52 Awesome Things to do with Kids in Johannesburg 2021

52 Awesome Things to do with Kids in Johannesburg 2021

(your bucket list for every week of the year)

When it comes to our buzzing, business-centred city, Johannesburg is very seldom associated with words and catchphrases such as ‘family fun’, ‘adventure’, ‘thrilling experience’, or ‘holiday destination’. When people think of Johannesburg, their mind’s eye will generally produce images of city buildings, traffic, road rage and business people rushing from one meeting to another. And Johannesburg really is like that, but (and this is a big but), our city also has an amazing family-orientated culture and a plethora of family-friendly activities to choose from. There are so many things to do with kids, in fact, that we have put together of list of 52 activities and excursions to choose from (or you can do them all – one for every week of the year).

Also read 52 Things to do with Kids in Durban, Attractions and Activities on the Garden Route and 52 Family Fun Things to do in Cape Town.

Johannesburg Renamed: The City of Family Fun

Here is a bucket list of family-friendly activities and excursions in and around Johannesburg. Also, read this blog if you are looking for an updated list of things to do in Johannesburg summer holidays.

Family Outings Gauteng: Indoor Activities

1. Let the kids create their own furry friend at Build-a-Bear Workshop 
2. Have a loud and happy family meal at on these child-friendly restaurants in Johannesburg & surrounds 
3. Fall in love with the stars at the Johannesburg Planetarium
4. Test your ice skating skills at the Northgate Ice Rink
5. Be transported into the world of theatre at the National Children’s Theatre
6. Have a break while the kids play at the indoor Quack & Moo Clubhouse in Sunninghill
7. For indoor fun, let the kids get active at Yeesh in Woodmead
8. Go skiing on Avalanche’s 65m indoor ski slope 
9. Get creative at Artjamming
10. Bounce for joy at a Bounce Trampoline Park
11. Roll through life at Roll Egoli Roller Rink in Bryanston 
12. Paint ceramics at Color Café in Dunkeld
13. Watch a show at Montecasino Teatro
14. Explore all that Emperors Palace has to offer
15. Indulge in some pampering and self-care while the kids are being entertained at Mami Paradiso Day Spa 
16. Introduce the kids to math, science and technology at Sci-Bono Discovery Center
17. Build strength and strategy skills while rock climbing at City Rock
18. Celebrate the history of humankind at the Wits University Origins Centre
19. Teach the kids about our political past at the Apartheid Museum
20. Immerse yourself into the life of Gandhi at Satyagraha House
21. Explore the world of tanks, trucks and fighter aeroplanes at the South African National Museum of Military History
22. Get a rare glimpse of Johannesburg’s transport history at the James Hall Museum of Transport
23. Learn about the history of the South African railways at the South African National Railway and Steam Museum

Family Outings Gauteng: Outdoor Activities 

1. Go on a tree-top adventure obstacle course at Acrobranch Huddle Park and Acrobranch Melrose 
2. Fly through the air on a zip line at Magaliesburg Canopy 
3. Explore the fascinating animal kingdom at the Johannesburg Zoo 
4. Indulge in a relaxing family picnic at one of Gauteng’s favourite picnic spots 
5. Braai in the soul-soothing sun at one of Johannesburg’s favourite braai spots 
6. Plan a day of thrilling excitement at Jozi X Adventure Park
7. Get up close and personal with crocodiles, snakes and even a tarantula at Croc City Crocodile and Reptile Park
8. Go wild at an outdoor go-karting track with Dirt Ryder Adventures
9. Bring some strategy and colour into your life at The Woods Paintball in Fourways
10. Meet the King of the Jungle and feed a giraffe at the Lion & Safari Park
11. Get ready for tons of water fun, from water-skiing, wakeboarding and bum boarding to a thrilling floating obstacle course at Stoke City Wake Park
12. Experience thrill rides and tamer rides at the popular Gold Reef City theme park
13. Get a different perspective at Harties Cableway
14. Monkey about at the Bushbabies Monkey Sanctuary in Magaliesberg
15. Explore the world on horseback with Harties Horse Trail Safaris
16. Be amazed at a performance by the South African Lippizaners
17. Explore our magical city on the hop-on-hop-off CitySightseeing tour
18. Dance with the birds at the Montecasino Bird Gardens
19. Escape city life while staying in the city at Riversands Farm Village
20. Indulge in some retail therapy at one of these must-visit family markets 
21. Have a party at one of these kids party venues near Johannesburg
22. Get fit with Park Run South Africa
23. Be inspired by nature at Kloofendal Nature Reserve
24. Explore the world of art, indulge in freshly baked goods and let the kids go wild at the Art Farm in Alewynspoort
25. Go on an underground gemstone mine tour at Mapatiza
26. Have a steam train adventure trip with Reefsteamers and the Magaliesburg Express
27. Meet Homo Naledi at the Maropeng Visitor Centre, Cradle of Humankind
28. Go caving at the Sterkfontein Caves
29. Catch trout at Brookwood Estate