Carnival City has always been a popular entertainment destination, especially around this time of year. Whether you’re looking for activities for little ones, thrills for older kids, a relaxed spot to eat and be merry, drinks with friends, a weekend stay, or even casino and conference experiences, Carnival City has always been a vibe of its own. And this past weekend was no different.
On Saturday, my family and I visited Carnival City to check out their newly launched rides, and despite the rain, it felt like the sun was shining. The crowds came out in their numbers, proving once again that a bit of rain won’t stop Joburgers from having a good time. The buzz was even more exciting because of the official launch weekend of the new rides, which were announced at the beginning of December. The announcement had created a lot of excitement, and I was definitely one of those eagerly looking forward to the experience.
I attended with three kids: a two-year-old, an eight-year-old, and a ten-year-old. Let me tell you - this was entertainment on another level, for them and for me, of course! The new rides include the Ferris wheel, Rodeo, Crazy Beach Party, Twin Ranger, Bumper cars and Wild Mouse. The park also still offers its much-loved rides such as the Carousel, Mini Wheel, Cups, Palio, Free Fall, Balloon Ride, Skylab, Elephant Rides, Break Dancer and Wacky Worm.
Because of the rain, I was initially a bit sceptical about going on the rides, but the staff were incredibly hands-on and made sure that safety was upheld at all times. We started with gentler rides to ease the little ones in, beginning with the Merry-Go-Round and the Ferris Wheel. They were fun and especially suitable for the younger ones. The Ferris Wheel was calm, relaxing, and offered stunning views of the city. I managed to snap a few pictures and truly take in the beauty of the East Rand while enjoying the moment with the children.
From there, we moved on to the tea cups ride, which was perfect for the younger ones as well, before diving into the adrenaline rides. The Skylab was such an adventure. I felt the little girl in me come alive. The spinning at high speed got my heart racing. It was really fun and an excellent ride for thrill-seekers. After it, we moved on to the Crazy Beach Party, which pushed me entirely out of my comfort zone. Watching my ten-year-old go first had me holding my breath, but it turned out to be such a thrilling experience. When it was my turn, I screamed my lungs out and genuinely felt like I was dying, but in the best way possible. It was exhilarating and unforgettable—the best ride, which I recommend for adrenaline lovers.
The Wacky Worm is another excellent option if you want something adventurous without going too extreme. All the fun rides are a must-try for those who enjoy high-energy adventures or are looking to step out of their comfort zone.
Sun Park is fantastic as a whole, with something suitable for every age. At R300 per person, I honestly feel the price was more than worth it for the amount of fun we had. After the rides, we explored Carnival City further, enjoyed games, and sat down for a delicious meal at the Spur restaurant. It truly rounded off the day perfectly.
Despite the rainy weather, the experience was memorable, joyful, and filled with laughter. If you’re a Joburger looking for a place to let loose and make unforgettable festive-season memories with your kids, Carnival City is definitely the place to consider.
RECOMMENDED
🛏️ Where to stay in Johannesburg
🏨 The best hotels in Johannesburg
🍽 The best restaurants in Johannesburg
🍺 The best pubs and bars in Johannesburg
Follow Time Out Johannesburg on Facebook, TikTok and Instagram!