Family-Friendly Shows & Holiday Theatre in Gauteng
Here are some wonderful family-friendly shows to enjoy this summer. These performances add a bit of magic to your Gauteng holiday plans and are perfect for parents looking for fun things to do with kids.
The Nutcracker at Montecasino (Johannesburg)
South Africa’s finest classical dancers and renowned international guest stars collaborate to bring Tchaikovsky’s enchanting score to life. Cape Ballet Africa featuring international guests stars presents The Nutcracker at Montecasino from 04 December 2025, a must-see addition to any Gauteng school holiday guide. Dazzling choreography and stunning costumes complement the enchanting score in this brand new production. From the iconic “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” to the vibrant “Waltz of the Flowers,” every moment is a visual feast for families searching for things to do with kids in Gauteng this festive season. With stage direction and choreography by the London based Maina Gielgud, and magnificent sets designed by Michael Mitchell, this timeless tradition captures the wonder and joy of the December holidays.
Where: Teatro at Montecasino
When: 04 to 21 December 2025
Who: Suitable for all ages over three years.
Wallet: From R220 to R690 per ticket.
Outdoor Adventure Activities for Kids in Gauteng
These outdoor attractions are great for sunny days and energetic young explorers. They’re perfect for families wanting to enjoy fresh air, excitement and memorable moments.
Acrobranch Outdoor Adventure – Johannesburg and Pretoria
Soak up the summer vibes with a 2-hour treetop adventure at Acrobranch! From little explorers aged three and up to thrill-seeking adults, these outdoor experiences are perfect for summer holiday activities for kids and families looking for energetic things to do with kids in Johannesburg and Pretoria. Courses include ziplines, rope swings and high-flying obstacles suited to all fitness levels. It is a popular choice for birthdays, school outings, team building or a sunny day of fun with your favourite people.
Summer Special: Get 25% off all treetop adventures with promo code: WithKids25.
Valid until 31 Jan 2026
Where: All 12 Acrobranch Parks (Gauteng | Western Cape | KZN | North West) Their Western Cape play and party venues include Constantia Nek in Cape Town, Timberlake Organic Village on the Garden Route, and Stellenbosch Adventure Park at Klein Joostenberg Farm in the Cape Winelands
When: Current – 31 Jan 2026
Who: Kids (3 yrs+), Teens & Adults
Wallet: Depends on course selected (From R 136 – R 288 p/p)
Embrace the rush and see why everyone’s getting #hooked on Acrobranch!
Oh… before we forget, you can also…
Family Venues & Party Spots in Gauteng
These venues are perfect for celebrations or relaxed weekend fun. They offer beautiful spaces, great facilities and a family-friendly atmosphere.
LIEDJIETUIN Party Venue (Pretoria)
Discover the FAK Meander with Songs (Liedjietuin), a beautiful rose and cultural garden celebrating Afrikaans music, language and heritage. This unique venue near the Voortrekker Monument offers space for 100 to 150 guests in the garden and up to 50 in the cozy lapa, making it perfect for kids’ parties, birthdays, anniversaries, weddings or special celebrations. The boma, jungle gym, small stage and braai facilities, surrounded by granite slabs engraved with beloved Afrikaans song lyrics, make it a standout option for Gauteng family activities.
Where: Pretoria – Voortrekker Monument
Who: For the whole family
Wallet: We have different packages available.
STOKKIESDRAAI Party Venue (Pretoria)
Take a break and enjoy Stokkiesdraai, a family-friendly lapa venue near the Voortrekker Monument in Pretoria. It is ideal for parents looking for relaxed family friendly activities in Gauteng and unique places to host kids holiday activities. Perfect for small events like birthdays, baby showers, braais, or family reunions, this cozy hideaway offers stunning views and a relaxed atmosphere. The venue hosts up to 35 guests and features a fire pit, braai facilities, bathrooms, and an outdoor washing area. Ideal for families looking for unique event venues in Pretoria, Stokkiesdraai makes every gathering special. Choose from a range of affordable packages to plan your perfect celebration today.
Where: Pretoria – Voortrekker Monument
Who: For the whole family
Wallet: We have different packages available.
Indoor Play Parks & Active Fun for Kids in Gauteng
Indoor adventures are perfect for hot days, rainy days or when the kids just need to burn off energy. These parks offer all-weather excitement.
be.UP Cresta (Johannesburg)
be.UP Cresta is Johannesburg’s vibrant indoor trampoline and adventure park, making it one of the best indoor things to do with kids in Gauteng this summer. Packed with wall-to-wall trampolines, giant slides, Aerial Games and a standout giant maze, it is a favourite destination for kids holiday activities in Johannesburg. Open daily with extended hours during school holidays, it’s your one-stop spot for energetic, all-weather fun.
