The best Easter activities in and around Johannesburg

Sandton City has transformed its Centre Court into the Chocolate Café: Sweet Edition, an immersive wonderland where high-end indulgence meets playful discovery. Visitors can wander through towering candy tubes to curate their own sweet selections or personalise a famous Lindt Bunny ribbon.

While the kids are busy at the Build-A-Bear station, adults can find a moment of calm with a Nespresso and a signature slice of Chateau Gateaux. The café is open daily through April 6.

Rosebank is the undisputed headquarters for school holiday fun this year, offering urban adventures and high-tech thrills at The Zone. You can challenge your perception at South Africa’s first Museum of Illusions or blow off some end-of-term steam at the new SKX-PERIENCE, which features everything from axe throwing and gel blaster wars to a dedicated "rage room."

For those wanting to keep the adventure going, the City Sightseeing Red Bus stops right outside the centre, making it easy to play tourist in your own city.

Ster-Kinekor is leaning into the family spirit with a massive holiday lineup that combines cinematic magic with a luxury twist.

The season’s big releases include the whimsical The Magic Faraway Tree and the highly anticipated The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, which officially hits IMAX screens on April 1.

For a nostalgic budget-friendly option, look out for the Shrek Forever After throwback screenings for just R50. If you are visiting the Sandton, Rosebank, or Fourways branches, be sure to book the Kids’ Cinema, where children can enjoy bean bags, a slide, and a ball pool right inside the theatre.

This Easter, Joburgers are invited to experience a day full of excitement at Emperor’s Palace. From 3 to 6 April, the popular entertainment destination will host the Easter Royale event, built around the playful theme: “Let the golden egg find you.”

Designed for the whole family, this event promises a lively mix of activities and entertainment. Guests can look forward to mingling with celebrities such as Somizi Mhlongo, alongside other performers from the entertainment industry.

Food lovers are in for a treat, with a wide selection of restaurants offering Easter-inspired menus crafted to tantalise your taste buds. The experience doesn’t stop there, expect comedy, engaging live entertainment, and appearances by the Easter Bunny, adding a magical touch for the young ones. 

Bedford Centre is hosting a heartfelt centenary celebration centred on community, creativity, and charity. The program is packed with family-oriented activities, including the Cupcake Club, where children can decorate treats alongside the SA Cake Decorators Guild.

Other highlights include pizza-making workshops and Easter egg crafting. Best of all, participation costs just R20, with all proceeds going directly to the Better Bedfordview initiative to support the local neighbourhood.

For a stress-free shopping experience, Clearwater Mall is hosting a massive Easter Market featuring over 100 vendors in the Upper Level Parking area. The market operates like a giant department store, allowing you to pick items from various vendors and pay at a single central till.

While you browse, the kids can get creative at the Boba Buddies workshops for R50, where they’ll learn the art of making their own bubble tea.

From April 1 to 6, Eastgate’s Strelitzia Court transforms into a whimsical, ice cream-inspired wonderland in collaboration with Woolworths.

The "Scooped with Woolworths" café experience serves as the heart of the activation, surrounded by a creative crafts corner and a Bounce-inspired hopscotch zone. For those looking for a bit of a challenge, the egg catch competition is a guaranteed pulse-raiser.

Entry is R50 per person and includes a scoop of ice cream with toppings plus access to all activities from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily.

The Johannesburg Expo Centre at Nasrec comes alive from April 2 to 6 for the legendary Rand Show. This year’s "re-energised" edition features the brand-new Jungle Magic indoor experience, a massive Tech and Gaming Arena in Hall 9, and "The Big Bounce", a rugby field-sized inflatable castle that is free with your ticket.

Adrenaline junkies can head to the Adrenaline Zone for drifting and helicopter flips, while music lovers can catch live sets from the likes of Kelvin Momo and Morda. Tickets start at R50 for the "Throwback Thursday" opening day special.

What’s Easter without a swamp-dwelling ogre? No, we’re not talking about the awkward cousin at Easter lunch (though we empathise).

It’s time for Shrek The Musical at Montecasino! This full-scale production rolls out all the festive vibes with elaborate sets, sharp humour and all the classic characters from the movie - from Donkey to old Princess Fiona - all brought to life in a high-energy family show.

If you’re after some comic relief that doesn’t involve actual chocolate eggs, with enough wit to keep adults entertained too, then this is the one you’re looking for.

The Prison Break Market in Fourways is Easter-fying into a playground this weekend with a themed egg hunt designed to get kids moving after all that sugar. 

Expect hidden treats and prizes along the way, as well as the market’s usual mix of street food, live music and local stalls. It’s busy, and as chaotic as ever, and exactly the kind of energy we’re looking for over a long weekend in Jozi.