Things to do with Kids in Johannesburg and surrounds 2018
Johannesburg in winter: think cold evenings snuggled up in front of the fireplace and warm, ambient days spent outdoors soaking up the soul-soothing winter sun. Although the surroundings can become dull and dreary, nothing beats the blue skies, warm sun and crisp air so typical of our hometown during this season.
If you are planning on spending the school holidays in Johannesburg, Gauteng, we have the ultimate bucket list of family-friendly events, activities and excursions for you.
For a holiday guide to Durban, read Things to do with Kids this Winter in Durban, to Cape Town, read What's on Cape Town + Cape Winelands 2018 and to the Garden Route, read Things to do with Kids this Winter in the Garden Route 2018.
Kid-Friendly Events
Arts & Culture
1. Annie jr
This heart-warming and ever-popular musical will take the kids on a fun-filled adventure.
Where: Joburg Theatre, Braamfontein
When: 16.06.18 - 28.07.18 | 10h30 14h30
2. Disney on Ice presents Dream Big
Another magical instalment of this spectacular show is about to grace the stage at Ticketpro Dome. The kids will be transported into a world of adventure and courage as Tinker Bell takes them on a journey of beloved Disney tales.
Where: Ticketpro Dome, Northgate
When: 22.06.18 - 01.07.18 | 10:00 – 18:00
3. Pied Piper
The National Children’s Theatre in Parktown specialises in making theatre child-friendly – from a relaxed show experience to entertaining holiday programmes, this theatre offers the perfect family outing. During these school holidays, expect another childhood classic and the kids will love being transported into this magical story.
Where: National Children’s Theatre, Parktown
When: 12.06.18 - 15.07.18
4. Cartoon Network Live
Expect a fun show featuring all the most popular Cartoon Network characters as they take on the evil robot, Zarr, when he threatens the world of Cartoon Network.
Where: Teatro at Montecasino, Fourways
When: 03.07.18 - 08.07.18 | 10h00 - 16h00
5. Alice's Adventures in Wonderland Ballet
Introduce your kids to the mesmerising art of ballet with this child-friendly production featuring the well-known and much-loved story of Alice in Wonderland.
Where: E John Butler Auditorium, St Dunstan's College Benoni
When: 22.06.18 - 24.06.18 | 14h00 - 19h00
6. Fire and Ice - the Ballet
Something for older children, this glittering19th-century ballet classic is set to wow your ballet-enthusiast.
Where: Joburg Theatre, Braamfontein
When: 29.06.18 - 08.07.18 | 15h00 - 19h30
7. Peppa Pig Live
This one-of-kind live stage experience is back in Gauteng, this time in Pretoria. Your little Peppa Pig fans will love this fully-immersive show featuring life-size puppets.
Where: SA State Theatre, Pretoria Central
When: 16.06.18 - 17.06.18
8. The Jungle Book
This production presented by children for children, tells the story of the popular children's book, The Jungle Book.
Where: Atterbury Theatre, Lynnwood Manor Pretoria
When: 03.07.18 - 08.07.18
9. Pinocchio
Everybody loves the story about the puppet and his growing nose. A definite fun family event.
Where: Irene Village Theatre, Centurion, Pretoria
When: 23.06.18 - 07.07.18
10. Rush eSports, Pretoria
Let your kids introduce you to the world of esports at Rush. A host of esports action is set to take place at the Sun Arena at Time Square in Pretoria. The Rush esports event will offer a range of competitive tournaments for casual gamers and esports fans to watch or participate in, as well as give visitors the opportunity to experience the thrilling world of competitive gaming live. If you’re a parent looking to find out more about your child’s obsession, Rush will have something for you.
Where: Sun Arena, Time Square, Menlyn Maine, Pretoria
When: 29 June – 1 July 2018
More Info.: Rush eSports Pretoria
Lifestyle
11. The Zoo Trot
This monthly fun run is bound to get the kids excited. Get active while enjoying the many different sites and sounds the animal kingdom has to offer.
Where: Johannesburg Zoo, Saxonwold
When: 08.07.18 | 07h30
12. Caravela Portuguese Festival
Indulge in a bit of culture as this family fun festival celebrates Madeira Day.
