The 13 best things to do with kids during school holidays in Johannesburg

Who said school holidays have to be dull? Entertain the whole family at Braaifesta in Boksburg.

During this school winter break, the family entertainment hub, which includes a restaurant, and a designated play area, is running a jump special for children.

"Jump for 1-hour at R80 and receive your 2nd hour free!" the restaurant announced on Facebook.

"The special runs Monday to Thursday during school holidays. The restaurant is open every day from 10 in the morning until 10 at night," says the restaurant's owner, Michelle Smit.

The eatery, which opened in November 2024, has a 600m2 trampoline park, skyrocket, carnival games, selfie booths, a human claw machine with guaranteed prizes, and arcade games. So, kids are in for a treat.

What's cool is that kids can also celebrate their birthday parties at the venue. 

The restaurant, which has a tranquil setting, also caters to adults. It serves braai meat with its famous traditional salads, chips, paper, potato bakes, and braai broodies.

It also has a new indoor seating area with heaters to keep consumers warm this winter.

 Address: 12 Fobian Street Hughes Boksburg, Boksburg. 

Do something meaningful and fun this holidays by spending time at The Donkey Dairy in Magaliesburg. 

The farm is open this winter school holidays for the whole family to come explore, taste, cuddle, and play.

Some of the activities at the farm include: 

Bottle Feeding adorable baby animals
Milk Tasting – discover the goodness of donkey milk
Scenic Hiking Trails
Donkey Rides your kids will never forget
A Farm Shop packed with wholesome goodies
Precious Animal Interactions

The farm has a lovely picnic area and offers a range of tasty food.

Address: Portion 23 of the farm Boschfontein, Magaliesburg. 

Ultra World is a powerhouse edutainment centre that combines physical play, sensory fun, creative tech and learning all under one roof. Activities include interactive smash walls, trampolines, a sensory gym, LED drawing, mini bumper cars, rock climbing, arcade games, and more, with sessions from just R50 for 30 minutes or R100 for 1 hour of play.

Grip socks are available on-site, and with backup power during loadshedding, the fun never stops. Whether it’s a weekday outing or weekend treat, Ultra World is a budget-friendly paradise for kids and parents alike.

Address: Top Floor, Entrance 5, Cradlestone Mall

Looking to burn off some excess energy? Total Ninja Park is a supervised activity and fitness venue and the largest inflatable obstacle course in Africa. If you're a fan of shows like Ninja Warrior or Wipeout on TV, this is your chance to feel like a participant.

Kids (and adults, we don't judge) can climb, balance, jump, and swing across different obstacles like ninjas. The Warped Wall is a must-try for every aspiring Ninja to conquer! The best part? An all-access 1-hour ticket for adults and kids older than 4 will only set you back R160. Kids under 3 pay R80 for an hour of fun. 

Address: Corner Modderfontein and Hereford Rd, Stoneridge Centre, Edenvale

Entrance 6, Shop 267, Northgate Mall, Northumberland Ave

With over 1,200 square metres of smooth skating space, Roller Skate Arenas is the ultimate destination for non-stop fun. Whether your kids are total beginners or little pros on wheels, they’ll love the upbeat vibe, great music, and wide-open space to glide, spin, and zoom.

There’s no time limit, so you can skate to your heart’s content, and spectators get in free. Kids can hire skates on site or bring their own gear. If you're a first-timer, the rink offers free support frames to help build confidence on wheels, and protective gear is available for extra peace of mind.

It’s the kind of activity that gets the whole family moving (and laughing) and let’s be honest, parents might just rediscover their inner skater, too. Access without skate hire will set you back R80, and R100 with skate hire.  

Address: Parking Level 2, Near Entrance 5, Westgate Shopping Centre. 

Northgate Ice Rink has been a winter favourite for generations, and it’s still the ultimate spot for kids (and grown-ups) to glide, spin and wobble their way across the ice. Whether you're a seasoned skater or stepping on the rink for the first time, it's a thrilling, affordable day out for the whole family.

Expect a lively atmosphere, upbeat tunes, and plenty of laughter as kids burn off energy in this chilly wonderland. Skate rentals are available, and skate-sharpening is on hand for the pros.

The Northgate Ice Rink is always running specials, and honestly, that's the best part! With Sunday Night Madness, you pay only R100 for entry and skate hire from 7:30 pm to 10 pm. Tuesday nights offer the same great deal. It’s the perfect way to end the weekend with a bang.

Address: Northgate Shopping Centre, Northumberland Road
Northriding

For endless fun and excitement for kids and families in and around Johannesburg, look no further than Gold Reef City Theme Park. Voted the city’s most loved and coolest entertainment destination, it offers something for everyone. Thrill-seekers will be spoiled for choice with a wide range of adrenaline-pumping rides and attractions.

Set against the backdrop of the gold rush era, the park features six adrenaline-pumping thrill rides, seven family-friendly rides and 21 dedicated kids' rides.

Gauteng's biggest shopping and dining destination, Mall of Africa, has a huge fun park. The park is suitable for kids of all ages, even adults can take part in some of the fun activities. 

Toddlers can enjoy rides and swings, while older kids can enjoy other adrenaline-filled activities such as the Crazy Wave, Giant Wheel and the new Break Dancer. 

Tickets start from R20 depending on the ride. There are also water activities, so don’t forget to pack a costume.

The park is open every day of the week. 

 Address: Magwa Cres, Waterval 5-Ir, Midrand.

The park is a kiddies' paradise with countless fun activities.

Whether it’s a regular family outing or a birthday bash, MiFitness Kids Park guarantees a full day of giggles, thrills, and unforgettable memories.

One of the park’s biggest drawcards is its massive 300m² jumping pillow — one of the largest in the world! Whether bouncing, climbing, sliding, or swinging, your little adventurers won’t want to leave MiFitness Kids Park.
Other highlights include:

Slides and swings

Giant foam Lego blocks

See-saws and spring riders

Mini tar road with mini bikes

Face painting

Water play activities — don’t forget swimwear or a change of clothes.

Tickets are R120 and can be purchased at the venue.

Address: Portion 61, Driefontein Farm, Clinic Rd, Muldersdrift.

Spending time outdoors surrounded by animals can be fascinating and refreshing for both young and old. 

Get the best animal adventure at the Johannesburg Zoo.

The Zoo was established in 1904, more than a century ago, and continues to be a popular tourist destination for both outsiders and those within the city.

Kids will have fun interacting with a variety of animals. 

The popular zoo is home to thousands of animals, making it a go-to destination for all animal fanatics.

Visiting the zoo is also an educational and fun activity because visitors learn interesting facts about the different animals.  

Children under the age of three do not pay an entrance fee. 
Children from three years until twelve pay an entrance fee of R74 and adults from twelve pay an entrance of R126. 

Visitors are allowed from 08:30 until 4pm, however, gates close at 17:30.

 Address: Jan Smuts Avenue, Parkview, Johannesburg.