Things to do with Kids this Spring in Johannesburg
What's on in Johannesburg this Spring
Driving through JHB at the moment is my favourite time of the year. All the shades of reds, browns and golds are slowly turning to bright purples, pinks and greens. It also reminds me that this time 2 years ago I was heavily pregnant and waiting for my Spring Baby to arrive and bring much colourful joy to our lives. I am sure this is how we all feel about September and the start of Spring. A feeling of new beginnings in a tiresome year. If you are wondering how and where you should be spending your quality family time, we have found an amazing list of places and events which will happily see your family through the Spring.
One of the best parts of September is the very South African Braai Day weekend for Heritage day! What are you doing to celebrate?
(See what's on in Johannesburg, Durban and on the Garden Route this Spring)
Read our Things to do With Kids under R100 in JHB and Inexpensive outdoor activities for families for other ideas of what to do!
Spending the holiday in another part of our beautiful country? Read our guides: Things to do with Kids this Spring in Cape Town, Things to do with Kids this Spring in Durban and Things to do with Kids this Spring in the Garden Route.
What’s on this Spring 2019
September - November 2019
LIFESTYLE
Muddy Puppy, (Krugersdorp)
The Muddy Puppy is an obstacle course fun run that gives dogs and their walkers the chance to enjoy being outdoors. Running a distance of 2 to 4km and consisting of obstacles with crawling, climbing, jumping, slipping, sliding, wagging, barking and lots and lots of mud. Medals and treats to all finishers.
Children under 6 are free |R90 Children under 12 | R160 Online | R200 entry fee on the day.
When: 29 September 2019 7am to 12pm
Where: Walkhaven Dark Park, Zwartkop, Krugersdorp
Who: Child to Adult (6 years and above)
For more information: call 072 537 0122
Website: Mud Puppy
La Veneziana: Ice Cream Tasting Event (Magaliesburg)
All it takes is 30 – 40 minutes to comfortably enjoy an ice-cream tasting experience tasting at La Veneziana’s most traditional and creative flavours together with your loved ones. The ice-cream tasting event will not only give you a chance to bring out your inner connoisseur as you taste various ice creams and hand baked puddings off their menu, it will also give you the possibility to buy your favourite flavours straight from their factory shop, with many bargains not to be missed out on.
R55 ages 12+ | R35 ages 3 – 12 | Free Children under 3
When: 24 Aug, 11am-3pm (This event forms part of Magalies rocks the cradle)
Where: La Veneziana Ice Cream, Magaliesburg
Who: Toddler to Adult
For more information: call 082 604 5670
Website: https://www.laveneziana.co.za/ice-cream-tasting
The Sandy Land Getaway 2 (Sun City, North West)
Sandy Land getaway is a full day trip to Sun City. The road trip usually leaves Park Station in Joburg, stops at the coolest craft village, Cameleon village, where you find all sorts of African hand made products and then makes its way to Sun City. A day of relaxing and fun in the Valley of the Waves, in the wave pool and on the slides.
R400 per seat | Kids and Family Packages available | Your ticket covers the entrance to the resort and the Valley of the Waves.
When: 28 September, 7am – 5pm
Where: Bus Leaves from Park Station (Johannesburg), Event is in Sun City (North West)
Who: Toddler to Adult
For more information: email danbrsmalemo@gmail.com
Website: The Sandy Land Getaway 2
World of Golf (Johannesburg)
In Jo’Burg you will find 18 hectares of land dedicated to fun, family, friends, play, the outdoors, leisure and sport. The venue is themed around the game of golf, World of Golf is the leading golf and family leisure park in South Africa. Also, one of the best choices when it comes to a kids party venue.
Where: Maxwell Dr, Waterval 5-Ir, Midrand
More Information: World of Golf
Swartkrans Go-Karts (Krugersdorp)
Kids will have access to a monster 700m track! The longest and most exciting Go-kart track in Gauteng! The venue is also a great kids party venue and as from the 6 July 2019, and then every Saturday thereafter, they will be hosting the Cradle Market.
Where: 56 Hekpoort Road Krugersdorp
More Information: Swartkrans Go-Karts
Movie Under the Stars (Rosebank)
It will be a fun filled night to remember! Food, popcorn, sweets and drinks will be on sale at the venue. No food or drinks will be allowed into the venue. Picnic blankets and chairs will be allowed. Patrons with chairs will be asked to sit towards the back of the field so as not to obscure the view of the screen for other patrons.
