your children to connect with nature with its beautiful gardens.

When we visited last November, I turned it into a race to see who could complete the maze the fastest. We couldn’t stop laughing as we tried to find our way to the centre and back out again.

After that, we headed to the on-site restaurant, Vineyards. Their Vineyards Supreme was great for sharing. It has an assortment of pepperoni, sausage, ham, and fresh vegetables—a perfect meal to cap off our adventurous day.

Tip: Eat at the restaurant first, and you’ll get free access to the maze!

Check out military vehicles at the South African National Museum of Military History

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Address: 22 Erlswold Way
Phone: +27 870 867 019
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Website: https://ditsong.org.za/en/our-museums/museum-of-military-history/
Admission Cost:

  • Adult – R50
  • Children and Students – R30

Introduce your kids to South Africa’s interesting military history with a visit to the South African National Museum of Military History in Joburg. It’s perfect for curious minds.

The museum houses over 40,000 items, including weapons, uniforms, medals, and military vehicles from key conflicts like the Anglo-Boer War and World Wars I and II. 

Don’t miss the impressive aircraft displays, which feature rare gems like the ME262 jet fighter—the only surviving two-seater night fighter from WWII.

We visited last summer and joined a guided tour. It was fascinating to learn about the evolution of military technology, the role South Africa played in global conflicts, and how war has shaped societies over time.

Tip: Be sure to explore the outdoor area too! The Dan Pienaar Gun Park has an incredible collection of artillery pieces and military hardware that’s worth checking out.

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