Autumn is around the corner and although it is still warm, the days are becoming shorter, the night's longer (and cooler) and the sunlight is losing its harshness, lending the world a softer glow. After a very hot summer in Johannesburg, I am eagerly awaiting the moderately warm sun and cooler air of Autumn and I cannot wait to indulge in some much-needed quality time during the upcoming Easter festivities and school holidays.
Here is what’s on in Johannesburg this Easter and Autumn:
(Read our blogs to find out what's on in Cape Town - Easter 2019, what's on in Durban this Easter and What's on this Easter & Autumn on the Garden Route 2019.)
Kid-Friendly Events this Easter
Arts & Culture
Seussical The Musical Jr
If you are looking for a family outing which will have you rollicking with laughter and rhyme, be sure to get tickets to this fabulous Broadway show.
Where: People’s Theatre, Joburg Theatre Complex, Loveday St Johannesburg, Gauteng
When: 09.03 – 28.03.19
More Information: http://webtickets.co.za/events/featured/seussical-jr/1464952863
Disney On Ice presents Magical Ice Festival
Get ready to enter a winter wonderland featuring the most magical moments as Disney On Ice presents Magical Ice Festival, an all-new live production coming to South Africa, including Pretoria for the first time! Families of all ages will be delighted by adventurous moments from Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Tangled, Beauty and the Beast and Frozen, in a brand-new ice spectacular. Book at Computicket.
Where: Pretoria: Time Square, Menlyn Maine | Johannesburg: Ticketpro Dome
When: Pretoria: 14 – 17.06.19 | Johannesburg: 21 - 30.06.19
More Information: Disney on Ice
Lifestyle
Denim Walk to Raise Funds for Rare Diseases
Support the fundraising efforts of Rare Diseases South Africa, in conjunction with Genetic Alliance South Africa, and help increase the visibility of rare diseases and congenital disorders. Participants can choose between a shorter wheelchair-friendly walk or a longer hike and are encouraged to stay after the walk for a relaxing family afternoon strolling through the market.
Where: Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens
When: 23.02.19
More Information: Denim Walk
Boobaloo Expo for Moms
If you are a new mom or a mom-to-be, head on over to this expo for maternity and breastfeeding clothing, teething jewelry and accessories.
Where: Sun Arena, Menlyn Maine
When: 01.03.19 – 03.03.19
More Information: Computicket
Wild Wild West 2019
Become your inner Clint Eastwood and travel back in time to 1885: a time of cowboys, cowgirls, ranchers, rustlers, bandits, saloon girls, ‘injuns’, sheriffs, and gunslingers. This fun event will feature a fancy dress challenge, the Quick Draw Quiz, blackjack tables at the Last Chance Saloon, Mexican standoff games, tombola, horseshoe toss and roping, a pie eating contest, a variety of stalls and much more.
Where: La Vue Guest Lodge, Muldersdrift
When: 09.03.19
More Information: Wild Wild West
Bright Young Chefs Workshop
If your child is a budding Masterchef, then be sure to book tickets to this baking workshop hosted by Bright Young Chefs. Kids get to make their Easter bunny cupcakes!
Where: Bright Young Chefs, Cnr Gordon & Long Road, NORTHCLIFF, JHB
When: 21.03.19
More Information: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/66449-19032019-chocolate-cake-with-easter-fondant-topper/#/
The Dino Expo
This exciting exhibition, featuring life-size animatronics (yes, they move!) and static dinosaurs is a must-visit for any young dinosaur, nature or science enthusiast.
Activities included in the general entrance ticket: Wits University Fossil Display, Jurassic Tour, Dino Fossil Digging, Dino Coloring and use of the Jumping Castle.
Where: Fountain Valley Resort, Pretoria
When: 23 – 31.03.19
More information: http://thedinoexpo.com/
The Family Braai Picnic and Colour Festival
The biggest braai and picnic travel event, offering a venue for families to socialise and have fun. Expect music, water slides and a jumping castle.
Where: Fountain Valley Resorts, Pretoria, Gauteng
When: 06.04.19
More Information: Webtickets
Monster Jam
Monster Jam in SA for the first time!
