For kids, holidays are the Best Thing Ever, but as parents it’s sometimes a bit hair-pulling and tough finding things to keep kids occupied and content. I’ve rounded up some activities to break the boredom, retain your sanity, and give you ideas for weekends and days beyond school breaks.
The great outdoors
1. For obstacle courses among the trees of varying levels, and Tarzan swings, crossings, walkways, bridges and zip lines: Acrobranch in Gauteng, Centurion and Pretoria.
Good to know: Kids from around three can participate on the “junior” courses, and adults can take part too. On weekends, it’s advisable to book online as it gets quite full.
2. To see animals, birds, reptiles and an aquarium in South Africa’s largest zoo: The National Zoological Gardens in Pretoria
Good to know: There is a cable car, plus gorgeous picnic spots with beautiful views of Pretoria.
3. For a smaller sanctuary-type and rehabilitation zoo where kids can see animals closer, and interact with animals, including cubs: Lory Park Zoo
Good to know: There are birds too, plus opportunities to feed animals.
4. For pony rides, jungle gyms, bike riding, and eating and drinking at the restaurant: River Café at Sandton Field and Study Centre, Parkmore
Good to know: The restaurant is licensed (for adults, of course)
5. To see more than 1 200 birds, plus small reptiles and mammals: Montecasino Bird Park, Fourways
Good to know: Kids can also watch the amazing Flight of Fantasy bird show.
Museums and exhibitions
1. For science exhibits, games, a LEGO pit and lots of learning: Sci-Bono Discovery Centre
Good to know: Sci-Bono runs holiday and weekend programmes and activities – check their website for more info.
2. For some art and culture: Wits Art Museum
Good to know: There are free family talkabouts on the third Saturday of each month, with fun activities for 6- to 12-year-olds.
Just fun
1. For the ultimate movie experience with a super sound system, and almost larger-than-life screen: IMAX at Grove Mall, Pretoria.
Good to know: IMAX screens movies that are on circuit at other theatres (currently Jurassic Park is showing)
2. For rollercoasters, kids’ rides, a museum, train ride, farmyard, and much more: Gold Reef City
Good to know: Even if you or your kids aren’t adrenaline junkies, or don’t even like rides, there are a lot of “tame” activities, plus a zoo with tame animals.
3. For indoor games, tenpin bowling, bumper cars , a 4D theatre, mini glow gold and arcade games: The Fun Company at The Zone, Rosebank.
Good to know: For the arcade games, kids can win tickets, which can then be redeemed for prizes (be careful though – it takes a lot of tickets and therefore games to win the big and most wanted prizes)
4. For indoor trampolines and the newest fun area that kids and adults are raving about: BOUNCE indoor trampoline park in Waterfall.
Good to know: It’s advisable to book online in advance, and kids from the age of three can jump.
5. For a family Joburg tour on an open-top bus: City Sightseeing Bus Tour
Good to know: You can stop off at points such as the Sci-Bono and the James Hall Museum of Transport.
6. For a fun outing via the Gautrain: Ride the Gautrain, stop at O.R. Tambo International Airport to watch the planes and enjoy some ice cream, or head to Hatfield, Pretoria and take a Gautrain bus to the Union Buildings in Ar-cadia to see the Nelson Mandela statue. Gautrain buses go to Pretoria Zoo and Johannesburg Zoo on weekends.
2. Shrek
I wrote about this great show here, and I think it’s must for everyone this holiday. It’s on at the People’s Theatre, and tickets can be booked via the box office: 011 403 1563 / 2340.
3. Inside Out
This is one of the best animated films I’ve ever seen, and is certainly not a film just for kids. This Disney Pixar film is showing at Ster-Kinekor and Nu Metro cinemas.
Good to know
Vibescout is an easy & free to use entertainment guide for most of the events happening all over Pretoria and other areas.
Here you can find out about local experiences such as food markets, art exhibitions, nightlife, live music events etc not always the traditional tourist activities.
Check out the Pretoria page here: https://www.vibescout.com/things-to-do-in-pretoria
Check out the 20 most popular hotels in Pretoria on SafariNow.
