Gauteng Winter Guide 2026: Things to Do With Kids This Winter

Smiling child in orange winter clothing holding paper snowflakes for the Gauteng Winter Travel and Entertainment Guide by Things to Do With Kids.

Looking for things to do with kids in Gauteng this winter? The June and July school holidays are the perfect time to swap screen time for memory-making adventures, cosy indoor play, active holiday clubs, family shows and outdoor fun in the winter sunshine.

From treetop adventures and football challenges to LEGO® creativity, ninja-style obstacle courses and magical stage entertainment, this Gauteng Winter Guide is packed with family-friendly activities in Johannesburg, Pretoria and surrounds.

Outdoor Adventures for Kids in Gauteng

Acrobranch: Treetop Adventures for the Whole Family

Young child ziplining through a treetop adventure course, enjoying an outdoor family activity for the Gauteng Winter Guide.

Beat the winter chill with a two-hour treetop adventure at Acrobranch. Families can climb, swing, balance and zip through the branches while taking on high ropes, tricky crossings and exciting ziplines.

This is a great option for active kids who love a challenge, and it also helps build balance, strength, coordination and self-confidence. Qualified instructors provide a safety briefing before the adventure starts and offer on-course support while guests climb. Acrobranch offers treetop adventure parks across South Africa, with courses suitable from age three through to adults.

When: Wednesday to Sunday, 09:00–17:00, including public holidays and public school holidays
Where: 13 parks across South Africa, including Gauteng
Who: Kids aged 3+ to adults
Wallet: R170 to R360 per person

Indoor Activities for Kids in Johannesburg

Mall of Africa: The Goal Zone

The Goal Zone football event at Mall of Africa, featuring a player on an indoor soccer field for winter family fun.

Football fans, this one is for you. The Goal Zone at Mall of Africa transforms the Food Court into an indoor astroturf-style football arena for the winter school holidays.

Families can enjoy seven soccer-themed stations: Speed Kick, Beat the Keeper, Reflex Wall, Through the Hoops, Footgolf, Sit Down Soccer and Keepie Uppies. Expect skill-building, friendly rivalry, daily competitions, live leaderboards and spot prizes. The activation runs from 3 to 13 July 2026, with tickets available onsite at R50 per participant. The first 100 participants each day receive a Krispy Kreme Original Glazed doughnut customisation.

When: 3–13 July 2026, daily from 10:00–20:00
Where: Food Court, Mall of Africa, Waterfall City
Who: Kids, teens and adults
Wallet: R50 per participant, tickets sold onsite

be.UP Cresta: Unlimited Winter Holiday Play

Children jumping on trampolines at be.UP Cresta indoor play park, a fun winter activity for families in Gauteng.

For families looking for indoor things to do with kids in Johannesburg, be.UP Cresta offers a full day of movement, creativity and adventure. Kids can explore trampolines, climbing challenges, obstacle courses, a giant maze and interactive play experiences in a safe indoor environment.

The be.Epic winter holiday offer gives guests unlimited play time, making it ideal for toddlers, preschoolers, school kids, teens and parents who want an energetic all-weather outing.

When: 22 June 2026 – 24 July 2026
Where: be.UP Park Cresta
Who: Toddlers, preschoolers, school kids, teens and adults
Wallet: R215 per person

Rush Greenstone: Unlimited Jumping Fun

Keep kids moving this winter with Unlimited Rush at Rush Greenstone. This indoor trampoline and adventure park is a great school holiday activity for families, friends and thrill-seekers.

Guests can enjoy trampolines, dodgeball courts, slam dunk zones, foam pits, climbing walls and more. Rush Greenstone is located at Greenstone Mall in Johannesburg and offers school holiday opening hours for families looking for active indoor fun.

When: 22 June 2026 – 24 July 2026
Where: Rush Greenstone, Johannesburg
Who: School kids, teens and adults
Wallet: R215 per person

Holiday Clubs in Gauteng

Total Ninja Holiday Club

Three children smiling at Total Ninja indoor obstacle park, a winter holiday club activity for active kids in Gauteng.

The Total Ninja Ultimate Holiday Club is back for the June and July school holidays, giving active kids a structured programme filled with obstacle challenges, team games and ninja-style fun.