Where: Cresta Shopping Centre, Cnr Beyers Naudé Drive & Weltevreden Rd, Cresta, Randburg
When: From 9am daily
Who: Kids of all ages and families
Wallet: From R55–R155 per person
Rush Greenstone (Johannesburg)
Rush is South Africa’s premier indoor trampoline and adventure park, the ultimate kids holiday activity and a fun way to stay active this summer. It is a top choice for summer holiday activities for kids in Gauteng, especially for families looking for active family activities. Rush features wall-to-wall trampolines, indoor climbing walls, and high-energy activities for all ages, from toddlers to adults. Open throughout the week (excluding Mondays) with extended hours during school holidays, it’s the perfect destination for families searching for things to do with kids in Johannesburg that offer both fun and fitness. Entry includes all-access tickets, so you can enjoy every area without paying extra.
Where: Greenstone Mall, Cnr Modderfontein Rd & Van Riebeeck Ave Greenstone Hill, Modderfontein, Edenvale, Johannesburg
Who: Kids of all ages and families
Wallet: From R160–R200 per person
Total Ninja – Holiday Club (Johannesburg)
The Ultimate Holiday Club is one of the top kids holiday activities in Gauteng this December. Perfect for active kids aged four and up, Total Ninja keeps little ones busy with obstacle challenges, team games and exciting all day activities. The programme includes snacks, a hot meal and a pair of Total Ninja grip socks. This is a great solution for parents looking for structured summer holiday activities for kids during the December and January school holidays.
- 8–12 December 2025: Two sessions: 8:30 AM–1 PM or 1:30–6:00 PM
- 5–9 January 2026: One session: 8:30 AM–1 PM
Where: Total Ninja Stoneridge; Kolonade and Northgate
When: December & January School Holidays
Who: Kids aged 4+ ready for adventure
Wallet: R350 per day or R1500 for five days — SAVE R250!
It’s time to jump, climb, swing, and play like a true Ninja these holidays!
Special Events & Must-See Attractions in Gauteng This Summer
For something unique and exciting, these special events bring extra holiday magic to your summer plans.
Life-Size LEGO® Mercedes-AMG F1 Car Arrives in Johannesburg
Johannesburg families are in for a treat this summer! A life-size LEGO® Technic Mercedes-AMG F1 W14 E Performance car is one of the most exciting things to do with kids in Johannesburg this holiday season. Built from more than 190 000 LEGO bricks, this impressive attraction is ideal for LEGO lovers, racing fans and families exploring Gauteng summer holiday activities. Expect detailed design, interactive zones and hands on fun for kids looking for December holiday excitement.
Where: Nelson Mandela Square (16 Nov – 3 Dec) and Sandton City (5 – 28 Feb)
When: Summer Holiday Season
Who: LEGO lovers, racing fans, and families looking for a memorable day out
Wallet: Free to visit, with optional LEGO activities and a pop-up LEGO store
Get ready to build, race and test your reflexes with:
• LEGO Build Stations
• High-speed championship racing ramps
• Reflex challenges inspired by real F1 skills
This is a must visit highlight for your Gauteng school holiday guide, offering creativity, engineering and memorable family fun at life size scale.
Discover Even More Family Fun in Gauteng This Summer
Looking for fresh ideas to keep the kids busy these school holidays? Gauteng is packed with fun, family-friendly activities that are budget conscious and memory rich. Whether you’re in Johannesburg or Pretoria, there’s always something exciting around the corner.
Family-Friendly Restaurants in Gauteng Where Kids Eat Free
If you’re planning a full day out with the kids, a great meal stop makes the adventure even better. Gauteng has plenty of family-friendly restaurants that welcome little ones with play areas, open spaces and relaxed vibes — and even better, some of them offer kids-eat-free deals. To help you stretch your holiday budget, explore our guide to the Top 10 Family-Friendly Restaurants in Gauteng Where Kids Eat Free. It’s the perfect add-on to your summer plans, giving you delicious, affordable dining options the whole family will love.
Must-Visit Family Markets in Gauteng
Family markets are a fantastic way to spend a relaxed morning or afternoon together. Many Gauteng markets offer great food, live entertainment, kids’ play zones and plenty of space for little ones to explore. They’re ideal for families looking for budget-friendly weekend outings during the summer holidays.
Take a look at our full list of Must-Visit Family Markets in Gauteng to discover the best spots for fresh produce, crafts, good coffee and child-friendly fun.
Party Venues for Kids in Gauteng
If you are planning a birthday celebration or a special family gathering, Gauteng has a wide range of venues designed with families in mind. From indoor play centres and creative studios to outdoor gardens and adventure spaces, these venues make it easy to host a memorable event. Many offer themed packages, catering options and safe play areas, giving parents a hassle free way to celebrate.
Take a look at our guide to the Best Party Venues in Gauteng to find the perfect spot for your next celebration.
