Where to enjoy September school holidays in Johannesburg

For four days from 24 to 27 September, families can have an outing that allows them to bond as a collective because the PEP Character Carnival accommodates everyone from the little bundle of joy to grandma and grandpa.

Character Carnival is very apt because this adventure features rides, interactive games, creative activities and appearances by everyone’s favourite characters. But you’ll have to be there to find out which ones of your favourites will be making an appearance.

If you purchase at least R200’s worth of selected character clothing or merchandise at PEP and PEP Home, including Spider-Man, Disney Princesses and Barbie, you get complimentary Fun Park access for not just one, but two.

• When: 24 to 27 September
• Where: Mall of Africa, Midrand
• Cost: 2 people per R200’s worth of character gear from PEP

In the words of Melisizwe Girls in STEM founder Candice Kern-Thomas, “It is not the lack of intelligence but the unavailability of resources and lack of equal access to opportunities that usually holds back kids from our townships.”

As if on cue, the Heritage Day Golf and Family Fundraiser seeks to raise funds for Eldos Chess, Robotics & Coding to enable them to attend the Gauteng regional SpringBots South Africa 100 Teams Robotics Competition.

The event is not a traditional golf setting with 18 holes on green grass, but rather immersive technology and casual golf games that accommodate all ages.

Players can choose between high-tech games and family-friendly putt-putt courses, including a holographic golf simulator and glow-in-the-dark mini-golf.

The funds generated on the day will go towards supporting Eldorado Park youngsters with 3D printers, robotics gear and other essentials.

• When: 24 September
• Where: Eldomaine High School, Eldorado Park
• Cost: From R20 to R150 on Quicket

Recognised as Southern Africa’s largest science centre, Sci-Bono implemented the Gauteng Mathematics, Science and Technology Education Strategy in 2010, endorsed by the provincial department of education.

Here, young tech wizards can get lost in nearly 400 interactive exhibits that they can touch, press and play with, 3D water simulations with virtual waterfalls, a digital planetarium and various other activities.

There is also an after-school and holiday project space for 13 to 18-year-olds called the Sci-Bono Clubhouse, and a career centre where young people can engage in assessments, psychometric testing, counselling and other work-readiness programmes within tech.

• When: Weekdays, Saturdays and public holidays 9:00 am – 4:30 pm; Sundays 9:00 am – 3:30 pm
• Where: Sci-Bono, Newtown
• Cost: Students, pensioners and 3 to 18-year-olds R40; R60 for adults at the door

Have you ever wondered what it’s like inside a real mine? Find out on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the holidays at a simulation hosted by Mapatiza in Midrand.

The tour takes between 30 and 40 minutes and is an interactive, educational underground experience taking you through colourful underground passages and chambers featuring natural crystal displays and rock formations.

The tour is a journey of discovery, teaching the young ones how rough stones go from their raw state to the beautiful jewellery that is purchased from retailers.

At the end of the tour, Africa’s biggest showroom awaits where kids can explore polished gemstones, crystals and other glittering, splendid items.

• When: Saturdays and Sundays during the September school holidays
• Where: Gecko Jewellers, Midrand
• Cost: R90 per person, R80 for under-12s on Quicket

Spend some time this September with the Queen whose life has been spent loving and protecting you since before you were even born.

Pack up a picnic basket, put on matching dresses if you dare and head to the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden for the Mother and Daughter Picnic, where the two of you can have the most whimsical time of your lives.

Dance your heart out to some of the music and entertainment on offer, capture memories in the themed photo booth and make friends in the icebreaker activities, trivia and other group games.

Given everything that’s happening in this country currently, don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate your mom.

• When: 26 September
• Where: Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden
• Cost: R350 on Webtickets

Some things are best introduced to kids as early in life as possible, and one such activity is fitness. A dedicated Kids Race is happening in Pretoria this September.

The Munga Swords Series will be hosting three to nine-year-olds for two days on 26 and 27 September. It is a safe space where children can experience the thrill of racing on school grounds instead of intimidating public roads.

But these are children under 10, so the jumping castles and water slides available on-site are the perfect addition to the event. And when they get hungry, the food stalls will make their little bellies very happy.

• When: 26 and 27 September
• Where: Laerskool Witpoort, Pretoria East
• Cost: R50 per child on-site

Every child loves storytelling, so why not take the whole family to the Peoples Theatre while the schools are closed?

The theatre has adapted a selection of the legendary Gcina Mhlophe’s books—including How the Lion Got His Roar, Golden Windows and Horns Only—into an interactive production where every child gets a chance to take part and tap into their own creativity.

Who knows, you might even be raising the next Gcina Mhlophe yourself!

This theatre is known and loved for its interactive approach, even inviting some of its young audience members to perform with the cast on stage.

There’s even a club membership, and members whose birthdays fall on performance days get to be called out by name, with the rest of the audience singing to them.

• When: 15 September to 4 October
• Where: Peoples Theatre, Braamfontein
• Cost: R180 on Webtickets

Creative strategist and botanical stylist Linda van der Walt will be hosting families in a child-friendly, interactive and hands-on workshop this month.

On 26 and 27 September, the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens in Emmarentia transform into Japan and guests channel their inner Kokedama artist.

Kokedama is a traditional Japanese art form that focuses on using plants and soil covered in moss instead of a conventional plant pot.

Kids will learn basic orchid biology, watering schedules, flower stimulation hacks and other plant care tips. At the end of the event, guests get to take their living orchid moss ball creation home.

• When: 26 and 27 September
• Where: Johannesburg Botanical Gardens, Emmarentia
• Cost: R250 per person on Quicket