Here are some child-friendly destinations in Johannesburg. Johannesburg is a hive of activity, there are so many outdoor activities for families to enjoy. Whether we are in the thick of winter or the scorching heat of Summer, there is something for everyone to explore.
Child-Friendly Destinations In Johannesburg
PwC Bike Park
The PwC Bike Park is Gauteng’s home of adventure and skills for mountain bikers, trail runners, corporate events and kid’s parties. Whether you’re a member, visiting for the day, renting a bike or testing out your new 29er – there is something here for everyone.
City ROCKÂ
The tallest indoor climbing gym in Africa, CityROCK Johannesburg is a world-class facility complete with the best coffee in town.
If you’ve never climbed or you’ve never seen the inside of a world-class climbing gym. CityROCK is worth a visit! The design and height of the walls (and let’s not forget the coffee) will leave you excited and eager to jump onto a route.
Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens
This Botanical Garden was founded in 1982, but has been a popular venue for outings since the 1800’s. The Garden has been voted the best place to get back to nature in Gauteng for 9 years in a row.
The Lion Park
Get closer than you could ever imagine to Africa’s most incredible wildlife. Feel the breath of the lion and the thundering of the gnu’s hoofs, all from the safety of our guided game drive or your own vehicle.
Think about the sunshine. Fresh air. Grassy planes. Think lions, cheetahs and birds of prey, waiting to be discovered, explored and understood – for real.
Acrobranch
The first ever Acrobranch in South Africa is situated in the picturesque James and Ethel Gray Park in Melrose. Acrobranch is an exciting aerial adventure where zip lines, Tarzan swings, nets, bridges and other fun obstacles take children and adults from tree to tree. Come discover an original outdoor activity which tests your balance, strength and focus.
Johannesburg ZooÂ
The Joburg Zoo situated in the leafy northern suburb of Johannesburg covers 55 hectares of land. The zoo was founded in 1904 when the land was donated by the firm of Herman Ekstein.
The Zoo is managed within the Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo entity and is part of the Community Development structure of the City of Johannesburg.
The Zoo houses over 320 species of animals and is internationally accredited and highly respected for its husbandry practices of maintaining a high standard of animal welfare, nutrition and ethical conduct, ensuring the physical and psychological well-being of all its animals.
The Joburg Zoo is committed to playing an important role of conservation projects for indigenous and worldwide endangered animals.
As a popular tourist attraction for edutainment, the zoo offers visitors day and night tours, school holiday programmes, venue hire and regular events for the public.
Cradle of Humankind
The Cradle of Humankind region in South Africa, which is approximately 90 minutes’ drive from the Johannesburg city centre, offers visitors the opportunity to learn about stones and bones, while wining and dining in tranquil surroundings. You can also try out a range of adrenaline-pumping activities, have a beautiful wedding, discover a range of wonderful wildlife, experience cultural activities and browse crafts.
Gold Reef City theme park
The Gold Reef City theme park in Johannesburg has some of South Africa’s fastest, biggest, most twisting and turning thrill rides. There is an abundance of adventures to be had at Gold Reef City!
Join the young at heart and test-drive any of the more than thirty thrilling rides at our theme park. Whether you want family friendly, kiddies rides or the biggest adrenalin rush, there is a ride for everyone at Gold Reef City.
Montecasino Bird ParkÂ
The Montecasino Bird Gardens, in Fourways Johannesburg, is the only bird park of its kind in Africa. It is a popular family entertainment attraction where visitors can walk along enchanting elevated wooden walkways within magnificent gardens and marvel at a variety of colourful birds, mammals, reptiles and unusual animals from around the world.
The walk-through aviary boasts over 100 species of birds including Scarlet Ibises, and Nicobar pigeons, snakes, colourful frogs and small animals like iguanas, marmosets and tamarins, with smaller antelope wandering freely in the undergrowth. There are daily bird shows -‘Flights of Fantasy’, which feature pelicans, vultures, cranes and owls, and school holiday programs are also offered.
For plant lovers, the Bird Gardens features the largest, most diverse private collection of South African Cycads in the world.
Visitors can enjoy a light meal and refreshments at Flamingo Café , which overlooks the Flamingo Pond and also caters to kids’ birthday parties.
Croc City Crocodile & Reptile Park
Croc City was founded by Anton and Marietjie Lötter over a decade ago; the couple have been there for more than 16 years.
The entrepreneurial duo soon discovered a huge tourist market for their industry and one of the founders and co-owner of the reptilian refuge Marietjie Lötter explained that the origin of the animals in the Park and their facilities are exclusively for the benefit of visitors.
The Johannesburg Planetarium
The history of the Wits Planetarium begins in the year 1956, when the Festival Committee, instituted to organise the celebrations in that year of the seventieth anniversary of the founding of the city, decided that it would be most fitting to mark the occasion by raising the funds needed to buy and house a Zeiss Planetarium.
Steam train adventure
Reefsteamers was established at the old loco shed in Germiston. The main objective is to preserve and rebuild old steam locomotives. They also run special day and weekend trips for private persons and Companies to various destinations in order to fund their activities. This organization comprises of people from all walks of life such as business executives, engineers, accountants and pensioners, most of whom spent many years in the employ of the Railways. All work is done on a voluntary basis and no one is paid any remuneration whatsoever.
Sightseeing Johannesburg Red bus
Explore & Discover the Carlton Center, Apartheid Museum, Constitution Hill and much more!
Official City tour on the Double Decker Hop on – Hop off Bus, Soweto and more. Hop onto our open top red bus and explore the City of Gold, as she is affectionately known.
With over 16 stops, and taking you to over 20 of Johannesburg’s top attractions, the bus allows you to hop-on and hop-off at your leisure. Safe, fun, educational and convenient. It could not be any easier to get to Johannesburg’s top attractions.
James Hall Museum of Transport
The James Hall Museum of Transport in Johannesburg is the largest and most comprehensive museum of land transport in South Africa. It was established by the Late Jimmie Hall together with the City of Johannesburg in February 1964.
The JHMT gives visitors a rare glimpse of Johannesburg’s transport history, dating back more than a century. The museum is the most comprehensive land transport museum in South Africa, with thematic displays and exhibits in the various exhibition halls.
These child-friendly destinations in Johannesburg are perfect to add to the family “bucket” list. I would love your feedback, please let me know in the comments below.
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