Things to do with Kids in Johannesburg under R 200 2024

We often feel like we can’t keep up with the Jones’s when it comes to our kids and our experiences with them, everything is just so expensive and sometimes just too far away. Recently while scrolling through Facebook I was stunned at how many outings and excursions one mom manages to take her kids out on. I thought I would investigate and she let me in on her little secret! Finding places close to home that you can enjoy for less than R100. This gave me the remarkable idea of going out and making a collection of my own which I will share with you so you too can have affordable fun in Johannesburg.

If your'e traveling or going on holiday, have a look at some fun inexpensive kids activities under R100 in Cape Town and under R100 in Durban.

*Rates provided were correct when I did my research but subject to change so please confirm with the establishment before you embark on your journey!

Get out in nature and go exploring!

The Bunny Hop Haven (Observatory)

This is without a doubt my favourite place to go at the moment. It’s a small sanctuary for small animals and an educational play centre. Small kids and big kids alike can enjoy the enclosures while gently holding and feeding the bunnies. Other animals include goats, warthogs, ducks, chickens, cats, turkeys and tortoises.

59 Frederick street Observatory

Tues-Fri 10am -1pm /2-4 pm

Sat ,Sun ,PH 10am to 4 pm

Contact: info@bunnyhop.org.za | 072 817 5968

Adults R40, Kids (2 to 16) R50 with food packets and buckets of food R20

For all ages. Prams welcome. Volunteering available for older kids.

Montecasino Bird Garden (Fourways)

For a great day out of family entertainment in Johannesburg, you just have to go and experience the wonder of the Montecasino Bird Gardens. Here in their wildlife and bird park you can wander along enchanted walkways within magnificent gardens and marvel at a variety of colourful birds, mammals, reptiles and unusual animals from around the world. There is also a superb play area for the kids next to a coffee shop/restaurant that will keep little ones entertained while mom and dad have a yummy coffee.

MonteCasino - Fourways

Wednesday to Sunday 09:00 – 17:00

Contact: admin@montebg.co.za / education@montebg.co.za | Kiara: 011 511 1864

Website:Bird Gardens

Admission: Adult ( 13 - 59 years) R110, Pensioners (60+) R75, Children (2 - 12 years) R75, Hotel Guests R50

All ages. Prams welcome. Educational shows for older kids. Bird Demonstrations 11h00 & 15h00 (15min)

Johannesburg Zoo (Parkview)

Now this is a full day out! The Joburg Zoo is one of the most popular local and tourist attractions situated in the leafy northern suburb of Johannesburg. The Zoo covers 54.7 (55) hectares of land and was founded in 1904, as a piece of land donated to the public for recreational use by the firm of the late Hermann Ekstein. The Zoo has so been newly updated and the enclosures are looking lovely. There is a small restaurant with a playground suited to older kids, however, if you have smaller kids and you make your way to the lion enclosure there’s a great wheelchair friendly playground for all ages, chip and dip, hotdogs or why not even pack your own picnic. Bring prams, hire push cars or get ready for lots of walking.

Jan Smuts Ave, Parkview, Randburg, 2122

Business Hours are 8:30am to 5:30pm, last entry 4:00pm

Contact: 011 646 2000

Website: http://www.jhbcityparksandzoo.com

Admission: Adults: R126,00, Child (3 to 12): R74,00, Senior citizen (pensioner): R74,00

All ages. Prams welcome. Educational programme available for kids between the ages of 7 and 14 years.

Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens (Roodepoort)

‘Conservation Gardens’ is the international term for botanical gardens that include both landscaped and natural areas within their boundaries. SANBI’s Conservation Gardens & Tourism Division manages SANBI’s network of ten National Botanical Gardens (NBGs), each with their associated tourism infrastructure and conservation estate, and Interpretation Section. This is a wonderful place to visit with friends and family. There’s a graceful waterfall in well kept gardens. Take a picnic and enjoy the great outdoors.

