Looking forward to the holidays but feeling a bit worried about your energetic kids driving you up the wall? We’ve rounded up ten great spots where your kids can play to their hearts’ content while you can just sit back and watch them have fun.
1. Cradle of Humankind
Take your little ones to this UNESCO World Heritage Site for a fun, educational introduction to the history of our species. The Maropeng Visitor Centre boasts a world-class exhibition and the standard tour includes a variety of fossils and an underground boat ride.
- Children (4 -14): R65
- Children under 4: Free
Top tip: Buy a combination ticket and see the Sterkfontein Caves as well.
2. Artjamming at Melrose Arch
Get their creative juices flowing with some paintertainment. Participants are provided with 12 different sized canvasses and a choice of non-toxic acrylic paints on tap, as well as brushes and tools.
- Contact Cindy Mullah at 011 648 1608
- Cost: From R135 upward
3. Paintball at The Woods Paintball
An instant cure for cabin fever and just 10 minutes north of Fourways Shopping Mall. The child-friendly option includes a chest and neck protector, overalls, mask, gun and 100 free paintballs.
- Cost: R120 per player
- Call 079 387 4217 to book
4. Wits Planetarium
A great outing for the whole family. Keep the kids entertained and educated at Wits Planetarium. Introduce the little ones to planets, stars and galaxies.
- Cost: R35 for kids; R50 for adults
- Call 011 717 1390 for more information
5. Gold Reef City
Take your kids to the theme park at Gold Reef City for Jump City, 4 D theatre, Dr Dolittles Animal Farmyard, gold panning, helicopter flights and more. During school holidays the park is open from 09:30 to 17:00 from Monday to Sunday.
- Cost: R120 per person shorter than 1,3 m
- Call 011 461 9744 for more information.
6. Croc City
Treat the kids to a croc feeding on Saturdays and Sundays at 14:00, and a venomous snake show at 11:00 on Sundays and Public Holidays. A wide range of venomous snake facts and myths are covered during these hour-long shows. Reptile interactions and an exciting fly-over is available during the week.
- Cost: R60 per child
- Call 038 321 1016 for more information.
7. Northgate Ice Rink
A fun session on the ice rink is always a great way to get rid of excess energy. Northgate Ice Rink has a central location and competitive fees.
- Cost: R75 entrance fee; R35 skate hire
- Call 011 794 8706 for more information.
8. Rietvlei Nature Reserve
Rietvlei Nature Reserve makes for a lovely family outing. Most of the roads are tarred and many animals such as cheetah and rhino are easily spotted. Facilities include birdhides, toilets, and braai facilities.
- Cost: R48 per adult and R20 per child (6 – 16)
- Call 012 345 2274 for more information.
9. Little Cooks Club
The Little Cooks programme was specifically designed for children between the ages of 2 and 6. Kids are introduced to new foods and a healthy diet in this hands-on programme. Get your little one to appreciate the basics of cooking and nutrition with this fun-filled activity.
- Call 083 556 3434 for more information.
10. Cedar Junction Train Theme Park
This theme park at the foot of the Brondberg in Pretoria boasts pedal boats, a zipline, train rides, animals, jungle gyms and more! It’s a grassed area of more than 8 ha where kids can play to their hearts’ content. The deck area is ideal for parents who want to relax whilst keeping an eye on their kids.
- Cost: R60 per child
- Call 082 766 2748 for more information.
There you have it. There’s no need to deal with cabin fever and over-enthusiastic kids these holidays!
Feature image: Bigstock