Schedule:
4pm Venue opens
6pm Film 1 (family movie)
8pm Film 2 (PG 10 movie)
10:30 Venue closes
R125 per person | R400 for four people |Tickets include entrance for both films
When: 30 August, 4pm-10:30pm
Where: 13 Jellicoe Ave, Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2196
Who: Tween to Adult
For more information: call 011 788 1120
Website: http://www.rosebankprimary.co.za
EXHIBITION FESTIVALS
Comic Con Africa & Kids Con (Midrand)
Comic Con Africa focuses on all elements of pop culture, including cosplay, comic books, anime, manga, other creatives, film & series, games (including video and esports) and books/authors.
Kids Con is the first and entirely Kid focused convention in Africa, KidsCon is taking the term ‘fun and games’ to the next level. The interactive four-day convention is geared to celebrating and inspiring all kids to embrace the superhero within and to cosplay along with those who are older, but still kids at heart.
R160 single day pass | R500 4 day pass – A ticket to Comic Con Africa gives you access to the Kids Con Hall.
Kids 6 and under enter for free.
When: 21 to 24 September, 9am
Where: Gallagher Convention Centre, 19 Richards Drive, Halfway House, Midrand, Johannesburg.
Who: Toddler to Adult
For more information: call 011 5498300
Website: Comic Con Africa & Kids Con
Kyalami 9 hour (Midrand)
Fans of racing can expect two days of jam-packed race track activity including a support race, qualifying laps, celebrity hot laps, team activation's and grid walks, all leading up to the 9 hour race on 23rd November.
Alongside the race activity is an extensive programme filled with entertainment for all the family to join in on, including consumer activation's, a main stage hosting South Africa’s hottest bands and DJs, a Kid’s Zone, bars and food trucks plus plenty of outdoor fun.
Cost: R160 – R8280 | Tickets vary according to days and access | Children under 3 years enter free.
When: 21st - 23rd November 2019, 8am -11pm
Where: Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit, Allendale Road, Kyalami Estate, Midrand
Who: Toddler to Adult
For more information: call 0861234695
Website: Kyalami 9 hour
JHB also has these amazing kids indoor play areas you could visit. Maybe you feel like a little less sunshine or the weather isn’t exactly sunny and bright.
LIVE SHOWS
Peppa Pig (Kempton Park)
More fun than a muddy puddle! It’s going to be a BIG day out as the smash theatrical Peppa Pig Live tour returns to South Africa as Ackermans presents “Peppa Pig’s BIG DAY OUT”. This action-packed live stage show is especially designed to give young fans an unforgettable first live theatre experience ... Fans will be laughing, cheering and dancing – just like Peppa!
Tickets range from R99-R399.
When: 20 - 29 September, 10am, 1pm and 6pm
Where: Theatre of Marcellus at Emperors Palace, Kempton Park, Johannesburg
Who: All Ages (Prams are not allowed in the venue)
For more information: email info@peppapiglive.co.za
Website: Peppa Pig, Things to do With Kids
Journey Beyond – a Symphonic Circus (Braamfontein)
Journey Beyond is an extraordinary artistic collaboration between Zip Zap Circus and the Johannesburg Youth Orchestra. Journey Beyond will be performed for the first time ever at the Joburg Theatre, as part of Heritage month. Journey Beyond artfully blends mesmerising choregraphed circus acts with orchestral masterpieces, amplified by soloist Zolani Mahola from Freshlyground. This Symphonic Circus will captivate, thrill and transcend audiences beyond their imaginations.
R165-R320 | Early bird, Family packages, Special price Pensioners/Students and Scholars tickets available.
When: 20-22 September, 3pm or 7:30pm
Where: Mandela Theatre, Joburg Theatre, Braamfontein
Who: Tween to Adult
For more information: call 0827757502
Website: Journey Beyond – a Symphonic Circus
Story Book Theatre (Braamfontein)
A show featuring beloved, timeless tales like Rumpelstiltskin, The Emperors New Clothes, The Princess and the Pea and more. The aim is to inspire children to read and to share the wonder of books. The show sees interaction between the cast and the audience, who become an integral part of the show. The classics are brought to life through the use of engaging narration, music, movement, puppetry and audience interaction. Story Book Theatre is aimed at children aged 3 to 10.