Roodepoort

Opening hours: 8:00am – 5:00pm

Contact: info@sanbi.org.za | Sisulugarden@sanbi.org.za | 0861 001 278

Website: Water Sisulu Botanical Gardens

Entrance tickets can be purchased online at webtickets; at any Pick ‘n Pay Money Market or by card payment at the gate. Please note that they no longer accept cash payments.

Admission: Adult: R80 off peak (April- August), R100 peak (September -March), Student: R45 off peak (April-August), R50 peak (September -March), Pensioner: Free entry on Tuesdays, Child: R25, Botanical Society members: 10% discount, Children under 6 years: Free

For all ages. Prams welcome. Climbing is allowed for older kids.

Monkey and Bird park Benoni (Rynfield)

Benoni Monkey and Bird Park offers a relaxed environment with various birds, wildlife and Monkeys. They have a Tea Garden overlooking a large Kids play area. Perfect for a family day out. Make sure you can be there at feeding times and you will not be disappointed.

244 Swallow Rd, Rynfield AH, Benoni, 1514

Mon-Sun 9am-4:30pm

Contact: monkeybirdpark@gmail.com | 072 126 1829

Website: https://www.facebook.com/benonimonkeyandbirdpark/

Entrance Fees Monday-Sunday: Adults -R70, Kids 2+-16Yrs - R50, Kids under 2 free, Picnics and Braai areas MUST be booked in advance.

All ages. Prams welcome.

Lori Park Zoo

Under R100 | Johannesburg | Things to do With Kids

This animal and owl sanctuary consists out of conservation programmes, educational programmes and they also provide fun and interactive programmes at the zoo. The zoo also offers you the chance to host your child's birthday party, where kids will have loads of fun and learn about nature.

Mon-Sun 10:00am-4:30pm

Contact: info@lorypark.co.za | 011 315 7307

Website: https://www.lorypark.co.za/

Entrance fees: R120 per adult, R90 per child (between the ages of 2 and 12 years. under 2 years enter for free), R70 per pension (Pensioner Mondays are R50)

Ages: All

Wonderboom Nature Reserve

The Nature Reserve sits close to the Magaliesberg and is located in the northern section of Tshwane. The reserve is well-known for its flora, specifically the wild fig tree, which has been named the 'Wonderboom'.

7:00am-5:00pm

Contact: wonderboom@tshwane.gov.za | 012 358 1792

Website: Wonderboom Nature Reserve

Entrance fees: Adults (18 to 59 years) R47,00, Pensioners (60 years or older) and persons with disabilities R31,50, Schoolchildren (7 to 17 years) R31,50, Preschool children (2 to 6 years) R21,00

All Ages

Melville Koppies Nature Reserve

Melville Koppies Nature Reserve is a City Heritage Site. The area is the last conserved remnant of Johannesburg's ridges, before the discovery of gold in 1886. All the flora in the reserve is indigenous to the area, a perfect example of highveld grassland. The Melville Koppies East part of the reserve is open every day for walks, they also allow dogs. The central and West areas are best done with scheduled walks and tours.

Sunday morning options only - 8am to 11.30am every Sunday (except Christmas and New Year)

Contact: wendavid@mweb.co.za | +27 11 482 4797 or 079 532 0083

Website: http://www.mk.org.za/

Entrance fees: R90 per adult and R50 under 18, Booked guided tours R100 per person

Ages: All

Get inside and get educated!

Sci-Bono Discovery Centre (Newtown)

For those parents who are over the same old animal farms, or playgrounds why not visit Sci-Bono. It’s a world-class science centre that supports maths, science and technology and offers innovative, dynamic learning experiences. It’s a fun and exciting way to let your kids discover and learn at the same time. It is suitable for big and small kids and occasionally there is an extra exhibit you get to experience.