There is no other action-packed live event or motorsports experience that compares to the thrill and excitement of Monster Jam. Unscripted and unexpected, Monster Jam delivers edge-of-your-seat, adrenaline-charged excitement for the entire family. Monster Jam is the larger-than-life sport that provides spontaneous entertainment for fans of all ages! Bigger, faster, louder, Monster Jam is as BIG as it gets! Book at Computicket.
Where: FNB Stadium, Johannesburg
When: 04.05.19
More Information: Monster Jam
The Welakapela Kids Festival
How wonderful - an art festival created specifically for children. Do not miss out on this ‘first-of-its-kind’ experience and enrich the kids’ lives.
Where: Ruimsig Athletics Stadium, Roodepoort
When: 11 – 12.05.19
More Information: https://www.webtickets.co.za/events/kids-events/welakapela-kids-festival-kinderfees/1488036058
Sporting Events
The UV Run
Join this fun ‘glow in the dark’ themed run and be sure to bring the kids along. The kid-friendly ‘Bug Zone’ is set to provide tons of entertainment in the form of face painting, balloon modeling and more.
Where: Rietvlei Zoo Farm, Alberton Johannesburg
When: 30.03.19
More Information: Tickets through Entry Ninja
Excursions & Activities
Acrobranch Outdoor Activity Parks
Take the kids on a safe, outdoor, obstacle adventure and let them experience your childhood memories of climbing trees and ‘foefie’ sliding. Acrobranch has 4 branches in the Gauteng area to choose from, so book an age-appropriate obstacle course, enjoy their zip line and try out the acro-bungy (it’s amazing!).
When: Wednesday - Sunday: 09h00 - 17h00
Where: Johannesburg: Melrose Park & Huddle Park | Centurion: Sunlaws Estate, Olifantsfontein | Pretoria North: Honingnestkrans | Pretoria East: Rosemary Hill
Gold Reef City Theme Park
Africa’s largest theme park promises an exciting and fun-filled day out. This family excursion must-visit has thrill rides, tamer family rides, a 4D theatre and a mining museum with an underground mine tour. A cinema, a variety of child-friendly restaurants and accommodation are also available.
When: During School Holidays: Monday - Sunday: 09h30 - 17h00
Where: C/O Northern Parkway & Data Crescent, Ormonde
A Trip on the Gautrain
South Africans are not used to the public transport systems found in Europe and the USA, so the Gautrain, with all its bells and whistles, is something exciting. And let’s be honest, kids love trains! Take the kids on an excursion to Rosebank for some Bubble Waffles at Plan B (yum!) or to OR Tambo International and marvel at the airplanes.
When: Monday - Sunday, approx.: 05h00 - 21h00 (exact times vary according to the station)
Where: Choose your closest station: Park, Rosebank, Marlboro, Midrand, Centurion, Pretoria, Hatfield, Rhodesfield, ORTIA
Markets
Offering a festive atmosphere with artisanal & fresh, homemade treats, handmade products and more, markets are often a popular family destination:
Fourways Farmers Market
When: Every Sunday: 09h00 - 16h00
Where: C/O William Nicol Drive and Montecasino Boulevard, Fourways
Bryanston Organic Market
When: Every Thursday & Saturday: 09h00 - 15h00
Where: 40 Culross Rd, Bryanston, Johannesburg
The Blubird Wholefood Market Birnam
When: Every Sunday: 09h00 - 14h00
Where: Blubird Shopping Centre, C/O Atholl-Oaklands Rd and Fort Str, Birnam
Rosebank Sunday Market
When: Every Sunday: 09h00 - 16h00
Where: Rosebank Mall, 50 Bath Avenue, Johannesburg
Read our blog for more must-visit family markets in Gauteng.
Child-Friendly Restaurants
Johannesburg has a variety of fantastic family-friendly restaurants on offer - find our ultimate list here.
Picnic Spots
There is no better way to relax than with a family picnic in the tranquillity of nature. Click on the link for our list of favourite picnic spots in Johannesburg and surrounding areas.
Happy Easter all! Tell us what you are up to these holidays? We love to hear from our fans!