Where: Montecasino, Fourways
When: 29.06.18 - 01.07.18 | 10h00 - 23h00 / 19h00
Outdoor Excursions & Activities
13. Lipizzaners Show
I remember watching this show when I was a child and I cannot wait to take my little guy to watch this captivating performance. Held every Sunday, the show lasts 60 min after which the kids can feed carrots to the horses.
Café Capriole is a child-friendly restaurant, featuring a fun jumping castle, on-site
Where: 1 Dahlia Rd, Kyalami
When: Sundays | 10:30
14. Acrobranch Outdoor Activity Parks
We recently wrote an article on why gross motor skills development is so important in early childhood development with tips on how to develop gross motor skills. This holiday, make a point to get the kids outdoors, to play in nature and to just let them be kids. The best (and safest) place to do this is definitely an Acrobranch venue near you. Find out more about Acrobranch here.
When: Wednesday - Sunday: 09h00 - 17h00
Where: Johannesburg North: Melrose Park | Johannesburg East: Huddle Park, Linksfield |Centurion: Sunlaws Estate, Olifantsfontein | Pretoria North: Honingnestkrans | Pretoria East: Rosemary Hill
14. Gold Reef City Theme Park
For an indoor or outdoor family destination, visit Gold Reef City – they have a large amusement park offering thrill rides and tamer family rides, a 4D theatre, a cinema, a mining museum with an underground mine tour as well as the Lyric Theatre.
When: During School Holidays: Monday - Sunday: 09h30 - 17h00
Where: C/O Northern Parkway & Data Crescent, Ormonde
15. City Sightseeing Johannesburg
My son is obsessed with buses at the moment, so we will definitely be hopping onto the Hop-on Hop-off sightseeing bus to explore our hometown this holiday, as they are currently running their 3-for-1 special.
Plus, we can take the Gautrain to Park Station (the first hop-on point), which means we get to ride on a high-speed train as well.
When: Monday - Sunday (incl. public holidays): 08h00 - 19h00
Where: Gautrain Park Station | The Zone, Rosebank
16. Activities in Johannesburg for under R 100.00
In many households, this time of year is often characterised by saving as we prepare for the summer holidays and the festive season. That does not mean, however, that we cannot spend some much-needed down time with our families – we have recently, therefore, put together a post aptly named, inexpensive outdoor activities for families with kids in Johannesburg.
17. Home Entertainment Activities
For those of you who are not taking leave but want to ensure that the kids are entertained at home while you are at work, we have put together some easy (and fun) ideas on keeping your kids stimulated and entertained.
Family-Friendly Markets
Take a relaxed stroll through one of the family-friendly markets, while you soak up the sun, browse, shop and enjoy a bite to eat.
18. Fourways Farmers Market
When: Every Sunday: 09h00 - 16h00
Where: C/O William Nicol Drive and Montecasino Boulevard, Fourways
19. Bryanston Organic Market
When: Every Thursday & Saturday: 09h00 - 15h00
Where: 40 Culross Rd, Bryanston, Johannesburg
20. The Blubird Wholefood Market Birnam
When: Every Sunday: 09h00 - 14h00
Where: Blubird Shopping Centre, C/O Atholl-Oaklands Rd and Fort Str, Birnam
21. Rosebank Sunday Market
When: Every Sunday: 09h00 - 16h00
Where: Rosebank Mall, 50 Bath Avenue, Johannesburg
Want to visit even more markets this holiday? Then read our blog post, must-visit family markets in Gauteng.
22.Picnic Spots & Braai Spots
It sounds counter-intuitive, but, Johannesburg is the absolute best place for a family picnic (and a braai) during winter. Spread out a comfortable blanket, pack in your favourite treats, a flask of hot chocolate or coffee and a ball for the kids and simply relax in the warm and soothing sun.
Be sure to read our list of Gauteng's favourite picnic spots (including picnic spots in Pretoria).
23.Child-Friendly Restaurants
We have put together a guide to 53 child friendly restaurants in Johannesburg and surrounds, conveniently sorted into the 4 major areas (North, East, South & West).
Soak up the sun, breathe in as much fresh air as possible and cuddle up with your loved ones this winter. And remember, collect those priceless memories and share these with us on social media!
xxx
Alexa