Helen Joseph St, Newtown, Johannesburg, 2107

Mon - Fri 9am to 4:30pm

info@sci-bono.co.za

Contact: 011 639 8400

Website: http://www.sci-bono.co.za/

Adults(18+) R60, Children (3-18 years) R40, Children(under 3 years) Free, Pensioners and Students R40, Family ticket R180

Activities suited for toddlers (3 years) to teens (13+).

James Hall Museum of Transport (Johannesburg South)

At the James Hall Museum of Transport generations of youngsters can see the many ways their grandparents and great-grandparents got around the city - and the country - all those years ago. In addition there is a fascinating collection of memorabilia, artefacts and special interest vehicles as well as an extremely rare and exciting steam vehicle collection.

Pioneers' Park, 193 Rosettenville Road, La Rochelle

Tuesday to Friday: 9:00am – 4:30pm,

Weekends: 9:00am – 12:00pm, 1:00pm – 4:30pm

Contact: Veronicap@joburg.org.za | 011 435 9487 | 011 435 9485 | friendsofjameshallmuseum@gmail.com

Website: http://www.jhmt.org.za/

Admission: Free (Donations asked to go toward projects)

All ages.

Johannesburg Planetarium (Braamfontein)

(Temporarily Closed for renovations)

This is an educational and exciting day out for the kids. You will learn all about space, the planets and the stars. Current studies will also be shown. The Johannesburg Planetarium is a planetarium owned by the University of the Witwatersrand, located on the University's East Campus in Braamfontein, Johannesburg. It was the first full-sized planetarium in Africa, and the second in the southern hemisphere.

Yale Rd, Johannesburg, 2001

Fri 8pm; Sat 3pm; kids' show Sat 10.30am

Contact: planet@planetarium.co.za | 011 717 1390

Website: http://www.planetarium.co.za/

Space Travel show: R40 per person Adults R55 Children / Scholars / Students / Seniors R40 Groups (20+) R40 [pay in one lump sum, booking essential]

Temporarily closed for renovations, prices may change

For Kids 5 and up.

Carlton Centre (Marshalltown)

The best views of Johannesburg from the top of Africa's tallest building: see the mining belt along the gold reef, the FNB Stadium (Africa's largest), Gandhi Square, the skylines of Braamfontein, Hillbrow and Sandton, and more

Their City Sightseeing guide (on the red bus) will meet you at the bus stop and take you to the top storey. It’s not for the feint hearted but its enough for kids to learn the history of their beautiful city through large windows!

Carlton Centre, 150 Commissioner St, Marshalltown, Johannesburg, 2000

Opening hours: Monday-Wednesday: Closed, Thursday: 7:00 am - 7:00 pm, Friday: 8:00 am - 7:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday: 7:00 am - 7:00 pm

Contact: info@citysightseeing.co.za | +27 (0)11 308 1331 | +27 (0)11 331 2348

Website:CitySightseeing

R30 per person, R20 per person for groups

All ages.

Get going and just have fun!

Northgate Ice Rink (Northriding)

No matter what the day, be it Summer or Winter, ice skating is a very entertaining, social, fun and fitness friendly place to be....

They have so much to offer, learn to skate academies, birthday parties, corporate functions, broomball, figure skating, ice hockey, they host numerous events throughout the year, there is something for everyone...

Northgate Shopping Centre, Northumberland Ave, North Riding, Johannesburg, 2162

Session Times: 9:30 - 11:30, 12:00 - 14:00, 14:30 - 16:30, 17:00 - 19:00 (Fri/Sat only), 19:30 - 22:00

Contact: northgate@theicerink.co.za | 011 794 8706

Website: http://theicerink.co.za/wp/

Entrance Fee: 105 Skate Hire: 50

All levels.

So go on out and explore an inexpensive side of Johannesburg. These are only a few things to do which I know my boys absolutely adore! surprise them, get them excited, do it as a small close nit family or invite larger groups of friends and make it an outing. Whether on holiday or just for the weekend, Enjoy... we know we will.