R149 | R100 for members of the Peoples Theatre Kids Club (R120 membership fee)
When: 2 to 29 September, 9am and 11am
Where: Johannesburg Theatre Complex, Loveday Street, Braamfontein
Who: Toddler to Adult
For more information: call 011 403 1563
Website: Story Book Theatre
PICNIC FESTIVALS
Aardklop Arts Festival 2019 (Potchefstroom)
Aardklop is one of South Africa’s biggest and most popular Afrikaans arts festivals. Top South African actors and musicians perform in new and beloved theatre and music productions. There will be a variety of entertainment from theatre, music and visual arts to book and current affair discussions, children’s theatre and lifestyle experiences.
R50 per day | R75 week pass | Kids U12 free | All events have their own costs.
When: 24 to 28 September, All events have their own times
Where: All events have their own venues, Potschefstroom
Who: Tween to Adult
For more information: call 0875270023
Website: Aardklop Arts Festival 2019
Change Colours Kiddies Pool & Braai Picnic (Germiston)
Change Colours Kiddies Pool & Braai Picnic is a kiddies event for ages (1-15 years ). The venue will be furnished with kids activities, pools, zip line, ice skating and more. It is a fun day for the kids and parents. The kids get to have a good time with parents enjoy a braai and good background music.
R80 – R350 | Adults enter for free | All children need to be accompanied by an adult.
When: 9 November, 11am – 7pm
Where: Leondale Sports Grounds, Germiston
Who: Baby to Teen
For more information: call 082 973 2623
Website: Change Colours Kiddies Pool & Braai Picnic
Founders Hill Family Festival & Pyro Spectacular (Modderfontein)
Founders Hill brings you Founders Hill Family Festival, an epic event for the whole family filled with music, food and entertainment. SA's greatest upcoming DJs and artists. Entertainment for the whole family will be provided. Laser Light Pyro Spectacular, inflatables for kiddies, craft stalls, live music and all sorts of food on sale
R81-R259 | All ages welcome
When: 7 September, 2pm-8pm
Where: Founders Hill School, Lethabong
Who: All ages
For more information: call 011 447 6651
Fleurenville Spring Day Festival & Market (Montana)
Come enjoy a fun day out to celebrate the arrival of spring. Visitors can expect a memorable day out, with a variety of products and food to purchase at the market. Fun activities for the whole family will include a jumping castle, photo booth, face painting, games, jukskei, putt-putt, croquet, lucky draws, a best spring hat competition and much more. The day will end off in the evening with a community braai. The day’s entertainment will include performances from local artists and performing groups, including the Gumboot Dancers and non-stop excitement from the MC, Greunen Parker.
Adults R20 | Children R10
When: 5 October, All day from 9:30am
Where: Corner 3rd and Jan Bantjies, Montana, Pretoria
Who: All ages
For more information: call 012 943 8700
Website: Fleurenville Festival & Market
Zoo Lake Family Braai Picnic & Colour Festival (Parkview)
Family Braai Picnic is South Africa’s Biggest Braai and Picnic travel event, an extraordinary movement that promotes family social activities and gatherings. Young people from various backgrounds will have the opportunity to network over braai, drinks, music and non toxic colour powder! Everyone is welcome. The event is a bring & braai picnic. So bring along your braai packs, picnic baskets, snacks, drinks, camp chairs, gazebo and anything else you think you’ll need for a day out in the park.
R50 Kids | R60 Adult |Family and Group packages available.
When: 14 September, 10am-5pm
Where: Zoo Lake, Parkview, Johannesburg
Who: All ages
For more information: call 076 327 0392
Fire and Feast Meat and food festival (Northriding)
2019’s festival will host a line-up of culturally diverse chefs each chosen for their talent and expertise in taste and technique. This quintessential proudly South African weekend-long love affair of meat, fire, braais and music promises to be the event of the year for all discerning diners, foodies, braai-masters, butchers and industry experts.
Eat, meat, feast and repeat at the ultimate meat, braai and music celebration.
Adults - R100 | Students&Pensioners: R80 | Kids U12: R20
When: 6-8 September, 10am – 6pm
Where: TicketPro Dome
Who: All ages (Baby changing facilities available)
For more information: call 011 794 5800 or email on info@ticketprodome.co.za
And if you love that picnic and braai but prefer less crowds than at these festivals, try out these family friendly picnic spots in Johannesburg
- Johannesburg’s Favourite Braai Spots for Winter Excursions
- Johannesburg's Favourite Picnic Spots - Things to do With Kids
HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES
The Kids Gym (Fourways)
Healthy Living Day
Join us for an afternoon of food, fun and fitness at our Healthy living day. Kids get to enjoy the gym under supervision. Adults will attend a healthy snack demo as well as plant based food demo. Goodie bags and lots of prizes to be won.