This holiday club is ideal for children aged four and up and includes supervised activities, snacks, a hot meal and Total Ninja grip socks. Total Ninja’s 2026 Winter Holiday Club runs from 29 June to 17 July, with morning and afternoon sessions available.

Dates: 29 June – 17 July 2026
Sessions: 08:30–13:00 and 13:30–18:00
Where: All Total Ninja venues in South Africa
Who: Kids aged 4+
Wallet: R350 per day or R1,400 for five days

Family Shows and Special Events in Gauteng

Disney On Ice: Mickey’s Search Party

Disney On Ice Mickey’s Search Party promotional poster featuring Mickey Mouse and Disney characters including Elsa, Moana and Stitch, advertising South African tour dates at SunBet Arena, GrandWest and Durban ICC.

Add a little magic to the winter holidays with Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party at SunBet Arena, Time Square in Menlyn Maine.

Families can join Mickey Mouse and friends on an adventure featuring world-class skating, high-flying acrobatics and favourite stories from Coco, Moana, Frozen, Toy Story, Beauty and the Beast and The Little Mermaid. Ticketmaster lists the Pretoria season at SunBet Arena from 27 June to 5 July 2026.

Where: SunBet Arena at Time Square, Menlyn Maine
When: Saturday, 27 June to Sunday, 5 July 2026
Who: Families and all ages. Every person, regardless of age, needs a show ticket
Wallet: From R200 to R595
Web: Ticketmaster

Or…

LUG LEGO® Exhibition at Sandton City

LEGO minifigures dressed as a dolphin, fish, cat, parrot, and peacock for the zaLUG LEGO exhibition at Sandton City, 27–28 June 2026.

Get ready for a colourful world of creativity as Sandton City hosts the LEGO® Exhibition in Centre Court. This family-friendly event showcases custom-built LEGO® creations by members of the LEGO User Group South Africa community.

Families can look forward to impressive builds, imaginative displays and plenty of photo-worthy moments. Sandton City confirms that the event takes place on 27 and 28 June, with free entry.

When: 27–28 June 2026
Times: Saturday 09:00–19:00, Sunday 09:00–18:00
Where: Sandton City, 83 Rivonia Road, Sandhurst, Sandton
Who: Toddlers, preschoolers, school-aged children, teens, adults and LEGO® fans
Wallet: Free to attend

Party Venues and Family Celebration Spaces in Pretoria

Liedjietuin Party Venue

Collage of Liedjietuin party venue in Pretoria, showing a garden, song plaque, lapa, boma, jungle gym and family celebration setup.

Discover the FAK Meander with Songs, also known as Liedjietuin, a beautiful rose and cultural garden celebrating Afrikaans music, language and heritage.

Located near the Voortrekker Monument, this Pretoria venue is a lovely option for kids’ parties, birthdays, anniversaries, weddings and special family celebrations. The garden can host 100 to 150 guests, while the cosy lapa accommodates up to 50 guests. With a boma, jungle gym, small stage, braai facilities and granite slabs engraved with beloved Afrikaans song lyrics, it offers a memorable setting for families.

Where: Pretoria, near the Voortrekker Monument
Who: The whole family
Wallet: Different packages available

Stokkiesdraai Party Venue

Stokkiesdraai party venue in Pretoria, showing the lapa, stone wall, outdoor gathering space and family celebration area near the Voortrekker Monument.

For smaller celebrations, Stokkiesdraai offers a relaxed lapa venue near the Voortrekker Monument in Pretoria. It is ideal for birthdays, baby showers, braais, family reunions and intimate events.

This cosy hideaway hosts up to 35 guests and includes a fire pit, braai facilities, bathrooms and an outdoor washing area. With beautiful views and a laid-back atmosphere, Stokkiesdraai is a great choice for families searching for unique event venues in Pretoria.

Where: Pretoria, near the Voortrekker Monument
Who: The whole family
Wallet: Different packages available

Plan Your Gauteng Winter Family Fun

Whether your child loves climbing, jumping, building, football, live shows or outdoor celebrations, this guide makes it easier to find things to do with kids in Gauteng this winter. Book early where needed, check age restrictions before you go and keep an eye on venue updates for school holiday specials.

Winter may be chilly, but family time in Gauteng is looking warm, active and full of memory-making moments.

More Things to Do With Kids

Explore more family-friendly ideas on Things to do With Kids:

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