R150 | R50 for kids | Members can attend for free but booking is essential.
When:18 August, 12:30pm -2:30pm
Where: The Kids Gym
Who: 18 months to 15 years
Skipping Clinic
Beginners to advanced all welcome! Come learn to skip or if you can skip come learn some fun tricks. Lots of fun to be had. BringWater Bottle and Kids Gym Socks if you have.
R200.00 incl snack & lunch | Members receive a 50% discount
When:12 August, 9:00am – 1pm
Where: The Kids Gym
Who: Ages 5 to Teen
Ninja Clinic
Come hone your Ninja Skills! We’ll be working on lots of cool Ninja skills and having lots of fun too! It will build self esteem, strength and teach boys and girls all the tricks of the trade on how to become a true ninja. Join them for a class of obstacle courses, jumping, rolling, climbing and so much more. Bring Water Bottle and Kids Gym Socks if you have.
R200.00 incl snack & lunch |Members will receive a 50% discount but booking is essential.
When:13 August, 9am – 1pm
Where: The Kids Gym
Who: Ages 5 to Teen
Tumbling Clinic
This is for ALL LEVELS and for all boys and girls! Come work on handsprings, somersaults and twists or learn the basics! BringWater Bottle and Kids Gym Socks if you have.
R200.00 incl snack & lunch |50% discount applies to members but booking is essential.
When:14 August, 9am -1pm
Where: The Kids Gym
Who: Ages 4 to Teen
Ball Skills Clinic
Our Ball Skills Clinic will focus on the fundamental skills necessary for success in all ball skills. We will work on a rotating basis and will focus on hitting, throwing, catching and ball control. Bring water bottle and Kids Gym Socks if you have.
R200.00 incl snack & lunch |50% discount applies to members but booking is essential.
When:15 August, 9am – 1pm
Where: The Kids Gym
Who: Ages 4 to Teen
Holiday Club
It’s almost time for HOLIDAY CLUB again! Join us for one day, five days or for all ten days using the links below.
Themes for each day are as follows:
Monday, 19 August: Fun Olympics
Tuesday, 20 August: Skip Champions
Wednesday, 21 August: Superheros
Thursday, 22 August: Pyjama Day
Friday, 23 August: Ninja Day
Monday, 26 August: Disney Day
Tuesday, 27 August: Circus Day
Wednesday, 28 August: Pirate Day
Thursday, 29 August: Star Wars
Friday, 30 August: Ninja Day
R150 (Excluding Lunch) or R200 (Including Lunch) |
Holiday Club All 10 Days: Price From R1350-R1800
When:19-30August, 8am -1pm
Where: The Kids Gym
Who: 18 months to Teen
For more information: Call 010 601 6444
Address: The Kids Gym, Cedar Square, Fourways
Website: The Kids Gym Johannesburg
Laps4Cows - Cliffview Primary (Randburg)
This event will be a multi-disciplined event targeted at Primary School going children (assisted, if necessary, by their parents) All schools are invited.
5 Separate Events,
- Cycle
- Run
- Run/Cycle/Run
- Climbing and Siding a GIANT Inflatable
- Up and Down Stairs.
Each event will last for 30mins indicated by a horn or hooter. Food stalls, coffee truck, tuck shops and entertainment like jumping castles and clamber club for littles are available. Family day of fun.
R20 per discipline | It is encouraged that all participants to do all events however they will accept at least 3 of the 5 events to be participated in.
When: 14 September, 9am-2pm
Where: Cliffview Primary School, Fairlands, Randburg
Who: Tween to Teen
For more information: call 083 258 6771 or visit
Website: Laps4Cows - Cliffview Primary
Visit a Child-Friendly Restaurant, Johannesburg
Having fun and enjoying all the spring events? why not pop into one of these restaurant or coffee shops. Sit down relax and let the kids play, because these restaurants in this blog are all child-friendly.
Have fun and keep in touch with social media! Facebook: @thingstodowithkids, Twitter @thingstodo_kids and Instagram @thingstodowithkids.
